Short answer: the best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Days are warm, nights are cool and every region, from the medinas to the Sahara, is comfortable. Summer suits the Atlantic coast, and winter is pleasant in Marrakech but cold at night in the desert and snowy in the High Atlas.
Morocco has very different climates within a few hours’ drive: a mild Atlantic coast, hot inland cities, snowy mountains and the Sahara. The right month depends on where you go.
Morocco weather by region
- Atlantic coast (Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira): mild all year, rarely above 28 °C in summer. Essaouira is often windy.
- Imperial cities (Fes, Meknes, Marrakech): hot summers, often 35 to 40 °C in July and August; mild winters with cold nights.
- Atlas Mountains: snow on the high peaks from December to March; pleasant hiking from April to October.
- Sahara (Merzouga, Zagora): very hot from June to August, often above 40 °C; ideal from October to April, with nights that can drop close to freezing in December and January.
Month by month
January and February: cool and quiet. Sunny days in Marrakech (around 18 to 20 °C), cold nights, snow in the Atlas. Good for the desert if you pack warm layers.
March: spring starts, almond trees blossom in the south. One of the best months for a first trip.
April and May: the peak of spring. Green valleys, roses in Kelaat M’Gouna in May, comfortable temperatures everywhere. Book riads early.
June: hot inland, still good on the coast. Essaouira hosts its Gnaoua World Music Festival.
July and August: very hot in Fes, Marrakech and the desert. Choose the coast, the Atlas or early morning visits. Many Moroccan families travel in these months.
September and October: the second high season. Warm days return to normal, dates are harvested around Erfoud and the desert is pleasant again.
November: mild and quieter. A good month for the Sahara and the imperial cities.
December: cool, sunny days and cold nights. Popular around Christmas and New Year, especially in Marrakech and the desert.
The best time for…
- The Sahara desert: October to April. See our Sahara desert tours and our guide to desert camps.
- Marrakech: March to May and October to December.
- Fes and Chefchaouen: April to June and September to October. Chefchaouen can be rainy in winter.
- Hiking in the High Atlas: April to June and September to October.
- The beach: June to September on the Atlantic coast.
- A honeymoon: spring and autumn, when you can combine cities, desert and coast. See our honeymoon tours.
Ramadan and public holidays
Ramadan moves about eleven days earlier each year. In 2027 it is expected to run from around 8 February to 9 March, depending on the sighting of the moon. Travelling during Ramadan is possible and often memorable: evenings are lively after sunset, but some restaurants close during the day and opening hours are shorter. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public during the day out of respect.
Festivals worth planning around
- Rose Festival, Kelaat M’Gouna, May.
- Gnaoua World Music Festival, Essaouira, June.
- Fes Festival of World Sacred Music, Fes, usually late spring.
- Date Festival, Erfoud, autumn.
- Marrakech International Film Festival, late autumn.
For an official overview of the country’s regions and events, see Visit Morocco, the national tourism board.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Morocco?
April and October are the best all-round months: warm days, cool nights and good conditions in the cities, the mountains and the Sahara.
Is Morocco too hot in summer?
Inland cities and the desert are very hot in July and August, often 35 to 45 °C. The Atlantic coast stays mild, so summer trips work best around Essaouira, Rabat and the Atlas.
When is the best time to visit the Sahara in Morocco?
From October to April. Bring warm clothes for the night in December and January, when temperatures in the dunes can fall close to zero.
Is it a good idea to visit Morocco during Ramadan?
Yes, with a little flexibility. Sights stay open with shorter hours, evenings are festive, and you can eat in hotels and tourist restaurants.
Not sure which month suits your trip? Tell us your dates and we will suggest the best route for the season.