Morocco is as geographically diverse as its cultural influences and the experiences it offers the traveller.
Morocco, in parts, still provides authentic travel experiences lost to so many destinations. Exuding an old world, exotic atmosphere; it is not surprising phrases like “sensory overload, overwhelming intensity, vibrant and chaotic” are often used to describe this captivating country.
From the rugged mountainous interior to the vast expanses of the Sahara Desert and coastlines along both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, Morocco has such a diversity of landscapes to explore.
Discover the exotic cities of Morocco from Marrakech to Tangier and indulge in unique travel experiences such as hiking the High Atlas or riding a camel into the sunset in the Sahara.
Here is everything you need to know to plan a trip to Morocco including what to pack for Morocco and what to read before you go.
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Best Time to Visit Morocco
Best Season to Visit Morocco
Spring & Autumn
The best times to visit Morocco are the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November).
The weather is pleasant; the surrounding landscape is lush, and tourist numbers are generally lower than the peak summer months of June – August. A perfect time of year for exploring the cities or enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking.
Summer in Morocco
Ironically, Morocco’s hottest months are also the busiest tourist months.
If visiting between June to late August expect temperatures in the Sahara to be brutally hot while cities along the Atlantic coast such as Casablanca and Essaouira are bearably hot. The Rif Mountains and north coast experience a typically Mediterranean climate with long hot sunny days.
While summer is not the best time to visit from a climate perspective, some of Morocco’s most iconic cultural festivals take place in summer.
Winter in Morocco
Throughout winter (November to February) temperatures in the south remain mild with cold evenings. The north experiences wet and windy weather and the Atlas Mountains are exceptionally cold with snow still visible until late June, early July.
Festivals in Morocco
These are just some of the more popular or unique festivals and events throughout the year in Morocco.
Ramadan
During Ramadan, you may find some interruptions to services, reduced opening hours and some businesses may close for the month. The date of Ramadan changes each year so you should check before booking your trip to Morocco to see if this will affect you. You can find more information about visiting Morocco during Ramadan here.
Geminids Meteor Shower
Head to the Sahara Desert in mid-December for one of the most spectacular astronomical displays of the year. The slow-moving Geminids Meteor Shower is caused by debris falling from an object believed to be an asteroid making it the only meteor shower not caused by a comet.
Migration of the Berbers
Twice a year in May and September the native Berber tribes of Morocco undertake the arduous journey between the Dades Valley and the Atlas mountains to move hundreds of head of livestock, a journey made by their ancestors for over 4,000 years.
For the adventure traveller looking to get out of their comfort zone and experience this ancient migration, it is possible to join a Berber family for part or all of the migration.
You can find out more about the Migration of the Berbers tour here.
Rose Festival
The Rose Festival is held each year in the first half of May in the Dades Valley a festival to mark the harvesting of over 700 tonnes of rose petals. The festival features delicious local food and traditional song and dance performances from local Berber tribes. There is even the crowning of the festival Rose Queen.
Gnaoua and World Music Festival
In late June, the coastal town of Essaouira hosts the popular Gnaoua and World Music Festival. The four-day festival, which attracts nearly half a million visitors every year is a creative fusion of the mystical Gnaoua musicians with jazz, pop, rock and contemporary musicians from all over the world. Many performances are free to the public. See the Gnaoua and World Music Festival site for details.
TANJazz Festival
The TANJazz festival is held in Tangier for seven days from mid-September. The festival attracts Jazz performers from all over the world to perform in hotels and bars all over the city.
International Nomads Festival
Held in the desert in M’hamid El Ghizlane for four days late March, early April. The outdoor festival celebrates cultural activities highlighting the tangible and intangible heritage of nomadic tribes with music, theatre, storytelling and folk art. See the International Nomad Festival site for details.
How Many Days in Morocco
To see many of Morocco’s highlights including hiking in the Atlas Mountains, the cities and imperial cities, the Sahara desert and perhaps even some chill time on the coast, we would recommend two weeks.
One week would be sufficient for visiting the main touristic cities such as Marrakech, Fez, and Chefchauen as well as a visit to the desert.
With less than a week, you may want to focus your time either north or south –
- North: Casablanca, Fez and Chefchaouen with a possible trip to Tangier depending on how fast you want to travel or if you are travelling on to Spain (See further on for information on travelling between Morocco and Spain).
- South: Marrakech, Essaouira, and the Sahara.
Is Morocco Safe
Overall, Morocco is safe for tourists. However, as with any travel situation, you do need to exercise some caution.
