Local’s Guide to the Best Time to Go to Marrakech in 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Marrakech then the first thing you’ll need to figure out is the best time to go to Marrakech. 

I mean, you can’t very well book a trip without knowing when you’ll visit, now can you? 

Now, because I live in Morocco, I have been to Marrkech a bunch of times and have visited in every season. Yeah, I am living just down the road in Essaouira. 

So, I know all about the best time to visit Marrakech, Morocco. Similarly, I also know when you should NOT visit Marrakech. 

Because, unlike many of the places in Europe and North America, Marrakech is a desert. So, it is extremely hot in the summer and cold in the winter. 

Seriously, I thought my Moroccan partner was gonna pass out in the summer when the temperature soared to 50°C+ during the day. 

Plus, many restaurants do NOT have AC. And the ones that do have AC don’t have a powerful cooling system. Therefore, it still feels hot. 

Plus, the place is packed with tourists and you get super tired from walking around in the intense heat. 

So, when should you visit Marrakech, Morocco? Well use my guide to find out now.

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Best Time to Visit Marrakech, Morocco

The short and sweet answer is that the best time to visit Marrakech, Morocco is from mid-March through late May and from the end of September in Marrakech through mid-November in Marrakech.

Because this is shoulder season, the temperatures will be pleasant and you won’t freeze or sweat to death while walking around the city. Just always check the weather before you visit.

However, the pleasant weather means that this is also when most travelers are in the city. So, if you hate crowds, try to time your visit for the beginning of Spring or the end of Fall. 

Just be aware that if you visit between February and March then you may be in Morocco for Ramadan (at least that will be true in 2025).

Everything will be open but the time will change (usually they move the clocks back an hour). The city also won’t have the same vibrancy during the day since everyone is fasting. 

It’s also worth noting that while you can eat and drink in public, please be discreet since many people are fasting. 

No one will say anything but it’s just nice to be considerate of others who are thirsty and hungry. 

However, people will definitely be out at night and excited about ending their fast. It’s not bad to travel during Ramadan but it is just different and you should prepare for it. 

Conversely, I really enjoyed visiting in winter. I first visited Marrakech in January and it was nice because there weren’t a ton of people in the city. 

The prices were also reasonable and it was mild during the day (15°C+). It does get cool at night, so be sure to pack a jacket and layers since many other cities in Morocco aren’t as warm as Marrakech. 

I would also check and make sure all of your hotels have heat since heat is not standard at in some hotels. Yeah, I found that out the hard way. 

You also won’t have to worry much about rain since Marrakech is a just desert. But, the “dry season” extends from late April through mid-October. 

Then there is a mild “wet season” that lasts from late October through mid-April. 

Honestly, don’t worry about the rain. The city gets maybe one or two inches of rain during the wettest months. I have also visited many times and have never encountered rain. 

Local Tip: Marrakech can be brutally hot. Please pack a hat, sunscreen, and carry plenty of water when you visit. I am super fair-skinned and got burnt in January. 

So, the sun here is no joke. Neither is dehydration, which is why I recommend you always carry a water bottle with you. I also always drink lots of water during breakfast in Marrakech so I am well-hydrated.

Marrakech in Summer – The Worst Time to Visit Marrakech

I am not gonna lie to you. I HATE visiting Marrakech in the summer, or any time between June and August. 

The city is packed with people, especially at night since it is too hot to walk around during the day. 

Plus, the city is oppressively hot – like 45*C hot (100°F+). So, if you visit at the time of year pack tons of sunscreen, hats, light pants to cover your legs, and a water bottle to carry with you at all times. 

The sun is brutal and it is easy to get dehydrated very quickly. That’s why you also might want to consider staying inside and walking around after 3:00 pm since the city is just that hot. 

You could also get up super early and enjoy some of the best things to do in Marrakech early in the morning. This way you can beat the heat and be back by 11:00 am before it gets super hot.

Yeah, I have visited in summer and winter and absolutely hated being in the city in summer. It is a good time to hang out by the pool and that is pretty much it.

