The best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November). Days are warm and sunny, the desert is comfortable, and both the cities and the mountains are easy to enjoy. Here is what to expect in each season, depending on where you want to go.
Morocco's weather by month
Morocco's climate changes a lot between the coast, the mountains and the desert. This table shows typical conditions in Marrakech and in the Sahara around Merzouga. Treat them as rounded averages, because individual days can vary considerably.
| Month | Marrakech high | Sahara high | Sahara night | For touring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C | 16°C | 3°C | Good, cold desert nights |
| February | 20°C | 19°C | 5°C | Good, cold desert nights |
| March | 23°C | 23°C | 9°C | Very good |
| April | 25°C | 28°C | 13°C | Excellent |
| May | 29°C | 32°C | 17°C | Excellent |
| June | 33°C | 38°C | 22°C | Hot, coast is better |
| July | 37°C | 42°C | 25°C | Very hot, coast and mountains only |
| August | 37°C | 41°C | 25°C | Very hot, coast and mountains only |
| September | 33°C | 36°C | 21°C | Hot, coast is better |
| October | 28°C | 29°C | 15°C | Excellent |
| November | 22°C | 22°C | 8°C | Very good |
| December | 19°C | 17°C | 4°C | Good, cold desert nights |
Spring: March to May
Spring is the favorite season for a full circuit. The Atlas valleys turn green, the roses bloom around Kelaat M'Gouna in May, and the Sahara is warm rather than scorching. It is also the busiest season, so book popular routes and desert camps early, especially around Easter.
Summer: June to August
Inland Morocco gets very hot. Marrakech regularly reaches the high 30s, and the Sahara often passes 40°C. If summer is your only option, it can still work: start early, rest in the afternoon, and spend time on the breezy Atlantic coast at Essaouira or in the High Atlas around Imlil. A short desert visit is more pleasant than several nights in the dunes.
Autumn: September to November
From late September the heat eases, and the desert is again ideal for camel treks and nights outdoors. October is one of the best months of the year for almost every route. By late November the evenings turn cool, so pack a warm layer.
Winter: December to February
Days are usually sunny and mild in Marrakech and the south, and there are fewer visitors outside the holidays. Desert nights can fall close to freezing, so ask for a camp with heated tents or extra blankets. Snow sometimes closes high passes such as Tizi n'Tichka for short periods, so a private driver who can adapt the route is a real advantage. The northern cities of Fes and Chefchaouen are the rainiest at this time.
New Year's Eve in the Sahara is especially popular, so reserve our New Year desert tour as early as you can.
Traveling during Ramadan
Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year. In 2027 it is expected from around 8 February to 9 March, with the exact dates confirmed by the lunar calendar. Tourism carries on as normal: hotels, camps and tourist restaurants stay open, and many visitors enjoy the festive evenings. Some local cafés close during the day and opening hours can be shorter, so a little flexibility helps.
The best time for each kind of trip
- Sahara desert: March to May and late September to November.
- Imperial cities: March to May and October to November.
- High Atlas walking: April to June and September to October.
- Atlantic coast: Good all year, and especially welcome from June to September.
