Morocco is a country in North Africa and has a population of 33 million. Morocco’s official languages are Arabic and Berber, but the Moroccan people also speak French and Spanish.
Morocco is bordered to the northwest by Algeria; to the northeast by Mauritania; to the east by Mali, Niger, Algeria, and Western Sahara; to the south by Western Sahara (controlled as an unofficial part of Morocco); and to the west with Spain.
The climate of Morocco is considered to be a Mediterranean climate, which means rainy winters and dry, hot summers. The Moroccan economy is dependent on agriculture and tourism.
Best time of year to visit Morocco:
Morocco has a temperate climate with Atlantic Ocean influence which results in hot and dry summers (>30C / 86F) and mild winters (< 0C / 32F). Morocco’s coastal location gives it a more moderate climate than might be expected for its latitude. The summer months are July, August, June & September.
The best time to visit Morocco will depend on your interests. If you’re interested in sightseeing, then May through October is the best time to visit Morocco. However, if beaches are what you’re after, then consider visiting during the winter months between December and February when water temperatures range from 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) to 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit).
The best month to visit Morocco:
November is considered the best month to visit Morocco; however, this depends on what you’re interested in doing while visiting. If it’s sightseeing, consider visiting during May through October when temperatures are mild, rain is scarce, and crowds are low. The high season of tourism runs from July through September, with July being the busiest of these three months.
High tourist season:
July Crowds are at their peak in Morocco from mid-July through early September when temperatures are high (> 30C / 86F) and rainfall is scarce. Ramadan will increase tourism to certain areas, but it will decrease tourism throughout other parts of the country as Muslims fast during daylight hours (avoid taking photographs or eating/drinking in front of others). Travelers should consider visiting during this period if sightseeing is not a priority.
Low tourist season:
The least crowded months for tourism are January & February, December & March. It’s generally not recommended that you visit Morocco between June-Sep. The country can become overcrowded with tourists – especially during national holidays where there can be upwards of 300% more tourists than usual! From a weather perspective, April & May have warmer average highs (~30C/86F), but the average lows are extraordinary (~15C/59F).
September & October see gradual increases in rainfall, humidity, and temperatures until late October when winter begins with colder temperatures, more frequent rain, and little to no sunshine. Winter is a relatively high season for tourism in Morocco. Still, it’s generally not recommended that you visit between Dec-Feb unless you’re interested in seeing the beach during the winter months when water temperatures range from 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit) to 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit).
Visit Morocco in Fall:
The best time to visit Morocco is during the fall season between September and November when rainfall is scarce, temperatures are mild (< 30C/86F), and crowds are low. This is a great opportunity to save money on your trip as you’ll avoid the high tourist season of summer. If visiting from November-February prepare for colder weather, more frequent rainfall, and limited sunshine months.
Morocco’s Beaches:
As mentioned above, the winter months (December-February) provide suitable climate conditions for those interested in sunbathing on Morocco’s beaches. The water temperature remains quite pleasant during this period with average highs of 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) and average lows of 15 degrees Celsius (59 Fahrenheit). Higher elevations will be cooler, however. Depending on the exact location, the water temperature may not be as comfortable during this period as most people expect it to be.
Visit Morocco in winter:
The winter months of December through February are an ideal time to visit Morocco as rainfall is scarce, temperatures range from mild (~15C/59F) to warm (~20C/68F), and the country becomes much less crowded. If visiting during this period be sure to pack a rain jacket as rain showers tend to occur over short periods of time.
Winter can also bring snow to areas of higher elevation, which will make traveling more difficult. Still, it’s not unusual for snowfall in higher regions of the Middle Atlas Mountains during this period.
Visit Morocco in the summer:
Morocco is hot during the summer months of June through September (highs > 30C/86F, lows < 20C/68F) and it becomes very crowded. Tourists should consider visiting during these months if they’re interested in spending time on Morocco’s beaches while taking a break from sightseeing.
You’ll also have the opportunity to observe Ramadan if you visit between June-September. Note that many restaurants are closed during this period so finding food may be more difficult outside of major cities.
Avoid visiting Morocco in the summer:
If you’re not planning to spend much time near water or on beaches, then avoid visiting between June-September unless you’re interested in seeing what Ramadan looks like.
The summer months are exceptionally hot (~35C/95F) and it becomes very crowded. Tourists should consider visiting during these months if they’re interested in spending time on Morocco’s beaches while taking a break from sightseeing.
You’ll also have the opportunity to observe Ramadan if you visit between June-September. Note that many restaurants are closed during this period so finding food may be more difficult outside of major cities.
Morocco is famed for its grand imperial cities, stunning beaches, spectacular landscapes, and unique culture. From immaculate medieval medinas to undeveloped coastal areas with endless desert vistas, Morocco offers something for everyone.
Cities like Marrakech offer ample opportunities to shop, eat out at night or take part in numerous festivals and events.
Nearby Essaouria provides picturesque beaches and a slower pace of life, while the ancient imperial cities of Fes, Meknes, and Rabat make for unforgettable experiences whether you’re interested in culture, history, or architecture.
Visit Morocco in spring:
Spring is an excellent time of year to visit Morocco if you want to hike through the country’s mountains or spend your time in more rural areas. The temperature is comfortable (~20C/70F) and it doesn’t rain much, although showers do occur frequently throughout March-June outside of the desert regions.
Weather in Morocco:
Morocco’s climate is far more temperate than most people expect it to be, although the country does have a dry season.
Be aware that rainfall increases significantly in autumn and winter while summer brings hot temperatures (~35C/95F) accompanied by high levels of humidity (>40%). On average, October is the wettest month of the year with ~100mm (3.9in), April & May are relatively dry with between 10-30mm (0.4in – 1.18in), and November through March are very wet months with precipitation rates ranging between 60-100mm (2.36in – 3.94in).
Weather-wise, Morocco can offer some for those who visit during the winter months and some during the summer. Morocco’s southern Atlantic coast is generally warm (~22C/72F) year-round, although it does get slightly cooler in December-February.
The northern Atlantic coast becomes progressively colder as you travel north; however, even in January temperatures can reach ~15C/59F near Tangier with an average high of ~20C/68F and low of ~13C/55F.
Morocco’s Mediterranean coast is always hot and dry (~28C/82F) with cool evening breezes June through August while temperatures rarely drop below 10C/50F at night November through March.
While there are no official “rainy seasons,” Morocco does have a dry period that spans from late October through April. Most years, Morocco experiences alternating brief dry periods and short intense rainfall spells in May-June & September-October while July & August see very little rain throughout the entire year.
Morocco’s climate is best described as the Mediterranean with distinct wet and dry seasons. While temperatures reach their highest during the summer months (~30C/86F), the country sees its highest rainfall rates during autumn (~100mm/3.9in). Winter brings much lower temperatures (~5C/41F) along with noticeably less rainfall (<50mm/2in) although showers do occur frequently throughout March-May outside of the desert regions.
Required clothing:
Casual lightweight clothes are suggested for most of Morocco’s tourist destinations, especially from December-February when the weather remains temperate (~15C/59F). A rain jacket is recommended year-round as rainfall occurs in short bursts. Should you visit during summer, light cotton clothes will help protect you from the sun while a hat and sunglasses will provide some relief from its intense rays.
Concluison
If you’re interested in Morocco’s ancient history, culture, and architecture but don’t want to deal with the intense heat of summertime or high humidity during other seasons, then winter is a great time for your visit. You may also wish to consider visiting at some point between spring and autumn when it’s milder outside. Should you choose Morocco as your destination this year? Visit our website today to learn more about how we can help make that decision easier!
