The Best Time To Visit Morocco Depends on You
- Waleed
- Jun 13, 2023
- 9 min read
Updated: Oct 16, 2024
Table of Contents:
We get a lot of questions about the best time and seasons to visit Morocco, so we decided to write this post to give you a clear answer. Honestly, it’s pretty simple: the best time to be in Morocco really depends on what you’re looking for. Morocco is a great destination worth visiting all year round, except maybe during Eid Al Adha, as that’s probably the worst time to visit Morocco.
Morocco has a lot to offer throughout the year. There's always something to see and do in almost all tourist locations in the country. Thus, the answer to our main question would, in fact, depend on each tourist’s own preferences. In other words, it’s up to you to choose the most suitable and best time for you to visit Morocco. To make the decision easier for you, we suggest you take the following factors into consideration: weather, personal preferences, and budget.
This doesn't sound sufficient enough, does it? No worries. We’ll tell you everything you'd need so you can decide for yourself when to visit Morocco.
The Best Time To Visit Morocco Depending on The Weather
Morocco's weather changes a lot throughout the year, just like in any other country. By knowing the weather in each season, you can choose the perfect time to visit without having to deal with the weather you dislike the most. Here's a general look at the weather in Morocco for each season:
Spring (March to May): The weather is mild and the nature around is pretty, which makes it a great season for outdoor adventures.
Summer (June to August): The weather gets pretty hot, especially in the desert, but the coastal cities stay cooler.
Fall (September to November): has nice, comfortable weather, similar to spring, which is perfect for exploring.
Winter (December to February): The weather can get cold, with snow in the mountains, but cities like Marrakech stay mild. Cities like Agadir and nearby towns stay warm and are suitable for beach activities.
Now let's dive in more to learn what Morocco looks like in each season, and what activities you would enjoy in each one.
Visiting Morocco in Winter
Morocco is well known for its warm weather all year long, but not in all regions. During winter, temperatures can drop down to freezing points in some areas, especially in the North. Even Marrakech, which is famous for its scorching heat during the summer, faces some cold weather in the winter. However, mid-region cities appear to maintain their warmth and sunny vibes during all four seasons, like Agadir and nearby towns.
Basically, you can still visit the same touristic locations in Morocco during winter, but you'll obviously have to dress properly. In addition to regular activities like visiting historical sites and enjoying Moroccan cuisine, winter in Morocco offers some extra and special activities that you can try.
Ifrane is a gorgeous town in the middle Atlas Mountains. People head there to learn skiing and enjoy the snow and natural scenery. Perhaps you could check it out too.
If the cold doesn't hold you back, and if you enjoy watching sunrises over mountains, then hiking is another activity for you during winter. Toubkal would be your destination. It's the mountain with highest peak in North Africa. Many hikers choose to take the journey to its peak in winter, as it is much harder to achieve that in hot weather.
Another experience to try during the winter would be the Moroccan hammam. Nothing is better than a hot sauna on a cold day. Moroccan hammams exist in all cities, but we recommend trying it in Marrakech.
Overall, Morocco is a great destination during the winter too. If you are already fed up with the cold in your homeland and want an escape, then you can head up to the south of Morocco. There, you can enjoy the sun, surf on waves, or ride camels in the Sahara.
Visiting Morocco in Spring
Spring in Morocco is truly something special. The weather is perfect—not just in the south, but all over the country. Everything feels more alive, from the cities to the stunning natural landscapes. What’s great about visiting in the spring is that you can enjoy all the summer experiences and activities, but without the big crowds and the hot weather.
During this season, many villages host some unique festivals where ancient traditions are still celebrated. Tourists can visit the festivals, enjoy the nature around those villages, and learn about the Moroccan culture at the same time. However, it is advisable to do so with the help of a decent travel agency or a professional guide. Those festivals can be very confusing.
Chefchaouen and neighboring areas are a must-see destination in Morocco during the spring. Road trips on national roads (not highways) are a must-thing to do as well. The sights of the green mountains and the blue sky around those roads are stunning and mood-enhancing. So perhaps you could rent a car, or book a trip with a travel agency that offers that.
Oh! And don't forget to check out The Jardine Majorelle in Marrakech; it's prettier during the spring and less crowded.
Visiting Morocco in Summer
Morocco during the summer is hot! sometimes, it's scorchingly hot. Temperatures can reach up to 40°C (140°F) in some cities, especially Marrakech, which makes outdoor activities kind of hard. The nighttime, however, is much nicer and soothing. The coastline cities are colder but crowded.
Morocco is teeming with life during the summer, especially in major touristic cities. If you don't mind crowded souks, streets and beaches, then you'll enjoy the opportunity to meet new people from all around the world and share new experiences with them.
Summer is obviously the tourism season in Morocco. The focus during this season is directed toward providing the guests with all the services and luxury they might need. Thus, aside from the hot weather, your stay will be much comfortable and full of activities. That said, you may want to avoid visiting the Sahara during this season.
