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Planning Guide
Best Time to Visit Fes
April and October are ideal — warm days, cool evenings, and the medina at its most atmospheric. Here's what to expect every month of the year.
The Quick Answer
Best months: April, May, October, November. Budget pick: January–February (cheapest rates, cold but atmospheric). Avoid: July–August unless you handle 40°C+ heat well. Festival pick: June for the World Sacred Music Festival.
Season by Season
Spring (March–May)
Best time to visit
16–28°C (61–82°F) Occasional showers Moderate Mid-range
The ideal season for Fes. March starts mild with occasional rain; by April the weather is warm and dry; May edges toward hot but is still comfortable. The medina is alive with spring energy — flowers on rooftop terraces, fresh produce in the souks, and pleasant temperatures for walking. Easter week and late May bring more visitors, but the medina absorbs crowds better than Marrakech.
Perfect sightseeing weatherFes Festival of Sufi Culture (April)Gardens in bloomComfortable medina walking
Summer (June–August)
Too hot for most
28–42°C (82–108°F) Almost none Low–Moderate Low–Mid
Extreme heat in July–August makes extended medina exploration exhausting. However, June is manageable and coincides with the World Sacred Music Festival. Summer crowds are lighter than spring and autumn, and riad prices drop. If you visit, adopt the local rhythm: early mornings, long midday rests, evening exploration.
Fes Festival of World Sacred Music (June)Lower pricesLong daylight hoursLess crowded medina
Autumn (September–November)
Excellent — second-best season
16–32°C (61–90°F) Increasing from October Moderate Mid-range
September is still warm but the worst heat has broken. October is arguably the single best month — warm days, cool evenings, minimal rain, and manageable crowds. November brings occasional rain and cooler temperatures but the medina is atmospheric in autumn light. Olive harvest season adds activity in the surrounding countryside.
October is idealOlive harvest in countrysideWarm days, cool eveningsAutumn colours in Merenid Hills
Winter (December–February)
Cold but atmospheric
6–16°C (43–61°F) Regular, sometimes heavy Low Lowest
Fes is colder than visitors expect — nights drop to 4–6°C and rain is common. The medina is quiet and atmospheric, riads offer fireplaces and hot hammams, and prices are at their lowest. The tanneries are less pungent in cold weather (a genuine advantage). Bring layers — many riads have limited central heating. The trade-off: fewer crowds, better prices, and a side of Fes most tourists never see.
Lowest prices of the yearEmpty medina for photographyLess pungent tanneriesCozy riad fireplaces
Month-by-Month Overview
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Crowds | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 15°C | 4°C | 60mm | Low | $ |
| Feb | 17°C | 5°C | 55mm | Low | $ |
| Mar | 20°C | 7°C | 50mm | Med | $$ |
| Apr | 23°C | 10°C | 40mm | Med | $$ |
| May | 28°C | 13°C | 25mm | Med-Hi | $$ |
| Jun | 33°C | 17°C | 8mm | Med | $$ |
| Jul | 38°C | 20°C | 2mm | Low | $ |
| Aug | 38°C | 20°C | 2mm | Low | $ |
| Sep | 32°C | 17°C | 12mm | Med | $$ |
| Oct | 26°C | 13°C | 35mm | Med | $$ |
| Nov | 20°C | 8°C | 60mm | Low-Med | $ |
| Dec | 16°C | 5°C | 65mm | Low | $ |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Fes?
April and October are the best months. Temperatures are comfortable (18–25°C), rainfall is minimal, the medina is not too crowded, and accommodation prices are moderate. May and September are close seconds. Avoid July–August if you dislike heat (35–42°C in the medina).
How hot does Fes get in summer?
Very hot. July and August regularly reach 38–42°C (100–108°F). The medina, with its narrow alleys and limited airflow, feels even hotter. If you visit in summer, sightsee early morning (before 10 AM) and late afternoon (after 5 PM), rest during midday, and carry water. Many riads have pools or cool courtyards.
Does it rain in Fes?
Yes — Fes gets more rain than Marrakech. November through February are the wettest months, with occasional heavy downpours. The medina streets can flood briefly during storms. Rain is rare from June through September. Spring (March–May) has occasional showers but mostly sunshine.
When is the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music?
Usually held in June. The festival brings musicians from around the world to perform in historic venues including the Bab Makina courtyard and Dar Batha gardens. It is one of Morocco's premier cultural events and worth planning your trip around. Dates are announced in early spring each year.