Best time to visit Morocco

Last updated May 2nd, 2023.

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Often considered the gateway to Africa, at its closest point Morocco lies just nine miles (14 kilometres) south of Spain. With desert, mountains and coast on two fronts, Morocco’s weather is pretty changable. This can make it tricky to work out the best time to visit Morocco. But help is at hand. Here’s my short guide to the climate of Morocco, taking each of the country’s major geographic regions in turn.

Weather on Morocco’s Atlantic coast

Home to popular tourist spots and the country’s main international airport in Casablanca, it’s likely your first hours in Morocco with be on or near its Atlantic coastline.

Here you’ll find the beach and surfing resorts of Agadir and Essaouira. There are no shortage of great places to stay, and almost endless attractions, from sunset camel rides to cookery classes and surf lessons (of course).

The coast is also home to the capital, Rabat, today known for its shopping. Beyond its airport, Casalanca highlights include tours taking in the immense Hassan II Mosque.

Nearby, and broadly sharing the same overall climate is Mount Toubkal. The highest point north of the Sahara, it rises to 4,167 metres. Although it needs no serious mountaineering skill, I’d still recommend tackling it as part of an organised trek.

Because of its height – the summit is often dusted with snow – summer temperatures on Toubkal only average 10°C. Harsh winters can see nightime temperatures plummet to -5°C.

By comparison, Casablanca see highs of 17°C even in January, the city’s coldest month of the year. During the summer months of June to October, highs are a pleasant 24-26°C.

Lows don’t drop below 18°C on average. Rabat tends to be a couple of degrees warmer than Casablanca year round.

Perhaps the best time to visit the Atlantic coast of Morocco is the autumn (fall). Temperatures continue in the mid-twenties Celsius right through October and November (except on Toubkal’s slopes).

Winter can still be attractive with a sweater in hand, and plenty make a dash to Morocco for some winter sun. Rain can put a dampener on plans for the beach though.

The winter rainfall means that the coast of Morocco is pleasantly green into spring. This is when temperatures pick up again, matching those of the autumn.

While the summer months of July and August are a no-go for some areas of Morocco, this is not the case on the country’s Atlantic coast. Breezes coming off the ocean help keep temperatures down to a still-reasonable 28°C.

When to visit the Imperial Cities

The Imperial Cities are Fez (or Fes), Meknes, Marrakesh and Rabat. However, in discussing when to visit Morocco’s Imperial cities, I’m going to exclude Rabat. That’s because Rabat’s Atlantic location means its climate can differ drastically from the other Imperial Cities.

Fez, Meknes and Marrakesh have the most varied weather conditions of anywhere in Morocco. In summer, temperatures in these cities can soar into the uncomfortable range.

What’s more, for the next few years the early summer coincides with Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting.

This sees tourist sites reduce their hours. Many cafes and restaurants also shut up shop during daylight hours. For more information on the period, check out my guide to travelling during Ramadan.

A better time to visit the Imperial Cities is either during the spring or the autumn. At these times of year temperatures sit between 25 and 28°C. There is the added advantage of seeing lower tourist numbers too. Despite the heat, most visit during the summer months.

For me, the winter months are an even more alluring time to visit the Imperial Cities. The surrounding mountain peaks are then dotted with snow.

Travel plans are rarely interrupted by the onset of cooler weather, but temperatures can drop below zero come nightfall, so don’t expect to be able to explore in a T-shirt and shorts.

Visiting the Sahara Desert

The arid interior, where Morocco’s mountains meet the sands of the Sahara Desert, share a roughly similar climate to the Imperial Cities. Summers are hot, and winters chilly.

The Sahara Desert obviously isn’t recommended as a summer destination. Most reputable tours to the area don’t even run during July and August because of the heat. Those that do are carefully planned around it.

Temperatures can soar to 50°C (that’s 120°F) at times. There’s almost no shade, and very little water. A vehicle breakdown can literally be deadly.

Even the Bedouin, who have lived in the region for centuries, reduce their movement to a minimum in these months. The best time to visit the Moroccan Sahara is therefore spring and autumn.

Climate in the Rif Mountains and Mediterranean

Visible from Spain, and once comprising much of Spanish Morocco, the Rif Mountains are typified by the cities of Chefchaouen and Tetouan.

Tangier, a major port on the Mediterranean Sea, shares a similar climate. All are fantastic destinations in their own right.

Chefchaouen is known as the ‘blue city’ as you’ll soon realise on a tour of the city. Tetouan is even more authentic to my mind, with tours taking in the Andalusian-style streets and intriguing culture.

Tangier, meanwhile, has everything from excellent beachfront hotels to a cluster of small museums within the ancient walls of the medina that are definitely worth a look.

Their proximity to the Mediterranean Sea means sunshine lasts from the end of the April until September, when temperatures hardly shift from the high thirties Celsius.

Either side of these months, temperatures linger in the twenties Celsius, with a good amount of sun. March and October are therefore a great time to explore these regions.

However, winter sees the clouds build and temperatures struggle to reach double figures Celsius. In these months the weather can be changable, and you need to be prepared for pretty much everything.

Best time to visit Morocco

The best time to visit Morocco largely depends on your planned destinations. It’s possible to visit right throughout the year, if careful. Generally speaking, the months of spring and autumn allow for exploring the entire country, from its coast and desert to its Imperial Cities. Above all else, avoid the Sahara Desert during the summer unless you know what you’re doing, however tempting the images of its dunes may be.