Visiting Morocoo in Autumn
Autumn in Morocco is a great time to visit, with warm weather and fewer tourists around. As the summer heat fades, the days become more comfortable, making it perfect for exploring cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Casablanca. The best part? You can enjoy everything Morocco has to offer without the big summer crowds.
It might get a little windy here and there, but that's pretty rare, especially in early and mid-autumn, so it shouldn't mess up your plans. You can still hit the beaches, go on mountain hikes, or explore the desert, but in a much more relaxed way without all the people.
While autumn doesn’t have the same buzz as summer, it’s still full of charm. The cities are quieter, which makes for a more peaceful, laid-back vibe. The scenery changes too—especially in the Atlas Mountains, where you start seeing autumn colors. Local markets are also packed with fresh produce from the harvest, giving you a real taste of the season.
If you're looking for warm days, beautiful sights, and a chill atmosphere, autumn is the perfect time to visit Morocco.
The Best Time to Visit Morocco Depending on Personal Interests
What interests you the most about Morocco? Is it the food, the culture, or are you planning to just visit and discover? It's always a good idea to plan things ahead before taking the decision. Your personal interests about Morocco will definitely play a role in how good your trip can be. Let's see some examples of what people take interest in about Morocco, and when to go experience them.
Exploring Culture
Spring and summer are the best seasons to visit Morocco if you want to dive into the culture and try new experiences. Many cities and villages host a variety of festivals during these seasons, and you might even get a chance to attend traditional events like weddings. Tip: If you're planning to go to a festival or cultural event, check with locals or your hotel for exact dates, as some events can be hard to find without insider info.
It's also during these times that the souks and public areas are at their most vibrant. For history lovers, spring is an ideal time to visit historical monuments and sites since they’re less crowded than in summer. Advice: To make the most of your trip, aim to visit these spots early in the morning, especially in spring, to enjoy cooler weather and quiet moments before the day heats up.
For foodies, the summer is the right time to visit Morocco. During the busy season, local restaurants double their efforts to make all the delicious Moroccan dishes for the craving guests. The aroma of food spreads also in the narrow alleys of souks and old medinas to give the tourists a better shopping experience. In addition to that, summer is when all types of Moroccan sweets would be available.
Enjoying Sports
Athletes and sports enthusiasts can visit Morocco any time during the whole year. If you're one of them, then it depends on the sport you practice. Every region in the country has its own atmosphere and natural landscapes. During winter, for instance, some areas are snowy and cold, while other areas are sunny and warm.
For example, Ifrane is a snowy wonderland in winter, perfect for beginners wanting to try their hand at skiing. It’s a great spot to experience winter sports without huge crowds. Meanwhile, Taghazout, a sunny town even in the colder months, is a paradise for surfers. You can catch waves or just relax and sunbathe by the beach.
If desert adventures are more your thing, head to Merzouga, where the weather stays warm year-round. You can try sandboarding on the dunes, go camel trekking, or hop on a quad for a thrilling ride through the desert. It would be better if you could avoid summer because, obviously, the Sahara would be too hot for you to enjoy any outdoor activities.
Morocco is a great destinations for athletes and visitors looking to enjoy outdor activities. Check out this blog post about all the outdoor activities you can enjoy in Morocco and where to find them.
The Best Time To Visit Morocco Depending on Your Budget
The best time to visit Morocco as a tourist on a tight budget is during the winter months. Generally, the prices for accommodation, flights, and travel agencies drop to affordable levels in winter. Since the tourism sector tends to be sluggish during this time of year, hotels and other service providers experience much less demand, so they lower prices to attract visitors.
Next up is autumn. This season is a sweet spot for budget travelers, as prices start to drop after the summer rush. The weather is still pleasant, making it a great time to explore without breaking the bank. While demand is higher than in winter, you can still find affordable accommodations and deals, especially if you book in advance or are flexible with your travel plans.
Spring is another good time to travel to Morocco on a tight budget. As the weather gets warmer and people take work breaks, the demand for tourism services rises a bit, causing prices to increase. However, it’s still possible to find great deals that aren’t much more expensive than winter prices.
And then there's summer. It’s no surprise that prices go up during the summer months. This season is busy for the tourism industry, and the high demand for services means providers must work hard to enhance their offerings and take care of customers. Despite the price hikes, it’s always possible to snag good deals in Morocco, especially if you're a savvy bargainer!
The Worst Time to Visit Morocco
While you’re here, let’s talk about the worst time to visit Morocco. Unlike the best time to visit, which can vary based on many factors, the worst time is pretty straightforward. Avoid visiting during the holidays of Aid El Adha. During this time, everyone is busy, including service providers, which can make it hard to find the help you need. Plus, the entire country gets caught up in the chaos of the Adha rituals, leading to disruptions in services and travel.
Here you go! This should help you figure out what to consider before visiting Morocco. We hope the information you’ve learned will assist you in deciding the best time for your trip. Since everyone is different, each tourist will have a unique experience in Morocco, so there’s no one-size-fits-all answer for the best time or season to visit. If you’re still unsure, just reach out to us! We’d be thrilled to answer your questions and help you plan your perfect getaway.
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