Best time to visit · Marrakech · Morocco
The best time to visit Marrakech
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: YoTuT from United States, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
The best times to visit Marrakech are March to May and October to November, when days are warm and sunny but not too hot. Winter (December to February) is mild by day but cold at night, while July and August regularly exceed 40°C, making sightseeing hard outside early mornings and evenings.
Key facts
- Best months
- March–May and October–November
- Shoulder season
- June, September and December–February
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 37°C (99°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 19°C (66°F))
- Rainiest month
- January (~4 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- June–August
Seasons
Marrakech has a hot semi-arid climate: very hot, dry summers with highs often near or above 40°C, mild, sunny winters with cold nights, and little rain, most of it between November and April. The snow-capped High Atlas is visible from the city in winter and spring.
March–May
Spring
Warm, sunny and green, with gardens in bloom and snow still on the Atlas peaks; the busiest and priciest season, especially around Easter.
June–August
Summer
Very hot and dry, with highs often near or above 40°C; pools and early starts are essential, and prices drop.
September–November
Autumn
The heat eases through September, and October and November bring warm, settled days ideal for the medina and day trips.
December–February
Winter
Mild, sunny days around 19°C, cold nights and snow on the High Atlas; busy over Christmas and New Year.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19°C | 6°C | 4 | 10.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| February | 20°C | 8°C | 4 | 11 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 23°C | 10°C | 4 | 11.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| April | 25°C | 12°C | 4 | 12.9 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| May | 29°C | 15°C | 2 | 13.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 33°C | 18°C | 1 | 14.2 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 37°C | 21°C | 0 | 14 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| August | 37°C | 21°C | 1 | 13.3 h | 3/5 | 2/5 |
| September | 32°C | 19°C | 2 | 12.3 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| October | 28°C | 15°C | 3 | 11.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| November | 22°C | 10°C | 4 | 10.5 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 19°C | 7°C | 4 | 10.1 h | 4/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Marrakech Marathon (usually late January) |
| February | 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair (usually February) |
| April | Easter holidays bring a peak of European visitors (March or April) |
| June | Gnaoua World Music Festival in Essaouira (usually June) |
| November | Marrakech International Film Festival (usually late November to early December) |
| December | Marrakech International Film Festival (usually early December); New Year's Eve celebrations at hotels and riads (31 December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in June–August, and the sights are quietest in June–July. Many visitors avoid July–August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Marrakech?
The best times to visit Marrakech are March to May and October to November, when days are warm and sunny but not too hot. Winter (December to February) is mild by day but cold at night, while July and August regularly exceed 40°C, making sightseeing hard outside early mornings and evenings.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Marrakech?
Usually in June–August. Hot and dry; sightseeing works early and late, with long afternoon breaks by a pool.
+What is the rainiest month in Marrakech?
January, with about 4 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Marrakech get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 37°C (99°F) and lows of 21°C (70°F).