Are you wondering when to go to Morocco? The answer lies in two seasons: spring, from March to May, and autumn, from mid-September to November. But this country on the African continent has several climates, from northern Morocco to the Sahara. In July, it is 37.7 °C in the afternoon in Marrakech and 21.9 °C in Essaouira. In January, temperatures drop to 2 °C at the desert's edge while snow covers the High Atlas. The right month therefore depends on the region you are targeting and what you want to do there.
On the agenda: the best time to visit Morocco, the climate of the 5 major regions, Marrakech temperatures month by month, each season in detail, when to go depending on your interests (imperial cities, Moroccan desert, Atlas trekking, beach, road trip, family), the rainy season, the coldest month, the dates for Ramadan 2027 and festivals, peak season and flight prices, and finally, the pre-departure checklist.
When to go to Morocco? Climate calendar by region
Marrakech, semi-arid climate
Tourist peakMax T° Rainy days Sun per day Hiking (High Atlas)
The Atlantic coast, mild oceanic climate
Agadir, Essaouira
Max T° (Agadir) Rainy days (Agadir) Sea temperature (Agadir) Beach (Agadir)
The imperial cities, Mediterranean climate
Fes, Meknes
Max T° (Fès) Rainy days (Fès) Sun per day (Fès)
The Moroccan desert, desert climate
Ouarzazate, Merzouga, Zagora
Max T° (Ouarzazate) ▼ Min Temp (night) (Ouarzazate) Rainy days (Ouarzazate) Bivouac (Merzouga, Zagora)
The north and the Rif, humid Mediterranean climate
Tangier, Chefchaouen
Max T° (Tanger) Rainy days (Tanger) Sun per day (Tanger) Beach (Tangier, Mediterranean)
Climate normals 1991-2020 (NOAA), 1961-1990 for Tangier. Sea temperature: seatemperature.org. Attendance: Ministry of Tourism of Morocco, 2025. voilà eSIM infographic.
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Spring, summer, or winter, stay connected everywhere in Morocco: Google Maps in the heart of the medina, making reservations on the desert road, WhatsApp calls with your loved ones. A voilà eSIM, the best value for your money, installed in 2 minutes, with 24/7 human support.
The best time to visit Morocco is from April to May, and then from October to November. During these dates, Marrakech reaches between 23 and 29 °C in the afternoon, nights remain mild, rain is rare, and the landscapes are green in the spring. It is the only window where you can fully enjoy the country and experience imperial cities, desert, mountains, and the ocean all in one trip without enduring either a heatwave or cold.
The rest of the year is also worth considering. Summer is perfect for the Atlantic coast and the peaks of the High Atlas. Winter is ideal for the south and the sunshine of Agadir. You can visit the country all year round, provided you adapt your destination to the season.
First choose your itinerary, then your date. If you want to see the Sahara, aim for late October or the month of April. If your trip revolves around the beach and surfing, late summer (September, October) ticks all the boxes. And if you are traveling with children, aim for the spring or autumn holidays.
Another tip: check the Ramadan calendar before booking. In 2027, it covers a large part of February and the beginning of March, which changes the daily rhythm. We detail everything below.
The climate in Morocco changes completely between the coast, the inland areas, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara. For a country at the crossroads between Africa and Europe, the variations are particularly marked. Here are the 5 major climatic regions, with a month-by-month breakdown for key cities.
Climate normals 1991-2020, Agadir-Inezgane station.
From Rabat to Agadir via Essaouira, the Atlantic Ocean smooths out the temperatures. In Essaouira, the thermometer barely moves: 18 °C in January, 22 °C in July. Agadir is warmer and sunnier, with 21 °C in the middle of winter. The sea remains cool, between 17 and 21 °C depending on the month, and the wind blows hard in Essaouira from April to early September, much to the delight of water sports enthusiasts. Further south, Dakhla also attracts kitesurfers.
Climate normals 1991-2020, Fès-Saïss station.
Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Rabat form the four imperial cities. Far from the ocean, Marrakech and Fes experience a real contrast: over 35 °C in July-August, but nights around 4 to 6 °C in January. Fes, further north, also receives more rainfall, with about 60 mm of rain per month in winter.
The High Atlas massif culminates at Mount Toubkal, at 4,167 meters, the highest peak in North Africa. At high altitude, summer days remain pleasant while the plains swelter. In winter, snow settles in: the Oukaïmeden resort, at 2,620 meters, is snow-covered from December to March, about two hours from Marrakech. The Middle Atlas, around Ifrane, also receives snow, amidst the wild nature of cedar forests.
