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The best time to visit Morocco is in spring or autumn, when the weather is warm and ideal for exploring cities, hiking the Atlas Mountains, or visiting the Sahara. This quick guide breaks down the top seasons, events, and tips for planning your perfect trip.
From the lively souks (traditional marketplaces) to the golden dunes of the Sahara, Morocco offers an unforgettable mix of culture, history, and landscapes.
In 2024, the country welcomed 17.4 million tourists—a 20% jump from the previous year.
If you're wondering about the best time to go to Morocco, this guide breaks down the seasons, events, and travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip.
The best time to go to Morocco is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is warm and comfortable for sightseeing.
These seasons are ideal for exploring cities, hiking in the Atlas Mountains, and experiencing the vibrant energy of Morocco’s souks.
However, each season offers something unique. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide when to visit.
Spring brings pleasant temperatures, blooming landscapes, and moderate crowds due to peak travel season. Cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Chefchaouen are lively but not overwhelmingly hot, while the Atlas Mountains are lush and perfect for hiking. This is one of the best times to visit, as it offers a blend of cultural and outdoor experiences.
Autumn offers similar weather to spring, making it another excellent time to visit. The Sahara Desert is cooler, making camel treks and desert camping more comfortable. Coastal cities like Essaouira and Agadir also enjoy warm but manageable temperatures, perfect for beach trips.
Winter is mild in most of Morocco, especially in Marrakech and Fez, where daytime temperatures remain comfortable. This is the best time for desert trips, as the Sahara is cooler than in summer. If you're heading to the Atlas Mountains, expect snowy landscapes and skiing opportunities in Oukaïmeden, Africa’s highest ski resort.
Summer temperatures can be intense, often ranging from 85°F to 105°F (29–40°C) in inland cities like Marrakech and Fez. The best places to visit during this time are Essaouira, Agadir, and Tangier, where the Atlantic breeze keeps the climate cooler. This is also peak season for surfing and beach activities along the coast.
Here’s a table summarizing Morocco’s seasonal weather conditions for easier reference.
Season | Months | Average Temperatures | Precipitation | Considerations |
Spring | March – May | 60–80°F (16–27°C) | Light to moderate rainfall, especially in the north | Comfortable weather for sightseeing and hiking; moderate crowds due to peak season |
Summer | June – August | 85–105°F (29–40°C) inland; cooler along the coast | Very low rainfall, mostly dry | Extremely hot in cities like Marrakech and Fez; best for coastal trips and surfing in Essaouira and Agadir |
Autumn | September – November | 65–85°F (18–29°C) | Light to moderate rainfall, increasing in November | Similar to spring with pleasant weather; ideal for desert trips and cultural exploration |
Winter | December – February | 50–70°F (10–21°C) in cities; 30°F (-1°C) in the Atlas Mountains | Highest rainfall in the north; dry in the Sahara | Best for desert trips and city sightseeing; skiing available in the Atlas Mountains |
Note: This is a general overview of Morocco's seasonal weather patterns. Actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions may vary by region and year, especially between inland cities, coastal areas, and the Atlas Mountains.
From historic tribal gatherings to modern film and music festivals, these events offer travelers a unique way to experience Morocco’s traditions.
The cheapest time to visit Morocco is during the low season from November to February, except for the holiday period in late December.
During these months, flights, accommodations, and tours are significantly cheaper than in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when demand and prices are higher.
Expense | Peak Season (Spring & Autumn) | Shoulder/Low Season (Winter & Early Summer) |
Roundtrip flight (from the U.S.) | $700 – $1,200+ | $400 – $800 |
Hotel (mid-range per night) | $80 – $150 | $40 – $90 |
Luxury Riad (per night) | $200 – $500 | $120 – $300 |
Budget Hostel (per night) | $15 – $40 | $10 – $30 |
Car Rental (per day) | $40 – $80 | $25 – $50 |
Local Taxi (short ride) | $2 – $5 | $1 – $3 |
Coffee | $1 – $3 | $1 – $2 |
Meal | $5 – $12 | $4 – $10 |
Entrance to major attractions | $5 – $15 | $5 – $15 (unchanged) |
Note: These figures are approximate and can vary based on specific locations, current economic conditions, and individual preferences.
The ideal Morocco itinerary depends on your travel style and interests. Below, we've created 5-day and 10-day trip options to help you plan your journey.
Best for: Cultural explorers, weekend travelers, and first-time visitors looking for a mix of history, local experiences, and optional day trips.
