Pack light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees, one warm layer for cold nights, comfortable closed shoes, a scarf, sun protection and a universal adapter for type C and E plugs. Morocco's cities, mountains and desert can differ by 20°C in a single day, so layers matter more than the number of outfits.
Pack for the season and the region
Morocco is not uniformly hot. Marrakech in January has sunny days and nights close to 5°C. The Sahara in July can reach 45°C. The High Atlas holds snow in winter while the Atlantic coast stays mild and windy all year. Decide what to bring by looking at where you are going, not only when.
| Season | Typical conditions | What to add |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March–May) | Warm days of 20–28°C, cool evenings, some rain in the north | Light jacket, thin sweater, compact rain shell |
| Summer (June–August) | Hot inland, 35–45°C in Marrakech and the desert; mild on the coast | Linen or cotton, wide-brimmed hat, electrolyte sachets |
| Autumn (September–November) | Similar to spring; hot at first, cooler from late October | Layers, light scarf, one warm top |
| Winter (December–February) | Sunny days of 15–20°C, cold nights, snow in the mountains | Insulated jacket, thermal base layer, warm socks, hat and gloves for the desert |
For more on cold-weather travel, read our guide to Morocco in winter.
Clothing: what works and what is respectful
There is no dress code for visitors, and you will see every style in Marrakech. Still, Morocco is a Muslim country, and modest clothing draws less attention, especially in medinas and villages. For both women and men, covering shoulders and knees is a good default. Loose clothes are also cooler than tight ones in dry heat.
- 3–4 breathable tops or shirts, at least one with long sleeves
- 2 pairs of loose trousers, or long skirts or dresses
- 1 pair of shorts or a shorter outfit for the hotel pool or beach towns
- 1 sweater or fleece and 1 light jacket (heavier in winter)
- A large scarf: sun cover, extra layer, dust protection in the desert, and useful if you visit a religious site
- Swimwear for riad plunge pools, hotel pools and hammams
- Sleepwear that is warm enough for unheated rooms in winter
Laundry is easy to arrange at most riads within a day, so a week's clothing is plenty even for a two-week trip.
Shoes
You will walk a lot, mostly on uneven stone. Medina lanes are cobbled, sometimes wet and often dusty. Bring one pair of comfortable closed walking shoes or trainers with good grip, and one pair of sandals for evenings and the desert camp. Walking in sand is easier in sandals or barefoot than in trainers.
If you plan real hiking in the Atlas, such as a Toubkal ascent or multi-day treks, bring proper hiking boots that are already broken in. For gentle valley walks, such as the path to the waterfalls in the Ourika Valley, trainers are enough.
What to pack for the Sahara
A desert trip adds a few specific items. The drive from Marrakech to Merzouga is long, about 560 km over two days, and you usually ride camels to camp carrying only a small bag while your main luggage stays in the vehicle. Pack a daypack with what you need for one night.
- Warm layer for the night: desert temperatures drop sharply after sunset, to near freezing in December and January
- Scarf or cheche (the long cotton turban sold along the route) to protect face and neck from sun and sand
- Sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen and lip balm
- Headlamp or small torch for walking around camp
- Power bank, since charging points in camps can be limited
- Zip bags to keep sand out of your phone and camera
- Long trousers for the camel ride, which prevent chafing
- Wet wipes and hand sanitiser
To understand how the nights and drives are organised, see what to expect on a Sahara desert tour, or look at the route of our 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga.
Documents, money and electronics
- Passport with enough validity, plus a photo of the ID page stored offline
- Travel insurance details and emergency numbers
- Bank cards: two if possible, from different networks. ATMs are common in cities and scarce in small desert and mountain villages
- Cash: euros, pounds or dollars to exchange on arrival. The dirham (MAD) cannot be bought freely abroad
- Adapter: Morocco uses type C and type E sockets at 220 V, the same two-round-pin plug as much of continental Europe
- Phone: unlocked if you want a local SIM, which is inexpensive and sold at airports and phone shops
- Offline maps downloaded for the medinas, where signal drops in narrow lanes
Leave your drone at home. Bringing one into Morocco without prior authorisation is not allowed and it is likely to be held at customs.
Toiletries and health items
Pharmacies are easy to find in every town and pharmacists are helpful, so you do not need to carry a full medical kit. Bring what you rely on and what is awkward to find quickly.
- Prescription medication in original packaging, with a copy of the prescription
- Rehydration salts and a basic remedy for an upset stomach
- Motion sickness tablets if you are sensitive: the Tizi n'Tichka pass has many bends
- Sunscreen and after-sun, which cost more locally than at home
- Tissues or a small roll of toilet paper for roadside stops
- Refillable water bottle. Most visitors drink bottled or filtered water
- Earplugs, since the dawn call to prayer carries through medina walls
Luggage and what to leave behind
A soft bag or a medium suitcase is easier than a large hard case. Medina lanes are not open to cars, so bags are carried or wheeled over cobbles to your riad. On a private tour with a vehicle, luggage space is rarely a problem, but leave room for what you buy: rugs, ceramics, leather and argan oil take up space quickly.
Skip expensive jewellery, high heels, heavy towels (riads and camps provide them) and more than one smart outfit. If you are travelling with children, our guide to a family trip to Morocco lists extras worth bringing.
Frequently asked questions
Can women wear shorts or sleeveless tops in Morocco?
It is not forbidden, and in resorts and hotel pools it is normal. In medinas and rural areas, covering shoulders and knees is more comfortable and attracts less attention.
Do I need a headscarf?
No. Visitors are not expected to cover their hair. A scarf is still worth packing for sun, wind and sand.
Is it cold in the Sahara at night?
From November to March, yes. Nights can fall to around 0–5°C, so bring a warm jacket and socks. From May to September nights stay warm.
What plug adapter do I need for Morocco?
Type C or type E, the two-round-pin European plug, at 220 V. Travellers from the UK, North America and Australia need an adapter.
Planning your route and not sure what each stop requires? Request a free custom quote from Discover Morocco Tour and get an answer within 24 hours.