When is the best time to travel to Morocco?

When is the best time to travel to Morocco?

Most tourists rely on climatic issues when deciding when is the best time to travel to Morocco, and we think it’s a good choice! For example, in summer, in cities like Fez or Marrakech, temperatures can be very sweltering, in some cases exceeding 40ºC. And that’s without going into the desert! Although it is always a good idea to visit Morocco, we believe that there are better months than others to fall in love with the African country. So in this post we tell you what is the best time to travel to Morocco and when it is better not to go.

 25 places you can’t miss in Morocco
Although it is one of the safest countries in Africa, you have to take certain precautions. We give you some tips and our vision about safety in Morocco. In any case, it is essential to take out a travel insurance for Morocco to save you money and bad moments. We offer you a 20% discount on all InterMundial travel insurance.
 

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO MOROCCO
The climate is milder and rainy on the coasts and more extreme in the interior.
The climate in Morocco is moderate and subtropical. In general, the breezes from the Atlantic and the Mediterranean temper the temperatures on the coast and cause more rainfall, while inland, as you move away from the ocean, temperatures are more extreme and drier due to the influence of the desert.

Inland, temperatures during the summer become extremely hot and in winter, quite cold. Although in places like the desert there is a lot of thermal oscillation when you travel.

So, in general, the best time to travel to Morocco is in spring and autumn, when the weather is more regular, pleasant (despite being hot) and there is less rainfall throughout the country.

Try to avoid traveling during Ramadan
Ramadan is the most important religious event in Morocco and in all Arab countries. It lasts one month, although every year it changes dates. Basically because Morocco has a lunar calendar, different from ours. Ramadan is always celebrated in the ninth month of the lunar calendar and that means that every year, Ramadan advances 10 days in the Gregorian calendar. It usually falls between March and June.

 
What can affect tourists the most is that many restaurants, stores and monuments do not open in the mornings and close earlier to accommodate meal and prayer times. So if you are traveling to Morocco during Ramadan, you will need to have more patience and room for improvisation.

Fasting is one of the most characteristic aspects of Ramadan. You cannot eat or drink during daylight hours. That doesn’t mean you have to observe it, but if you travel to Morocco during Ramadan, try not to eat, smoke or drink in public. It’s a way to show respect for their culture and religion.

The climate can be different
Morocco is a very varied and attractive country. On the coast you can visit cities like Rabat, Casablanca or Essaouira, while in the interior you can enjoy Marrakech, Fez or the desert of Merzouga. But you should know that depending on where you go, the climate can be different. So below we analyze by season and month by month, what is the best time to travel to Morocco.

1. Visiting Morocco in winter (December to February)
Morocco is a destination that receives visitors all year round. Although winter is rainy, it is the best time to travel to Morocco if you want to escape the crowds.

 
Winters are generally mild and sunny. However, being such a varied country, there are some exceptions such as the northern coast, the Atlas Mountains and the desert.

The rainiest season on the coast
During the winter months it rains a lot on the coast. Especially in the north, where the cities of Casablanca, Rabat or Tangier are located. This is due to their Atlantic influence, which causes these cities to receive 10 to 13 days of rain per month.

However, in the southern part of the coast it rains less, as it receives more influence from the desert. This would be the case of Agadir. Although it rains more in this coastal city than in any other season, the rains are not nearly as abundant as in the northern part. For example, it only receives an average of 4 or 5 days of rain per month, almost a third of that in the north.

In Marrakech, Fez or in the desert itself, you don’t have to worry too much about rain. Although it rains a little more, it is insignificant.

The lowest temperatures of the year
Is it cold in Morocco in winter? If you don’t mind a cool environment, winter can be the best time to travel to Morocco. Minimum temperatures in the major cities are usually around 8ºC while maximum temperatures can reach up to 20ºC. During the day it is quite pleasant, but at night it can get very cold, especially in the desert.

best time to travel to Morocco
Winter nights are cold in the Merzouga desert,
It is not the best time for trekking in the Atlas Mountains but it is the best time for skiing.
During the winter, temperatures in the Atlas Mountains are low. In fact, the area receives heavy snowfall in winter, so it is not the best time to travel to Morocco and get lost in the Atlas Mountains. They are good months for skiing, though. Yes, you read that right, you can ski in Africa!

Oukaïmeden, located 80 kilometers south of Marrakech is one of the few ski resorts on the entire continent. The best time to ski in Morocco is during the months of January and February. In addition we tell you the best excursions from Marrakech.

1.1. Traveling to Morocco in December
December is not one of our favorite months to visit Morocco. Together with November it is the rainiest month, so if you plan to make a tour in Morocco, you can find a lot of rain, especially on the coast.

Also, from the third week of December onwards, prices go up a lot. Many Europeans decide to come for the Christmas vacations to escape the winter cold of the old continent. Although it is one of the coldest months, the minimum temperatures rarely drop below 8°C and during the day it is quite pleasant. If you wish to travel to Morocco in December, book your accommodation in advance.

1.2. Traveling to Morocco in January
It is the coldest month of the year in Morocco and one of the wettest. However, if you are not going to the Atlas Mountains, during daylight hours you do not have to worry too much about low temperatures.

Also, January is one of the best months to travel to Morocco if you are looking for good prices. There are fewer crowds and hotels offer low season rates.

 
On the coast and in cities like Fez or Marrakech, it still rains more than usual. However, it can be a good time to visit the desert, as it rarely rains. However, during the nights the temperatures are very low in the desert, bordering on 0ºC. We tell you the best areas and hotels to stay in Fez.

