Best Time to Visit Morocco – The best time to visit Morocco and the Sahara desert: weather by month, when to avoid the heat, Ramadan and festivals, and tips for Merzouga.
Morocco is a year-round destination, but the right season depends on what you want to see: the imperial cities, the Atlas mountains, the Atlantic coast or the dunes of the Sahara. Here is our local advice, season by season.
Quick answer
The best months for a complete trip, cities and desert together, are March, April, May, September, October and November. Days are warm and sunny, nights are comfortable and the light is beautiful for photos.
Spring (March to May)
The favourite season of most travelers. Marrakech and Fes are pleasant (around 20–28°C), the High Atlas is green with snow still on the peaks, and the Sahara is warm by day and mild at night. In May the Valley of Roses near Kelaat M’gouna celebrates its rose harvest. It is a perfect time for a desert tour from Marrakech.
Summer (June to August)
Inland cities get very hot (often 38°C or more in Marrakech) and the desert can pass 45°C at midday. The Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir) and the Atlas villages stay much cooler. You can still enjoy the Sahara: camel rides take place at sunset and sunrise, and you rest in the shade at midday. Travel light, drink a lot of water and choose a camp with fans or air conditioning.
Autumn (September to November)
Our second favourite season. The summer heat goes down, the date harvest begins in the oases of the Ziz and Draa valleys, and nights in the desert are calm and starry. October is one of the best months of the year for the Merzouga dunes.
Winter (December to February)
Sunny days, fewer crowds and lower prices. Marrakech is mild by day (around 18–20°C) but cool at night, the High Atlas is often covered in snow, and the Tizi n’Tichka pass can occasionally close for a few hours after heavy snowfall. In the Sahara the days are pleasant (around 20°C) but nights are close to freezing: bring warm layers, a hat and good socks. Luxury camps provide thick blankets.
Ramadan and holidays
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Tourist sites, hotels and our tours keep working normally, and the evenings are lively and festive. The dates move about 11 days earlier every year, so check them before you book.
Best time for the Sahara desert
For the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga we recommend October to April. Read our complete Merzouga desert travel guide to plan the trip, or see a full route in our 10-day Morocco itinerary.
Not sure which month suits you? Write to us: we live in the desert and we will tell you honestly what to expect on your dates.
Best Time to Visit Morocco: useful information
“Best Time to Visit Morocco” is a page by Merzouga Packages, a local Berber agency based in Merzouga, at the foot of the Erg Chebbi dunes. We run private tours all over Morocco, with experienced driver-guides and programs adapted to your pace.
For more ideas, see also these pages: Morocco Tours and FAQ. To learn more about the places you will visit, read the article on Erg Chebbi on Wikipedia.
