Morocco is hard to beat as a destination. Vibrant festivals, vast deserts, majestic mountains, bustling cities, UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning coasts and plenty more mean you’re spoilt for choice. We’ve pulled together key information about Morocco to whet your appetite. Read on to get inspired – and if you’d like our help to tailor-make your trip, please get in touch!
Morocco’s Climate
Morocco offers year-round sunshine, making it perfect for both summer and winter breaks. However, it is best to visit different places at certain times of year, due to seasonal weather changes.
At the bottom of the page is a chart, showing the average temperatures to expect in different areas of the country, but please contact us for further information and advice.
Marrakech
Located inland in the south of the country and close to the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech enjoys a dry and sunny climate with azure blue skies most of the year.
The best time to visit is from March until October, with the days getting much warmer from May onwards. Mornings and evenings can still be chilly in March and October, so it’s best to take a warm jacket with you. In June and September expect hot and sunny daytimes with warm, balmy evenings. July and August see temperatures reaching over 40ºC. But, if you like it hot, the dry heat means no humidity or mosquitoes!
Atlas Mountains
The foothills of the Atlas Mountains, are less than an hour’s drive from Marrakech. It’s usually at least 5ºC cooler than Marrakech and blue skies and breezes mean it’s pleasant most of the year. It’s also ideal for trekking, walking and horse riding, or just sunbathing in the gardens of your Atlas retreat (at the right time of year). In January and February expect some snow, which can sometimes mean higher mountain roads become impassable.
Essaouira – Morocco’s wild Atlantic coast
Essaouira, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage seaside town enjoys an agreeable year-round climate and promises plenty of sunshine, with cloudless skies and gentle breezes. Temperatures range from 18ºC to 24ºC, although the nights are cooler. From time to time, an unpredictable wind blows up, adding a definite chill factor to a normally warm day. July and August are the busiest and hottest months, when temperatures can reach up to 30ºC, but these are also the windiest months and therefore a magnet for surfers!
Desert
The best time to arrange a desert trip to the Sahara or Agafay is between March and June or September and October, as the summer months get very hot and windy, and from December to February, it gets quite chilly!
Bespoke Holidays in Morocco
The spectacular scenery, diverse landscapes, fascinating culture and warm welcome that Morocco has to offer mean you’ll have a holiday like no other. We can give you first-hand advice about tailor-made journeys in Morocco, based on our own travels, so please email or ring us to discuss your requirements.
Some popular choices:
3 – 5 nights: Marrakech with a day trip to Atlas Mountains/Essaouira
5 – 7 nights: Marrakech and Atlas Mountains
5-7 nights: Marrakech and Essaouira/Oualidia
7-10 nights: Marrakech, Atlas Mountains and Essaouira/Oualidia
7 nights: Marrakech and Sahara Desert
10 nights +: To really make the most of this magical and diverse country, why not let us tailor-make your trip and include all of the above, allowing you to experience, the cities, coast, mountains and desert!
Local Excursions & Authentic Experiences
We work with trusted partners to help you discover Marrakech and its surroundings, with activities including:
- Discover Marrakech and its souks with a qualified guide
- Excursions to the Atlas Mountains, to Imlil and Ouirgane and the Toubkal National Park
- Excursions to the Ourika Valley and the Cascades D’Ouzoud,
- Day trips and stays in Essaouira
- Bivouac/glamping in the Sahara Desert at Zagora, M’Hamid or Merzouga
- Indulge yourself in a heavenly Hammam & Spa experience
- Learn the secrets of traditional Moroccan cuisine by booking a cookery class
- Try your hand at a round of golf at one of championship courses around Marrakech
- Explore the magical gardens in and around Marrakech
- Shop til you drop! Discover the exclusive boutiques as well labyrinthine souks
Moroccan Festivals
Festivals and celebrations in Morocco will only enhance your stay in this fascinating country. Religious festivals are dictated by the lunar calendar so vary every year, but here are some festivals that we think are well worth a visit.
February
Almond Blossom Festival
Usually held in the 2nd week of February in the pretty village of Tafraoute, in the South of Morocco, and is the largest producer of Morocco’s almonds from which the incredibly tasty amlou, a favourite at traditional Moroccan breakfasts.
April
Arts in Marrakech International Biennale
Taking place at various venues in Marrakech, including in the grounds of famous palaces, this interesting festival has the mission to build bridges between cultures through contemporary art.
May
Kelaat M’Gouna Rose Festival
A 3-day festival held in the small village of El Kelaa des M’Gouna, near Ouarzazate in the south of Morocco. This area is the centre of Morocco’s rose cultivation and where the precious rose oil is produced. Each year a ‘Rose Queen’ is chosen to reign over the following year’s crop.
The Festival of World Sacred Music
This 10-day event celebrating spiritual music from all over the world takes place in Morocco’s Imperial City of Fes in May. This festival is an absolute must for global music lovers.
Gnaoua Music Festival
This 3-day festival takes place in Essaouira and features global artists and a fusion of exotic beats from all over the world. The traditional Moroccan Gnaoua musicians with their mystical blend of Berber, African and Islamic music are a highlight.
December
The International Film Festival of Marrakech
Held in the first week of December and lasts for a week to 10 days. Contestants come from all over the world to showcase their short films. The location and timing make it an excellent choice for a little winter sun and Christmas shopping, as well as checking out some cultural feature films.
Religious Festival dates and Public Holidays
Ramadan
During Ramadan Moroccan Muslims fast from dawn to dusk. After sunset, they celebrate the breaking of the fast, with a light meal (called Ftour, which includes traditional dates, cake and honey) followed by a main meal from about 22.00 onwards.
Staff in riads and villas will continue to work as normal, but may need to take a break in the afternoon for a short rest. There will be no problem about them preparing meals and you eating and drinking (including alcohol) in front of them.
Eid al-Fitr
This fast-breaking celebration, takes place a few days after the end of Ramadan, and is a huge national festivity where friends and family spend quality time together.
Eid al Adha (‘Feast of the Sacrifice’)
This is an important holiday for Moroccans where most families sacrifice a sheep in respect of Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son to God. Families get together to celebrate and enjoy a long-lasting family meal together.
Other public holidays in Morocco tend to be pretty low key and should not affect your stay in any way!
Average temperatures in Morocco in ºC
