The Best Time To Visit Morocco: A Seasonal Guide
Morocco, with its beaches, cities, mountains, and culture, is a pretty fantastic destination, no matter the time of the year you decide to visit. Because of its popularity, though, the question that arises is this: when is the best time to visit Morocco?
The answer is simple — it really just depends on your needs. Each season is perfect for different activities and requirements and even has its own disadvantages. As a traveler heading off to Morocco, you need to understand and decide which season suits you best.
Still, in answer to popular demand, the best time to go to Morocco is during Spring or Autumn. This is because neither of these seasons has extreme temperatures, which almost always turn off tourists.
Whether you want to visit the desert, trek through the mountains, or visit the historical cities and monuments, spring and autumn are the time for you.
Winter (December to February)
Due to the location and environment, winter in Morocco is mild along the coast, but it is colder in the mountains and the desert (at night).
If your plan is entirely made for coastal regions like Casablanca and Rabat, winter might be the best time to visit Morocco weather-wise. This is especially true since the areas will offer pleasant temperatures, ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F).
Of course, if you want to top it off with a snow holiday, you can also head on over to the mountains and the northern areas for bits of skiing and overall winter fun!
Best Activities in Winter
Check out city tours — you can explore northern and coastal areas, such as Tangier and Casablanca.
- Consider skiing and other snow fun, and, in this way, check out the Atlas Mountains, especially Oukaimeden.
- Visit Taghazout and Dakhla to surf to your heart’s desire!
- You can also head over to Tafraoute to enjoy the local Almond Blossom festival.
Key Considerations
Weather: Remember, though the coastal areas are pretty mild, temperatures in inland cities can fall to a great degree, especially at night and in the mountains.
- Fewer Tourists: Luckily, if you prefer to enjoy your holidays without the crush of the crowd, winter is the season for you since there will be fewer tourists and potentially lower prices on accommodation and activities.
Spring (March to May)
The best time of year to visit Morocco is spring, and this is in part due to the temperature. Throughout the country, the season is fairly warm but not too hot—the average ranges from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
More importantly, the landscapes, especially the mountains and subsequent valleys, come alive with greenery and blooming flowers, making it one of the most beautiful sights you’ll ever see.
Best Activities in Spring
- One of the best activities during this time is trekking and hiking in the Atlas Mountains since the lush greenery and pleasant temperatures make it the best time to travel in Morocco for outdoor activities.
- You can also explore imperial cities since they tend to be at their best during spring, allowing for walking tours, visiting souks, and enjoying the past through historical sites. This is the best time to visit Marrakech, Fez, and Meknes.
- Finally, you can also have fun in coastal cities like Essaouira and Agadir, enjoying the last few moments on the beach before it starts getting hotter in the summer.
Key Considerations
- Do note that the Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan usually falls in the middle of spring of 2024 and will, similarly, fall in the month of March, depending on the moon’s phases. This can affect your plans, so check when Ramadan falls before you confirm your travel.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is hot, and Morocco takes the brunt of it, especially in the popular inland destinations like Marrakech and Fez. Since temperatures can rise even above 38°C (100°F) — particularly in desert areas — it’s not really the best time to travel to Morocco.
However, coastal areas and the Atlas Mountains do offer some respite from the extreme temperatures at this time, so if you must go, pen in those locations for some time to relax from the heat of the city and the desert.
Best Activities in Summer
Summer might not be the best time to travel in Morocco, but it’s certainly got some ideal summer escapes in areas like Essaouira, Agadir, and Casablanca, which have cool ocean breezes.
- Consider traveling high to the Atlas Mountains, where you’ll have a cooler alternative to the inland heat.
- Despite the heat, though, summer is filled with a ton of festivals and events that can’t be missed, like the Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira.
Key Considerations
- In simple words, the extreme heat in inland cities and the desert in Morocco make it so that the summer is not the best time to go to Morocco weather wise if you want to enjoy outdoor activities.
Autumn (September to November)
Finally, there’s autumn, which falls between September and October and is a peak season for visitors.
In fact, it can be openly said it’s the best time to visit Morocco since the temperatures start cooling from summer highs while the landscape remains lush from the spring and summer rains.
You can use the pleasant balance of temperatures in the autumn months to explore Morocco before the cold starts setting in!
Best Activities in Autumn
Autumn is the best time to plan your desert adventure since, though the days are still warm, they’re much more manageable and bearable than summers, and the nights are not yet as freezing as the winter.
- Alternatively, you could hike in the Atlas mountains to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage.
- You can also explore Moroccan cities — these months are the best time to travel to Marrakech and Fez since the weather is mild and perfect for longer sightseeing times.
Key Considerations
Remember to book early! October is one of the most popular months to visit the city, especially for desert tours and trekking.
Morocco's Climate At A Glance
Region | Winter (Dec-Feb) | Spring (Mar-May) | Summer (Jun-Aug) | Autumn (Sep-Nov) |
Coastal Areas | Mild | Warm | Hot | Mild |
Inland Cities | Cold at night | Pleasant | Hot | Warm |
Desert (Sahara) | Cold at night | Warm | Extremely hot | Comfortable |
Atlas Mountains | Snowy | Perfect for trekking | Hot | Ideal for trekking |
The best time of year to travel to Morocco depends on your own needs and requirements, but if you’re planning for the outdoors, you’ll want to consider the table attached above. Because with good planning, you can enjoy your trip even more!
Of course, it’s also essential to consider the possibility of future changes in climate due to world conditions and climate change, but the best time to visit Morocco 2024 is no doubt easy to consider using existing projections of Moroccan climate.
The Bottom Line
Choosing when you’re going to visit Morocco is contingent on you and your plans. Depending on your needs, you do, after all, decide between what’s popular and what’s not, what’s comfortable, and so on.
If you’re looking for moderate weather and more activities, for example, then spring and autumn are perfect. However, the cons are that you have to contend with larger crowds and low availability. Still, these two are arguably the best times to visit Morocco.
Coastal cities, though, can be visited year-round since the beach is perfect in both the winters and the summers, making any time the best time to visit Morocco and its coast.
In simpler words, you can find a great destination in Morocco at any time of the year — you only have to find a way to enjoy it and learn what works in which season!
If you plan wisely, you won’t be disappointed during the seasons you choose to travel, and the best way to plan wisely is with a professional travel and tour agency. Make the most of your journey, and don’t miss out!