Can You Wear Shorts in Morocco? (Dress Code)
Quick answer
You can wear shorts in Morocco, especially at beach resorts and in big cities, but it’s more respectful — and draws less attention — to cover knees and shoulders in medinas, smaller towns and at religious sites. Light, loose, longer clothing is the comfortable, respectful choice.
Morocco is a Muslim-majority country with a relaxed but real sense of modesty, and dress is where many visitors worry about causing offence. The short answer: nobody will arrest you for shorts, but covering up a little goes a long way in comfort, respect and avoiding stares.
The right call depends on where you are — a beach in Agadir is very different from a back alley in the Fes medina.
Men
Men wearing shorts is increasingly common and broadly accepted in tourist cities and at the coast. In conservative areas, smaller towns and the medinas, longer shorts or light trousers look more respectful, and Moroccan men themselves mostly wear long trousers year-round.
For mosques you’re permitted to enter (rare for non-Muslims, e.g. Hassan II in Casablanca), cover shoulders and knees.
Women
Women aren’t required to cover their hair (except inside a working mosque you’re allowed to enter), but covering shoulders and knees in towns and medinas reduces unwanted attention and is appreciated. Loose, lightweight clothing — maxi dresses, linen trousers, a light scarf — keeps you cool and respectful.
Shorts and strappy tops are fine at beach resorts and pools, and more relaxed in cosmopolitan parts of Marrakech, Casablanca and Agadir. Off the tourist track, err toward covered.
Practical dressing for the climate
Morocco can be hot, so think breathable and loose rather than tight and skimpy — loose long layers actually keep you cooler in the sun and protect from it. Pack a scarf (useful for sun, mosques and modesty), comfortable closed shoes for the medinas, and something warm for cool desert nights and the mountains.
In short: dress for respect and comfort in towns, dress freely at the beach, and you’ll never feel out of place.
Key takeaways
- Shorts are allowed — best saved for resorts and big cities.
- Cover knees and shoulders in medinas, small towns and religious sites.
- Women don’t need to cover their hair except inside mosques.
- Loose, light, longer clothing is cooler, respectful and lower-attention.
Frequently asked questions
Do women have to cover their hair in Morocco?
No, visitors don’t need to cover their hair except inside a working mosque you’re permitted to enter. A scarf is handy for sun and modesty but not required day to day.
Can you wear shorts in Marrakech?
Yes, particularly in modern areas, but longer shorts or light trousers are more respectful and lower-attention in the medina and souks.
What should I wear to the beach in Morocco?
Normal swimwear is fine at beach resorts and pools (Agadir, Essaouira resorts). Cover up when walking into town from the beach.
Plan it with a local expert
Travel Morocco with Serenity Morocco Tours
Crafting extraordinary journeys through Morocco's timeless landscapes. 100% private journeys, handcrafted around you.
from $2,011Sahara Desert Luxury Expedition
from $2,054Essential Morocco: Imperial Cities Circuit
from $5,978Sahara to Sea: Morocco Complete
