The best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when days are warm, nights are mild and you can combine the cities, the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara in one trip. Summer is very hot inland but good for the coast, and winter brings sunny days with cold nights in the desert and the mountains.
There is no bad month to visit, but each season suits a different trip. Here is what to expect month by month, by region, and how it affects your route and your budget.
Best Time to Visit Morocco at a Glance
| Season | Weather | Best for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Warm days, mild nights, green valleys | Every route, from the cities to the Sahara | The busiest season, so book early |
| Summer (June to August) | Very hot inland, pleasant on the coast | Beaches, the north, mountain villages | Long desert days are tiring; prices are lower |
| Autumn (September to November) | Warm days, golden light | Every route, Sahara trips | Busy in October; book early |
| Winter (December to February) | Sunny, mild days; cold nights | Cities, quieter medinas, lower prices | Snow can close Atlas passes; desert nights near freezing |
Average Temperatures in Marrakech
Marrakech is a good guide for the inland cities. These are typical averages; the Sahara is hotter by day and colder at night, and the coast is milder all year.
| Month | Average high | Average low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C (64°F) | 6°C (43°F) |
| February | 20°C (68°F) | 8°C (46°F) |
| March | 22°C (72°F) | 9°C (48°F) |
| April | 24°C (75°F) | 11°C (52°F) |
| May | 27°C (81°F) | 14°C (57°F) |
| June | 31°C (88°F) | 16°C (61°F) |
| July | 36°C (97°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| August | 36°C (97°F) | 20°C (68°F) |
| September | 32°C (90°F) | 18°C (64°F) |
| October | 27°C (81°F) | 15°C (59°F) |
| November | 22°C (72°F) | 10°C (50°F) |
| December | 19°C (66°F) | 6°C (43°F) |
Source: weather2travel.com climate averages for Marrakech.
Morocco Month by Month
- January: Sunny, crisp days and cold nights. Medinas are quiet and prices are lower. Bring warm layers for the desert and the mountains.
- February: Similar to January, with almond trees starting to blossom in the south. A good value month.
- March: Spring begins. Valleys turn green and the weather suits every part of the country.
- April: One of the best months overall, warm but not hot, and ideal for a full loop with the Sahara.
- May: Warm days and long evenings. The Rose Valley around Kelaat M’Gouna is usually in bloom.
- June: Heat builds inland. The northern beaches and the coast start their season.
- July: Very hot in Marrakech, Fes and the desert. Best for the coast, the Rif and the mountains.
- August: The peak of summer, when many Moroccans head to the beaches. Plan short sightseeing mornings.
- September: The heat eases through the month. A good time for the Atlas and the coast.
- October: One of the best months, with comfortable days in the cities and the desert.
- November: Pleasant, quieter and great for photography. Nights start to get cold.
- December: Mild sunny days and cold nights. Festive trips to Marrakech are popular around the holidays.
Best Time by Region
Marrakech, Fes and the imperial cities. Spring and autumn are the most comfortable for walking the medinas. Summer afternoons are very hot, so plan visits early and late in the day. See our guides to Marrakech, Fes and the imperial cities.
The Sahara. October to April is the best period for the dunes at Merzouga. Days are pleasant, but nights from December to February can drop close to freezing, so camps provide blankets and heating varies by camp. In summer, the desert is very hot by day. Read our Sahara desert camp guide and our desert packing list.
The Atlas Mountains. Spring to autumn is best for hiking. In winter, snow covers the high peaks and can close mountain passes for a few hours or days.
The coast and the beaches. June to September is beach season, especially on the Mediterranean. The Atlantic coast is mild all year and windy in Essaouira. See our Morocco beach vacation guide.
Chefchaouen and the north. Spring and autumn are ideal. Winters are cool and rainy, and summers are pleasant compared with the south. Read our Chefchaouen guide.
Ramadan and Festivals
Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year. In 2027 it is expected to begin around February 8 and end around March 9 or 10, depending on the moon sighting. Travel works well during Ramadan: sights stay open, though some restaurants close during the day and the evenings are lively. Read our guide to traveling to Morocco during Ramadan.
Festivals worth planning around include the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, usually in late spring, and the Gnaoua and World Music Festival in Essaouira, usually in June. Dates change each year, so check before you book.
When Is Morocco Cheapest?
January, February and June to August usually cost less, because fewer travelers come in winter and the inland heat keeps many away in summer. Spring and autumn, and the Christmas and Easter holidays, are the busiest and most expensive times. See what a private tour of Morocco costs.
Choosing Your Dates and Route
The season changes how much you can fit into a day. In summer, plan early starts and long lunch breaks; in winter, days are shorter. Compare routes in our Morocco itinerary planner and see how many days you need in Morocco. For packing by season, read what to wear in Morocco and our overview of the weather in Morocco.
Planning for summer 2027? Northern Morocco is in the path of a total eclipse. See our Morocco total solar eclipse 2027 guide.
Best Time to Visit Morocco FAQ
April and October are the best all-round months, with warm days and comfortable nights across the country.
Inland cities and the Sahara are very hot in July and August. The coast, the north and the mountains are pleasant, and prices are lower.
October to April. Bring warm layers for nights from December to February.
Yes, for sunny days, quieter medinas and lower prices. Nights are cold, especially in the desert and the mountains.
It is expected to run from around February 8 to March 9 or 10, 2027, depending on the moon sighting.
Plan Your Trip
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