Essential Packing List for Your Trip to Morocco
You might have made the decision to go to Morocco, but you can’t rest easy — the journey’s only begun. Whether you’re exploring the cities, wandering through the deserts, or experiencing the area’s history, packing for Morocco requires careful thought.
This is partly because Morocco’s climate varies considerably; there are hot summers, cool winters, and other diverse weather patterns, depending on the region, and partly because different plans require different packing!
To cater to such needs, you must follow an essential packing list designed especially for you. Are you traveling to Morocco and want to enjoy it in both comfort and style? Then why hesitate? Start packing!
Clothing Essentials: Stay Comfortable and Respectful
Lightweight, Modest Clothing
Morocco is a culturally conservative country, so while not required, you might want to consider wearing modest clothing, which is both respectful to the Moroccans and their culture, as well as practical for your needs.
For women, this includes loose-fitting tops and long skirts or pants, while, for men, lightweight pants and short-sleeved shirts work well, too.
If you choose lightweight fabrics like cotton and linen, you’ll be able to keep cool while covering your arms and legs.
- Recommended Items: Loose trousers, skirts that fall below the knee, long-sleeve blouses, and short-sleeve shirts.
- Packing Tip: Lightweight, breathable fabrics help you stay cool and comfortable.
Layering for Variable Weather
Since Morocco’s temperature tends to fluctuate through the day, layering is one of the essential packing list in cooler months and during mornings and evenings, which tend to be colder, especially in the Atlas Mountains or desert areas.
If you choose a light jacket or sweater, you can keep warm when temperatures drop; if you feel warm, you can take it off during the day.
- Recommended Items: Light jacket, sweater, or fleece.
- Packing Tip: Even in warmer months, deserts get cold at night, so pack an extra layer if you’re going to visit the Sahara.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
To explore Morocco and its historic sites (and rugged landscapes!), walking is a must, and that’s why you must have comfortable walking shoes for cobbled streets, uneven terrain, and desert sands.
Consider closed-toe shoes, which protect your feet in the city and can be comfortable enough for other outings. Sturdy sandals work as well for more relaxed places.
- Recommended Items: Comfortable walking shoes, sandals with good grip, and lightweight socks.
- Packing Tip: Waterproof shoes for winter travel when it rains, especially in the northern cities.
Preparing for Morocco’s Diverse Climates
Sun Protection Essentials
The sun is intense, and nowhere more so than in Morocco, so you’re going to want sun protection. Beyond the must-have high-SPF sunscreen, you can also use a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to block UV rays.
- Recommended Items: Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), wide-brimmed hat, UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Packing Tip: Consider a scarf as well—it can provide extra sun protection and be a valuable accessory for modesty, especially in the more religious areas.
Rain Gear (for Winter Trips)
If you’re traveling between November and March, there’s a high chance of rain, especially in northern cities like Tangier and Chefchaouen, so you might want to keep a light rain jacket or umbrella.
- Recommended Items: Waterproof jacket, compact umbrella.
- Packing Tip: Pick breathable rain gear to avoid overheating.
Must-Have Travel Gear for Morocco
Travel Adapters and Portable Chargers
These are necessary since Morocco uses Type C and E outlets with a standard voltage of 220V. To make it easy on yourself, keep a universal travel adapter so you can use it anywhere. A portable charger to stay connected during day trips or longer excursions is also a good idea.
- Recommended Items: Universal adapter, portable charger, USB cables.
- Packing Tip: A power bank with at least 10,000 mAh capacity will keep your phone charged.
Secure Personal Belongings
Morocco is generally a safe tourist destination, but precautions are always a good decision for ensuring your peace of mind.
Keep a crossbody bag with a zip for best security, as well as a money belt if you want extra assurance your essential documents and emergency money are safe and not drawing attention.
- Recommended Items: Crossbody bag, money belt, and small locks for zippers if using a backpack.
- Packing Tip: Carry only a small amount of cash and keep it in separate pockets to minimize risks.
Reusable Water Bottle
You also want to stay hydrated to make sure you don’t face problems that come with water loss and being heated up. That’s where a reusable water bottle helps, both by keeping you hydrated and sustainable, not to mention saving you money!
You can, of course, buy bottled water, but a filtered bottle is an excellent option with local water sources, too.
- Recommended Items: Reusable water bottle, water purification tablets (optional).
- Packing Tip: Keep your bottle filled with bottled or filtered water to avoid (potential) stomach discomfort.
Toiletries and Health Essentials
In terms of toiletries and health essentials, there are a couple of things you’ll want to keep at hand.
First, pack all medications you are prescribed (if any), then pack a couple of OTC (over-the-counter) meds with you as well, just to be safe, such as painkillers, antibiotics, etc.
A small aid kit with basic supplies like band-aids, pain relievers, and motion sickness tablets can be a lifesaver if you don’t know how else to stock your health kit.
You might also want to keep a small roll of toilet paper and hand sanitizer on hand if you’re thinking of trekking or traveling to remote areas instead of just going to the cities.
- Recommended Items: Prescription medications, small first aid kit, motion sickness tablets, travel-size toilet paper, hand sanitizer.
- Packing Tip: Include hand sanitizer and wet wipes for added convenience in areas with limited facilities, storing these items in a ziplock bag for easy access.
Extra Tips for Packing and Traveling in Morocco
- Keep hard copies and soft copies of your important documents, including your passport, travel insurance, and any others. Always keep your passport safe as well.
- Never forget a reusable shopping bag — not only will it come in use when you’re buying stuff in the souks and bazaars, but you can also use it to carry other stuff if needed.
- Try to get an Arabic phrasebook or app since it will help you better interact with locals and experience an authentic trip to Morocco!
Smart Essential Packing List for Morocco
Smartly packing for Morocco means you’ve considered the country’s unique cultural and environmental factors (and have decided to follow our tips)! With proper packing, after all, you can rest easily and enjoy your trip, knowing you have everything you’ll need.
Of course, that’s not to say the trip will go perfectly — for that extra edge, why not consider Morocco Travel Organizer for a guided tour and boost your holiday?
With them, you can get travel insights and even extra tips on packing and travel tailored to your Moroccan adventure experience!
