Weather in Marrakech

The weather in Marrakech is pleasant for most of the year, though it can get hot in summer. Winters are mild. July through to September tends to be quite hot; however, the absence of humidity makes the heat less oppressive. Nights can be chilly in winter, though mornings are warm. The rains arrive in the city during the winter and streets can get quite messy when the dust mixes with the rain water. Spring is a time for sandstorms and visitors need to be prepared for veritable sand blizzards!

The climate of Marrakech as well as places in the inner parts of Morocco tends to be terribly hot during summer and temperatures easily top 40°C or 104°F. Being in the plains and close to the desert these areas bear the brunt of sandstorms in springtime (particularly in April) as the fast moving winds called the sirocco (or chergui/irifi) whip up speeds of 10 km per hour and carry dust and sand onto the streets of Marrakech. Temperatures average at 30°C in the daytime even in winter, but it gets cooler by evening.

If you're visiting in summer, try and start your day early and head back to your hotel or guesthouse for the afternoon when the heat is at its worst. By evening it will cool down again and you will find it quite pleasant to head out for a night on the town.

Autumn and spring are popular times to visit since temperatures are milder and range between 20 and 25°C. The rest of the year the weather can be harsh. April, however, is best avoided since this is when sandstorms blow! The months from September to May are good times to plan a holiday in Marrakech.

When to Visit

Marrakech is reasonably pleasant all year round barring a few weeks when the sandstorms hit, and the rainy months in winter. If you have a choice, try and make your visit in autumn (between September and November) or in springtime (in March or May). The days are sunny and nights are pleasant. If you plan to visit in summer come prepared to experience temperatures that soar to the high 30s (Celsius) and beyond. Also plan to take a siesta or afternoon nap like the locals do, to avoid the worst heat of the day.

Winter months bring with them clear skies and daytime temperatures of 18°C or so. The only trouble is that there are extremes of temperature and nights can get cold, so carry some light woollens. It may rain and it can get slushy on the streets. The good news is that this doesn't last for more than a day or two at a stretch.

Morocco tends to see its peak tourist traffic between June and September and hotels are usually packed at this time, so reserve well in advance. Try and time your trip to the south as well as the desert areas in non-summer months; you won't be able to explore much in summer due to the heat, particularly if you plan to travel by public transport. The coastline and mountains can be quite pleasant even during summer.

Spring in Morocco arrives later than in Europe (in April and May) and is a lovely time to visit. Summer is warm in the south and the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastal areas. Winter in the south is pleasant during the day, but the nights can be bitterly cold.

Depending on when you plan to visit, remember to pack your clothing accordingly. Summer months call for light and loosely fitting cotton clothing that keeps you cool while in winter you may need to bring a raincoat to safeguard you against the rains, as well as some warm clothes for the nights.