Best Time to Visit Morocco

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Best Time to Visit Morocco: A Month-by-Month Travel Guide

With its diverse landscapes and regional climates, deciding the best time to visit Morocco takes some consideration. Do you want to hit the beaches in summer or come in spring to avoid the intense heat? See the Sahara with sweeping sand dunes or a lush super bloom?

1. Introduction

The weather, crowds, and events vary tremendously across Morocco depending on the month and season you choose. This in-depth guide will walk you through the highlights of visiting Morocco during each month and season of the year.

We’ll cover the distinct regional climates from the coast to the desert and the Atlas Mountains. You’ll find tips on avoiding crowds while still hitting peak conditions for activities like surfing and trekking. We’ll point out major festivals and events that might influence when you want to visit.

Use this information to determine the ideal time to plan your Morocco trip based on your priorities. Whether you’re looking for beach time, outdoor adventures, cultural festivals, or simple sunshine, you can find the perfect time to visit this incredible country.

2. Best Time to Visit Morocco: By Season

Morocco’s climate varies greatly by region and season. Here’s an overview:

Winter (December – February)

  • Cooler temperatures, especially at night. Average highs of 57-68°F.
  • Rainfall is more likely on the coast and in the north. Snow is possible in the Atlas Mountains.
  • The low season for tourism with fewer crowds. Accommodations may be cheaper.
  • Good for city sightseeing, the desert has chilly nights. The Atlas Mountains are good for snow sports.

Spring (March – May)

  • Temperatures are comfortable and warming up. Average highs of 63-77°F.
  • The rain subsides, yet the landscapes are still lush and blooming.
  • Shoulder season – moderate tourist numbers and prices.
  • Mild weather is great for trekking in the Atlas Mountains, seeing Sahara super bloom.

Summer (June – August)

  • Hot and dry across Morocco. Highs of 86-104°F in interior cities and deserts.
  • Little rain. Beaches are popular on the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts.
  • Peak tourist season especially in Marrakech. Book lodging well in advance.
  • Good for beach getaways. Avoid desert due to extreme daytime heat.

Fall (September – November)

  • Heat tapers off, especially at night. Average highs of 77-86°F.
  • Little rain. Landscapes dry out after summer.
  • Shoulder season – fewer tourists and lower prices.
  • Nice weather for city sightseeing, hiking, and camel trekking in Sahara.

3. Best Time to Visit Morocco: By Month

Here is an overview of Morocco’s climate and travel considerations by month:

January

  • Cold, rainy winter month especially in north and high elevations.
  • Temperatures average 57-68°F, colder at night. Snow in Atlas Mountains.
  • Quieter tourist month, good for cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Rabat.

February

  • Weather remains cool and chance of rain. Average highs 59-72°F.
  • Tourist numbers stay relatively low before spring surge.
  • You can find good deals on accommodations before high season.

March

  • Temperatures warming up, averaging 63-77°F. Rain subsides.
  • Wildflowers and almond trees start blooming across landscapes.
  • Shoulder season begins drawing more tourists, especially over Easter.

April

  • Quite comfortable with high temps of 68-82°F on average.
  • Country lush and green after winter rains.
  • Tourist numbers rising but still lower than summer peak.

May

  • Warm and sunny spring weather. Average high temps 72-86°F.
  • Roses and other florals in bloom, festivals begin.
  • Increasing tourists, prices rise toward summer high.

June

  • Summer heat arrives, highs range 82-95°F across Morocco.
  • Coast remains pleasant. Inland and desert get very hot.
  • Tourist high season begins, peaks in July and August.

July

  • Hot, dry summer weather. Average highs 86-104°F.
  • Beaches popular on coasts. Avoid desert due to extreme heat.
  • Tourist numbers peak across Morocco, book far in advance.

August

  • Continued summer heat and dryness. Highs 95-104°F inland.
  • Crowds remain at annual peak, prices highest.
  • Head to coast, Atlas Mountains for relief from intense heat.

September

  • Heat tapers off, especially at night. Average highs 86-95°F.
  • Little rain, landscapes still dry.
  • Shoulder season returns, tourist crowds and prices go down.

October

  • Temperatures comfortable and cooler. Average highs 72-86°F.
  • Low chance of rain.
  • Tourist numbers low compared to summer. Good deals on hotels.

November

  • Cooler temperatures, more rain likely by month end. Highs 63-72°F.
  • Low season for tourism overall, fewer crowds and costs.
  • Rain possible in north and Atlas Mountains.

December

  • Cold, rainy winter weather. Temperatures average 57-68°F.
  • Potential to snow in the High Atlas and other mountainous areas.
  • Low tourist numbers, focus on sightseeing in imperial cities.

4. Regional Differences

Morocco’s diverse geography leads to distinct climates across regions.

Coast vs. Interior

The coast along the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean stays relatively mild and comfortable year-round. Temperatures average 60-80°F.

The interior cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Meknes have hotter summers and colder winters. July highs exceed 100°F while January lows drop to 45°F.

Atlas Mountains vs. Sahara Desert

In the High Atlas Mountains, temperatures fluctuate greatly. Winter sees freezing temps and potential snow. Summer still requires jackets at night.

The Sahara Desert sees scorching hot days from June-September, sometimes exceeding 120°F. Nights dip to freezing in the winter.

North vs. South

Northern Morocco near Tangier and Chefchaouen sees more rain and cooler winters.

Southern Morocco around Marrakech and the Sahara is consistently hotter and drier year-round.

5. Tips for When to Visit

Use these tips to determine the best time for your Morocco trip:

  • For pleasant weather and smaller crowds, target March-May (spring) or September-November (fall).
  • July-August offers sunshine and summer fun but intense heat inland. Expect peak crowds and prices.
  • If you want to hit the beach, summer is ideal. But winter is surprisingly mild on the coast too.
  • For major cultural events and festivals, late June-August is best. Avoid spring holidays if you dislike crowds.
  • Winter offers low season value, but expect colder rainier weather. It’s ideal for city sightseeing, not the desert or mountains.
  • For trekking the Atlas Mountains, spring and fall provide moderate temps, scenery, and trails without snow.

Ultimately Morocco offers good weather and activities year-round. Determine your priorities, then use this guide to pick the best time for you to visit!

6. Determine the Ideal Time for Your Morocco Trip

As you can see, Morocco offers distinct weather, activities, and travel experiences depending on when you choose to visit. The diverse climate ranges from snowy mountains to scorching deserts.

If you want pleasant warm days without intense heat, sparse crowds, and lower prices, spring and fall are likely your best bets. For sunny beaches and lively festivals, head there in the summer peak season.

Use this month-by-month and seasonal guide to help decide the ideal time to plan your Morocco adventure based on your preferences. And be sure to check specific event dates for your trip year, as annual festivals like Ramadan move between seasons.

Have you visited Morocco? Let us know in the comments when you went and what the weather was like! If you need help building the perfect Morocco itinerary at any time of year, our travel experts can advise the best destinations and activities by season. Just reach out to start planning your memorable trip!

Arhhal

Moroccan Travel Expert

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