The best time to visit Morocco depends on where you are going. For most travellers, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer warm days and comfortable nights across the imperial cities and the desert. Here is how the seasons work and what to expect month by month.
At a glance
- Best overall
- March to May and September to November
- Hottest
- July and August inland
- Best for the Sahara
- October to April
- Best for the beach
- June to September
The short answer
Choose April, May, October or early November if you want to visit cities, the desert and the coast in one trip. Winters are good for the south and for sunshine on the coast, but cold in the mountains. Summers are hot and best spent on the Atlantic coast or in the northern mountains.
Seasons at a glance
| Season | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar to May) | Warm days, green countryside, blooming valleys | Cities, hiking, the Sahara early in spring |
| Summer (Jun to Aug) | Very hot inland, mild on the Atlantic coast, busy beaches | Beaches, Essaouira, Chefchaouen, Atlas hiking |
| Autumn (Sep to Nov) | Warm days, cooler nights, fewer crowds | All-round travel, desert, cities |
| Winter (Dec to Feb) | Cool to cold, snow in the Atlas, mild coast | Agadir, Marrakech days, skiing at Oukaimeden |
Month by month
- January and February: cold nights in the mountains and desert, mild days on the coast. Good for Agadir and Marrakech, and quiet in the north.
- March and April: ideal for cities and the south. Wildflowers bloom, and temperatures are comfortable.
- May and June: warm, with long days and festivals. The desert starts to heat up.
- July and August: very hot inland, with temperatures above 40°C in Marrakech and the south. Head to Essaouira, Asilah or the mountains.
- September and October: some of the best weather in Morocco. The desert is warm by day and cool at night.
- November and December: cooler, with occasional rain in the north and snow arriving in the Atlas. A good time for cities and quieter travel.
Best time by region
- Marrakech and Fes: March to May, September to November.
- The Sahara: October to April. Avoid summer, when it is extremely hot.
- Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir): year-round, with warmest swimming in summer and early autumn. Agadir is mild even in winter.
- Chefchaouen and the north: spring and early autumn; winters are wet.
- High Atlas hiking: May to October for most trails; winter for snow and skiing.
Ramadan and Eid
During Ramadan, daytime life slows, some restaurants close or open late, and opening hours change. Evenings are lively and a memorable time to visit, but some travellers prefer to avoid it. Dates move about 11 days earlier each year; in 2027 Ramadan is expected in February and early March. See our festival calendar and religion guide.
Crowds and prices
Peak seasons are Easter, spring, October and the Christmas to New Year period. Book accommodation early, especially riads. Shoulder months and summer on the coast usually offer better value.
Where next?
Once you know when you are going, build your route with our 7-day itinerary and the travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Morocco?
April and October are widely regarded as the best months, with warm weather across most of the country.
When should I avoid visiting Morocco?
July and August are extremely hot in Marrakech, the south and the desert. Winter is cold in the mountains and the Sahara at night.
Is it worth visiting Morocco in winter?
Yes, for Agadir, Marrakech days and the Atlas snow, but pack warm layers for evenings and the desert.
Is Ramadan a bad time to visit?
Not necessarily. Some things are closed or slower during the day, but evenings are festive, and many tourist services run normally.