October in Marrakech: What You Need to Know Right Now

If you’re planning to visit Marrakech in October then this is the guide for you. I live in Morocco and have spent October in Marrakech many many times.

Yeah, we move around quite a bit and have stayed in Marrakech long-term many times. TBH, October brings some of the best weather to Marrakech.

Therefore, you can enjoy warm, but not brutally hot, days spent by the pool or walking around the Medina. There is also virtually no rain at this time of year. So, no need to add an umbrella to your Marrakech packing list.

The only downside is that this is peak travel season. Yeah, you’d think this would be off-season or shoulder season, but no. Because of the good weather, many people LOVE visiting Marrakech in October.

So, if you don’t mind crowds or spending a bit of extra money on hotels and accommodations then this is a great time to visit the country.

But, to better understand the weather in Marrakech in October, what to pack for Marrakech in October, and what to do in Marrakech in October, then give this guide a read.

It will answer all of your most pressing questions, help you prepare for an awesome trip to Marrakech, and give you a local’s perspective.

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Is October a Good Time to Visit Marrakech?

October is one of the best times to visit Marrakech IMHO. Unlike September in Marrakech, the weather isn’t nearly as hot. So, you can walk around during the day in shorts without sweating to death.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still warm but it’s not brutally hot. In fact, you could go for a swim in the pool if you stay in a riad with a pool in Marrakech at the start of the month.

That’s not the case in Marrakech in November and during December in Marrakech.

It just gets a little too cool to go swimming once the end of the month rolls around. But, always check the weather right before you visit just in case since things can change.

Generally, the weather is also pretty sunny at this time of year. So, no need to pack an umbrella. You’ll also have nice long days and plenty fo light for exploring since the sun rises around 7:30 am and sets around 7:00 pm.

Although, the one thing you will have to deal with is crowds since it’s still peak season.

So, don’t expect to save money on hotels/flights and book your riad EARLY. Yeah, many affordable riads in Marrakech fill up fast since they have a limited number of rooms (maybe 10) and lots of people want to stay there.

The other thing you might want to book in advance is a ticket combined ticket to see Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. After all, the combo ticket is cheaper than booking two individual tickets.

Plus, Jardin Majorelle is one the most popular sites in Marrakech, and booking a combo ticket in advance will help you avoid lines.

I would also visit right when they open (around 8:30 am) since this garden is small and gets PACKED with people.

Weather in October in Marrakech

The weather in October in Marrakech is warm but not too hot. So, expect daily highs of 28°C (82°F), daily lows of 15°C (59°F), and one day of rain per month.

Obviously, as the month goes on, temperatures cool down. So, while you can probably go swimming at the start of the month, it gets a bit too cold for it once you hit the end of the month.

All in all, the weather is perfect for sightseeing and walking around the city. My only tip would be to wear lots of long, loose layers.

This way you can take off layers in the afternoon when it warms up and put them on in the evening/early morning when it cools down.

Remember, Marrakech has a DESERT climate. So, it’s very cold in the evening/early morning and very hot in the middle of the day. Do NOT underestimate how chilly it can get and pack some warm clothes for the evening in Marrakech.

Additionally, the sun here is ALWAYS strong. So, definitely wear a sun hat and long layers to protect your skin from the sun.

My other suggestion would be to carry a water bottle with a water filter so that you can stay hydrated.

Yes, the water is safe to drink, but you are not a local and could get sick. I drink the water all the time and have no problem since my body has gotten used to it.

However, you are only here for a short time and don’t want to ruin your vacation by getting a stomach bug. So, my best advice is to get a water bottle with a water filter to keep hydrated, save money, and save the planet.

Local Tip: Towards the end of the month it will get pretty cold at night. Because heat is not standard in ALL hotels, I would double-check to make sure the rooms at your hotel are heated before booking.

It won’t be a huge problem at more luxurious riads in Marrakech but may be an issue if you are staying at a hostel in Marrakech.

October Events in Marrakech

Good news! There are no public holidays in Morocco during October. So, everything should be open and it should be business as usual during your visit.

SOMETIMES Ramadan MIGHT fall in October. Currently, Ramadan is in March/February so you won’t have to worry about that for a while.

You can also check out some cool special events in Marrakech in October. These include:

• Marrakech Air Show – This event usually takes place over four days at the end of October. It’s held at the Royal Air Forces School Base and features 500+ exhibitions as well as neat events aeronautics enthusiasts will love.

• Halloween – As you probably already guessed, Halloween isn’t a HUGE thing in Marrakech. However, you can find some Marrakech clubs and bars hosting special Halloween-themed events that you might want to check out.

• Marrakech Harvest Festival – This event celebrates the main fall harvest and aims to recognize the diversity of goods grown and produced in the Marrakech region. The goal is to protect and educate people about the biodiversity of the High Atlas Mountains.

• Attend the Feast of Dates in Erfoud – This event usually takes place on October 17 and is a great place to try traditional sweets, see authentic dancing, and enjoy authentic local music. Just be aware that Erfoud is not close to Marrakech and is about 500 km (310 miles) away.

