10
Jul 2026

When is the best time to visit Morocco in 2026? (month-by-month guide)

Abdellah Bouisoukoutane
Guides Pratiques Voyageurs
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Choosing the right season for a Morocco trip makes the difference between a successful vacation and a mediocre stay. Morocco is large and each region has its own climate. Here is a complete guide by month, based on 8 years of experience driving clients to Essaouira, Marrakech, Merzouga, and the Atlas.

Climate in brief

Morocco is globally hot and dry, but with significant regional variations:

  • Essaouira (Atlantic coast): temperate climate year-round thanks to trade winds. Summer 20-25 C, winter 12-18 C. Rain is rare.
  • Marrakech (inland): continental climate. Summer very hot 38-45 C, winter mild 10-18 C at night, sunny by day.
  • Merzouga (desert): huge temperature swings. Day 35 C, night 5 C in winter.
  • Chefchaouen (mountain): cold winter 0-10 C, snow possible. Pleasant summer 25-30 C.

Month by month

January – February (mild winter)

Ideal for: escape the European cold! Marrakech 18-22 C during the day, Essaouira 15-20 C. Clear sky.

Avoid: Merzouga at night (can drop to -5 C in the desert), Chefchaouen (snow possible).

Advantage: few tourists, low prices, perfect sky for photos.

March – April (spring)

THE best time for almost all of Morocco. 20-25 C in Marrakech, 18-22 C in Essaouira, almond and bougainvillea in bloom. Merzouga is pleasant. Ideal for hiking the Atlas.

Avoid: nothing, this is the high season! Book your driver and accommodation 2-3 weeks in advance.

May – June (early summer)

Ideal for: the Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Imsouane, Taghazout). Still breezy, surf-friendly.

Avoid: Marrakech in June (38-42 C), Merzouga during the day (45 C in the desert).

July – August (full summer)

Ideal for: escape the heat toward Essaouira, the coast, Atlas mountains (Imlil, Toubkal, Oukaimeden), Chefchaouen.

Avoid: Marrakech, the Sahara, Fes in full sun. If you go, plan visits for the morning 6-11 AM and evening 5-9 PM.

September – October (autumn)

Excellent everywhere. Heat drops, clear sky, ideal for Merzouga (still 30 C during the day) and all excursions.

November – December (early winter)

Ideal for: escape the European cold! 18-22 C Marrakech, 16-20 C Essaouira, sunny days.

Avoid: Merzouga at night, Chefchaouen (frequent rain).

Summary table

Month Marrakech Essaouira Merzouga Verdict
Jan-Feb 20 C 18 C 15 C OK + few crowds
Mar-Apr 23 C 20 C 25 C BEST
May-Jun 30 C 22 C 35 C Prefer the coast
Jul-Aug 40 C 23 C 42 C Avoid the heat
Sep-Oct 28 C 22 C 30 C EXCELLENT
Nov-Dec 22 C 18 C 18 C OK + pleasant

Yassine’s tip

In 8 years of taxi driving, I have seen too many tourists arrive in the middle of August in Marrakech, discouraged by the heat. For Essaouira, the coast, and excursions, April-June and September-October are perfect. For desert lovers (Merzouga), favor March, April, October, and November.

To plan your trip, contact us on WhatsApp +212 611-394949: we help you build the perfect itinerary according to your period.