The best time to visit Morocco

Whilst January is the coldest month in Morocco, you can still experience sunny days in certain places such as Marrakech. For those wondering when to visit Morocco without the crowds of peak travel season, this might be a great option.

It should still be noted that temperatures can dramatically change from day to night, especially in the desert regions. There’s a chance of rain at this time of the year, but also snow in the mountains.

February marks the end of the extreme winter months, with evenings remaining chilly as daytime temperatures begin to rise. In terms of when to go to Morocco, this month is a quieter option, allowing for a more authentic insight into the rhythm of local life without the summer crowds.

Milder conditions make outdoor activities perfect for a February visit, with coastal areas in particular benefitting from a Mediterranean climate. It would be an ideal time to start considering a visit into parts of the Saharan Desert.

Starting in March, the spring season is a strong contender for the best time of year to visit Morocco. You will be greeted by blooming flowers, more frequent sunshine and pleasant daytime temperatures. The latter makes the bazaars and streets of Morocco’s cities pleasant to explore.

The desert regions remain comfortably warm during the day, providing an optimal window for visiting The Erg Chebbi or similar areas. Temperatures can nevertheless considerably drop by late afternoon or early evening, so pack light layers accordingly.

April is one of the best times to go to Morocco, as the entire country can be explored without having to confront extreme climates in the Sahara Desert or Atlas mountains.

As the tourist season picks up, our travel experts highly recommend booking experiences and activities in advance. The warm spring weather is perfect for cultural tours to the Medinas – the historic centres of Moroccan cities – or camping under the stars in the desert.

During the late spring, the climate in Morocco will vary according to the region. May, for example, is the last comfortable month to visit the desert before extreme heat and insects become more prevalent.

Labour Day on 1st May will lead to some closures of services like shops and banks, but also creates a lively atmosphere thanks to the parades and local gatherings that are held. You may also like to attend the Festival des Roses, held annually in May in the M’Goun Valley.

June is the best time of year to go to Morocco if you enjoy the sunnier weather, with temperatures in cities across the country ranging from the mid 20s to the early 30s.

Coastal regions such as Essaouira and Oulidia, however, will remain cooler and offer birdwatchers access to a haven for both migratory and resident bird species.

July is one of the hottest months in Morocco, with temperatures soaring into the high 30s and even mid-40s in some areas. If you’re wondering when to visit Morocco for city sightseeing, you’d be better served by waiting until summer is over.

Despite the intense heat, July can be a great time to enjoy the cooler coastal areas, where Essaouira shines with its water sports offering. This month remains popular due to school holidays so it’s wise to book your accommodation early, especially anywhere with a pool.

Our travel experts wouldn’t necessarily recommend travelling to Morocco during August, as the month brings scorching daytime temperatures across the country.

If you are looking to visit at this time of year because of school holidays, look to stay either on the coast or in the Atlas mountains to make the most of the marginally cooler weather. Book your accommodation early, particularly places with a pool.

One of the best times to visit Morocco, without a doubt, is September. The intense summer heat begins to ease, heralding the seasonal start of warm days and balmy evenings. With fewer crowds now that the school holidays are over, it’s a great time to experience the country.

While temperatures will drop from their summer highs, the desert regions are still best avoided at this time. However, for most parts of Morocco, September offers a comfortable climate perfect for exploring Morocco’s rich culture and landscapes.

October attracts many travellers thanks to its 8 hours of daily sunshine and more temperate weather, perfect for half-term holidays with the family. It’s the best time to go to Morocco if you’re looking to hike the Atlas mountains before the November winds set in.

The bazaars and city streets will be full of life, whilst the Erfoud Date Festival offers a vibrant glimpse into Berber culture with traditional dancing and music to celebrate the annual date harvest.

November marks the start of the winter period, seeing an increase in rainfall and decrease in temperature across the country. In terms of when to go to Morocco, this month offers an ideal window for sightseeing in the imperial cities such as Marrakech and Fez.

If travelling to higher ground, keep in mind that many traditional guesthouses may lack adequate heating, so packing warm layers is advisable.

With snowfall in the mountains and increased rainfall across the country, December is considered the shoulder season in Morocco and tends to draw fewer crowds.

Due to the clearer skies and crisper air, December is arguably the best time of year to go to Morocco for amateur and professional photographers alike, as there will be none of the heat haze that may distort images during the warmer months.