Morocco is a large country with very different climates, so the best time to visit depends on where you are going and what you want to do. Here is how the seasons play out across the desert, the cities, the mountains and the coast.
The short answer
For most travelers combining cities, mountains and desert, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable weather. Days are warm rather than scorching, and nights are pleasant.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is green and mild. The Atlas Mountains still carry snow on the high peaks while the valleys bloom, and the cities are comfortable for walking. Temperatures in the Sahara are warm but usually manageable, though they climb toward the end of May.
Summer (June to August)
Summer is very hot inland. Marrakech and the desert regularly see extreme afternoon heat, and travel in the Sahara at this time is demanding. The Atlantic coast, including Essaouira, stays much cooler and is a popular escape, and the Atlas Mountains are pleasant for walking at altitude.
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn is another excellent window. Heat eases through September and October, the desert becomes comfortable again, and the light is beautiful. It is also when Atlantic surf conditions begin to improve.
Winter (December to February)
Winter days can be sunny and pleasant in Marrakech and the south, but nights in the desert and mountains are cold, sometimes near freezing. Snow closes some high routes in the Atlas. Northern cities such as Fes and Chefchaouen see more rain.
Choosing by destination
- Sahara Desert: October to April is the most comfortable; avoid peak summer heat.
- Marrakech and imperial cities: spring and autumn are ideal.
- Atlas Mountains: May to October for walking; winter for snow scenery.
- Atlantic coast and Essaouira: pleasant nearly all year, breezy in summer.
Ramadan and holidays
Ramadan moves earlier by about ten or eleven days each year. Travel during Ramadan is possible and can be rewarding, but some restaurants keep shorter hours in daytime and the pace of the day shifts. Tell us your dates and we will advise how they line up.
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