I would also remember that most attractions/museums in Marrakech do not have great a/c. So, do not expect to “cool off” by heading indoors. The same goes for restaurants which rarely have really good a/c.

Honestly, if you’re here in Morocco during the summer, just go to Essaoira. It is much cooler and has a nice beach for you to relax on. 

June Weather: High 791°F, Low 63°F, and 0 days of rain

July Weather: High 99°F, Low 69°F, and 0 days of rain

August Weather: High 99°F, Low 70°F, and 0 days of rain

Local Tip: Another thing you need to know about visiting Marrakech in the summer is that  Eid al-Adha usually takes place the second or third week of June (around the 16th for 2 or 3 days). 

It is a major holiday for Moroccans where they bring sheep into their homes to slaughter. 

So, you will see blood in the streets and people roasting sheep’s heads over fires. 

Everything will also be closed and train/bus tickets will be extremely difficult to come by since everyone is going home for a major holiday. 

Most things don’t phrase me but I was little grossed out by the sheep heads and the blood in the streets. So, I would not suggest visiting Morocco at this time of year. 

Marrakech in Spring – Best Time to Visit Marrakech to See Flowers

Spring lasts from March in Marrakech through May and includes April in Marrakech. It is a beautiful time to visit since flowers come alive and bring a vivid array of vibrant colors into the city. 

Temperatures are also pleasantly mild, in the 70s and 80s, making cities like Marrakech a haven for tourists who want to enjoy the best things to do in Marrakech without worrying about heat exhaustion. 

This is also the best time to visit Marrakech, Morocco if you want to see the city’s top attractions during the day and then relax by the pool in the afternoon. 

Please note, it won’t really get warm enough to swim until the end of March or April. Also, as more people begin to visit Marrakech, spring is becoming a more and more popular time to visit.

So, do expect crowds, do expect a long wait at Bacha Coffee, and do pre-book your tickets for Jardin Majorelle online, in advance.

Anyway, there is a high chance of rain in March, but this is minimal since the city is in a desert and will get, at most, one or two inches of rain throughout the month. 

I would also 100% avoid visiting during Easter and Spring Break. it is absolute mayhem and the Medina is PACKED with people. I did this once and there was like an hour-long line to visit Le Jardin Secret. So, don’t make my same mistakes.

March Weather: High 74°F, Low 50°F, and 3 days of rain

April Weather: High 77°F, Low 54°F, and 2 days of rain

May Weather: High 783°F, Low 58°F, and 1 day of rain

Marrakech in Winter – Best Time to Go to Marrakech for deals/cool weather/minimal crowds

I think winter is possibly the best time to visit Marrakech, Morocco. From December in Marrakech through February, the weather is pleasant during the day (like 60°F+) and perfect for walking around. 

Do wear a light jacket in the morning since it is still a bit chilly. But, by the afternoon you can probably walk around in a T-shirt. 

Sadly, you can’t really use the pool since it’s a bit chilly. You will also have to dress warmly in the evening since the temperature drops quite a bit once the sun goes down (it drops down to 40*F).  

However, it’s worth it for minimal crowds and great deals on hotels/airfare.I visited in January the first time I was in the city and loved it. 

That being said, Marrakech is becoming more popular and that means I am seeing a lot more people visit in February. So, crowds are definitely LESS but do not expect to have the place all to yourself in February.

Ferbaury is also a great time to sip on some OJ since local oranges are at their best and sweetest.

I would also avoid visiting Marrakech at Christmas or Marrakech at New Year’s since many people from Northern Europe visit to escape the cold and bask in the nice weather. 

However, if you are looking for nightlife in Marrakech then try visiting at the end of December. The festivities start around December 20th and last until the first week of January since many tourists visit the city to ring in the New Year. 

Plan to spend at least five nights in the city since this is likely the minimum stay required by your hotel. Head to Gueliz and Hivernage to enjoy the best nightlife in Marrakech. 

Many Moroccans head to Marrakech too. So, advance reservations are a must at hotels and restaurants and for events during this time of year. 