Day 1: Arrival and exploring the medina
Day 2: Historical and cultural landmarks
Day 3: Day trip or local exploration
Day 4: Culinary and cultural immersion
Day 5: Final sightseeing and departure
Best for: First-time visitors who want a balanced mix of cities, nature, and cultural experiences.
Day 1-2: Marrakech and cultural highlights
Day 3-4: Fez – Morocco’s cultural capital
Day 5-6: Sahara Desert Adventure
Sahara Desert
Day 7-8: Chefchaouen – The Blue City
Day 9-10: Volubilis & Beach Option
Packing for Morocco depends on the season, destinations, and activities you plan to do. Here’s a quick checklist to help you pack efficiently:
Packing smart ensures a comfortable and enjoyable trip while respecting local customs and weather conditions in Morocco.
U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays in Morocco of less than 90 days.
However, your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry, and you should have at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
If you plan to stay longer than 90 days, you must apply for an extension through the Moroccan immigration authorities.
Morocco has a decent internet infrastructure, but the quality of WiFi connectivity varies depending on location.
In major cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, and Rabat, WiFi is widely available in hotels, cafés, restaurants, and coworking spaces.
However, in rural areas, the internet can be slow or unreliable, and in the Sahara Desert or remote villages, connectivity may be very limited.
If you need consistent and fast internet while traveling in Morocco, there are several options to consider. eSIMs and local SIM cards are cost-effective solutions for seamless mobile connectivity. However, to use a local SIM, your phone must be unlocked.
Another option is pocket WiFi (portable hotspots), ideal for those who need internet access on multiple devices. These devices can be rented at airports or through travel companies and operate on 4G networks, though they require a daily rental fee.
Many travelers rely on WiFi in hotels and cafés, which is widely available in urban areas but can be unreliable or slow. Bandwidth limitations in public networks can make tasks like video calls or streaming difficult, especially during peak hours.
For those who prefer to use their existing phone plan, international roaming is an option, but it can be expensive. Some carriers offer travel data plans, so it’s best to check rates and coverage before your trip.
For travelers looking for reliable mobile data in Morocco, eSIMs provide a number of benefits without the need for a physical SIM card.
They allow you to stay connected as soon as you land, avoiding expensive roaming charges and unreliable public WiFi. Here are some of the best eSIM providers for Morocco:
Holafly is a popular eSIM provider that offers unlimited data plans for travelers in Morocco and other destinations worldwide. Their eSIMs are easy to activate via QR code, eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. Holafly is a great option for those who want hassle-free connectivity without worrying about running out of data.
Pros:
Cons:
Cost: $5.98 per day (unlimited data for 5 days)
Nomad is a flexible eSIM provider that offers prepaid data packages for travelers in Morocco, allowing users to choose from different data amounts based on their needs. Their pricing is competitive, and plans can be easily managed through their app. Nomad is ideal for travelers who want control over their data usage without committing to unlimited plans.
Pros:
Cons:
Cost: $8 (1GB data for 7 days)
Airalo offers prepaid eSIMs for Morocco with flexible data packages, making it a great choice for travelers looking for affordable short-term connectivity. Their eSIMs are easy to install via QR code and provide access to local networks without requiring a physical SIM. Airalo is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who want a straightforward way to stay connected.
Pros:
Cons:
Cost: $8 (1GB data for 7 days)
The best months to visit Morocco are March to May (spring) and September to November (autumn) when the weather is warm and comfortable for sightseeing, hiking, and cultural exploration. April and October, in particular, offer the most balanced temperatures, making them ideal months for travel.
The worst time to visit Morocco is July and August, especially for inland cities like Marrakech and Fez, where temperatures can exceed 100°F (38°C), making outdoor activities uncomfortable.
April and October offer the best weather, with pleasant temperatures, minimal rainfall, and fewer extreme conditions. These months are ideal for exploring cities, the desert, and the coast while avoiding both the peak summer heat and winter chill.
January and February are the cheapest months to visit, as they fall within the low season, leading to lower prices on flights, accommodations, and tours (except for the New Year’s holiday). November and early December can also be affordable, but prices may rise closer to the holiday season.
March to May and October to November are the best months to visit Marrakech, offering warm but manageable temperatures. These months are ideal for exploring the medina, palaces, and gardens without the intense summer heat. April and October, in particular, provide the most comfortable weather for sightseeing.