When to go to Morocco: the best months, the best season for the Sahara and the cities, Ramadan and how to choose your dates.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
In this guide
The short answer
The best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when days are warm and not extreme in the cities, the mountains and the Sahara. Summer is very hot in Marrakech and the desert, so it suits the Atlantic coast and the high mountains better. Winter has pleasant days in the south, cold desert nights and snow in the High Atlas. The best month depends on the regions you want to visit.
Morocco is a country of contrasts: the coast, the cities, the mountains and the desert have different climates. This guide helps you choose the right dates for your trip. If you want a quick recommendation, message us on WhatsApp with your dates.
Season by season
| Season | What to expect | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Warm days, mild nights, green countryside, almond and rose season in some valleys | Cities, mountains and the Sahara |
| Summer (June to August) | Very hot inland and in the desert, busy Atlantic beaches | The coast and the high mountains |
| Autumn (September to November) | Warm days, cooler nights, good light for photos | Cities, the Sahara and road trips |
| Winter (December to February) | Mild days in the south, cold nights, snow in the Atlas | City breaks and winter sun in the south |
Month by month
| Month | What to expect |
|---|---|
| January | Cold nights, especially in the desert; snow in the High Atlas; clear days in the south |
| February | Similar to January, with more daylight; quieter in most places |
| March | Spring begins; comfortable days; a good month for the Sahara |
| April | Pleasant almost everywhere; one of the most popular months |
| May | Warm to hot in the south; still good for cities and mountains |
| June | Hot inland; the coast is more comfortable |
| July | Very hot in Marrakech and the desert; best for the coast and the high mountains |
| August | Very hot inland; busy coast with local holidaymakers |
| September | Still hot at the start, cooling later; good for the Sahara at the end of the month |
| October | Pleasant in most regions; a popular month |
| November | Mild days and cool nights; good for cities and the Sahara |
| December | Cold nights; busy around Christmas and New Year |
These are general patterns, not forecasts. Weather changes from year to year, so always check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Not sure which month suits you?
Tell us your dates and what you want to see. We recommend a route and send a free quote.
Best time to visit by region
| Region | Best months | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | March to May and September to November | Very hot afternoons in summer; pleasant winter days |
| Sahara (Merzouga and Zagora) | March to May and October to November | Very hot in summer; cold nights in winter |
| Atlas Mountains | Spring, summer and autumn for walking | Snow in winter can affect some roads |
| Fes and Chefchaouen | Spring and autumn | Cooler and wetter in winter, hot in summer |
| Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Casablanca) | Summer | Windy in Essaouira, which suits water sports |
| Tangier and the north | Spring and early autumn | More rain in winter |
For the desert in detail, see our Sahara excursion guide and our guide on Merzouga or Zagora.
Ramadan and holidays
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, so it starts about 11 days earlier each year. Check the exact dates for the year you travel. During Ramadan, tourism continues, many visitors enjoy the atmosphere around sunset, and most tourist services keep working, but daytime opening hours and restaurants can change, and the pace is slower.
- Respect fasting in public by avoiding eating and drinking openly in small towns.
- Plan long drives and visits in the morning.
- Expect a festive atmosphere after sunset, when the fast is broken.
- Christmas, New Year and Eid are busy periods, so book earlier.
How to choose your dates
- If you want the Sahara: choose March to May or October to November.
- If you want cities and culture: spring and autumn are the most comfortable.
- If you want the mountains: late spring to early autumn for walking, winter for snow.
- If you want the coast: summer is the best season.
- If you want fewer crowds: consider January, February or the start and the end of the busy seasons.
Tours to match your dates
All our tours are private, so you can choose your dates and we adapt the route. See our most popular options:
- 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour: the classic trip to the dunes.
- 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour: from 319 euros per person.
- 10-day Morocco tour from Marrakech: the cities, the mountains and the Sahara, from 649 euros per person.
- All Morocco tour packages: from 249 euros per person.
Read about Morocco for a guide to the regions, or ask for a free quote.
Ready to choose your dates?
Send your dates and we reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
Best time to visit Morocco: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are usually the best seasons for a trip that combines cities, mountains and the Sahara, because days are warm and not extreme. Summer is very hot inland and in the desert, and winter is cold at night but pleasant by day in the south.
What is the best month to visit Morocco?
April and October are popular choices because the weather is pleasant in most regions. May and November are also good, with fewer very hot days in the south.
What is the best time to visit the Sahara in Morocco?
Spring and autumn, when the days are warm and the nights are comfortable. Summer is very hot in Merzouga, and winter nights in the desert can be cold, so bring warm clothes.
What is the best time to visit Marrakech?
March to May and September to November are the most comfortable. Summer afternoons in Marrakech are very hot, so plan sightseeing early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Is summer a bad time to visit Morocco?
Not necessarily, but it is very hot in Marrakech, in the interior and in the desert. Summer suits the Atlantic coast, such as Essaouira, and the high mountains better than the Sahara. If you travel in summer, start early and rest in the middle of the day.
Is winter a good time to visit Morocco?
Yes, for city breaks and winter sun in the south, with pleasant days and cold nights in the desert. There can be snow in the High Atlas, and some mountain roads may be affected, so ask your tour operator about conditions.
When is Ramadan in Morocco and should I avoid it?
Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, so it moves about 11 days earlier each year, and you should check the dates for the year you travel. Tourism continues during Ramadan, and some visitors enjoy the atmosphere, but daytime opening hours and restaurant options can change, and the pace is slower.
When are the cheapest months to travel to Morocco?
Prices and demand are usually highest in spring, autumn and the Christmas and New Year period. Quieter months, such as January and February or the summer, can be better value, but the weather is colder or hotter.
How far in advance should I book a Morocco tour?
As early as you can for spring and autumn, when drivers, camps and riads fill up. For a short trip, a few weeks may be enough, and for long or tailor-made trips, a few months is better.
Which Morocco tour is best for the season I choose?
In spring or autumn, our Marrakech to Merzouga tours and the 10-day tours combine the cities and the Sahara. In summer, we can suggest a route with more time in the mountains or on the coast. Tell us your dates and we recommend an itinerary.
How do I get a quote from Highlights Morocco Tours?
Send us your dates and number of travellers with the contact form, by WhatsApp or by email. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote and, when you are happy with it, we confirm the booking.
Plan your Morocco trip with us
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