Climate normals 1991-2020, Ouarzazate station.
South of the Atlas, between Ouarzazate, the Drâa Valley, and the dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga, the Sahara reigns supreme. It hardly ever rains, but the temperature gap between day and night is enormous: in Errachidia, the gateway to the Tafilalet, it drops from 16 °C in the afternoon to 2 °C in the early morning in January, and in summer, it exceeds 39 °C.
Tangier, Tetouan, and Chefchaouen enjoy a Mediterranean climate. Summer is milder there than in Marrakech, around 28 °C in Tangier, but winter is quite humid: Tangier receives more than 100 mm of rain per month from November to January, and the wettest season in Chefchaouen runs from November to January. Aim for spring or early autumn.
Marrakech is the gateway for most trips to Morocco. Here are its climate averages (1991-2020), month by month: afternoon and nighttime temperatures, days and total rainfall, and our opinion.
Climate normals 1991-2020, Marrakech-Ménara station.
March is the rainiest month, with 35 mm, which remains low. July and August are the hottest, with peaks well above averages. From December to February, afternoons are pleasant but riads are cool at night. If you are traveling at the end of the year, we have detailed Marrakech in December.
Spring ticks all the boxes. Temperatures rise from 24 °C in March to 29 °C in May in Marrakech, nights remain cool and pleasant, and the winter rains have turned the valleys green. It is the perfect time for the imperial cities, hiking in the Middle Atlas, and the first desert excursions, when the landscapes take on their most beautiful colors, with lovely contrasts.
The only downside: April is among the most expensive and crowded months. Kayak ranks it as the second most expensive month for flights to Marrakech, and Morocco welcomed 1.7 million visitors in April 2025. May offers the same climate with slightly fewer people and remains the last comfortable month for the Sahara before the intense heat.
Blooming almond trees are generally discovered in January-February in the Anti-Atlas, around Tafraout. In spring, head to the Dades Valley: the harvesting of roses in Kelaat M'Gouna takes place in April and May at dawn, and the rose festival is held in May.
Autumn is the smart alternative to spring. In fact, spring and autumn offer very similar conditions. In September, it is still warm inland (33 °C in Marrakech), but the coast is at its best: the sea reaches 21 °C in Essaouira and nearly 21 °C in Agadir, and October is the least windy month in Essaouira. October and November are perfect for the imperial cities, with temperatures between 23 and 29 °C in the afternoon.
It also marks the start of the Moroccan desert season: nights are becoming bearable again in Merzouga and the days are no longer scorching. Just watch out for the first rains in the north, which arrive in full force starting in November in Tangier.
Summer is the hottest season, and by far: 38 °C in July in Marrakech, 35 °C in Fes, nearly 40 °C in Ouarzazate and Errachidia. The Sahara should be avoided. But the heat is not the same everywhere, and Morocco remains a possible destination in summer, provided you choose your region wisely.
To avoid the heat, head to the Atlantic coast: Essaouira doesn't exceed 22 °C in July, Agadir 27 °C, and Tangier 28 °C. The other refuge is the altitude. From June to September, the High Atlas offers the best conditions for climbing Toubkal or hiking from village to village. In the cities, adopt the local rhythm: sightseeing in the morning, a siesta at noon, and outings in the evening. And remember to prioritize a hotel or a riad with a pool.
The chergui is a hot, dry wind coming from the Sahara from the east. Especially frequent in July and August, it is persistent, laden with sand dust, and scorching in summer. When it blows, stay in the shade, cover your head, and drink plenty of water.
Winter is the season of contrasts. Agadir stays at 21 to 22 °C in the afternoon and remains the sunny winter destination. Marrakech hovers around 19-20 °C, but nights drop to 6-7 °C. In the desert, days are beautiful and nights drop to 2-4 °C. And in the Atlas, it snows.
It's the low season, except during the end-of-year holidays when prices go up. January is the cheapest month for a flight. To learn more about the end of the year, read our article on Morocco in December, region by region.
