Quick answer
The best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November): 22-28 °C days in Marrakech and pleasant nights in the desert. Winter is also a good time for the Sahara if you pack warm clothes. Summer (July and August) is the hottest season, with temperatures often above 40 °C in Marrakech and Merzouga.
Choosing the right month changes your whole trip. Morocco has an Atlantic coast, mountains over 4,000 metres high and the Sahara desert, so the weather is not the same across the country. As a local agency running tours from Marrakech all year round, here is our guide to when to go to Morocco depending on what you want to see: imperial cities, mountains or the Merzouga dunes.
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
For most travellers, the best months are March, April, May, October and November. Temperatures are mild in the cities, the High Atlas roads are free of snow and desert days are comfortable for a camel ride. September is good too, although early in the month the south is still hot.
If your priority is sleeping in the Sahara dunes, any month from October to May works well. You can go in midsummer too, but you need to adapt: activities at sunrise and sunset, and rest in the shade during the middle of the day.
Morocco weather month by month
This table sums up what to expect in Marrakech and in the Merzouga desert in each season (approximate temperatures):
| Months | Marrakech | Desert (Merzouga) | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| December – February | 18-21 °C by day, cold nights (4-7 °C) | Sunny days, nights near 0 °C | Good, with warm clothes |
| March – May | 22-30 °C, spring blossom | Warm days, cool nights | Excellent |
| June | 30-34 °C | Strong midday heat | Fair |
| July – August | 35-40 °C or more | Over 40 °C by day | Hottest |
| September | 30-33 °C | Heat easing by month end | Good |
| October – November | 22-28 °C | Pleasant days, cool nights | Excellent |
Visiting Morocco in spring (March – May)
This is many travellers’ favourite season. The countryside is green, almond trees blossom in the Atlas and in May the famous rose festival takes place in the Valley of Roses (Kelaat M’Gouna), right on the road to the desert. It’s a perfect time for the 3 days desert tour from Marrakech or for day trips such as the Ourika Valley and the Ouzoud Waterfalls, which carry more water.
The only downside: Easter and early May are peak season, so book your tour and desert camp in advance.
Visiting Morocco in summer (June – August)
Summer holidays are when many people can travel, and Morocco is perfectly doable, as long as you plan for the heat. In Marrakech and the desert we recommend:
- Riding camels at sunset and watching the sunrise from the dunes.
- Travelling in an air-conditioned vehicle and stopping at the cooler oases and gorges.
- Choosing a well-ventilated Merzouga luxury desert camp to sleep better.
- Combining the desert with the coast: Essaouira has an Atlantic breeze and rarely goes above 25 °C.
Visiting Morocco in autumn (September – November)
Together with spring, this is the best time to visit the Sahara desert in Morocco. The summer heat fades, leaving golden days ideal for photographing the Erg Chebbi dunes and the kasbahs. October is also date harvest season in the Draa and Ziz palm groves. It’s the perfect moment for the 4 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga, or to end your trip in Fes with the 4 days desert tour from Marrakech to Fes.
A practical tip: since 20 September 2026 Morocco has been back on GMT, so in autumn and winter it gets dark earlier than many visitors expect. Plan your sightseeing around the daylight.
Visiting Morocco in winter (December – February)
An underrated season. Marrakech is sunny almost every day, desert skies are spectacular for stargazing and there are fewer tourists outside Christmas and New Year. In return, desert nights are very cold and the High Atlas can get snow, which sometimes closes the Tizi n’Tichka pass for a few hours.
If you travel in winter, bring a warm coat, a hat and layers. Camps provide thick blankets and many have heating. If you’re short on time, the 2 days Marrakech tour to the Zagora desert avoids part of the mountain road.
What about Ramadan? Is it a good time to travel?
Yes, you can travel without problems. During Ramadan Moroccans fast from sunrise to sunset, but hotels, camps and many tourist restaurants keep running. Some places have shorter opening hours, and the atmosphere at dusk, when the fast is broken, is very special. In 2027 it is expected roughly from early February to early March (exact dates depend on the moon). Please be respectful and avoid eating or drinking in the street during fasting hours.
Best time to go depending on what you want to do
| I want to… | Best months |
|---|---|
| Sleep in the Sahara desert | October – May |
| Visit Marrakech and the imperial cities | March – May and October – November |
| Hike in the Atlas Mountains | April – June and September – October |
| See snow in the Atlas | December – March |
| Beach and coast (Essaouira) | June – September |
| Avoid crowds and get better prices | January – February and November (outside holidays) |
What to pack for each season
- All year: sunglasses, sunscreen, a scarf for desert wind and comfortable shoes.
- Spring and autumn: light clothes for the day and a jacket or fleece for the night.
- Summer: cotton or linen clothes covering shoulders and knees, a hat and a refillable water bottle.
- Winter: a warm coat, hat, gloves and thermal layers for the night at camp.
Plan your trip with us
Whatever the month, we adapt the route to the weather: camel ride times, type of camp and stops. See all our Marrakech tours, Fes tours or day trips from Marrakech. Not sure about dates? Message us on WhatsApp or through our contact page for free advice.
Already know when you’re coming? Read our guide on how to get from Marrakech to the Merzouga desert.
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest month to visit Morocco?
January, February (outside holidays) and the second half of November usually have lower demand and better prices for hotels and flights.
Is it cold in the Moroccan desert?
Yes, at night. From December to February temperatures in Merzouga can drop close to 0 °C, even if days are sunny. Even in spring and autumn, bring a jacket.
Can you go to the desert in August?
Yes, but daytime heat is extreme. Activities take place at sunrise and sunset, and the night in the dunes is pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Morocco?
Not much. In the south and the desert it almost never rains. In Marrakech and the north, rain falls mainly between November and March, usually on just a few days.