To remember : For an exceptional stay in a riad, the best time to visit Marrakech is from March to May and September in autumn: daytime temperatures of 22–27°C and plenty of sunshine. Avoid the height of summer, when temperatures can exceed 40°C, as well as the end-of-’year, which are more expensive and busier in Marrakech.
Marrakech enjoys plenty of sunshine almost all year round, with 9 to 10 hours of sunshine per day. Yet the experience is completely different between the coolness of a shaded patio in spring and the sweltering 40°C of summer.
So, When to visit Marrakech to enjoy the best of city ? It all depends on what you fancy. We’ll go through the month one after the other to help you find the best time to visit Marrakech.
The best time to visit Marrakech: March to November
For us, the ideal season runs from spring to early autumn, peaking in October. Temperatures range from 22 to 27°C, perfect for exploring the medina of Marrakech and the gardens without suffering from the sun. It is also the best season to enjoy the terraces in the evening.
Our agency’s advice: if your schedule allows, aim for June or early autumn. You’ll avoid the crowd During the school holidays, flights are cheaper and luxury riads offer a more personalised service. Which months should you avoid? Mainly July and August.
Good to know : The festive season and the spring bank holidays cause prices to skyrocket: the cost of the same riad can double. To keep your budget, book early and make a note of the dates in your travel diary.
The climate of Marrakech: temperatures, rainfall and sunshine
The climate here is semi-arid: scorching summers, mild winters, and two lovely in-seasons. Plan your stay in Marrakech by depending on the climate : as the months go by, each season reveals a different side.
Spring and autumn: mild weather from September onwards
In spring, and then in early autumn, the weather in Marrakech becomes much milder. The Majorelle and Menara Gardens are ablaze with flowers, the light casts a beautiful glow over the ochre walls, and the days are perfect for a leisurely stroll. April and May are among our favourite months for exploring the city.
June, July and August: coping with the heat
Summer in Marrakesh is no joke. From June onwards, the temperature soars, and in July, it often exceeds 38–40°C. July is, in fact, the driest month in Marrakech.
Should we avoid June, July and August But does that mean...? Not necessarily. The heat is dry, so more bearable: getting up early in the morning, taking refuge near the swimming pool from the riad in the afternoon, and enjoy the evenings. In June and July, the place Jemaa el-Fna only really comes to life after dark.
Winter: bright sunshine by day, cool evenings
In winter, Marrakech takes on a different look. In December, January and February, the days remain sunny, with temperatures of around 18 to 20°C, but the nights drop to 6°C. In the morning, we admire the palm trees of the palm grove against the backdrop of the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains, beneath a deep blue sky.
| Month | Max. temp. | Min. temp. | Atmosphere | Our opinion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18 °C | 6 °C | Mild by day, cool by night | Correct |
| February | 20 °C | 8 °C | Soft lighting, not many people | Correct |
| March | 23 °C | 11 °C | A lovely spring | Ideal |
| April | 26 °C | 13 °C | Perfect weather, gardens in bloom | Ideal |
| May | 29 °C | 16 °C | Hot but bearable | Ideal |
| June | 34 °C | 19 °C | Very hot during the day | Correct |
| July | 38 °C | 21 °C | Very hot, intense sunshine | To be avoided |
| August | 38 °C | 21 °C | Heatwave | To be avoided |
| September | 33 °C | 19 °C | The heat is subsiding | Ideal |
| October | 28 °C | 15 °C | A bright and mild autumn | Ideal |
| November | 22 °C | 10 °C | Pleasant, not too busy | Ideal |
| December | 19 °C | 7 °C | Mild by day, cold at night | Correct |
Side weather, the weather remains clear for most of the time in Marrakech. There is light rain: around 24 mm per month, mainly in autumn and early spring. For real-time forecasts, type in «Marrakech weather» or visit our Marrakech weather guide.
Choose your travel dates: flights and seasonal guide
Beyond the weather, it’s your itinerary that determines your choice. For hiking in the Atlas Mountains, nothing beats spring; for a night in a tent in Agafay, autumn offers mild evenings. Depending on the season, take your pick from our selection of Things to do in Marrakech.
When it comes to culture, there are two events that are well worth planning your stay in Marrakech around: the International Film Festival, end November, and the International Magic Festival, which transforms the city into the capital of illusion. Perfect excuses for a trip to Morocco off the beaten track.
For a experience On a slightly unusual note, you might be interested to know that you can go skiing in the Atlas Mountains in winter, less than two hours from Marrakech. And the city combines very well with’other cities, from the coastal town of Essaouira to the imperial city of Fez. Once you’ve finalised your dates, head to your riad – ideally in one of the the best neighbourhoods in Marrakech.
«The best time of year? For us, it’s autumn: the light is stunning, the evenings are still mild, and our riads return to their usual tranquillity. It’s the perfect time to fall in love with Marrakech.»
— Claire Emeriau, co-founder of Klair & Arno
FAQ
When is the best time to visit Marrakech?
The best times to visit are the two shoulder seasons, spring and autumn: 22–27°C, perfect for sightseeing. This is the ideal time of year, both in terms of the weather and the atmosphere on Marrakech’s terraces.
Is it too hot in Marrakech in the summer?
In June, July and August, the temperatures often exceed 38–40°C. It remains dry, so it’s bearable if you head out early and enjoy the coolness of the riad in the afternoon. Otherwise, it’s best to head down to the coast at Essaouira.
What is the weather like in Marrakech in winter?
The days are mild in winter, with temperatures of around 18–20°C in bright sunshine, but evenings can drop to 6°C. Make sure you pack something warm and choose a riad with a fireplace for a cosy atmosphere.
Is there skiing near Marrakech?
Yes, that’s one of the region’s best-kept secrets: in winter, the Atlas ski resorts are less than two hours away. A day trip to the snow-capped peaks offers spectacular scenery, before you return to the hustle and bustle of the medina.