The rainy season in Morocco generally extends from October to April: precipitation is mostly concentrated in winter. In contrast, summer is almost dry everywhere: July averages less than one day of rain from Tangier to Agadir. However, the differences between regions are enormous.
| City | Rainiest month | Rain that month | Rainy days per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tangier | November | 135 mm | 88 days |
| Fes | November | 66 mm | 55 days |
| Essaouira | December | 56 mm | 31 days |
| Agadir | December | 49 mm | 21 days |
| Marrakech | March | 35 mm | 29 days |
| Ouarzazate | March | 17 mm | 18 days |
Northern Morocco is by far the most exposed: in Tangier, it rains an average of 11 to 12 days per month from November to February, and the wettest season in Chefchaouen runs from November to January. In Marrakech, even the wettest month only sees about 5 days of rain.
In southern Morocco, beyond the Atlas, rain becomes rare: Ouarzazate receives barely 115 mm per year. A shower therefore almost never ruins a trip in the south, whereas a stay in Tangier or Chefchaouen in the middle of winter requires a real plan B.
January is the coldest month in Morocco, across all major cities. However, afternoons remain mild: from 16 °C in Tangier and Fez to 21 °C in Agadir. It is at night that the cold is felt.
January lows drop to 1.8 °C in Ouarzazate, 2.0 °C in Errachidia, 3.7 °C in Fès, and 5.9 °C in Marrakech. On the coast, the ocean softens the nights: 8.4 °C in Agadir and 11.1 °C in Essaouira. At higher altitudes, snow covers the High Atlas, around Oukaïmeden, and the Middle Atlas, around Ifrane.
If you are leaving in January, plan for warm layers for the evening, especially in the desert and in the mountains, and ask your riad if it is heated before booking.
Every type of trip to Morocco has its ideal window, whether you are traveling alone, as a couple, or in a group. Here is the best time for every plan, from the medina to the mountain peaks, including the dunes and the coast.
To explore the imperial cities, aim for March to May or October-November. You'll enjoy the souks, palaces, Ben Youssef medersa, and gardens without enduring 38 °C in the shade. Historical sites are much better visited in the cool. Fez and Meknes are more pleasant in the spring than in the middle of winter, when rain is frequent. Evenings are cool all year round, so always keep an extra layer in your bag.
The Moroccan desert is best visited from October to April. The dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga and those of Zagora are at their best in October-November and March-April: warm but not scorching days, cool nights under the stars, an unforgettable experience. From December to February, temperatures drop to around 2 to 4 °C at Errachidia; plan to bring warm clothing.
No time to go all the way to the Sahara? The stone desert of Agafay, on the outskirts of Marrakech, is ideal for a night in a camp during a short trip. From June to August, forget the deep south: daytime temperatures regularly exceed 40 °C.
For mountain hiking, the best period is from June to September at high altitudes, and from April to May or September to October for the valleys and the Middle Atlas. Climbing Toubkal (4,167 m) in winter becomes mountaineering, requiring crampons and a guide. In the Berber villages, you will receive a warm welcome, but nights remain cold even in summer. An outdoor adventure among the most authentic in the country.
Swimming is more pleasant from June to October, when the sea reaches 20 to 21 °C. September and October are the best months: the warmest water of the year, fewer crowds than in August, and less wind in Essaouira.
To travel through Morocco by car, a long road trip connecting Tangier, Fez, the desert, the Atlas, and the coast has only one true window: April-May or October-November. It is the only period when no stage is too hot, too cold, or too rainy. On the road, you need data for GPS and bookings: sharing a phone's connection often avoids the need to rent a pocket wifi in Morocco.
For families, spring and autumn vacations are the most comfortable for children: manageable warmth, sunshine in the south, and outdoor activities for both little ones and adults. In summer, prioritize the Atlantic coast. A single eSIM plan for Morocco with enough GB is enough to share the connection with the whole family.
Beyond the weather, the religious calendar matters. Muslim holidays follow the lunar calendar and move forward by about ten days each year. Here are the expected dates for 2027, which may still shift by one day depending on the sighting of the crescent moon.
| Event | Planned dates | What it changes for you |
|---|---|---|
| Ramadan 2027 | From February 7 or 8 to around March 9, 2027 | Slow pace during the day, restaurants sometimes closed outside tourist areas, lively evenings |
| Eid al-Fitr | Around March 9 or 10, 2027 | Public holidays, closed shops, high-demand transport |
| Eid al-Adha | Around May 16 or 17, 2027 | Big family celebration, many Moroccans traveling, buses and trains are full |
| Marathon des Sables | From April 2 to 12, 2027 | Most in-demand southern accommodations around the race |
Traveling during Ramadan is still entirely possible and offers a unique atmosphere after breaking the fast. Simply adapt your schedule: sightseeing in the morning, respecting those fasting in the street, and making early reservations around Eid.
