What to Wear in Morocco
There is no legal dress code for tourists in Morocco - you will see everything from djellabas to jeans in the big cities. But dressing with a little cultural awareness makes your trip smoother: fewer stares, warmer welcomes, and easier bargaining. Here is what actually works, season by season and place by place.
The Golden Rule: Shoulders and Knees
Covering shoulders and knees is the simple standard that works everywhere in Morocco - in the medinas, in villages, in restaurants and on public transport. In tourist zones of Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat or Agadir the atmosphere is relaxed and nobody will comment on shorts or sundresses; in rural areas and small towns, modest dress is noticed and appreciated.
For Women
- Loose beats covered-but-tight: flowing trousers, midi skirts and maxi dresses are cooler in the heat than leggings, and more comfortable culturally.
- Tops: t-shirts and blouses are perfect; strappy tops are fine in tourist areas, less so in the countryside - carry a light shirt to throw on.
- A scarf in your bag: not for your hair (no one expects tourists to cover their hair), but for sun, dusty roads, chilly evenings and visiting religious sites.
- Shoes: medina lanes are cobbled and uneven - comfortable closed shoes or solid sandals over heels.
- More tips in our guide for women traveling solo in Morocco.
For Men
- Shorts are fine in cities and beach towns; knee-length looks better than short sports shorts. In rural areas, light trousers are the norm.
- Shirts stay on: going shirtless is for the beach and the pool only, never in the street.
- Evenings: Moroccans dress rather smartly to go out; a polo or shirt will fit right in at restaurants.
Dressing for the Season
| Season | What to pack |
|---|---|
| Summer (Jun - Sep) | Light cotton and linen, hat and sunglasses. Inland (Marrakesh, Fes) regularly passes 40 degrees C - see our advice on avoiding heat stroke. The coast stays milder. |
| Winter (Dec - Feb) | Real layers: sunny 20 degrees C days but cold nights, and riads are often unheated. A warm jacket for the Atlas and the desert, where nights approach freezing. |
| Spring / Autumn | The easy seasons: light clothes plus one warm layer for evenings. The best time to visit Morocco. |
Mosques, Desert, Beach and Hammam
- Mosques: non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques in Morocco. The great exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (guided visits) - dress modestly, shoulders and knees covered; shoes are removed inside.
- Desert trips: layers, closed shoes and a chech (the long desert scarf, sold everywhere for a few dirhams) against sun and sand. Freezing nights in winter.
- Beach and pool: bikinis and regular swimwear are completely normal at hotel pools and tourist beaches (Agadir, Essaouira, Saidia). On local public beaches women often swim more covered - do as you feel comfortable.
- Hammam: in public hammams people keep their underwear bottoms on; bring flip-flops and a change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do women have to cover their hair in Morocco?
No. There is no requirement for foreign (or Moroccan) women to cover their hair. A scarf is only needed inside religious sites like the Hassan II Mosque.
Can I wear shorts in Marrakesh?
Yes, and thousands of tourists do. In the Gueliz new town you will blend right in; in the medina, knee-length shorts or light trousers draw less attention and make bargaining easier.
What should I wear for the Sahara desert tour?
Light long sleeves and trousers, closed shoes, a chech scarf, plus a proper warm layer from October to April - desert nights get genuinely cold. Full list in our Morocco packing checklist.
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