The weather in Morocco changes more by region than by season. The Atlantic coast is mild all year, the imperial cities are hot in summer and cool in winter, the High Atlas gets snow in winter, and the Sahara has hot days and cold nights. Spring and autumn are comfortable almost everywhere, which is why they are the most popular times to travel.
Here is what to expect in each region, with average temperatures for the main cities, so you can plan your route and pack the right clothes.
Average Temperatures by City
Average daytime highs and night-time lows in January, April, July and October.
| City | January | April | July | October |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 18°C / 6°C | 24°C / 11°C | 36°C / 20°C | 27°C / 15°C |
| Fes | 16°C / 5°C | 20°C / 9°C | 33°C / 18°C | 25°C / 13°C |
| Ouarzazate (gateway to the desert) | 16°C / 2°C | 25°C / 10°C | 38°C / 21°C | 26°C / 12°C |
| Agadir | 20°C / 8°C | 21°C / 12°C | 26°C / 18°C | 25°C / 15°C |
| Essaouira | 18°C / 10°C | 19°C / 13°C | 23°C / 17°C | 22°C / 16°C |
| Tangier | 16°C / 9°C | 19°C / 11°C | 27°C / 19°C | 23°C / 15°C |
Source: weather2travel.com climate averages. To convert, 20°C is 68°F, 30°C is 86°F and 10°C is 50°F.
Weather by Region
Marrakech and the south. Hot and dry in summer, with July and August highs often above 35°C (95°F). Winters are sunny and mild by day but cold at night. See our Marrakech guide.
Fes, Meknes and the north interior. Slightly cooler than Marrakech and wetter in winter, with hot summers. Spring and autumn are ideal for the medinas. See our guides to Fes and Meknes.
The Sahara. Very hot days in summer and cold nights in winter, when temperatures at the camps can drop close to freezing. Rain is rare, and the most comfortable months are October to April. Read about the Moroccan Sahara.
The High Atlas Mountains. Cooler than the plains all year. Snow covers the high peaks in winter, and the passes on the way to the desert can close for a few hours after heavy snowfall. Oukaimeden, south of Marrakech, has a small ski area in good snow years.
The Atlantic coast. Mild all year, with a cool sea breeze. Essaouira is often windy, which is great for kitesurfing. The sea stays around 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F), so the water feels cool even in summer. See our Morocco beach vacation guide.
The Mediterranean coast and the north. Warm, sunny summers and cool, rainy winters. Tangier, Tetouan and Chefchaouen are pleasant in summer when the south is very hot. See our guides to Tangier and Chefchaouen.
Weather by Season
- Spring (March to May): Warm days, mild nights and green valleys. Almond and fruit trees blossom in the mountains, and wildflowers cover the countryside.
- Summer (June to August): Very hot inland and in the desert, pleasant on the coast and in the mountains.
- Autumn (September to November): Warm, settled weather and golden light. In October, Erfoud near the Sahara celebrates the date harvest with its Date Festival.
- Winter (December to February): Sunny days and cold nights, snow in the High Atlas and rain in the north.
For month by month advice on where to go, read our guide to the best time to visit Morocco.
What to Pack for the Weather
Pack layers whatever the season: a light jacket or sweater for the evenings, sun protection for the day, and comfortable shoes for the medinas. From November to March, bring a warm layer for the desert nights and the mountains. See what to wear in Morocco and our desert packing list.
Weather in Morocco FAQ
Yes, in the High Atlas and Middle Atlas in winter. Snow in Marrakech itself is very rare.
July and August, especially in Marrakech, Fes and the desert.
Days are usually mild and sunny, but nights are cold, especially in the desert and the mountains.
Mostly from November to March, and more in the north than in the south.
The Atlantic stays cool all year, around 16°C to 20°C. The Mediterranean is warmer in summer.
Plan Your Trip
Tell us when you want to travel, and we will build a route that suits the season. Compare routes in our Morocco itinerary planner, see how many days you need and what a private tour costs.
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