Scheduling your trip around a festival means discovering another facet of Moroccan culture, very different from a simple tour, and a true source of inspiration. Dates vary from one edition to the next: check them before booking.
| Month | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| February to April (depending on the year) | Almond Blossom Festival | Tafraout, Anti-Atlas |
| April | Marathon des Sables (from April 2 to 12, 2027) | Southern Moroccan desert |
| May | Rose Festival | Kelaat M'Gouna, Dades Valley |
| June | Festival of Sacred Music of the World (June 4 to 7, 2026) | Fez |
| June | Mawazine (June 19 to 27, 2026) | Rabat |
| June | Gnaoua and World Music Festival (June 24 to 26, 2027) | Essaouira |
| September | Imilchil Engagement Festival | Imilchil, High Atlas |
| October | Date Festival, now a professional trade show | Erfoud, in the Tafilalet |
| November | International Film Festival (November 20 to 28, 2026) | Marrakech |
January is the cheapest month to visit Morocco. According to flight price reports to Marrakech published by Kayak, January ranks as the cheapest month, far ahead of August and April, the two most expensive months. July is the most in-demand month, while December is part of the low season outside of the holidays.
High season follows the same curve. According to the Moroccan Ministry of Tourism, the country welcomed 2.7 million visitors in July 2025, including 1.8 million Moroccans residing abroad, and 4.6 million throughout July-August, for a total of 19.8 million for the entire year. Riads and desert camps display their highest prices during this time.
These periods drive up demand for flights and accommodations. If your dates are flexible, shift your departure by one or two weeks.
| Period | Why is it full? | Our advice |
|---|---|---|
| July-August | Return of Moroccans living abroad and summer holidays in Europe | Book early and prioritize the Atlantic coast |
| April | Ideal weather and Easter holidays in many countries | Book riads and bivouacs several weeks in advance |
| Late December | Holiday Season | Expect rising accommodation prices |
| Eid al-Adha | Big family celebration, lots of travel within the country | Plan ahead for buses and trains, which are often fully booked |
The best weather-to-price ratios can be found in November, early December, January, and early March. You will enjoy a mild climate in the south, less crowded sites, and lower prices. Every traveler wins in terms of relaxation. In January, combine Marrakech, the Drâa Valley, and Agadir: it is the most pleasant winter itinerary.
No matter the season, you will need internet on the ground: Google Maps in the medina, transfers to the desert, WhatsApp calls with your loved ones. The simplest way is an eSIM. With voilà eSIM, you enjoy excellent value for money, an easy-to-install eSIM, an easy-to-use app, and 24/7 human customer support. Morocco plans use the Orange Maroc network in 4G and 5G, for data only: you call via WhatsApp or FaceTime. Check your phone's compatibility below. Plans updated in September 2026:
| Plan | Validity | Price | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | 7 days | $2.20 | Layover or weekend |
| 3 GB | 15 days | $5.90 | Short stay, light usage |
| 5 GB | 30 days | $9.30 | One week with GPS and messaging apps |
| 10 GB | 30 days | $16.10 | 10 to 15-day road trip |
| 20 GB | 30 days | $28.50 | Heavy usage, social media, photos |
| 50 GB | 30 days | $57.70 | Family or remote work with data sharing |
Once your period is set, here are the points to settle before leaving for Morocco.
If there is only one thing you should remember: April, May, and October are the best months to discover Morocco as a whole. Summer is experienced on the coast and in the mountains, winter in the south, in Casablanca or Agadir, and on the Atlas trails.
Choose your region, set your date based on the climate and the calendar, and set off with peace of mind: Morocco has an ideal season for every desire.
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Spring, summer, or winter, stay connected everywhere in Morocco: Google Maps in the heart of the medina, making reservations on the desert road, WhatsApp calls with your loved ones. A voilà eSIM, the best value for your money, installed in 2 minutes, with 24/7 human support.
Rony is our in-house travel-connected expert. Always curious and never too far from an airport, he explores the latest destinations while testing the newest eSIM solutions. He signs our articles on travel and mobile technology, with a single mission: to turn his discoveries into clear, reliable, and smart advice to accompany you anywhere in the world.
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