When to visit
The Best Time to Visit Marrakech: Weather Month by Month
Marrakech is a year-round destination, but it is not equally comfortable in every month. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) hit the balance of warm days, cool evenings and clear skies that suit both the city and the day trips around it. Here's how the whole calendar stacks up so you can match your dates to your trip.
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- When to visit
- Updated
- 20 July 2026
At a glance
- Best overall: March–May and September–November — warm, dry, comfortable for walking.
- Summer (Jun–Aug): very hot (38–42°C); cheaper and quieter, but plan around the midday heat.
- Winter (Dec–Feb): mild sunny days, cold nights; great for the city, chilly for the desert.
- Check the dates of Ramadan, which shifts each year and changes the rhythm of the city.
Spring (March–May) — the best all-rounder
Spring is Marrakech at its finest. Daytime temperatures climb from the low 20s in March to the high 20s by May, nights are mild, and the surrounding countryside is green after the winter rains — the Ourika Valley and Atlas foothills are gorgeous. It's ideal for long days on foot in the medina and for every kind of day trip.
The trade-off is popularity: spring is peak season, so book riads and tours ahead, especially around Easter and European school holidays.
Summer (June–August) — hot, cheap and quiet
High summer is intense. Expect 38–42°C in the shade, with the medina baking by midday. If you visit now, do as locals do: sightsee early and late, retreat to shade or a pool from noon to four, and drink constantly. Riads with a pool become essential rather than a luxury.
The upside is value and space — prices soften and the big sights are quieter. The desert is punishing by day but the dunes at night are still magical, and the coast at Essaouira stays breezy and cool, making it a perfect summer escape.
Autumn (September–November) — the second sweet spot
Autumn mirrors spring: the summer heat breaks, days settle into the high 20s and then low 20s, and the light turns golden. October and November are superb for combining the city with mountain and desert trips — warm days, cool comfortable nights, and thinner crowds than spring.
It's our quiet favourite for a first visit: all the upside of good weather, a little less of the peak-season squeeze.
Winter (December–February) — sunny days, cold nights
Winter surprises people. Days are often bright and mild (16–20°C) — lovely for walking — but nights drop sharply, sometimes to 3–7°C, and stone riads feel cold without heating. Pack warm layers and confirm your room is heated.
It's a fine time for the city and a spectacular one for the snow-capped High Atlas, but desert nights are bitterly cold. Winter also brings the lowest crowds outside the Christmas–New Year peak, when prices spike.
A note on Ramadan
Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, shifts about 11 days earlier each year — always check the exact dates for your trip. Visiting during Ramadan is perfectly possible and can be atmospheric (the nightly breaking of the fast is a joy), but daytime rhythms change: some cafés close until sunset, service can slow, and it's respectful not to eat, drink or smoke conspicuously in the street during daylight. Tours and riads operate as normal.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Marrakech?
April and October are the two standouts — warm, dry days, comfortable nights, green surroundings and manageable crowds. March, May, September and November are almost as good. They suit both city sightseeing and day trips to the mountains, coast and desert.
Is Marrakech too hot in summer?
July and August are very hot, regularly 38–42°C. It's doable if you sightsee early and late, rest through the midday heat and stay somewhere with a pool. Prices and crowds are lower, and the coast at Essaouira stays cool if you need a break from the heat.
What is the weather like in Marrakech in winter?
Winter days are usually mild and sunny (16–20°C), but nights are cold (down to 3–7°C) and many riads are unheated stone buildings. It's great for the city and the snowy Atlas, but pack warm layers, especially for desert nights.
Does it rain in Marrakech?
Rarely and briefly. Most rain falls between November and March, usually as short showers. Summer is essentially dry. Even in the wetter months you'll get far more sun than rain.