Sun-baked desert landscapes, sun-drenched coastlines, and snow-capped peaks. Morocco is a land of dramatic contrasts that awakens the senses and captivates every visitor.
But when is the best time to tour Morocco?
The best time to visit Morocco is in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is pleasant across the cities, mountains, and the desert.
In this blog post, we’ll guide you through Morocco’s climate and seasons, so you can easily find the time that suits your tour best.
Morocco, in north-west Africa, is a remarkable country with great geographical diversity, offering coastal, desert, and mountain regions. The climate therefore varies significantly depending on where you are in Morocco.
In the north of the country, which borders the Mediterranean, a classic Mediterranean climate prevails with hot, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters. Along the west coast, the Atlantic’s cool currents moderate temperatures, creating a more temperate climate with mild summers and mild winters.
The inland and southern parts of the country, which border the Sahara, are dominated by a desert climate. The weather is hot and dry all year round, and especially in summer, the temperatures often climb above 40 degrees.
In the mountain regions, which cover large parts of the country, the mountain climate brings more rainfall and cooler temperatures that drop as the altitude rises. In winter, it can get so cold at higher elevations that the peaks are often covered in snow. It’s a surprising sight on a continent like Africa, more often associated with scorching heat.
In short: northern Morocco and the coasts are mild and pleasant; the interior and the Sahara are extremely hot in the summer; and the mountains can be surprisingly chilly in winter.
If you want comfortable temperatures and good conditions for exploring throughout the country, it’s best to travel to Morocco in spring and autumn.
During these months, you avoid the scorching summer in the country’s inland and southern regions and the snowy winters in the mountains.
But with a climate that ranges from cool coastal breezes to searing desert heat, the best time to go also very much depends on which parts of the country you’d like to visit on your tour, and every season has exciting experiences in store.
Broadly speaking, Morocco has the same seasons as Europe:
However, the seasons can feel very different depending on where you are in the country.
Spring at a glance: spring is ideal if you’d like to combine mild temperatures with adventures in the Sahara, beautiful mountain landscapes, and time to explore the vibrant cities.
Spring (like autumn) is among the best times to visit Morocco. As the cool winter temperatures gradually fade and the warmth returns, the country offers ideal conditions for adventure, whether you’re in the mountains, the desert, or on the coast.
If you dream of exploring the rolling dunes of the Sahara Desert, with the sun casting its warm glow over the golden sands and the landscape stretching as far as the eye can see, spring weather is made for it. The pleasant temperatures are also perfect for exploring Morocco’s fascinating attractions, for example the ruined city of Volubilis, which offers a compelling insight into Morocco’s past as a Roman province.
Spring is also ideal if you want to delve into Morocco’s lively cities before the notorious summer heat arrives. For example, feel the vibrant energy in Marrakech’s labyrinthine streets, or experience the famous Sufi festival in Fez, where music and spirituality come together in a feast for the senses.
Summer at a glance: Summer is a great choice if you’re dreaming of coastal towns, beach days, and music festivals, and you’re prepared for the heat to become much more intense inland.
Summer in Morocco brings intense heat, with temperatures in some parts of the country creeping above 40°C. If you’d rather avoid the searing heat and a sweaty brow, the coast is your best bet, where a fresh sea breeze keeps things far more comfortable.
The coast offers more than a pleasant climate; its charming harbour towns enchant with sweeping sea views and a vibrant culture. For example, visit the capital, Rabat, where history and elegance go hand in hand, or Tangier, where a laid-back bohemian vibe meets the Mediterranean’s blue hues.
The summer months also bring a wealth of music festivals across Morocco’s cities, when the streets fill with lively rhythms and a festive atmosphere. For example, you can visit the Jazzablanca Festival in Casablanca for soul, funk, and jazz music, or the Fez Festival of World Sacred Music, which captivates audiences with spiritual sounds from around the globe.
Autumn at a glance: Autumn is perfect if you want to travel in comfortable temperatures, experience the Sahara without the most intense heat, and enjoy fascinating cultural experiences with festivities and harvest festivals.
Like spring, autumn in Morocco brings superb weather for travelling. At this time of year, you can still bask in the sunshine, but without the intense summer heat you get in the summer months. That means you can explore the country in much more comfortable temperatures.
You can, for example, delve into Morocco’s colourful cities, alive with exotic scents and a vibrant buzz, or cross the beautiful Atlas Mountains where spectacular views take your breath away. From October, the searing temperatures in the Sahara Desert ease, inviting thrilling adventures among the golden dunes.
Autumn marks the start of Morocco’s date season, celebrated with small local harvest festivals where you can sample the sweetest, freshly picked dates straight from the source.
Winter at a glance: Winter is a great choice if you want to avoid high temperatures, travel outside the peak season, and enjoy cooler days, crisp air, and snow-capped peaks.
If you’re not a fan of high temperatures, winter is an ideal time to visit Morocco. At this time of year, the weather is cool, especially in January when daytime temperatures average between 13 and 17 degrees. In the mountains, temperatures are usually lower, giving you the chance to see snow-capped peaks gleaming in the sunlight.
Sweltering heat isn’t the only thing you’ll avoid when you visit Morocco at this time of year. The winter months (with the exception of late December) are also an ideal time to visit if you want to sidestep the peak-season crowds while enjoying more favourable prices.
As well as being perfect for nights beneath the starry skies of the Sahara Desert, the cooler weather is the ideal excuse to head indoors, for example to a charming café or a fascinating museum. If you time it right, you may also have the chance to experience the Amazigh New Year, Yennayer. It’s marked with lively celebrations by traditional Amazigh communities across the country.
Whether you’re drawn to beautiful mountain landscapes, relaxing days by the coast, or the feel of the warm desert sun on your skin, you’ll be spellbound when you visit Morocco.
When you travel to Morocco with TourCompass, flights, hotels, transfers, and selected excursions are always included in the price. You can also add extra experiences to your adventure, for example a beach holiday on the coast.
A tour to Morocco is exceptional all year round. Still unsure when to go?
Contact our experienced travel specialists today and let us help you plan your next big adventure!
TourCompass – From tourist to traveller
From imperial cities to desert sands. Embark on an enchanting tour through Morocco’s spellbinding history and diverse landscapes—a journey brimming with vibrant colours and striking contrasts. Embark on an unforgettable tour through Morocco’s old imperial cities, where vibrant medinas, historic palaces, bustling markets, and lush oases await. Travel by train from Casablanca to Tangier, Rabat and onwards to Marrakech, and experience the vibrant colours, culture, and history of Morocco in a relaxed and unique way. This is a tour that gives you time to take in the landscapes and soak up the atmosphere. From imperial cities to desert sands. Embark on an enchanting tour through Morocco’s spellbinding history and diverse landscapes—a journey brimming with vibrant colours and striking contrasts. Embark on an unforgettable tour through Morocco’s old imperial cities, where vibrant medinas, historic palaces, bustling markets, and lush oases await. Travel by train from Casablanca to Tangier, Rabat and onwards to Marrakech, and experience the vibrant colours, culture, and history of Morocco in a relaxed and unique way. This is a tour that gives you time to take in the landscapes and soak up the atmosphere.Check out our tours to Morocco below:
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