Local Tip: If you want to celebrate Christmas in Morocco then head to Rabat. There are a lot of foreigners there and it is easily one of the most festive cities in the country.

Winter will also bring the start of Ramadan in Marrakech since the holiday is set to start between February 17th and February 19th in 2026.

The exact dates vary every year and each year the start of Ramadan usually is about two weeks earlier.

Everything will be open and you can definitely get food/water during the day. However, the clocks will go back and hour and the city won’t be as alive during the day. 

Many people will be home fasting and won’t be out and about since they are saving their energy. 

And while you can absolutely eat and drink in public, please do so in a way that is respectful to people who are hungry and fasting. 

No one will yell at you, but try to be considerate when enjoying drinks and meals. People will be much more active at night after they eat and celebrate the end of the day’s fast. 

Traveling to Morocco during Ramadan is fine but you just need to be prepared for it.

December Weather: High 68°F, Low 45°F, and 3 days of rain

January Weather: High 66°F, Low 43°F, and 3 days of rain

February Weather: High 69°F, Low 46°F, and 3 days of rain

Marrakech in Fall – Best Time to Visit Marrakech for Good Weather

Fall in Marrakech lasts from September through November. It’s a great time to visit the city since you can enjoy good weather.

This time of year is characterized by pleasantly warm weather that is complemented by cool breezes. 

The best time to experience the splendor of fall in Marrakech is from October and early November. 

Visit in early September and you could still encounter insanely hot weather with temperatures in the 90s or 100s. It’s also peak tourist season so there will still be a ton of people in the city. 

So, try to time your visit for October when the climate is perfect for exploring. Mornings tend to be cool, with temperatures anywhere between the 50s and 70s throughout the day. 

Therefore, be sure to wear a jacket and save any swimming for the afternoon since this is the hottest part of the day. 

If you visit in September, October, and even some parts of November, you will need to book your riad well in advance. I talked to a local riad owner and people sometimes book riads at this time of year up to 6 monthes in advance.

Therefore, plan accordingly because I do not want you to miss out on staying in the riad of your dreams while in Marrakech.

Once November arrives, things start to cool down. Highs will be in the low 70s, while nights cool down to the 40s. It will also be a bit too cold to use the pool, 

So, if you want to avoid the crowds, like cooler weather, and don’t care about the pool then be visit in the late fall, particularly mid-November is a great time to visit the city.

September Weather: High 91°F, Low 66°F, and 1 day of rain

October Weather: High 82°F, Low 60°F, and 1 day of rain

November Weather: High 73°F, Low 51°F, and 3 days of rain

The Best Time to Visit Morocco for Events is November through February

During the off-peak season in January/February and November/December, the city comes alive with energy as temperatures cool down and rain hits the area. 

This is also when many annual events come ot town, like the Marrakesh marathon that is held on the last Sunday of January. 

Other fun events include the Contemporary African Art Fair the third weekend in February and the Marrakesh International Film Festival, which comes to the city at the end of November and continues into the first week of December. 

Best Time to Visit Morocco FAQs

What is the Best Month to go to Morocco?

The best month to go to Morocco is either April or October. This is when you can enjoy great weather. However, if you want to avoid crowds then try late November or January. The city is cold but prices are better and there are smaller crowds.

How Many Days Do You Need in Marrakech?

Ideally you’ll want to spend either two or three days in Marrakech. This will give you enough time to get a feel for the city and experience some of the best things to do in Marrakech without feeling rushed. 

What is the Hottest Month in Marrakech?

The hottest month in Marrakech is July. Temperatures reach an average high of 39°C (102°F) and an average low of 22°C (72°F). I would avoid visiting during this time of year if at all possible. 

What is The High Season in Marrakech?

High season in Marrakech usually starts in April (but now it is creeping into March and even February) and extends through October. However, a lot of tourists also visit the city for Christmas and New Year’s to escape the cold. 

Conclusion

That concludes this guide to the best time to visit Marrakech. Feel free to comment below if you have any questions. 

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