Best Time to Visit Morocco: Month-by-Month Guide

The short answer: the best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (late September to November), when days are warm but not hot almost everywhere, from the medinas of Marrakesh and Fes to the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains. Winter is excellent for sun on the coast, desert trips and snow in the mountains, while summer suits the Atlantic coast and the high mountains far better than the inland cities.

Morocco is big and varied, so the right month depends on where you go and what you want to do. This guide gives you the weather month by month, the best time for each kind of trip, the dates to plan around in 2026-27, and links to our detailed monthly guides.

Last updated: October 2026, with the 2027 Ramadan dates and Morocco's switch to GMT.

• Best time by region
• Weather month by month
• Best time by activity
• Ramadan 2027
• When to avoid
• FAQ

The Best Time to Visit Morocco by Region

Best months by region

Region	Best months	Good to know
Marrakesh and the imperial cities (Fes, Meknes, Rabat)	March-May, October-November	Summer days often pass 35°C; winter days are sunny but nights are cold.
Sahara desert (Merzouga, Zagora)	March-April, October-November	Avoid the June-August heat; December-February nights drop close to freezing. See the best time to visit the Sahara.
Atlantic coast (Agadir, Essaouira, Taghazout)	All year	Agadir is the winter-sun choice; windy Essaouira stays mild even in August.
Atlas Mountains	April-June, September-October	Snow on the high peaks from roughly December to March; skiing at Oukaimeden.
The north (Chefchaouen, Tangier, Tetouan)	April-June, September-October	The wettest region in winter, and at its greenest in spring.

Morocco Weather Month by Month

Average daytime high / night-time low in °C, from our city weather pages. Ouarzazate is the gateway to the desert: the Sahara itself is a few degrees hotter by day and colder at night.

Morocco weather by month (high / low, °C)

Month	Marrakesh	Agadir	Fes	Ouarzazate	What to expect
January	19 / 6	21 / 8	15 / 4	17 / 3	Winter sun on the coast, snow in the Atlas, cold nights. Quiet and good value after New Year. More →
February	21 / 8	22 / 9	17 / 6	19 / 5	Almond blossom and skiing. In 2027, Ramadan starts around February 8. More →
March	24 / 10	23 / 11	20 / 8	23 / 8	Spring begins: green valleys, ideal desert weather. Ramadan until about March 9, 2027. More →
April	26 / 12	24 / 12	22 / 9	26 / 11	Peak season: pleasant everywhere. Easter crowds; Marathon des Sables in the south. More →
May	30 / 15	25 / 14	26 / 12	30 / 14	Warm and green, roses in the Dades valley. The desert starts to heat up. More →
June	34 / 18	27 / 16	31 / 16	35 / 18	Hot inland, pleasant on the coast. Gnaoua festival in Essaouira. More →
July	38 / 21	28 / 18	36 / 19	39 / 21	Very hot inland: head for the coast or the mountains. More →
August	38 / 21	28 / 18	36 / 19	38 / 21	The hottest month inland; beaches busy with Moroccan holidaymakers. More →
September	33 / 19	27 / 17	31 / 17	33 / 17	Heat eases through the month; quieter and good value.
October	28 / 15	26 / 14	25 / 13	27 / 12	One of the best months: warm days, comfortable nights, desert season opens. More →
November	23 / 10	24 / 11	19 / 8	21 / 7	Mild, sunny and quiet; first snow on the High Atlas peaks. More →
December	19 / 7	21 / 9	16 / 5	17 / 4	Winter sun, cold nights, festive crowds around Christmas and New Year. More →

The Best Time for...

• A desert trip: March-April and October-November for warm days and comfortable nights. Winter works if you pack for cold nights; summer days in the dunes are extremely hot. Plan it with our desert tour guide.
• Hiking and Toubkal: May-June and September-October. In winter and early spring, snow covers the summit area and crampons and a guide are needed. See Imlil and Toubkal.
• Beaches and surf: June-September for swimming on the Atlantic coast; October-April for the most consistent waves around Taghazout.
• Snow and skiing: January-February, when snow is most reliable, at Oukaimeden near Marrakesh or Michliffen near Ifrane.
• Cities and medinas: March-May and October-November for comfortable walking temperatures; winter is quieter and cheaper.
• Festivals: almond blossom around Tafraoute (February), the Marathon des Sables (usually April), the rose festival of Kelaat M'Gouna (May) and the Gnaoua festival in Essaouira (June). See our events calendar.
• A tight budget: January-February outside school holidays, and the summer months inland, bring the lowest prices.

Travelling During Ramadan (2027: About February 8 to March 9)

In 2027, Ramadan is expected to run from about February 8 to March 9, followed by Eid al-Fitr on March 9-10; the exact days are confirmed by moon sighting the evening before. Visiting during Ramadan is perfectly possible: hotels, riads and most sights stay open, and evenings are lively once the fast is broken at sunset.

Expect slower days, shorter opening hours, many local cafes closed until sunset and limited alcohol sales. Eat and drink discreetly in the street during the day. All dates are on our Ramadan and public holidays page.

When to Avoid Morocco (or Plan Around)

• July and August inland: Marrakesh, Fes and the desert regularly reach 40°C or more. Stick to the coast or the mountains.
• Christmas, New Year and Easter: the busiest weeks for riads and desert camps, with the highest prices. Book early.
• Eid al-Adha (about May 17-18, 2027): many Moroccans travel home, so buses, trains and grand taxis are full and some shops close for a few days.
• Winter in the north and the mountains: rain in Chefchaouen and Tangier, and snow can briefly close High Atlas passes such as the Tizi n'Tichka.

Time Difference

Since September 20, 2026, Morocco has stayed on GMT (UTC+0) all year round. In winter that is the same time as the UK and Portugal and one hour behind France and Spain; in summer, when Europe moves its clocks forward, Morocco is one hour behind the UK and two hours behind France and Spain. Check the current time in Morocco.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Morocco?

April and October are the safest choices: warm, sunny days across the whole country, comfortable nights in the desert and green or golden landscapes. May and November are close behind and a little quieter.

What is the cheapest time to visit Morocco?

January and February (outside school holidays), and the hottest summer weeks inland, when riads and hotels in Marrakesh and Fes lower their rates.

Is Morocco too hot in summer?

Inland, often yes: Marrakesh averages 38°C in July and the desert is hotter still. The Atlantic coast stays pleasant (around 23°C in Essaouira and 28°C in Agadir) and the mountains are cooler.

Does it snow in Morocco?

Yes. The High and Middle Atlas get regular snow in winter, mostly from December to February. You can ski at Oukaimeden near Marrakesh and see snow in Ifrane, while the coast and the big cities stay snow-free.

Is it OK to visit Morocco during Ramadan?

Yes. Travel continues as normal, with quieter days and festive evenings. In 2027, Ramadan runs from about February 8 to March 9.

Plan by month: January, February, spring, summer, October, November, December - and the best time to visit the Sahara.