Morocco is a year-round trip, from its busy cities that pulse with the vibrancy of day and cultural heritage, to its beautiful landscapes and unique desert adventures for those looking for something off the beaten track. Morocco has its charms in every season—mild spring days that call for wandering among ancient medinas, summer music festivals that animate the coast, snows-capped Atlas Mountains that set the tone for tranquil winter treks. In this guide, we explore when to go to Morocco, including the weather, the main events and peak tourist seasons across the country.
From lounging on Atlantic beaches to meandering through lively souks, as well as a once-in-a-lifetime trip into the desert, knowing the seasonal highlights of Morocco will enable you to plan the trip of your dreams.
Spring (March to May)
Weather and Experience
Spring: One of the best times to visit Morocco when the temperatures range from 15°C to 25°C (59° to 77° F). With vivid landscapes, pleasant temperatures, and perfect weather for discovering new cities, hiking, or beachside lounging, this is a season that certainly has its perks.
Top Activities
- City Tours: Ideal climate each for a mobile city tour throughout the cities of Fes, Marrakech and Chefchaouen, where spring colors appear as peaking against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains​​
- Mountain Treks: The Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley provide beautiful terrains for hikers in pursuit of the wispy taste of more of Morocco’s milky views​​
- Beach Days: Coastal cities like Agadir and Essaouira see warmer beach temperatures, attracting surfers and sunbathers​.
Festivals and Events
- Fes Festival of World Sacred Music (June): This renowned event in Fes draws global artists and celebrates sacred music from around the world​.
- Rose Festival in El Kelaa M’Gouna (May): A vibrant celebration in the Valley of Roses with parades, music, and dance​.
Summer (June to August)
Weather and Experience
Summers in Morocco can be hot, with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F) or more, especially inland. However, coastal areas like Essaouira stay cooler, thanks to the Atlantic breezes, making this season perfect for beach activities.
Top Activities
- Beach Escapes: Essaouira and Agadir are perfect for swimming, surfing, and kitesurfing, especially in Dakhla, a global kitesurfing hotspot​​.
- Cooler Retreats in the Mountains: The Atlas Mountains provide a cooler escape, with options to explore Berber villages and experience Morocco’s rich mountain culture​.
Festivals and Events
- Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira (June): This festival celebrates Morocco’s Gnaoua music, mixing African, Berber, and Arabic sounds​.
- Mawazine Festival in Rabat (June): One of Africa’s largest music festivals, featuring both Moroccan and international artists​.
Autumn (September to November)
Weather and Experience
Autumn in Morocco offers mild weather (20°C to 30°C / 68°F to 86°F), perfect for both cultural exploration and outdoor adventures without the summer crowds.
Top Activities
- Desert Excursions: Ideal weather for camel treks, 4×4 tours, and stargazing nights in the Sahara Desert, particularly around Merzouga and Zagora​.
- Historical Tours: Discover UNESCO sites and historic medinas in cities like Fes and Marrakech while the weather remains comfortable​​.
Festivals and Events
- Timitar Festival in Agadir (September): A celebration of Amazigh (Berber) culture, featuring traditional music and dance​.
- Erfoud Date Festival (October): A tribute to the annual date harvest, with music, camel races, and cultural displays in Erfoud​.
Winter (December to February)
Weather and Experience
Winter in Morocco is milder, with temperatures averaging 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). This is a great season for a quieter travel experience and is particularly suited for winter sports in the High Atlas Mountains, where snow covers the peaks.
Top Activities
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Oukaimeden and Ifrane are Morocco’s top destinations for skiing and snowboarding amidst scenic winter landscapes​.
- Surfing: Winter waves draw surfers to the coastal town of Taghazout, known for some of Morocco’s best breaks​.
- City Breaks: Explore cities like Rabat, Fes, and Casablanca at a more relaxed pace, with fewer tourists and cooler temperatures​.
Festivals and Events
- Marrakech International Film Festival (December): A must-visit for film enthusiasts, with screenings and events featuring international celebrities​.
- Yennayer (January): Celebrated as the Amazigh New Year, this event is marked with traditional feasts and music​.
Travel Tips by Season
- Ramadan: Morocco observes Ramadan each year, and during this time, some restaurants and shops may close or have limited hours. However, it’s an exceptional cultural experience to witness.
- Book Early: Festivals such as Mawazine and Gnaoua draw large crowds, so booking accommodations early is recommended.
- Adapt for Varying Climates: Morocco’s geography varies widely, so pack for different weather conditions across coastal, mountainous, and desert regions.
Summary
Each season in Morocco offers something distinctive:
- Spring & Autumn: Ideal for mild weather and cultural exploration.
- Summer: Best for beach enthusiasts and festival lovers.
- Winter: A quieter season with opportunities for winter sports and relaxed sightseeing.
From its diverse weather to its rich cultural tapestry, Morocco is a destination that appeals to travelers year-round​​​.