Best Things to do in Marrakech in October

If you planning to spend four days in Marrakech but are not sure what to do in Marrakech in October then check out this epic list of cool things to do. I’ll give you cool local tips on the best things to do at this time of year.

1. Visit Koutoubia Mosque

Easily one of the most important landmarks in the city, Koutoubia Mosque is a must-see even if you’re only spending one day in Marrakech.

See, this massive, 253-foot-tall (77 meters) mosque is the largest mosque in the city and was first built in 1147.

Sadly, you can’t go inside because, like most mosques in Morocco, this one is closed to non-muslims. However, you can stand in awe of the gorgeous minaret with its unique Almohad architecture.

The minaret is filled with lots of geometric designs and is great to see before walking around the palm-lined paths of the surrounding gardens. You can even sit on a bench and admire the fountains as you watch the people walk by.

If you have time, visit the ruins of an old prayer hall before walking across the street to see Jemaa el Fna Square. You can also visit if you are in Marrakech for Ramadan since seeing evening prayers here is magical.

2. See Jemaa el Fna Square at Night

Whether you love it or hate it, Jemaa el Fna Square is a must-see and truly comes alive around 5:00 pm.

See, as the sun sets, the square comes alive with belly dancers, snake charmers, monkey handlers, musicians, and vendors, all gathering together to escape the mid-day sun.

However, for an outstanding aerial view of the square, head to one of the rooftop cafes in Marrakech along the perimeter of the square.

I personally love L’Adresse Cafe and Restaurant. But, if I’m honest, virtually any cafe in the area will offer breathtaking sunset views.

Just make sure to arrive early, as the best seats fill up quickly. It’s also worth noting that some cafes may require you to order a full meal to access their highest rooftop.

You could also sign up for a Marrakech food tour and try some of the epic street food here.

3. Explore the Souks

Interested in picking up some unique Marrakech souvenirs? Then Head to Souk Semmarine. This vibrant pedestrian street is full of life and is a great place to go shopping in Marrakech if you are looking for unique souvenirs from Morocco.

As you meander through the market, you’ll find a magical array of colorful carpets, intricately designed brass lanterns, exquisite leather goods, and traditional babouche slippers.

Afterward, wander through the narrow alleyways that lead to Rahba Kedima (the spice market) and visit Souk Haddadine, an intriguing alley filled with working blacksmiths.

Remember, no trip to the Medina would be complete without getting lost in the many souks of Marrakech.

Before you visit, be sure to have cash handy and hone your bargaining skills. This way you can haggle and get the best deal possible. Just avoid buying antiques and jewelry since they are often overpriced and 100% not real.

If you have extra time, other exciting souks to explore include Souk Cherratine for leather goods, Souk des Teinturiers for brightly dyed wool, Souk des Babouche for traditional slippers, and La Criée Berbère for authentic Berber carpets.

4. Chill at the Hammam

If you need to take a break after a long day in Marrakech then try visiting a local hammam.

If you’re not sure what they are, hammams are communal baths, separated by gender, where people indulge in steam baths and use exfoliating gloves to get the dead skin off their bodies.

Generally, there are two types of hammams: public hammams and more expensive, private hammams.

Public hammams are communal spaces where visitors can disrobe, bathe in hot water, and scrub off all the dirt and dead skin with members of the same gender.

I visited Hammam Mouassine and really enjoyed my time at this public hammam. It offers a more authentic experience with the added bonus of having a guide on hand to walk you through the process.

However, if bathing with others is not really your thing then try a private hammam like Les Bains de Marrakech.

On my first visit to Marrakech, I went to this place and loved having a personal assistant to bathe me in hot water and scrub off the dead skin.

Additionally, hotels like La Mamounia, Riad Tarabel, and Es Saadi have top-notch hammams on-site if you’re looking for a bit more pampering from some of the best hammams in Marrakech.

5. Take a Walk Through the Menara Gardens

One of the best free attractions in Marrakech is the Menara Garden. It was originally established in the 12th century under the rule of Abd al-Mu’min of the Almohad Caliphate.

Currently, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an extensive olive grove that surrounds a central pool filled with water.

It’s a great place to walk around in Marrakech in October since the weather is warm but not scorching. If you look closely, you can even watch the planes taking off from the airport.

You can also capture stunning photos of the Atlas Mountains in the background and explore a small, on-site museum with scenic views of the reservoir for about 50 Dirham ($5.00).

6. Go on A Camel Rida Through the Palmeraie

This is one of those unique experiences in Marrakech that you might want to early in the evening when the sun begins to set and the heat of the day subsides.

Located about 10 kilometers (6 miles) from Marrakech, the Palmeraie is an oasis of 100,000 palm trees spread across 13,000 hectares of land.

Planted during the Almoravid dynasty, this historic park dates back to the 17th century. So, book a camel ride through this remarkable area today and enjoy a much-needed escape from the chaos of the city.

7. Explore the Saadian Tombs

Stop by first thing in the morning since this place is rather cramped and gets packed with tour groups once mid-day rolls around.

