Morocco
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Jardin Majorelle-Yves Saint Laurent Mansion, Marrakech
Night Fruit Market, Morocco
Mountain Biking
Anindya Mukherjee - The man who cycled across the Sahara
Cycling through the desert
Landmine Signpost
Cityscape View of Marvellous Morocco
Map of Morocco and Western Sahara
Map of Morocco and Western Sahara
Best Time To Visit Morocco
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best time to visit Morocco is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Although, these are the shoulder seasons the climate paves a great way to enjoy every bit of diverse landscape this country has to offer. Many factors influence the weather in Morocco. The northern and north-western side experiences a Mediterranean climate while the south and southeastern part have a continental climate because of the Sahara desert. Between these, there is also the High Atlas mountain range which brings in a different environment altogether. The peak season of Morocco is summer (June to August) when the whole country enters a holiday mood. With school holidays and local people who return home for their annual holiday, the place is quite packed, and everything (especially hotels with pools) will book quickly. Winter (December to February) is a relatively low season in Morocco. The crowds are minimal because of the myth that everything shuts down during this season.
More about Best Time to Travel to Morocco
High Season in Morocco
Morocco's summer attracts a lot of people due to the access of coastline, desert, and the Atlas mountain range. Although the temperature rises to a soaring high near the desert, the coastal area and mountain range receive a lot of attention. If you can make air-conditioned rooms your best friend and book a resort or hotel with pools, you can have the best vacation. Ensure that you consider the Ramadan dates while booking, as those few weeks can be really slow in terms of tourism.
Morocco Low Season
Winter (mostly January and February) are relatively low season in Morocco. The weather is around 14 degrees, and the chances of rainfall are high. Although it is not very cold, you might need appropriate clothing since central heating is not a favourite thing in Morocco. But an advantage of travelling during this season is that you get a tranquil experience and interact with locals more. You can also travel on a camel one day and go skiing the next day.
Shoulder Season in Morocco
Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons of Morocco where the climate is dry and pleasant. It is the ideal time to visit as you can cover all the terrains of the country.
Morocco in Spring (March to May)
Weather in Spring
Spring is a pleasant time to visit Morocco across the country whether it is the coast, mountains, or plains. The temperature during March to May is between 23 degree Celsius and 10 degree Celsius. There is little to no rainfall and sun shines brightly through 9-10 hours on an average.
Events and Festivals in Spring
Spring is a pleasant time to visit Morocco across the country whether it is the coast, mountains, or plains. The temperature during March to May is between 23 degree Celsius and 10 degree Celsius. There is little to no rainfall and sun shines brightly through 9-10 hours on an average.
Events and Festivals in Spring
- The Almond Blossom Festival takes place in early March at Tafraoute where you can enjoy the traditional song, dance, folklore, and foods.
- The Marathon Des Sables usually happen during April, which is known as the toughest foot race on Earth. It is a 6-day event with different stages which puts the competitors through harsh environments. It attracts about 1500 people from 30 different countries.
- Dades Valley in Morocco is famous for its rose field. During May, the harvest from the fields is celebrated in Kelaa-des-Mgouna. This place also houses the largest rose water plant. This rose festival usually starts on a Friday and has different rose products on the shelf, parades, etc. There is also entertainment in the form of traditional dances and songs.
- The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music is another stunning event which happens every spring. It is a nine-day festival with open-air concerts. From Sufi chanters, Gospel Music, Carnatic Music Festivals, to Reggae genre you might never know which one blows your mind. The location for the concerts happens in beautiful sites including Bab al Makina, Jnan Sbil Gardens, and Royal Palace grounds. There is also authentic food and drinks available at the event.
Summer in Morocco (June to August)
Weather in Summer
Summers in Morocco can be pretty hot especially alongside the Sahara desert. But the cities along the Atlantic coast and North coast are pleasantly warm. The temperature can range between 36 degree Celsius and 18 degree Celsius depending on the place you have picked. The chances of rain are nil, and it is advised to carry loose clothing and a lot of sunscreens.
Events & Festivals in Summer
Summers in Morocco can be pretty hot especially alongside the Sahara desert. But the cities along the Atlantic coast and North coast are pleasantly warm. The temperature can range between 36 degree Celsius and 18 degree Celsius depending on the place you have picked. The chances of rain are nil, and it is advised to carry loose clothing and a lot of sunscreens.
Events & Festivals in Summer
- The Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music festival take place during the last week of June or during July. It is a unique genre inspired by Arabic, Berber, and African people. It takes place in 20 different air-venues along the beautiful coastal place.
- Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival takes place in July where artists and entertainers from across the globe participate. There are musicians, fortune-tellers, fire-swallowers, snake charmers, and even acting troupes. The major events happen amidst the ruins of El Badi Palace and Djemma el Fna. This festival highlights the most popular and traditional culture and has an opening night parade that has over 500 plus performers in traditional costume.
- Ramadan is observed in Morocco during this season, and there is a slight dip in the number of visitors. The activities are very minimal during the day but the night comes alive with a night market and exhibits.
Fall in Morocco (September to October)
Fall is a pleasant and dry season in Morocco with temperature ranging from 27 degree Celsius to 17 degree Celsius. The days are shorter but the sun is very warm and it is also a great season to go for a hiking expedition.
- The Imilchil Marriage Festival happens every September where people from Berber Community in the Atlas Mountains chose their patterns. This is a 3-day festival where everyone looks their absolute best with traditional costumes, elaborate jewellery, and woollen cloaks.
- Erfoud Date Festival takes place in early October which is to celebrate the harvest of million date palms in Erfoud region. Post the harvest there is traditional music, colourful processions, and dancing involved. That evening, there is also a date queen crowned which is a highlight.
- Eid al-Adha marks the end of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca. It is a global holiday and symbolizes the act of sharing.
Morocco in Winter (November to February)
Weather in Winter
The southern side of Morocco has pleasant and mild temperatures during the day and chilly evenings. While Northern parts experience wet and grey winters; the Atlas Mountains range is freezing and is mostly not accessible. The average temperature in southern Morocco is about 22 degree Celsius and drops to 9 degrees or lesser during the night. It is advised to pack a few layers of clothes as it can get freezing at nights.
Events and Festivals in Winter
The southern side of Morocco has pleasant and mild temperatures during the day and chilly evenings. While Northern parts experience wet and grey winters; the Atlas Mountains range is freezing and is mostly not accessible. The average temperature in southern Morocco is about 22 degree Celsius and drops to 9 degrees or lesser during the night. It is advised to pack a few layers of clothes as it can get freezing at nights.
Events and Festivals in Winter
- During the early weeks of November, a saffron harvest festival happens in Taliouine where you can see locals picking flowers.
- During the last week of December the country gears by for Christmas and New Year celebration.
- January is usually a slow month with little to no events, and by February Marrakech Biennale takes place every other year to promote the contemporary artistic culture.
- There is also Morocco's largest local festival (moussem) which happens outside Meknes' medina walls during February. They used to have a public display of snake bites and body piercing in the past which is not allowed anymore. But there are fairs, musket- firing cavalry charges and usual dancing/singing.
