Key points to remember Chergui: More than 300 days of sunshine, a semi-arid climate and a wide variation between day and night. Summers are close to 45°C under the Chergui, and winters are mild during the day (19°C) but cool in the evening (6°C). For real-time weather forecasts, check out the specialist websites; to plan ahead, aim for spring or autumn.
The weather in Marrakech, is more than 300 days of clear sky a year. An often-quoted figure, but it doesn't tell the whole story. Because the climate in Marrakech also means winters at 6°C and a Saharan wind that pushes the thermometer up to 45°C in the middle of summer.
Whether you're planning a holiday, buying a property or looking for the weather forecast for the next few days, here are all the keys you need to understand the climate in the ochre city.
CONTENTS :
Weather in Marrakech: understanding the semi-arid climate
The city's geographical position is unique: it is surrounded by the High Atlas to the south and the arid plains of Haouz.
The result: a semi-arid climate, exceptional light and very low humidity, with barely 250 mm of rain a year.
This low humidity is an advantage. With the same level of humidity, the dry heat is much more bearable than in a tropical climate. Even in July, the humidity doesn't rise, and the temperature you feel is often lower than you'd expect.
The Atlas and the Chergui
The Atlas barrier blocks oceanic disturbances. The Chergui, a scorching wind from the Sahara, can turn everything upside down: in a matter of moments, the temperature rises, the humidity falls again and the situation changes. This is known as a local heatwave, which is common in summer.
Temperatures and precipitation: the annual bulletin
Here are the seasonal norms for planning your visit.
| Month | T° min | T° max | Precipitation |
| January | 6°C | 19°C | 24 mm |
| February | 7°C | 21°C | 25 mm |
| March | 9°C | 24°C | 37 mm |
| April | 12°C | 26°C | 35 mm |
| May | 15°C | 29°C | 20 mm |
| June | 19°C | 34°C | 5 mm |
| July | 21°C | 37°C | 2 mm |
| August | 22°C | 37°C | 4 mm |
| September | 18°C | 33°C | 10 mm |
| October | 14°C | 28°C | 21 mm |
| November | 10°C | 23°C | 38 mm |
| December | 7°C | 19°C | 24 mm |
Follow the day's weather in real time
For real-time forecasts, La Chaîne Météo and Météo-France offer a radar map, videos and hour-by-hour forecasts for 15 days. These tools are updated continuously. For a holiday or an investment, the normal ones above are still more relevant.
The weather month by month: when to go?
The weather in Marrakech changes radically from one season to the next. Depending on the weather you're looking for, you won't pack the same suitcase.
Spring (March to May): the best weather of the year
It's the ideal time of year, between 15°C and 29°C, with plenty of sunshine without being aggressive. The gardens were in full bloom. There are still a few showers in March (37 mm), but broad sunny spells soon return. The ochre facades were bathed in light, and the weather was not yet too heavy.
Summer (June to August): high heat, warm nights at last
June marks the transition. From June onwards, maximum temperatures rise rapidly, reaching 37°C in July, with peaks of 45°C under the Chergui. Life comes to a halt between 1pm and 5pm, and the low humidity prevents it from getting too muggy. In June, as in August, hydration is a priority and the evenings finally warm up.
Autumn (September to October): mild and less crowded
September is a continuation of summer without its excesses: 33°C during the day, with cooler evenings. In October, 28°C in the afternoon and 14°C in the evening. The numbers drop off after the start of the school year. This is the period we recommend to our customers for visiting properties in a calm environment.
Winter (November to February): the big difference with France
The Marrakchi winter can be disconcerting for visitors from France. January afternoons are bright and sunny, with temperatures hovering around 19°C, and lunch is served on the terrace. But as soon as the sun disappears behind the Atlas Mountains, the mercury plummets to 6°C-8°C at night. The rare thunderstorms fall mainly on Friday or Saturday, briefly, before the fine weather returns.
Climate and property: what the weather means for your riad
The weather in Marrakech isn't just a question of luggage. The mud walls of the riads have exceptional thermal inertia: they keep the night air cool during the day, and the central patio provides natural ventilation.
Fountains lower the temperature by 2 to 3°C, complemented by discreet air conditioning in our luxury riads. To find out more : buying a property in Marrakech, the medina districts or investing in a riad.
FAQ: The weather in brief
What will the weather be like in Marrakech over the next 14 days?
For reliable real-time forecasts, consult specialist websites. To give you an idea, depending on the season: in June, expect highs of between 33°C and 38°C; in October, between 25°C and 30°C; in January, between 15°C and 19°C during the day.
Does it rain in Marrakech?
Rainfall is rare: around 250 mm per year, concentrated between November and March. In summer, it is almost non-existent, 2 to 5 mm per month. Humidity remains low all year round, making the climate very dry.
When is the best month to visit Marrakech?
April and October are ideal. In April, between 12°C and 26°C, gardens in bloom and pleasantly mild temperatures. In October, between 14°C and 28°C with fewer tourists. For property visits, we recommend October or March.
What is the coldest month in Marrakech?
January, with lows of 6°C at night, but pleasant afternoons of around 19°C in the sunshine. Lunch on the terrace at midday and coats out in the evening: nothing like the winter in France.
