A village of stone houses in the Imlil valley below the snow-covered Toubkal massif

Month-by-month data

Morocco Weather Monthly

Highs, lows and rainfall for every month in six regions, with what to pack and what to do.

Imlil valley, below Toubkal. Photograph: Erokhin, CC BY-SA 4.0

Climate regions
6
Best months
April and October
Hottest
August, 46°C in the Sahara
Wettest
Tangier, December

Seasonal Overview at a Glance

Morocco runs from the Mediterranean coast to the Sahara, so the weather depends on where you are. The short version first.

Spring (March - May)
Best OverallThe ideal season for most travelers. Comfortable temperatures everywhere, wildflowers in the Atlas, minimal rain in the south, and festivals beginning. April and May are peak perfection.
Summer (June - August)
Coast OnlyInterior and Sahara are too hot for comfortable tourism. Coastal cities (Essaouira, Agadir, Tangier) remain pleasant. Domestic tourism peaks. Prices rise at beaches, drop inland.
Autumn (September - November)
ExcellentRivals spring as the best season. October is arguably the single best month. Desert tours are perfect, cities are comfortable, and tourist numbers are manageable.
Winter (December - February)
Budget SeasonCool and wet in the north, mild in the south. Excellent for budget travelers (except Christmas/NYE). Skiing available. Desert tours are good but cold at night. Fewer crowds.

Month-by-Month Weather Guide

The whole year in one table. Pick a month for its regional data, packing list and activities.

Morocco weather by month
MonthOur scoreMarrakechEssaouiraSaharaTangier rain
January18C18C20C80mm
February20C19C22C70mm
March23C20C26C55mm
April26C20C30C40mm
May30C21C35C25mm
June34C23C40C10mm
July38C24C45C3mm
August39C24C46C2mm
September33C24C37C15mm
October27C23C30C50mm
November22C21C24C80mm
December18C19C19C85mm

Daytime highs. Our score is our editorial judgement of the month for a typical trip.

January

Cool and wet in the north, mild in the south. The Atlas Mountains receive heavy snowfall, opening ski season at Oukaimeden. Marrakech is pleasant by day but cold at night. The Sahara is comfortable but chilly after sunset. Tourist numbers are at their lowest, meaning excellent prices on riads and tours.

January weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech18C6C30mm6
Essaouira18C10C40mm7
Fes15C4C55mm9
Sahara20C4C5mm1
Atlas (2000m)8C-5C50mm8
Tangier16C8C80mm11

What to pack

  • Warm jacket or fleece
  • Rain layer (packable)
  • Layers for temperature swings
  • Warm hat and gloves (Atlas visits)
  • Comfortable walking shoes

Best activities

  • Skiing at Oukaimeden
  • Marrakech sightseeing without crowds
  • Sahara camping under clear skies
  • Hammam and spa retreats
  • Cooking classes in quiet riads

February

Similar to January but slightly warmer. Almond blossoms begin in the Ameln Valley near Tafraoute, creating one of Morocco's most beautiful seasonal spectacles. Rainfall starts decreasing in the south. The northern cities remain chilly and wet. Still low season with good deals available.

February weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech20C7C25mm5
Essaouira19C10C30mm6
Fes16C5C50mm8
Sahara22C6C3mm1
Atlas (2000m)10C-3C45mm7
Tangier17C9C70mm10

What to pack

  • Layered clothing system
  • Light rain jacket
  • Sunglasses (desert trips)
  • Warm sweater for evenings
  • Camera for almond blossoms

Best activities

  • Almond blossom festival (Tafraoute)
  • Skiing last weeks at Oukaimeden
  • Desert tours with mild temperatures
  • Explore Fes medina without summer heat
  • Surfing at Taghazout (consistent swells)

March

Spring arrives. Temperatures become very comfortable across the country. Wildflowers blanket the Atlas foothills and the Middle Atlas cedars turn vivid green. This is the start of peak trekking season. The Sahara is warm but not yet punishing. Shoulder season pricing in most accommodations.

March weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech23C10C30mm5
Essaouira20C12C25mm4
Fes19C7C45mm7
Sahara26C11C5mm1
Atlas (2000m)14C0C40mm6
Tangier18C10C55mm8

What to pack

  • Light layers for daytime
  • Warm layer for evenings
  • Sun hat and sunscreen
  • Good hiking boots (Atlas)
  • Allergy medication (pollen season)

Best activities

  • Atlas trekking (wildflower season)
  • City tours in perfect weather
  • Paragliding near Marrakech
  • Golf in mild conditions
  • Rose Valley early blooms

April

One of the two best months to visit Morocco. Warm and sunny across the country with minimal rain outside the north. The Rose Festival in the Dades Valley typically occurs in late April or early May. Atlas trekking conditions are ideal. Beach towns start warming up. Booking ahead recommended as tourism picks up.

April weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech26C12C20mm4
Essaouira20C13C15mm3
Fes22C10C35mm5
Sahara30C15C3mm0
Atlas (2000m)18C4C30mm4
Tangier20C12C40mm6

What to pack

  • Light cotton clothing
  • Sun hat and SPF 50
  • Light scarf for wind/mosques
  • Sandals and walking shoes
  • Swimwear (coastal areas)

Best activities

  • Rose Festival (Kelaat M'Gouna)
  • Toubkal summit attempt
  • Desert camping before summer heat
  • Essaouira beach walks
  • Festival season begins

May

The other best month. Similar to April but warmer. The Sahara starts getting hot but is manageable. Coastal cities are perfect. Interior cities like Marrakech and Fes are warm but not yet stifling. The Gnaoua Festival in Essaouira usually takes place in late May or June. Long daylight hours for sightseeing.

May weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech30C15C10mm2
Essaouira21C15C5mm1
Fes26C13C20mm3
Sahara35C19C2mm0
Atlas (2000m)22C8C15mm2
Tangier22C14C25mm4

What to pack

  • Breathable cotton and linen
  • Strong sunscreen SPF 50+
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Light long sleeves for sun protection
  • Hat with brim

Best activities

  • Gnaoua Festival (Essaouira)
  • Atlas trekking (snow melted from passes)
  • Coastal activities
  • Outdoor dining peak season
  • Photography in golden light

June

Summer begins. Interior cities like Marrakech hit 35C+ regularly. The Sahara becomes very hot with midday temperatures above 40C. Coastal cities remain comfortable thanks to Atlantic breezes. Essaouira rarely exceeds 25C. This is a good month for coast-focused itineraries. Ramadan may fall in this period (check Islamic calendar).

June weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech34C18C5mm1
Essaouira23C16C2mm0
Fes31C16C10mm1
Sahara40C23C0mm0
Atlas (2000m)26C12C5mm1
Tangier25C17C10mm2

What to pack

  • Ultra-light breathable clothing
  • SPF 50+ sunscreen (reapply often)
  • Electrolyte packets
  • Cooling towel for heat
  • Comfortable sandals

Best activities

  • Beach season at Agadir
  • Essaouira wind sports
  • Early morning Marrakech visits
  • Atlas high passes now accessible
  • Dakhla kitesurfing

July

Peak summer heat. Marrakech and Fes regularly exceed 38C. The Sahara is brutally hot (45C+) and desert tours are not recommended. Coastal cities are the best bet: Essaouira, Agadir, and Tangier remain pleasant. This is domestic tourism peak as Moroccans head to beaches. Hotels in coastal areas book up and prices rise.

July weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech38C22C2mm0
Essaouira24C17C0mm0
Fes35C19C3mm0
Sahara45C27C0mm0
Atlas (2000m)30C15C3mm0
Tangier28C19C3mm0

What to pack

  • Lightest possible clothing
  • Portable fan or misting spray
  • SPF 50+ (large quantity)
  • Reusable water bottle (hydrate constantly)
  • Light cotton scarf

Best activities

  • Beach holidays (Agadir, Essaouira, Tangier)
  • Surfing Taghazout
  • Mountain retreats at Ifrane
  • Night markets (cooler evenings)
  • Water parks

August

The hottest month. Interior travel is uncomfortable for most visitors. The Sahara is off-limits for casual tourists due to extreme heat. However, Moroccan vacation peaks in August and the coast buzzes with domestic tourism. If you visit this month, plan a coastal itinerary or head to the Atlas Mountains above 2,000m where temperatures are manageable.

August weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech39C22C2mm0
Essaouira24C18C0mm0
Fes36C20C2mm0
Sahara46C28C1mm0
Atlas (2000m)31C16C5mm1
Tangier29C20C2mm0

What to pack

  • Same as July
  • Electrolyte supplements essential
  • Battery-powered fan
  • Loose-fitting linen clothing
  • After-sun lotion

Best activities

  • Coastal road trips
  • Chefchaouen (cooler in the Rif)
  • Ifrane mountain escape
  • Night-focused city exploration
  • Early morning hiking

September

The heat begins to break. Late September is noticeably cooler than August. Marrakech and Fes become comfortable again by the last week. The Sahara starts to become viable for desert tours again. Surf swells return to the Atlantic coast. Shoulder season pricing returns. An excellent month for travel.

September weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech33C18C8mm1
Essaouira24C17C5mm1
Fes31C17C15mm2
Sahara37C21C5mm1
Atlas (2000m)25C10C15mm2
Tangier27C18C15mm2

What to pack

  • Light clothing with one warm layer
  • Rain jacket (late month)
  • Sunscreen still essential
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Swimwear

Best activities

  • Desert tours resume (late month)
  • Surfing season begins
  • Trekking in cooler Atlas
  • Film festivals
  • Harvests in agricultural regions

October

Many experienced Morocco travelers consider October the single best month to visit. Temperatures are perfect across the country: warm but not hot. The Sahara is comfortable for camping. Rain is minimal outside the north. Atlas trekking is superb. Tourist numbers are moderate. This is the sweet spot.

October weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech27C14C20mm3
Essaouira23C16C15mm2
Fes24C12C30mm4
Sahara30C15C8mm1
Atlas (2000m)19C5C25mm3
Tangier23C15C50mm6

What to pack

  • Comfortable layers
  • Light jacket for evenings
  • Good trekking gear (Atlas)
  • Sun protection still needed
  • Desert camping warm layer

Best activities

  • Sahara desert camping
  • Toubkal summit (ideal conditions)
  • City exploration in comfort
  • Date harvest in Zagora
  • Paragliding season peaks

November

Autumn deepens. Temperatures cool, especially in the evenings. Rain increases significantly in the north (Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes). The south remains pleasant and dry. Desert tours are excellent. Marrakech is comfortable. The first snow dusts the High Atlas peaks. Tourist numbers drop, meaning better availability and pricing.

November weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech22C10C30mm5
Essaouira21C13C35mm5
Fes18C8C55mm7
Sahara24C10C5mm1
Atlas (2000m)13C1C40mm5
Tangier19C12C80mm9

What to pack

  • Warm jacket (essential evenings)
  • Rain jacket (northern trips)
  • Layers, layers, layers
  • Warm socks and closed shoes
  • Scarf for wind

Best activities

  • Desert tours (perfect temperatures)
  • Olive harvest experiences
  • Marrakech without crowds
  • Photography (dramatic light)
  • Wine tasting in Meknes region

December

Winter arrives. Cool to cold across the country, especially at night. Rain is frequent in the north. The Atlas Mountains are snow-covered and skiing opens. The Sahara is comfortable by day but cold at night (down to 2C). Holiday period (Christmas/New Year) brings a surge in tourism and prices spike at popular riads. Book well ahead for the last two weeks.

December weather by region
RegionHighLowRainRain days
Marrakech18C6C25mm5
Essaouira19C10C40mm6
Fes14C4C50mm8
Sahara19C3C5mm1
Atlas (2000m)7C-6C50mm7
Tangier16C8C85mm11

What to pack

  • Warm winter jacket
  • Hat, gloves, scarf
  • Rain gear
  • Warm sleepwear (riads can be cold)
  • Thermal base layer (Atlas/desert nights)

Best activities

  • Skiing at Oukaimeden
  • New Year in Marrakech
  • Hammam season (warm up!)
  • Holiday shopping in souks
  • Sahara stargazing (cold clear skies)

Morocco’s Six Climate Zones

Why the weather changes so much across one country, from Mediterranean coast to true Saharan desert.

Interior (Marrakech)
Semi-arid continental. Hot, dry summers (38°C+), mild winters (18°C days, 6°C nights). Daily swings of 15-20 degrees. Low rainfall, mostly in winter.
Atlantic coast
Maritime, moderated by the cold Canary Current. A narrow range year-round (17-25°C). Steady wind, especially at Essaouira, and frequent morning fog.
North interior (Fes)
Mediterranean-influenced continental. Wetter and cooler than Marrakech, with cold, rainy winters and occasional frost. Hot but less extreme summers. Most rain falls October to March.
Sahara Desert
True desert. Extreme summer heat (45°C+), winter nights near freezing, almost no rain, and daily swings of 25-30 degrees.
Atlas Mountains
Alpine above 2,000 m. Heavy snow November to April, cool summers with afternoon thunderstorms. Temperature falls about 6°C per 1,000 m climbed.
Rif and north coast
True Mediterranean. The wettest region of Morocco (800 mm+ a year), green, with mild wet winters and warm dry summers. Chefchaouen gets more rain than London.

Weather Planning Tips

Layer everything
Swings of 15-20°C in a day are normal. A hot afternoon in Marrakech turns into a chilly evening; always carry a layer.
Sunscreen year-round
UV levels are high even in winter, given the latitude and clear skies. SPF 30 minimum, SPF 50+ recommended.
Wind at the coast
Essaouira and the Atlantic towns are windy year-round, especially June-September. Pack a windbreaker even in summer.
Desert nights are cold
Sahara nights drop to 5°C in spring and autumn and near 0°C in winter. Bring thermal layers for any desert camp.
Ramadan
Ramadan moves 10-11 days earlier each year. Restaurants may keep shorter hours; plan ahead and respect the fast.
Book ahead for peak months
April, October, Christmas/New Year and Easter see the most demand. Book accommodation 2-3 months ahead.