Marrakech in May: What You Need to Know

Without a doubt, Marrakech in May is one of the best times to visit the city. After all, this month means lots of warm, sunny days that are perfect for sightseeing and swimming.

Thankfully, the heat isn’t as intense as it is in the summer, making it an ideal time for exploring the city’s vibrant streets, lush gardens, and iconic desert landscapes.

However, all of this perfect weather comes at a price. Yup, May is also peak tourist season. This means bigger crowds, longer wait times, and higher prices for hotels, tours, and flights.

I know all this because I’ve lived on and off in Marrakech for years. I’ve seen the city in every season, and while May is undeniably beautiful, it’s also one of the busiest months.

So, if you love gorgeous weather and want to spend your days swimming or chilling by the people, then May will be perfect for you. However, if you hate crowds and want to save money, then May may not be the ideal time for you to visit.

It really just depends on you and what your priorities are when visiting Marrakech.

So, here’s everything you need to know about Marrakech in May—what to do, where to go, and how to navigate the high season like a local.

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Is May a Good Time to Visit Marrakech?

Overall, May is an EXCELLENT time to visit Marrakech if you are looking for warm weather, lots of sunshine, and love to go swimming. However, that also means that it is peak season in the city.

As a result, you should expect significant crowds in the Medina. You should also get ready to pay higher prices when it comes to hotels, riads, tours, and flights.

However, if you want to enjoy lots of daylight and want to visit before the intense heat of the summer sets in, then May is a perfect time to see the city. It just depends how crowd-averse you are.

So, if you can handle crowds and don’t mind higher prices, then May in Marrakech will be perfect for you. Just book things (tours/tickets/riads) a couple of months in advance since things can sell out.

Marrakech in May Weather

The weather in May is gorgeous with a capital “G.” Therefore, expect only one day of rain per month, as well as daily highs of 84°F (29°C) and daily lows of 59°F (15°C).

Overall, it is a beyond epic time to visit the city since it is warm enough to go swimming but not so warm that you are going to collapse from heat exhaustion while sightseeing.

Yes, it can feel a bit hot around the middle of the day. However, you can always chill by the pool or inside a rooftop cafe. This way you can recharge your batteries before continuing with your 2 days in Marrakech itinerary.

Additionally, I like that it isn’t super cold at night. Yes, it can feel a bit chilly, but if you pack a sweatshirt of a nice fleece then you should be just fine.

Added bonus? May means that the sun rises around 6:45 am and sets at around 8:15 pm. Therefore, you have a solid 14 hours of daylight.So, get ready to enjoy long days and lots of amazing sunshine.

What to Wear in Marrakech in May?

Need help with your May in Marrakech packing list? If so then this section is for you!

When I visit Marrakech in May I tend to wear lots of loose, breathable layers. Lightweight linen pants and long tunic tops are great choices since they keep you cool, protect you from the sun, and are super comfortable.

Alternatively, a modest jumpsuit or quick-dry hiking pants, with a breathable top, can also work well, especially when in the Medina. Hiking shirts are also great because they are quick-dry, light, and offer lots of UV protection.

However, do remember to bring a light jacket or a warm fleece for chilly mornings and evenings. Yeah, Marrakech is in the desert, so the city gets quite cold in the evenings and in the morning.

Additionally, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit since May is a perfect time to go swimming. You can even rock a bikini since guests can wear what they like inside private hotels and riads.

Other essentials include a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen since the sun is wicked strong in Marrakech. A refillable water bottle, with a filter, is a also great idea since it will help you stay hydrated.

Use it and steer clear of tap water since I know some people who have gotten sick from it. I personally drink the tap water, but I live here and have had time to get used to it.

Local Tip: The a/c in most places in Marrakech is almost non-existent or just not good. So, while your riad in Marrakech will have great a/c, many museums in Marrakech, restaurants in Marrakech, and cafes in Marrakech will not.

So, plan accordingly and don’t expect to cool off inside a local museum during the middle of the day.

May Events in Marrakech

The only national holiday in Morocco in May is “Labor Day” or “May Day”. This holiday honors the contributions that local workers have made to society and is not a huge holiday in Morocco.

Some people will have a day off and government buildings will be closed, but this holiday should not affect your trip in any way, shape, or form. Basically, it will be like any other day in Marrakech and is not something you will have to worry about.

TBH, the last time I was in Marrakech I didn’t even realize that it was a holiday. The only things that will really be closed are schools, banks, and government buildings.

Additionally, some cool events that you might want to check out include the Malhoun Festival of Patriotic Songs.

This event is held at various venues throughout Morocco, including The Chamber of Craftsm The Dar Bellarj Dar Bellarj Foundation, The Royal Theater, and The Theater of the House of Culture in Daoudiate.

The goal of this event is to celebrate the country’s musical heritage and traditional patriotic songs through various conferences, debates, musical performances, and art exhibitions.

Attending is a great way to get a better understanding of local Moroccan culture during your time in Marrakech.

Best Things to do in Marrakech in May

Here is a list of some of the awesome activities that you can enjoy if you plan to spend this gorgeous month in Marrakech.

