Marrakech is the number one travel destination for most visitors to Morocco. If you are wondering when is the best time to visit Marrakech, read on for some helpful information and advice.
Best Time to Visit Marrakech
The city of Marrakech is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. This busy, vibrant, city is an incredible combination of the old and the modern. The old Medina was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. Wandering there is an enchanting, mind-blowing experience. Street vendors offer you beautiful hand-crafted items to delicious food of all varieties. Multitudes of shops sell blankets, carpets, bags, and so much more. It can make it difficult to choose what items you’d like to take back home at the end of your vacation. And if you get a craving for the modern world, the “new city” awaits with shopping malls, modern restaurants, designer labels, spas, and more.
The city of Marrakech has so much to offer, it’s hard to say that there is ever a wrong time of year to pay it a visit. Rather, the timing of your vacation is a very personal choice, depending on your needs and the needs of your traveling companions. Here are a few things to consider to help you determine when the best time to visit Marrakech is for you.
The Climate of Marrakech
Marrakech is located in the desert, about two hours to the East of the Atlantic coastline and an hour Northwest of the High Atlas mountains. Although it is a desert city, Marrakech is also an oasis filled with palms, olives, oranges, figs, and many more varieties of plant life. But don’t let all that abundant plant life fool you, because the desert is still there.
Winters (December to February) are mild and can be rainy. The days are generally nice, thanks to that hot North African sun But the nights can be pretty chilly. Still, Moroccan winters are mild compared to many other places around the world. If you are heat sensitive, a Winter vacation in Marrakech might be just what you need.
Marrakech Summers are very hot and dry with temperatures rising to over 30+ Celsius (over 100 F). If you are out in the day, you need to make a point of staying hydrated. If you thrive in the sun or live in the desert back home, a Summer visit to Marrakech may work just fine for you. But it is always best to be prepared and to plan some activities that will help you stay out of the hot sun when you need a break.
The most popular time for most travelers to Morocco is between March and May, and between September and November. During those times of the year, daytime temperatures average between the low 70s to low 90s F (21 to 33 Celsius). However, the more popular it is with travelers – the more crowded it is likely to be. And if you don’t enjoy crowds, this is yet one more thing to consider.
Two Fun Festivals in Marrakech
There are a number of fun festivals in Morocco throughout the year, and two of the most popular festivals take place in Marrakech. In the Summer, the Marrakech Du Rire Comedy Festival takes place. And in the Winter, it’s time for the Marrakech International Film Festival. If either festival is on your agenda, then the obvious best time to visit Marrakech is when the big event is taking place.
If either of these events is of interest to you, be sure to check their website to find out the exact dates, purchase tickets, and more!
Day Trips and Tours Outside of Marrakech
If you are hoping to spend time in areas around Marrakech, it could make a difference in the timing of your trip.
For instance – if you are hoping to enjoy one of our day trips up to Imlil, a peaceful Berber village in the High Atlas mountains, you may prefer to plan your trip for a warmer time of year. After all, even though Winter temperatures are mild and sunny in Marrakech, the mountains may be very cold and filled with snow. Unless you want to pack your snow boots and winter coat for your vacation, it may be best to stay away from December to February.
On the other hand, if you dream of visiting Ouarzazate to see the Atlas Movie Studios, including a visit to Ait Ben Haddou, you would find your explorations far more enjoyable if you visit during the cooler months of the year and avoid summer altogether.
And if you enjoy exploring both the desert and the mountains – be sure to take a look at our 8 Days in South Morocco extended tour!
There really is no wrong time of year to spend time in Morocco. But we hope that these tips will help you determine the best time to visit Marrakech for you and your family. If you would like to learn more about creating a custom tour that is perfect for you, too, please get in touch with us. We would love to help you plan the Moroccan vacation you will remember fondly for the rest of your life!
