When's the Best Time of Year to Visit Morocco

January is quite a laid back time to visit Morocco, as it is a new year and everyone is trying to adjust to the shifts, but it is not a long holiday in Morocco, as they only get one day off for the new year. However, many people celebrate the night at the different parties that are organized throughout the country, most of them taking place at hotels. It can also get quite cold. Morocco is known for its insane high temperatures in the summer, but the temperatures get low during winter time, so don’t forget to pack some of your warmest jumpers.

Rainfall: seven days

Temperature: 13°C (55°F)

In February, it starts getting a little bit warmer, but it’s still grey and a little miserable at times, so the best thing to do is head over to Ifrane, where you can ski under sunny blue skies. Ifrane is a small town and ski resort that people refer to as “the little Switzerland” because it resembles the small country so much. During February, it is also time for the Almond Blossom Festival in Tafraoute, where you can see almonds in all shapes and forms, so head over there if you want to taste some of the best Moroccan products made with almond.

Rainfall: six days

Temperature: 14°C (57°F)

In spring, it is absolutely amazing to visit Morocco, as temperatures rise, although not too high. March is the perfect month for outdoor activities, like quad biking, hiking, walking, and sometimes even swimming, as temperatures can rise to 25°C (76°F). Another increasingly popular activity is cycling through the small towns, as it is easier and better for the environment, with many companies getting on board, notably Pikala Bikes in Marrakesh.

Rainfall: seven days

Temperature: 17°C (63°F)

As the months go by, temperatures go up. This is still spring, which means throughout the whole month, you will enjoy warm temperatures no higher than 27°C (80°F). It is the perfect time to enjoy some sightseeing at the many popular attractions, like the Chouara Tannery in Fez or Ait Ben Haddou, an ancient fortified village. If you feel like walking in the sun is too much, you can opt for indoor sightseeing at museums and palaces.

Rainfall: seven days

Temperature: 18°C (64°F)

In May, it gradually starts getting hotter and sunnier, so it’s time to take out your summer clothes! This may be a great time to visit the souks and medinas, as it is hot in the sun, but quite refreshing in the shade. You mustn’t forget to regularly drink water, as walking tends to contribute to dehydration. Another great alternative is relaxing at a riad by the pool, where the atmosphere is buzzing but it is also safe in the shade. In Fez, the Festival of World Sacred Music takes place, with artists from around the world, free concerts, a film festival, and much more.

Rainfall: four days

Temperature: 21°C (69°F)

Summer time is here and so is the heat! This is the time to start cooling down by doing water-related activities, such as Waky in Marrakesh, swimming in the many pools available, or going to the waterpark. June is also when the Mawazine Festival occurs in Rabat, the capital, where different artists—both national and international—come to perform for the Moroccan crowd. This might be the cause of an overcrowded city, but it only lasts five days.

Rainfall: one day

Temperature: 24°C (75°F)

July is usually very hot, with temperatures rising to 45°C (113°F) in some cities, so most of the time, you will find yourself getting tired just by carrying your bag. In this case, it is better to relax at a pool during the day and go out at night—which is what everybody else does. The souks are super vibrant and magical on hot summer nights, as there are chandeliers lit up everywhere, incredible food stalls, and much more. It is also time for the Timitar Music Festival in Agadir—a great beach city—an event that gathers artists from around the world, to promote Amazigh culture.

Rainfall: zero days

Temperature: 29°C (84°F)

August is a very hot month, just like July, where most days are spent relaxing in the sun. It is the perfect time to go to a beach town in Morocco, such as Imsouane, Tangier, or Essaouira, where you will be able to either go on a surf/yoga retreat or just enjoy eating grilled fish on the beach with some locals. There is also the incredible Moussem Moulay Abdellah Amghar that takes place in El Jadida, which is the ultimate place to go for a real Moroccan festival experience. It gathers over 500,000 people who watch Moroccan folklore art with fantasia performances, traditional horse riding dances, and more.

Rainfall: one day

Temperature: 29°C (84°F)

This is one of the best months to visit Morocco, as it is much less busy but the temperatures are still fantastic. During this time, the highest temperatures rise are 33°C (91°F), so you can enjoy many different activities without worrying about the weather. There are many festivals occurring in Morocco, such as the Marriage Festival in Imilchil or the Oasis Music Festival in Marrakesh. On warmer days, you can still go to the beach in Casablanca or the towns on the Mediterranean.

Rainfall: two days

Temperature: 27°C (80°F)

In October, you definitely start feeling the shift from Summer to Autumn with dropping temperatures. It is still quite warm during the day, which is perfect to visit smaller villages or the famous Erfoud Dates Festival, located near Ouarzazate in the oasis of Erfoud. The town also comes together to celebrate the Dates Festival, as this area alone has almost a million date palms.

Rainfall: five days

Temperature: 21°C (70°F)

November is quite a cold month and it is usually one of the months where it rains the most in Morocco. There are many museums and palaces to visit, such as the Hercules Cave in Tangier. It is also the month when Independence Day is celebrated in Morocco, which recalls the day they gained their independence from both Spain and France in 1956.

Rainfall: six days

Temperature: 17°C (63°F)

In December, it starts getting cold, especially in small villages, where it starts snowing heavily. It is also time for the Tan Tan Moussem (Festival), a festival that brings together over 30 different tribes from across Morocco to compete in camel races, exchange stories, dance, and have a brilliant time. Also taking place the same month is the Marrakesh Film Festival, an award show to honor the best Moroccan movies and actors.

Rainfall: six days

Temperature: 14°C

Morocco can have very tough winters, especially in small villages in the mountains where snow falls hard, there are very limited life resources, and paramedics cannot access the premises. So Winter (December through February) is generally considered the least preferred time to visit Morocco.