Quick answer: The best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when Marrakech and Fez sit around 22–28°C and Sahara nights are comfortable. Summer suits the Atlantic coast; winter is ideal for sunny city breaks and desert trips if you pack warm layers.
Choosing the best time to visit Morocco depends on where you are going. Morocco has four very different climate zones in one country: the Mediterranean north, the Atlantic coast, the High Atlas mountains and the Sahara desert. A perfect month for Essaouira can be too hot for Merzouga, and a sunny January day in Marrakech can still mean snow on Toubkal. This guide, written by our local team who drive these roads every week, breaks it down month by month.
Morocco’s seasons at a glance
| Season | Marrakech / Fez | Sahara (Merzouga) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 20–28°C, green valleys | Warm days, mild nights | Everything – the top season |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 35–42°C | 40°C+ during the day | Coast, Atlas hiking, sunrise desert trips |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 22–30°C | Ideal, clear skies | Desert tours, road trips |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 18–21°C by day, 5°C at night | Sunny days, near 0°C nights | City breaks, snowy Atlas views |
Spring: the best overall season (March to May)
Spring is our favourite season to travel across the country. Almond and cherry trees blossom in the Atlas, the Dades Valley is famous for its Rose Festival in May, and the dunes of Erg Chebbi are pleasant for a sunset camel ride. It is also the busiest period, especially around Easter, so we recommend booking a 7-day Morocco tour at least two months ahead.
Summer: go coastal or go high (June to August)
Inland cities get very hot in July and August. That does not mean you should skip Morocco: Essaouira, Asilah and Tangier stay breezy (24–28°C), and the High Atlas villages around Imlil are 10°C cooler than Marrakech. If you want the Sahara in summer, choose a tour that drives early in the morning and spends the hottest hours in shade, like our 3-day desert tour from Marrakech.
Autumn: perfect light for desert tours (September to November)
From mid-September the heat breaks, the date harvest begins in the Draa and Ziz valleys, and the desert skies are some of the clearest of the year for stargazing. October is also a great month for photography in the blue streets of Chefchaouen. Autumn prices are usually lower than spring.
Winter: sunny cities and snowy mountains (December to February)
Winter in Morocco is sunny but cold at night. Marrakech often reaches 20°C at lunchtime, making it one of Europe’s favourite winter sun escapes. Desert camps get close to freezing after sunset, so choose a camp with proper beds and blankets. The Tizi n’Tichka pass can occasionally close for a few hours after snowfall – local drivers know when to wait. Read our full guide to Morocco in winter.
Ramadan, festivals and public holidays
During Ramadan, which moves about 11 days earlier every year, restaurants may close during the day in small towns but tourist services keep running and the evenings are festive. Other highlights include the Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira (June), the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival (July) and the Rose Festival of Kelaat M’Gouna (May). Check the official tourism board, Visit Morocco, for yearly dates. See also travelling in Morocco during Ramadan.
Our recommendation by traveller type
- First-time visitors: April, May or October for a mix of cities and desert.
- Families: school holidays in spring or autumn; avoid August in the desert.
- Hikers: May–June and September–October for Toubkal.
- Budget travellers: November and January–February, outside Christmas.
Still unsure? Compare our tours from Marrakech or plan a 7-day Morocco itinerary around your dates.
Tours related to this guide
- 7-Day Tour – Explore Key Highlights: Marrakech, Desert, Fez and Chefchaouen
- 3-Day Desert Tour to Merzouga from Marrakech
- 5-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Merzouga
Want a trip built around your dates? Ask for a free tailor-made itinerary →
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Morocco?
April and October are the best months for most travellers: warm days, cool nights, green valleys in spring and clear desert skies in autumn.
Is Morocco too hot in summer?
Inland cities such as Marrakech and Fez can exceed 40°C in July and August, but the Atlantic coast and the Atlas mountains stay pleasant. Desert trips are possible with early starts.
Is it cold in the Sahara in winter?
Yes. Days are sunny and around 18–20°C, but nights in Merzouga can drop to 0–3°C. Good camps provide thick blankets and heated tents.
When is the cheapest time to travel to Morocco?
November and January–February (excluding Christmas and New Year) usually offer the lowest prices for hotels, riads and private tours.
Written by the Todo Marruecos Tours travel team, local tour operators based in Morocco. Last updated: September 2026.