Morocco is an increasingly popular year-round travel destination. But as the seasons change throughout the year, visitors also have the opportunity to discover Morocco’s culture and history. Whether you enjoy water sports, mountain hiking, cultural experiences or historical sites, you’ll find that the ideal time to explore all these regions of Morocco can vary throughout the year. If you’re planning to visit Morocco in summer, there are a few things to bear in mind.
In general, spring and autumn are the months when Morocco sees most of its international visitors, as the milder climate is favorable. But the summer months offer special pleasures for travellers too. Morocco’s high season for domestic travel and its low season for foreign travel coincide during the summer. In August, local Moroccans usually migrate to cooler seaside locations, especially in the north of the country, for their month-long holiday. Moroccan expatriates who visit their family and friends during this time of year will join them.
If you decide to visit Morocco in summer, you can expect great discounts on accommodation (except in the coastal region), lively music festivals and the chance to experience the real Morocco. Not to mention the scorching sun, which goes perfectly with the country’s sandy coastline.
VISITING MOROCCO IN SUMMER – THE BASICS
Morocco’s climate is as diverse as its geography. From the cooler Atlas Mountains to the mercilessly hot Sahara Desert and the windy coastal region, the country’s weather varies considerably. This is even truer in summer. Generally speaking, Morocco enjoys a subtropical climate. Temperatures can fluctuate between 5ºC (41ºF) during the winter months and 50ºC + 40º (120ºF) boiling at the height of summer in the desert.
Morocco’s coastal region enjoys a climate tempered by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Summertime averages here range from 29°C (84.2°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). The further away you are from the coast, the more extreme the temperatures become. For example, Marrakech experiences relatively little summer rainfall (2 mm total), thanks to its semi-arid environment. Average maximum temperatures range from 31ºC (36ºC) to 36.5ºC (98ºF) between June and August. The Mediterranean climate in Fez means that the city receives slightly more rain than Marrakech, but temperatures still average 35°C (95°F) in summer. But the Sahara Desert dominates the hottest part of Morocco: in the heat of summer, average temperatures are 38°C (100°F) and sand temperatures can easily exceed 80°C (176°F).
SIMPLE SURVIVAL TIPS
All this talk of boiling temperatures may seem a little overwhelming. It is possible to travel across Morocco during the summer and it can be a fulfilling experience. Here are a few points to bear in mind when visiting Morocco in summer:
- Enjoy the warm nights. Moroccan cities truly come alive after dusk in the summer. In Marrakech, food stalls, snake charmers and musicians all set up shop in Djemaa El Fnaa to entertain and feed visitors. In the country’s cities, you’ll quickly discover that much of life happens after sunset. Explore the vibrant nightlife of Morocco by going there in the early evening.
- Make air conditioning your best friend. Air conditioning is a must if you’re traveling to Morocco in summer. And if you choose to join one of our exciting tours, know that all vehicles and villas are well equipped with air conditioning to keep you cool on hot summer days.
- Plan your walking tours for the morning. If you’re visiting historical and cultural sites in Moroccan cities, try to plan these visits for the morning. Chances are the temperature will drop early in the day, and you’ll have plenty of shady spots to protect yourself if the sun gets too hot.
- Take precautions. Temperatures will be high in summer, so make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. Wear long, loose-fitting clothing, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your skin.
- Taking things lightly. Whatever you decide to do during your stay in Morocco, the most important thing to keep in mind is to take it easy. The heat will affect the pace at which you can sometimes explore the country, and that’s fine The most crucial thing is to enjoy exploring Morocco to the fullest and to be safe and hydrated.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water all day long. It’s very easy to overheat and dehydrate quickly. Always carry water and drink, drink, drink!
- Stay in a villa with a pool. In addition to air-conditioned rooms, a refreshing pool will be your go-to place when the afternoon sun starts to get a little too hot What could be more pleasurable after touring Morocco’s fascinating cities in the morning is a leisurely afternoon spent by the pool.
- Escape the big cities. If you want to avoid the heat at all costs while exploring Morocco, your safest bet is to escape the country’s big cities. The coast of Morocco offers a welcome alternative for exploring charming cities like Rabat, Agadir, Essaouira, and Tangier. Here, temperatures tend to be cooler than in southern Morocco, and the ocean breeze offers a refreshing break from the summer sun. If you prefer the great outdoors, opt to explore the cooler Atlas or Rif mountains. You’ll find plenty of trekking opportunities filled with interesting natural and cultural attractions to discover along the way.
SO SHOULD YOU VISIT MOROCCO IN SUMMER?
Absolutely. All seasons offer a unique perspective on Morocco, and summer will allow you to see Morocco from a different angle.
A little-known fact is that Morocco is home to numerous festivals, many of which take place during the summer months. Perfect musicians from all over the globe come together for a week in June to create a “beacon of peace for the Islamic world” at the Fez Festival of globe Sacred Music. Also in June, the Gnaoua World Music Festival takes over the sleepy coastal town of Essaouira to celebrate the music and arts of the Gnaouas.
With fewer international travelers and more domestic tourism, you’ll be able to connect with more locals and witness towns and villages with their traditional routines and festivities. So begin planning your Moroccan summer vacation and get in touch with us for a customized itinerary that suits your requirements and preferences.