1. Visit Ouarzazate for the Festival of the Roses

In the province of Ouarzazate lies the stunning Valley of Roses.

This gorgeous oasis comes alive with beautiful floral displays every spring and is where the Moussem de Kelaa M’Gouna, or Rose Festival, is held during the second weekend in May.

This centuries-old festival honors the beauty of the Damask rose and includes three days of banquets, markets (complete with rose-inspired products), tradtional music/dancing, parades with floats covered in rose petals, and a beauty pageant where one woman is crowned “Miss Roses.”

Please know that while this event is awesome, Ouarzazate is NOT well-located near Marrakech. So, it will take you around 3.5 hours to drive from Marrakech to Ouarzazate.

However, it’s worth it since Ouarzazate is a super cool city. It’s a rad, fortified desert town where you can visit the Kasbah, explore an ancient synagogue, take a day trip to Ait Benhaddou, and see where tons of Hollywood movies were filmed at Atlas Studios.

2. Take a Day Trip to Essaouira

Unlike Ouarzazate, Essaouira is well-located near Marrakech and makes for one of the best day trips from Marrakech.

In fact, if you hop on one of the many Supratours buses that depart from Marrakech daily, you can be in Essaouira’s beautiful blue and white Medina in around three hours.

Personally, I LOVE visiting Essaouira in May since the winds aren’t super strong yet. So, you can walk along the beach and check out the views from the Skala de Port/Old Skala without getting a face full of sand.

Additionally, Essaouira is just a great place to visit since it has a much different feel than Marrakech.

It is a much quieter, super sleepy beach town where you can chat with friendly locals, shop for cool souvenirs, and relax as you walk through the historic streets of Medina. You can also sign up for a surf lesson or try kite surfing while you’re here.

I live in Essaouira and absolutely love it here. I honestly could not imagine living anywhere else since I love the beach and the chill vibes of one of the most historic cities in Morocco.

3. Attend the Transahara Festival

If you’re looking to do something truly unique during your trip to Marrakech, then don’t miss the Transahara Festival.

It’s a super fun, totally eclectic music festival that takes place right in the middle of the Sahara, near Merzouga.

Typically, this event is held between the second and third week of May and features a wide array of exciting musical performances.

With the stunning dunes of Erg Chebi in the background, this is the perfect place for a bit of introspection and reconnection with nature—all while immersing yourself in incredible music.

4. Recharge with Some Delicious Local Orange Juice

After walking around the Medina all day, you can feel a bit hot and sweaty. So, there is no better way to recharge your battery and replenish your electrolytes than with a nice glass of fresh orange juice.

Not only it is delicious and incredibly good for you, but it is easy to find at some of the fruit vendors in Jemaa El Fna Square or in Place des Epices.

Any of the sellers here will be happy to give you a glass of deliciously sweet juice since locals like to combine tangerine juice with orange juice for an extra bit of sweetness and flavor.

For an even better experience, stop by at sunset and watch the sun set over the city from atop one of the best rooftop restaurants in Marrakech.

5. Visit Jardin de Majorelle

Jardin Majorelle, with its enchanting beauty and peaceful atmosphere, is a must-visit in Marrakech. May is an especially great time to go since the weather is great and the garden’s 3,000 plant species are in full bloom.

To enjoy your visit without the crowds, arrive as soon as the garden opens, which is typically around 8:00 or 8:30 AM. It’s also best to book your tickets online in advance since this is one of the most popular things to do in Marrakech.

To save money, consider purchasing a combo ticket that includes access to both Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

It’s cheaper than buying the tickets separately and I personally really enjoyed my time at the Yves saint Laurent Museum.

Once inside the garden, explore the lush greenery and striking architecture that this place is known for. It was originally designed by Jacques Majorelle in 1924 and was later restored in 1980 by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé.

For an additional 30 Dirhams (around $3.00), you can also visit the Musée Berbère, which sits inside Majorelle’s iconic electric-blue studio. It features over 600 artifacts related to Berber culure in Morocco.

TBH, I’d probably skip the museum since I found it a bit small and not really worth the extra money or time.

6. Relax at Bacha Coffee

Bacha Coffee is without a doubt one of my all-time favorite things to do in Marrakech.

Basically, we come here any time we are in the city since the decor is beautiful, the coffee is epic, the almost croissants are divine (two also come per order), and the service is exceptional.

It also doesn’t hurt that the prices here are incredibly affordable given the quality of the food, drinks, and service.

I also LOVE that you get a giant menu (it resembles a textbook) filled with decadent coffees to choose from, all of which are served in a magnificent gold kettle that comes with a side of fresh whipped cream and grated vanilla.

To visit, you’ll have to make your way inside the Dar El Bacha Museum. I would also stop by right when they open at 10:00 AM to avoid a long wait.

Otherwise, just add your name to the waitlist and explore the museum while you wait.

Once seated, don’t miss the almond croissants. They are by far my favorite and we get them every time we stop by.

Local Tip: The café and museum are closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. You’ll also need to purchase a ticket to enter the café, even if you don’t plan on visiting the museum.

7. Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in Marrakech. Its name, Bahia, means brilliant in English and serves as a fitting tribute to the grandeur of this extraordinary site.

Spanning an impressive 8,000 square meters, this palace is a true masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship, featuring stunning tilework, intricate plaster detailing, and exquisite hand-carved woodwork (zouak).

So, if you want to get an up close and personal look at authentic, tradtional Moroccan architecture then this is the place to go.

In particular, the artistry of the Petit Riad and Grand Riad are mesmerizing. However, my personal favorite is the Cour d’Honneur, a magnificent courtyard adorned with stunning Italian Carrara marble.

Though only a small section of the palace’s 150 rooms is open to the public, it remains a must-see, especially in May when the weather is at its best. Yeah, the palace is filled with outdoor courtyards, so you’ll want to visit on a nice day.

Best of all, admission is very affordable at just 70 Dirhams (around $7) per person.

8. Visit the Saadian Tombs

Without a doubt, the Saadian Tombs in Marrakech are always worth a visit.

After all, this stunning landmark is a prime example of authentic Moroccan architecture and has a rich history that can be seen through the building’s intricate designs.

For the best experience, arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds. Yeah, this space is super cramped, and visiting during peak hours can make you feel like a tiny Sardine packed into an even tinier tin can.

First and foremost, this iconic spots was built as the final resting place for Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi.

The tombs were designed to reflect the opulence of his palaces, complete with exquisite Italian Carrara marble and intricate muqarnas—ornamental plasterwork accented with gold.

However, what I find fascinating is just how well-preserved they are. This is largely because Saddian Sultan’s successor, Sultan Moulay Ismail, sealed off the site in an effort to erase his predecessor’s legacy.

Well, he did such a thorough job that the tombs remained hidden until their rediscovery in 1917.

Today, visitors are welcome to explore the Chamber of the 12 Pillars, the Garden Tombs, Lalla Massouda’s Tomb, the Chamber of Three Niches, and the Prayer Room.

Each space showcases remarkable craftsmanship and will leave you into total of awe of the historic beauty that Marrakech is known for.

9. Explore the Souks

The near-perfect weather and ample daylight make this an excellent time to explore the many souks (aka markets) that the city is known for.

So, put on a pair of comfy walking shoes and get ready to explore the best souks in Marrakech. Along the way, do a bit of haggling – so you can get the best price possible – and pick up some unique Marrakech souvenirs.

Just be sure to have some cash handy since many vendors do not accept credit cards.

If you’re not sure where to start, try Souk Semmarine first. It’s a bustling pedestrian street that is filled with stunning brass lanterns, handcrafted carpets, high-quality leather goods, and vibrant babouche slippers.

Next, make your way to Rahba Kedima so that you can visit the lively spice market here. Afterward, hit up Souk Haddadine and watch skilled blacksmiths hammer large pieces of metal into beautiful works of art.

Finally, visit Souk Cherratine for beautiful leather goods, Souk des Teinturiers to marvel at the art of wool dyeing, Souk des Babouche for traditional Moroccan shoes and slippers, and La Criée Berbère for Berber carpets.

10. ANIMA Garden

Easily one of the most unique things to do in Marrakech, ANIMA Garden is a perfect place to go in May when the weather is amazing and the flowers here are all in full bloom.

It’s also a nice place to visit because it’s located 35 minutes outside of the city, offering you with much-needed respite from the chaos that is the Marrakech Medina.

Seriously, I just hopped in their on-site hammock and listened to the birds chirp as my partner chilled on a bench in the shade.

Anyway, this epic spot was designed by the renowned artist André Heller and features an impressive collection of world-class art from legends like Picasso and Keith Haring.

The best part? ANIMA has a free shuttle service that you can use to visit! Simply reserve your spot online and choose between the 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM departure times.

The shuttle meeting point is easy to find and is conveniently located in the parking lot behind the Koutoubia Mosque.

Once on-site, tickets cost 140 Dirhams (around $14) per person, granting you access to a stunning oasis filled with cacti, palm trees, roses, fountains, and beautifully manicured gardens that double as gorg art sculptures.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the on-site café, which serves great food. We ordered an omelet and enjoyed it on the rooftop, with breathtaking views of the property in the background.

While the garden isn’t huge, its tranquil setting and limited crowds (thanks to the small size of the shuttle) make it an excellent place to visit the next time you’re in Marrakech.

Conclusion

May is truly one of the best times to visit Marrakech. With warm, sunny days, May is the perfect time to explore the Medina, lounge by the pool, or go for a swim since the city is alive with energy and color.

However, being peak tourist season, it’s important to plan ahead. You should also expect larger crowds and higher prices when it comes to flights, hotels, and tours.

That said, with a little bit of extra planning, visiting Marrakech in May can be an unforgettable experience.

Whether you’re wandering the souks, admiring the intricate details of historic palaces, or soaking in the beauty of the desert, this city never fails to impress.

As someone who has lived in Marrakech on and off for years, I can confidently say that despite the busier streets, May remains a magical time to be here.

Just be sure to book in advance, embrace the hustle and bustle, and take plenty of time to slow down and savor the beauty of this incredible city.

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