Best time to go to Marrakesh Average weather of Marrakesh, Morocco
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Marrakesh?
The climate in Marrakech is pleasant all year round. Therefore, one can never go wrong planning a trip to this destination.
Summer in Morocco sees a high influx of tourists, but the heat, often exceeding 35°C (95°F) , can limit activities.
Thus, the best time to visit Marrakech is during the shoulder seasons. This is when the climate in Marrakech is most enjoyable.
Indeed, from March to May and October to November, the sun is ever-present and it's a bit less hot. Expect temperatures between 20 and 30°C (86°F) on average.
The atmosphere is also quieter, except during the Easter period, which experiences a significant peak in tourist traffic.
However, due to the summer holidays, summer is the most popular time to visit Marrakech. From June to August, you'll have to deal with crowds of tourists and increased hotel and activity prices.
During this period, in Marrakech, the climate is arid and temperatures rise sharply. Nevertheless, it's far from the stifling heat experienced in Dubai as the humidity levels are low.
Moreover, winter months see another peak in tourism with visitors seeking warmth. Temperatures hover around 20°C (68°F) between December and February. However, they can sometimes drop below 10°C (50°F) once the sun sets. With a significant temperature difference between day and night, it's advisable to pack some jackets in your luggage.
Rain showers are also possible in winter in Marrakech. Nothing like London or Paris: it rains between 3 and 5 days a month in the form of brief showers.
Ultimately, if you're wondering when to visit Marrakech, from January to March, the climate remains warmer than in France and prices are more affordable. That's why many travelers prefer this period over summer. Others may opt for December to celebrate the year-end holidays in the sun.
So, when is the best time to go to Marrakesh? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The weather is good all year round in Marrakesh
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- Marrakesh has dry periods in June and July
- The coldest months are January and February
Annual weather in Marrakesh
Weather details in Marrakesh month by month
Weather and climate in Marrakesh
Located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, in the heart of Morocco, the city of Marrakech is known for its particularly scorching summers. Here, there are no clouds to filter the sun's rays, and heat is present for a good part of the year.
The famous red city experiences a desert climate, some even refer to it as a “steppe climate”. Rainfall is indeed very low throughout the year in this region.
Heat and sunshine are the major characteristics of the weather in Marrakech. However, each season has its own peculiarities.
Winter in Marrakech
Winter in Marrakech is a pleasant period, marked by sunny and relatively warm weather. However, while Marrakech experiences high temperatures during the day, mornings and nights are often cooler in winter. Like in the neighboring city of Ouarzazate, the temperature difference between day and night can surprise tourists, going from 20-25°C at noon to less than 10 or even 5°C (41°F) at midnight.
Nevertheless, Marrakech is one of the most pleasant cities in Morocco in winter. In fact, like in Agadir, it is not uncommon to see tourists swimming. The water temperature ranges between 15 and 19°C (67°F) .
Spring in Marrakech
Spring is probably the best season to visit Marrakech. During this time of the year, days are particularly sunny and temperatures are still bearable and pleasant compared to summer. Generally, in the middle of the day, temperatures vary between 22 and 27°C (81°F) .
However, the months of March and April are relatively rainy. Although incomparable to other regions of the world like Thailand or England. Showers may occur but they are generally not intense and the sun quickly returns.
Summer in Marrakech
The climate is very hot and very dry in Marrakech in summer. Indeed, temperatures rise from 30 to over 40°C (104°F) . Therefore, if you do not want to suffer too much from the heat in summer, you should explore Marrakech early in the morning or in the evening. These are the only times of the day that remain bearable. Also, consider opting for accommodation with a riad or a pool to cool off.
In summer, it is not uncommon to see temperatures rise up to 45°C (113°F) at noon, making afternoons stifling! It is better to prioritize napping during the day or shady places like the famous souk of the city.
Moreover, in this season, Marrakech is not the only unbearable site, cities like Fes, in particular, also suffer from imposing heat. Some travelers will seek refuge in cities like Essaouira, where temperatures are lower.
However, this season is of course the ideal time to swim in Marrakech. The water temperature is between 20 and 25°C (77°F) in the heart of summer.
Autumn in Marrakech
In autumn, Marrakech's climate is somewhat similar to spring. Unlike summer, temperatures begin to drop to approach winter climate. The weather is relatively dry and very sunny. However, there are a bit more rainy episodes, but only from mid-November.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Marrakesh
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Marrakesh: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Marrakesh
Find out when Marrakesh has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Marrakesh
- Very low season in Marrakesh
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February, June and July. - High season in Marrakesh
The number of visitors to Marrakesh is high in: March, September and November. - Peak season in Marrakesh
The largest number of tourists visiting Marrakesh is during: April, May, August, October and December.
Figure: Visitor index for Marrakesh month by month
Best time for low prices in Marrakesh
Average prices of hotels in Marrakesh month by month
Generally, August is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Marrakesh. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, April is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Marrakesh
A return flight between London and Marrakesh is generally cheaper if you go in january ($ 79 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 199 more for your airline ticket to Marrakesh if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Marrakesh
Average price of hiring a car in Marrakesh
On average, it costs $ 27 per day to hire a car in Marrakesh. This price varies by $ 17 depending on the month. In november, hiring a car costs an average of $ 21 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in august is $ 37.
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