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The best time to see Marrakech greatly depends on what one wants to experience. In any case, given the climate and cultural events in the city, some seasons are worth visiting more than others if one wishes to enjoy what the city has in store.
Spring (March to May)
Arguably, spring is the best time of beauty in Marrakech. Flowers start to bloom, and everything starts bursting into life; weather that is almost ideal for touring both the city and its surroundings. The temperatures are normally between 20°C and 30°C, hence allowing for comfort in walks through the Medina, historical sites like Bahia Palace, or leisure walks through the lush Majorelle Garden.
The season is also perfect for excursions outside the city. Close Atlas Mountains provide great hiking opportunities with breathtaking views of snow-capped tops against the vivid landscape. Moreover, the desert is cooler, and thus a trip to the Sahara Desert to have a feeling of a camel trek, staying overnight in a luxury camp, turns out to be more pleasant than usual.
D. Fall (September to November)
The autumn season in Marrakech also falls within a very pleasant period. The dissipation of summer heat results in a second high season, where temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C, around 72°F to 90°F. This is the perfect time to go on a pleasant stroll through the cosmopolitan souks without the overwhelming heat, to sit at outdoor cafes and enjoy the richness of flavors in Moroccan cuisine, and to feel the depth of culture through most of Marrakech’s festivals and events.
The Marrakech International Film Festival, generally held in November, brings in filmmakers and movie buffs from all over the world, giving the city an added buzz. Autumn also means it is harvest time in the surrounding countryside, a great time to go on a local farm visit or take up a cooking course to learn the preparation of traditional Moroccan cuisine using fresh and seasonal ingredients.
Summer (June to August)
Because of this, it can be difficult to visit Marrakech during summer, since the heat can easily exceed 38°C or 100° F. But if you can persevere, it is a much quieter period, because there are fewer tourists in the city. Many riads and deluxe hotels have some quite beautiful pools and also air-conditioned rooms where you can relax after a morning or late afternoon trip around the city.
Mornings and nights in Marrakech start getting busy during the summer, but the cool breezes make being outdoors much more tolerable. Dine underneath the stars at many of Marrakech’s rooftop restaurants or while navigating your way around Jemaa el-Fnaa square as it comes alive with musicians, dancers, and storytellers well into the night.
Winter (December to February)
Winter in Marrakech is usually mild, considering many other places around the world, with daytime temperatures fluctuating from 13°C to 19°C (55°F-66°F). This can admittedly get quite cool in the evenings, but it is a great time to explore the city’s museums, gardens, and historical sites without the crowds. You will enjoy a more relaxed pace in the low tourist season, with shorter queues for popular attractions and better value accommodations.
Winter is also that season of the year when the Atlas Mountains are capped with snow, thus providing a beautiful backdrop to the city. The nearby Oukaïmeden Ski Resort-if one is interested in skiing or snowboarding-is but a short drive away and offers one the rare opportunity to enjoy winter sports in Africa.
Cultural and Religious Considerations
Also, when planning a visit, one should not forget the cultural and religious calendar of Morocco. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan falls into different dates every year of the Gregorian calendar because the Islamic calendar is a lunar one. During Ramadan, some restaurants and shops close down completely, or their hours are reduced during the day; evenings are full of festivals and special dinners, which make the evening atmosphere so special.
From touring the lively souks of Marrakech to enjoying the deluxe riads, or making adventure expeditions, knowing the best time of visitation will assist you in maximizing your journey into Morocco.
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