Best Time to Visit MoroccoWhen to Plan Your Trip to Morocco: Optimal Seasons for Travel

Morocco at a Glance: Best Time to Visit

Recommended time to visit:

Spring (March - May) and autumn (September - October). Coastal areas such as Essaouira remain pleasantly warm and not too hot in summer (June - August). The Mediterranean north is pleasant in spring and summer.

Less popular time to visit:

If you're visiting the Sahara Desert then avoid the summer months of June - August, when the heat is fierce. The northern parts of the country experience cool, wet winters from November - February.

Best time for hiking:

If you plan to trek the Atlas Mountains then March - November is the peak trekking season.

Best time for stargazing:

The Geminids meteor shower can be seen over the Moroccan Sahara in December.

Anything to be aware of?

Morocco is a largely Muslim country, and during Ramadan (dates vary depending on the year), some shops, restaurants and the like may be closed during the day. But the country comes alive at night as people break their fasts.

Festivals and Events

As a predominantly Muslim country, Morocco observes Islamic holidays though it is also home to a number of cultural festivals. To help plan when best to visit here's a guide to festivals and events that take place each year.

What is the Geminids Meteor Shower?

This incredible display is caused by falling debris from an object that many believe to be an asteroid, making the Geminids Meteor Shower the only one not to be caused by a comet. The slow-moving shower of meteors can be seen in December with the most intense displays mid-December.

What is the Migration of the Berbers?

The Migration of the Berbers takes place twice a year, with Morocco's native Berber tribes undertaking an arduous journey from the edge of the Sahara Desert to sacred pastures in the Atlas mountains. This path has been trodden by their ancestors for thousands of years, with hundreds of cattle moved in the months of May and September each year.

What happens during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, Moroccans will visit their local mosque more regularly, read as much of the Koran as possible, and fast during the daylight hours. At night you will find a very festive atmosphere especially in major cities with people heading out after breaking their fast to coffee shops, sporting clubs or big hotels. At this time of year services are affected with reduced opening hours and traffic can choke the streets as people return home in preparation for breaking the fast.

Tourist Site Closures

The Mosque Hassan II in Casablanca is closed during the five daily prayer times and also has limited visiting times on Fridays.

Opening times change during Ramadan with cafes and restaurants generally closed during daylight hours outside the cities. The museums, Hassan II mosque, gardens and madrassa in general will close early throughout Ramadan, while the souks, cafes and shops will generally stay open longer in the evenings and sometimes all night.