1.3. Traveling to Morocco in February
February is a good month to get lost in the interior and south of Morocco. On the coast, the rains are still frequent and in the north the days tend to be gray.

Like January, February is low season for tourism in Morocco. So it is also a good time to enjoy the country without crowds and with good prices before spring and summer, the most popular seasons, arrive.

2. Visiting Morocco in spring
We believe that spring is the best time to travel to Morocco. Temperatures are getting warmer and there is less rainfall, although March and April are still quite rainy on the coast. Minimum temperatures rarely drop below 10ºC while maximum temperatures rise up to 27ºC. However, they are not as sweltering as in summer.

In addition, thanks to the winter rains, the landscapes become green and lush. That is why it is, together with autumn, the best season to enjoy hiking.

However, if you plan to visit the Sahara, sandstorms during the spring months can be quite frequent. This is due to the famous Sirocco wind, which blows in the region at that time.

2.1. Traveling to Morocco in March
March is one of the most pleasant months to travel to Morocco. It is the beginning of spring, the weather starts to be more favorable and the number of tourists is still quite low.

For your reference, temperatures are usually between 10°C and 20°C, although there can also be lower temperatures. In general it can be a rather unpredictable month, so it is best to bring clothing for all conditions.

2.2. Traveling to Morocco in April
Spring can be considered the best time to travel to Morocco. The spring weather is very pleasant, with temperatures that can reach up to 30°C in the warmer parts such as the desert. There is still occasional rainfall. But they are short showers of no importance.

Of course, Easter usually falls in April. That’s why more tourists arrive and prices increase slightly. Still, we find it an ideal month to discover Morocco. Some years, Ramadan falls in April. Keep this in mind because you may encounter limited opening hours in tourist sites.

2.3. Traveling to Morocco in May
May is also a good month to visit Morocco. Weather conditions are similar to April, but temperatures rise and the rains stop as summer approaches. When packing your suitcase, be prepared for everything. Pack mainly summer clothes, but also a light jacket for the evenings.

This month is ideal to get lost in the interior of the country and discover magical places such as the Todrao Gorges of Dades.

best time to travel to Morocco
The beautiful valley of Todra, a beautiful place to see in Morocco.
3. Visiting Morocco in summer (June to August)
These three months are not the best time to travel to Morocco. With the summer, the sweltering heat arrives in Morocco. Minimum temperatures hover around 20ºC, while thermometers can exceed 40ºC in the interior of the country.

Marrakech, Fez and the Merzouga desert are a real oven. If you take a trip to the desert, be aware that temperatures can drop below 20°C at night. In coastal cities such as Casablanca, Tangier or Essaouira, the Atlantic breezes make for a somewhat cooler atmosphere.

If you visit Morocco in summer, bring cool clothes in your suitcase with loose-fitting patterns to avoid sweating all day. We advise you to opt for breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen.

3.1. Traveling to Morocco in June
In June, temperatures start to be very high in the interior of the country. But it is still a good month to visit the Moroccan coast. In fact, Essaouira hosts the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, a very cool and diverse musical event. In terms of tourism, the first half of June is quite quiet.

3.2. Traveling to Morocco in July
July is probably the worst month to travel to Morocco. It has the highest temperatures of the whole year. In addition, it coincides with the vacations of most Europeans. It is therefore advisable to book accommodation in advance, as riads and hotels with swimming pools are in high demand!

We recommend you to get up early and take advantage of the first hours of the day, when the sun is not burning so much. During midday, you can relax in your accommodation and go out to taste the delicious Moroccan cuisine.

3.3. Traveling to Morocco in August
In August, the weather is practically the same as in July: dry and very hot. Therefore, it is best to focus on the coastal cities: Tangier, Rabat, Essaouira or Casablanca are cooler destinations than the famous Marrakech or Fez. There is still quite a lot of tourism and prices remain high as it is high season for European travelers.
 
4. Visiting Morocco in autumn (September to November)
Moroccan autumn is perfect for sightseeing around the country. Temperatures are very pleasant, between 15ºC and 25ºC. There are many hours of sunshine to enjoy the outdoor attractions or even adventure sports in the Atlas Mountains.

 
The tourist influx is low, so you can stroll quietly without crowds. There is greater availability of accommodation and prices are more affordable than during the summer.

4.1. Traveling to Morocco in September
We did a tour of Morocco in September and we were right on the money! After our experience, we consider September to be the best time to travel to Morocco. The weather is still warm but not stifling. Temperatures are similar to the summer in Europe, around 25ºC. It rarely rains and the sky is usually clear, ideal for dreamy sunsets. What more could you ask for? No crowds? Wish fulfillment! There are fewer tourists than in summer and prices are slightly lower.

4.2. Traveling to Morocco in October
October is also a great month to travel to Morocco. Temperatures drop a little more, hovering around 20ºC. At the end of the month there are autumn showers and strong winds on the coast. If you are planning to visit only the interior of Morocco, October is perfect for long walks in the cities without sweating as much as the previous months.

4.3. Traveling to Morocco in November
November is not such a good month to travel to Morocco because it is one of the wettest months. However, for those who do not tolerate the heat well, temperatures are ideal. They oscillate between 15ºC and 20ºC, very pleasant! Do not forget a light raincoat in case of a storm, as well as a jacket for the evenings.
In short, what is the best month to travel to Morocco?
As you can see, almost any time is a good time to travel to Morocco for one thing or another. Although if you want to tour the country and enjoy pleasant temperatures, without much rain, then we think April, May, September and October are the best months to travel to Morocco and fall in love with the African country.

We would try to avoid the month of Ramadan because of the time constraints and, above all, the summer because of the high temperatures.