Morocco Weather, Climate & Average Temperatures
Many think Morocco’s weather and temperatures are hot and dry, that of an arid desert where camels are the only means of transportation. Well, this is true, in some Moroccan regions and particular times of the year. Many beautiful places in Morocco are near the hot and dry Moroccan desert. However, The weather in Morocco varies greatly depending on where you are and the time of year.
There are regions in Morocco where people go skiing and hiking in the snow. There are also a variety of beaches along the Atlantic coast with beautiful azur beaches and gold sand.
The weather of Morocco will determine the sightseeing experience somewhat, but warm weather is particularly appreciated by most. That’s why it’s essential to research your Moroccan region’s weather before planning your trip. However, checking Morocco’s weather becomes very important if you plan on having specific experiences like hiking, surfing, or visiting the desert. Choosing the best time to travel to Morocco regarding these activities is crucial.
If you are planning to visit one or more regions of Morocco or stay in Morocco for more than three days, it might be worth visiting multiple areas and diversifying your experiences. If you don’t know where to start, check out this custom Morocco travel plan.
What is the Best Month to Visit Morocco?
Morocco, like the other Northern Hemisphere countries, has a winter from December to February and a summer from June to August. Mountains, coasts, and deserts create different climates across the country, so temperatures vary greatly depending on where you are. This also means that you can travel to Morocco any time of the year. I’ll share Morocco’s weather throughout in the most loved Moroccan destinations to give you an idea of how climate varies and how it can impact when to plan your trip.
Weather in Northern Morocco: Tangier, Fez, Meknes, and the Surroundings
Tangier is a must for travelers. Its particular appeal is its overlooking of the Strait of Gibraltar. The highlight is the medina, known for its famous, almost mythical status cafés.
Northern Morocco boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, meaning hot, dry summers with an average temperature of around 84°F or 29°C. Winters are not as sunny, mainly January, the coldest month that only sees a high of 44°F or 7°C.
The ideal seasons to visit Tangier, Fez, Meknes, and Chefchaouen are spring, summer, and autumn, from March through early November.
Weather in Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira
Casablanca, Rabat, and Essaouira receive visitors all year round because the winters are mild.
If rain is an issue, I recommend visiting Casablanca, Essaouira, and Rabat between March and October. Summer temperatures will hover around 86°F or 30°C, which is reasonable, especially since beaches are nearby.
Casablanca and Rabat offer a beautiful mix of authenticity and modernity. While Casablanca is much livelier than Rabat, I love Rabat’s calm charm and ease of navigating the city. It’s definitely one of my favorite Moroccan cities to visit all year long.
Essaouira is known for an almost constant wind between May and November, which is by no means a drawback. Kiteboarding, surfing, and windsurfing are popular sports. By contrast, the city’s white medina is surrounded by ramparts. You will see a former artillery platform that dominates the ocean, known as the fortification of the Squala.
When to Visit the Atlas Mountains and Moroccan Sahara
The Moroccan Sahara and Atlas Mountains can have temperatures up to 104°F or 40°C during summer, which is between July and August. The coolest months are December and December when temperatures can be freezing at night.
I recommend visiting the desert and Atlas Mountains between March and November for the best experience, to avoid the heat of summer, the cold of winter, and the sand storms season.
On your way to the desert or Atlas mountains, you’ll probably cross beautiful Berber villages like Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou, along with stunning views of the region.
One of the most practical ways to get to the desert or Atlas Mountains is to start from Marrakech – which I will detail below. Depending on where you’re heading, it can be either a short or a long multi-hour drive. And depending on the time you have on hand, you might be able to go on a day trip or multi-day trip.
Weather in Marrakech – The Best Season to Visit Marrakech
Marrakech can be hot during the summer. Visitors can expect a sharp rise in temperature up to 102°F or 39°C, which is typical for July and August. I always recommend visiting Marrakech from March to June and from September to October.
During this period, temperatures in Marrakech will likely be mild, allowing for comfortable exploration. You can stroll in Marrakech and gaze at the pink walls that encircle the medina, the Saadian tombs, and the gardens of the Menara. Look up to see unmistakable peaks of snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
The mild temperatures will be perfect for walking by the Djemaa el-Fna square for a hot cup of special Moroccan tea. There is nothing like it. You can relax and enjoy the spectacle of local life passing by. This place is one of the city’s main attractions, where you can spend hours with local storytellers, dancers, and snake charmers.
While in Marrakech, many unique opportunities are available around the city, such as hiking in breathtaking nature, visiting rural villages in the mountains, balloon riding, and spending a memorable night in the desert with nomads. I highly recommend checking these Marrakech tours for the most inspiring and grounding explorations in Morocco’s Desert and Atlas mountains.
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