The Best Time To Visit Morocco

Morocco is a sensorial treat: from the rugged High Atlas Mountains to quaint seaside towns and opulent palaces, the country is packed with incredible experiences. Wondering where to start and when to go? Here’s a guide to the best time to visit Morocco to help you make the most of its diverse offerings. 

Note: On September 8, 2023, Morocco was struck by a devastating earthquake that caused significant damage to the Al Haouz province in the Atlas Mountains, 45 miles southwest of Marrakesh. The country is on the road to recovery and is welcoming back tourists.

Seasons in Morocco

Morocco is roughly the size of California with a population of over 37 million. This North African country borders the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, and the High Atlas Mountains form a natural barrier between the sprawling Sahara desert and the coastal regions. 

Contrary to popular belief, Morocco is not just a hot, blazing desert. From snow-capped mountains to sun-kissed beaches, you can experience a diversity of landscapes and weather conditions on your trip to Morocco. It has four distinct seasons, and the climate changes depending on which part of the country you visit.

Explore Marrakesh in Spring 

Much of the country is pleasant between mid March and May, making it the best time to visit Morocco. It’s the perfect season to explore the High Atlas Mountains and the bustling city of Marrakesh set against the backdrop of these majestic mountains. It can get quite hot during the summer months in the city, but spring is ideal for wandering the labyrinthine alleys of Djemaa El Fna, the town square, lined with colorful markets. The rest of the country is just as delightful in spring, whether you want to head to the coast or further inland into the vibrant walled-city of Fez.

Skip the summer months

Summer (June – August) in the interiors of Morocco can be brutally hot, which is why we don’t offer tours during the period. Desert camps are closed in the summer, and it’s too hot high up in the mountains or the plains.

Coastal regions including Casablanca and Essaouira, have a temperate climate all year round due to the effect of the Atlantic currents. But even here, the days can be too hot and humid in the summer to lounge by the beaches or go exploring.

Discover the Desert and Mountains in Autumn

As the merciless Moroccan summer fades to autumn, the months between September and November offer some much needed respite. September is among the best times to visit Morocco if you’re looking for a crowd-free vacation. The summer travel rush subsides by then, and the weather is just right to explore the country’s many natural wonders. 

Midelt, a town in the high plains of the Atlas Mountains, comes alive with apple orchards in October. You can also witness the Midelt Apple Festival, if you’re traveling in late October. Further up in the mountains, Ifrane receives snowfall by November, transforming the picturesque town into a white wonderland straight out of Switzerland!

Fall is also the best time to venture into the mighty Sahara desert, which can be oppressively hot during most of the year. In winter, the days are shorter, and it can be freezing cold in the mornings and evenings, but autumn presents the perfect opportunity to take in the sprawling dunes of the world’s greatest desert. 

Our Morocco tour gives you the option of traveling to Ouarzazate, considered the gateway to the desert. If you’re a fan of the movies, you’ll recognize the place as the setting for many iconic films and shows such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator and Game of Thrones, among others.

Visit Fez and Rabat in Winter

Winter (December – February) is the best time to visit Morocco, if you want to explore its vibrant, densely-packed cities such as Fez and Marrakesh. Fez, best known for its UNESCO-listed medina, is one of Morocco’s most alluring cities. Stroll through its maze of shops selling everything from spices to antiques, under the winter sun, and savor a range of hearty tagines and stews. The walled city is equally famous for its ancient tanneries awash with colored dyes.

The capital, Rabat, is perched on the Atlantic coast at the mouth of the Bou Regreg river, and enjoys a mild winter. Take in the iconic fortress of Casbah des Oudaïa rising up from a cliff off the coast: tucked within the complex is a lovely Andalusian garden and a museum of Moroccan art. As a bonus, if you want to experience a European-style winter vacation spot in North Africa, complete with skiing, the slopes of Ifrane make for a great addition!

Plan your Morocco trip with us

The best time to visit Morocco depends on your individual preferences and what you want out of your vacation. No matter when you choose to travel, our experts will be with you every step of the way to make sure your Morocco trip is truly special. Contact us at 888-860-1969 to get started on your adventure!