Morocco is a year-round destination, but the country is big and its climate changes a lot from the coast to the mountains and the Sahara. The best time for your trip depends on where you want to go and what you want to do.
In short: spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best months for most trips. The days are warm and sunny, the nights are mild and you can combine cities, mountains and desert in comfort.
Spring (March to May): the favourite season
Spring is when Morocco is at its greenest. The almond trees bloom in the Atlas, the Valley of Roses celebrates its harvest in May, and temperatures in Marrakech sit around 22 to 30 °C. It is a great time for a desert tour, for hiking and for exploring the cities on foot.
It is also a popular season, especially around Easter, so book your accommodation and desert camp early.
Summer (June to August): coast and mountains
Summer is hot inland. Marrakech and Fes often pass 38 °C, and the Sahara can be much hotter in the middle of the day. Desert trips are still possible, but we plan activities for early morning and sunset and rest in the afternoon.
Summer is the best time for the Atlantic coast, where Essaouira and Agadir stay pleasant thanks to the ocean breeze, and for the High Atlas, where villages like Imlil are much cooler than the plains.
Autumn (September to November): warm days, fewer crowds
Autumn brings back perfect travel weather. The heat drops, the light is golden and the palm groves of the south are full of dates. It is one of the best times to sleep in a desert camp and to trek in the mountains before the first snow.
Winter (December to February): sunny days, cold nights
Winter days are often sunny and mild in Marrakech (around 18 to 20 °C), but nights are cold everywhere and can drop below zero in the desert and the mountains. Snow covers the High Atlas, which makes the drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass beautiful but sometimes slow.
If you travel in winter, bring warm layers for the evenings. Desert camps provide thick blankets, and the starry nights are among the clearest of the year.
Best time by destination
- Sahara desert (Merzouga, Zagora): October to April
- Atlas Mountains and Toubkal: April to June and September to October
- Marrakech and Fes: March to May and September to November
- Essaouira and the coast: all year, best from May to October
- Hot air balloon in Marrakech: all year, clearest skies from autumn to spring
Travelling during Ramadan
Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year, so check the dates before you book. Travelling during Ramadan is absolutely possible: hotels, riads and tourist restaurants stay open, and tours run as usual. Some small cafés close during the day, and the evenings are lively after sunset when families break the fast together.
Be discreet about eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day, and enjoy the special atmosphere of the evenings.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest time to visit Morocco?
January, early February and the hottest summer weeks are usually the quietest, so hotels and tours are easier to book. Avoid Easter, Christmas and New Year if you want lower prices.
Is it too hot to visit the Sahara in summer?
It is very hot in the middle of the day, but a desert trip is still possible. We plan camel rides for sunset and sunrise and choose camps with shade and good ventilation.
Does it rain in Morocco?
Rain is limited and mostly falls between November and March in the north and on the coast. The south and the desert are dry most of the year.
Planning a trip to Morocco?
Tell us your dates and wishes. Our local team will reply with a tailor-made itinerary and a free quote.
