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Best Time to Visit Morocco
Month-by-month advice for Marrakech, Fes, the Sahara, the Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic coast, from the team that plans private tours there all year.
The short answer
- March to May and late September to November suit the whole country: warm days in the cities, comfortable nights in the Sahara.
- July and August are very hot inland (Marrakech and Fes often pass 38°C); the coast and the mountains stay pleasant.
- December to February is good for the cities and the desert by day, but desert nights drop close to freezing.
- Ramadan changes opening hours, not whether you can travel. In 2027 it is expected to begin around 8 February.
The best time to visit Morocco for a first private tour is spring (March to May) or autumn (late September to November). Those months let you combine the imperial cities, the High Atlas and a night in the Sahara on one journey without either heat or cold getting in the way.
Morocco is large and varied, so "good weather" depends on where you are. The Atlantic coast is mild all year, the mountains can have snow in February, and the desert has the widest swing between day and night.
Month by month
| Months | Cities (Marrakech, Fes) | Sahara (Merzouga) | High Atlas | Coast (Essaouira) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec – Feb | Sunny, 18–20°C by day, cold evenings | Clear days, nights near 0°C | Snow on the peaks, some passes close | Mild, windy |
| Mar – May | Ideal, 22–30°C | Ideal, warm days, cool nights | Green valleys, best walking | Pleasant |
| Jun – Aug | Hot, often 38°C and above | Very hot by day | Cooler escape from the cities | Best season, 22–26°C |
| Sep – Nov | Ideal, 25–32°C | Ideal from late September | Clear, good walking | Pleasant, quieter |
Spring: March to May
This is our busiest season for good reason. The valleys of the Ourika and Imlil are green, the roses bloom around Kelaat M'Gouna in late April and early May, and the drive over the Tizi n'Tichka pass is usually clear. Book riads in Marrakech and Fes early for Easter and the May bank holidays.
Summer: June to August
Inland, the heat shapes the day. We start early, keep the middle of the day for the riad pool and go out again in the evening. Summer is the right time for the Atlantic coast and for walking in the High Atlas, and it is a good season for families who can only travel in school holidays. Read our guide to travelling with children.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn has the same balance as spring with steadier weather. The date harvest in the southern oases starts in October, and the desert is at its most comfortable in October and November.
Winter: December to February
Winter is underrated. Marrakech is sunny, the light is beautiful and the cities are quieter outside Christmas and New Year. Desert camps provide heated tents and extra blankets, and we pack warm layers for the evening. Some high passes can close for a day after snowfall; we keep an alternative route ready.
Ramadan and public holidays
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar and moves about eleven days earlier each year. During the month, restaurants outside hotels may close at lunchtime and shops open later, while hotels, riads and camps keep their normal service. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha are family holidays: some shops close for a day or two and roads are busy before and after.
Our recommendation
If you have a choice, travel in April, May, October or early November. If your dates are fixed, tell us when you are coming and we will shape the route around the season, for example by adding the coast in summer or an extra night in Marrakech in winter. See how many days you need next.
Questions we are often asked
What is the single best month to visit Morocco?
April and October. Both give warm, dry days in Marrakech and Fes, green valleys or clear light in the south, and nights in the Sahara that are cool rather than cold.
Can we visit the Sahara in summer?
Yes, but plan around the heat. We arrive at the camp in the late afternoon, ride at sunset and sunrise, and avoid the middle of the day. Daytime temperatures in Merzouga can pass 42°C in July.
Is it worth travelling during Ramadan?
Many travellers enjoy it. Sights stay open, hotels serve meals as usual and the evenings after iftar are lively. Expect shorter opening hours in the afternoon and fewer restaurants open at lunchtime outside hotels.
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