Morocco
The best time to visit
When to go to Morocco
Go in spring, March to May, or autumn, September to November, for warm, comfortable days across the cities, the desert and the mountains. Summer is fiercely hot inland, and winter is cool, with snow on the High Atlas.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Marrakech. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Feb.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Extreme heat.
In short
The year at a glance
Morocco packs deserts, mountains and two coastlines into one country, and Marrakech sets the ratings below. Spring and autumn are the season to come, with warm, dry days that suit the medinas, the Sahara and the Atlas trails alike.
High summer is brutal in Marrakech and the desert, often well above 40C, while the Atlantic coast around Essaouira stays breezy and mild. Winter is pleasant by day in the south but genuinely cold at altitude, with snow in the mountains.
Month by month
Morocco month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Marrakech.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C / 64°F | 6°C / 43°F | 33 mm | Ideal 92 | Mild and dry. |
| February | 20°C / 68°F | 8°C / 46°F | 38 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. Marrakech hotels in February |
| March | 23°C / 73°F | 10°C / 50°F | 38 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Marrakech hotels in March |
| April | 26°C / 79°F | 12°C / 54°F | 30 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Marrakech hotels in April |
| May | 29°C / 84°F | 15°C / 59°F | 15 mm | Ideal 97 | Hot and dry. |
| June | 34°C / 93°F | 18°C / 64°F | 5 mm | Great 73 | Very hot and dry. |
| July | 38°C / 100°F | 21°C / 70°F | 2 mm | Good 45 | Very hot and dry. |
| August | 38°C / 100°F | 21°C / 70°F | 3 mm | Good 45 | Very hot and dry. |
| September | 33°C / 91°F | 18°C / 64°F | 8 mm | Ideal 80 | Hot and dry. |
| October | 28°C / 82°F | 15°C / 59°F | 24 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. |
| November | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 52°F | 32 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. |
| December | 19°C / 66°F | 7°C / 45°F | 31 mm | Ideal 96 | Mild and dry. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Marrakech and the imperial cities
Best in spring and autumn. Summer is scorching, winter mild by day and chilly at night.
The High Atlas
Spring and autumn for trekking, with snow on the peaks in winter and warm valleys in summer.
Essaouira and the Atlantic coast
Breezy and mild year round, a cool escape in summer when the interior bakes.
Go for
Best time to visit Morocco for
Cities and medinas
March to May and September to November for warm, comfortable days in Marrakech, Fez and Chefchaouen.
The Sahara
October to April, avoiding the searing summer, for camel treks and nights under the desert sky.
Atlas trekking
April to June and September to October, when the trails are clear of snow and the valleys are green.
The coast
Summer on the Atlantic, where Essaouira stays cool and windy while the interior overheats.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Desert season, autumn to spring
The Sahara is comfortable from October to April, prime time for dune camps.
Spring valleys, April
The Atlas foothills and the Ourika Valley turn green and blossom-filled.
Extreme heat
Jul to Aug.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Morocco
Compare hotels and rentals around Marrakech, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
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Questions