But, I can understand why everyone comes here. Commissioned by Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi, the Saadian Tombs were born out of the sultan’s desire to have a tomb as beautiful as the palaces he lived in.

So, this gorgeous mausoleum was built. It was adorned with exquisite Italian Carrara marble and muqarnas (decorative plasterwork highlighted with gold) that you can still see today.

However, the first thing you’ll probably notice when entering the building is its remarkable preservation.

That’s because Sultan Moulay Ismail decided to conceal the entire structure behind walls to erase the memory of his predecessor. As a result, the tombs weren’t actually rediscovered until 1917.

Today, though, you can visit the Chamber of the 12 Pillars, the Garden Tombs, Lalla Massouda’s Tomb, and the Chamber of Three Niches and Prayer Room.

Tickets cost 60 Dirhams ($6.00) per person, and the site is generally open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

8. Enjoy Bahia Palace

Undoubtedly one of the most majestic and beautiful buildings in the city, “Bahia” translates to “brilliant” in English.

The name suits this famous palace in Marrakech since this 8,000-square-meter structure is home to stunning tilework, fantastic plasterwork, and epic traditional Moroccan wood carving known as zouak.

Honestly, if you only visit one building in the city, make it this one—the craftsmanship in the Petit Riad and the Grand Riad is out of this world.

Truth be told though, I loved the Cour d’Honneur the most since this charming courtyard is adorned with Italian Carrara marble.

Sure, only a few of the 150 rooms are accessible to the public. But, I still think it’s worth paying 70 Dirhams ($7.00) to visit.

9. Check Out Bacha Coffee

Bacha Coffee is easily the most enchanting and beautiful cafe that I have ever visited in Marrakech.

In fact, since relocating to Morocco, I have stopped by at least four or five different times.

That’s mainly because of the exceptional service, the stunning decor, the delectable almond croissants (you get two per order), the reasonable prices, and the superb coffee served in a giant gold kettle.

It’s one of the few cafes in Marrakech that genuinely lives up to its Instagram fame. Located inside Dar El Bacha Museum, I recommend arriving right when they open at 10:00 am. This way you don’t have to wait upwards of two hours for a table.

If that’s not possible, put your name down on the waitlist and explore the museum while you wait.

Then, when your table’s ready, be sure to order the almond croissants and coffee served with fresh whipped cream and grated vanilla. The coffee menu is extensive, so don’t hesitate to ask the staff for recommendations.

Local Tip: The cafe is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. I would also relax and spend an hour or two here so you can enjoy the ambiance. You also will have to pay to visit the cafe even if you don’t get a ticket for the museum.

10. Explore Jardin Majorelle

This is definitely one of the most visited sites in Marrakech. So, to make the most of your visit, arrive as soon as they open (around 8:30 am) to enjoy the serene beauty of the garden before the crowds descend upon this place like a plague.

Also, be sure to pre-book your ticket online to avoid long queues. If possible, opt for a combo ticket with the Yves Saint Laurent Museum since both attractions are awesome and a combo ticket is cheaper.

After that, just take in the impressive greenery of this exquisite space, which was originally crafted by Jacques Majorelle in 1924.

It was later transformed into a spectacular garden by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980. Today, the garden now has over 300 plant species from around the world.

For an additional 30 Dirhams ($3.00), you can visit the Musée Berbère inside Majorelle’s striking, electric-blue studio. It’s a hhhh small museum in Marrakech that houses over 600 artifacts celebrating Morocco’s Indigenous culture.

Local Tip: TBH I would skip the Musée Berbère and just explore the garden. I didn’t think the museum was that great and would give it a pass since you have to pay extra to visit.

What to Wear in Marrakech in October?

If you’re not sure what to wear in Marrakech in October then I would opt for lots of loose layers. I like loose linen pants and long tunic tops. They are light, help keep you cool, and protect you from the sun.

Alternatively, you could go with a nice, conservative jumpsuit or with a pair of quick-dry hiking pants. I find that hiking shirts and hiking pants work well when exploring the Medina.

Just be sure to pack a light jacket or a warm fleece for the evenings or early mornings since it can be quite cold at these times of the day. If it’s later in the month, you may also want to pack warm socks, a hat, a scarf, etc.

If you visit early in the month then pack a bathing suit since you’ll still be able to go swimming. Otherwise, you may want to pack some warm layers. This way you can stay comfortable as the temperature changes throughout the day.

You also may want to pack a sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen since the sun can still be quite strong in October.

A refillable water bottle with a water filter is also a good idea. This way you can stay hydrated without worrying about getting sick from the tap water. FYI, I drink the tap water without any problems but I am used to it since I live here.

Conclusion

October is a great time to visit Marrakech since the weather is absolutely perfect. You’ll enjoy long, warm, sunny days that aren’t insanely hot.

The one downside is that you will have to deal with high prices and crowds of people since it’s still peak season.

But, if you plan ahead and book your riad well in advance then you should have a great time. Heck, visit early on in the month and you can still do a bit of swimming.

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