In the cities, you need to be wary of touts and false guides trying to fleece you out of a buck. In the crowded medina’s, you need to be very vigilant of thieves. Petty theft is very prevalent in these overcrowded areas, especially in tourist-dense cities such as Marrakech.
Women travelling solo in Morocco may experience some minor harassment, but with simple precautions such as appropriate dress and not walking alone at night, there should be no issue.
Stay Safe in Morocco
A few simple precautions can go a long way to ensuring both you and your belongings stay safe when you travel.
Our Safe Travel Guide has loads of tips on how to stay safe when you travel as well as guides to the best anti-theft travel gear.
Exchanging Money in Morocco
The currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Morocco has a closed currency so the Moroccan Dirham cannot be traded or exchanged outside of Morocco.
10 Moroccan Dirham is worth approx. 1 USD, 0.95 Euro, and 0.80 GBP. These are the most widely accepted currencies by vendors in Morocco, although using the local currency is best to ensure you don’t get scammed on exchange.
Avoid using money changers on the street. If you need to need to get cash, ATM’s often give you the best exchange rate, and you are less likely to get scammed.
The safest and most logical place to withdraw Dirham is at the airport. You will find plenty of ATM’s as well as currency exchange offices. Be mindful that airport currency exchanges do not always offer the best rate so check against the current daily rate before making an exchange.
Remember to notify your bank before visiting Morocco if you plan to use cards during your stay. Transactions made in Morocco may send a red flag to your bank if they are not aware of your travel plans.
While having some cash on you is always a good idea for small transactions and bartering, some people decide to travel with cash as an alternative to using cards.
We never advise travelling with large amounts of cash, but if you choose to do this, you must be careful.
Never carry all of your money, or cards in one place, and preferably never all on your person if it can be avoided. Secret pocket travel clothing is excellent for hiding money in different areas or even a small emergency stash of cash. Check your accommodation has a secure safe and never flash large amounts of cash around, even at the hotel reception.
Make sure you spend all of your Dirham before leaving Morocco because unless you plan to return, it is worthless once you leave the country.
Places to Visit in Morocco and Morocco Travel Tips
Best Places to Visit in Morocco | Plan Your Morocco Itinerary
Discover the best places to visit in Morocco and plan your perfect Morocco itinerary with tips on how to get around, what to pack, day trips, desert tours, even the best books to read about Morocco before you go.
Marrakech
Marrakech is one of the most popular places to visit in Morocco.
What to do in Marrakech. And What to Avoid in Morocco's Most Popular City
Marrakech can be intensely overwhelming for first-time visitors.
We have put together a comprehensive travel guide on the best things to do in Marrakech and just as importantly, what to avoid to help you plan an incredible Marrakech itinerary.
Day Trips from Marrakech
Got limited time in Morocco or extra time in Marrakech? These great day trips from Marrakech will show you a completely different side of Morocco beyond the cities and souks.
Fez
The oldest of Morocco's imperial cities Fez offers one of the most atmospheric city experiences you can have in Morocco.
Best Things to do in Fez. A Travel Guide to Morocco's Ancient City
While often bypassed in favour of the more popular Marrakech; Fez is now gaining popularity thanks to a growing appreciation for its authenticity.
The spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco, there are so many fascinating things to see and do in Fez, which is why the ancient city is the destination of choice for travellers seeking a genuine Moroccan travel experience.
The Atlas Mountains
Discover the incredible Atlas Mountains in Morocco
Marrakech to Fez - Moroccan Road Trip
One of the best ways to travel from Marrakech to Fez is by road – the long way round! Driving in Morocco can be as simple as hiring a car and going it alone or, arrange a private driver for the Morocco itinerary of a lifetime.
It's not as expensive as you may think and is one of the best ways to see Morocco.
Tangier & Chefchaouen
Europes' gateway to Africa; Tangier is a fascinating city with a unique international, cross-cultural influence.
Best Things to do in Tangier Morocco [With Travel Guide]
A city brimming with a literary and artistic past from the heady days of the International Zone and a reputation as a haven for foreign spies, it is not surprising Tangier still invokes a sense of the exotic.
Discover all the best things to do in Tangier as well as the best day trips from Tangier including day trips to Chefchaouen, how to get around and much more.
2 Days In Chefchaouen Morocco Itinerary
The "Blue Pearl of Morocco" Chefchaouen is one of Morroco's most photographed cities. Spend 2 days in Chefchaouen and find out what draws people to this charming blue mountain city.
Casablanca
Sadly, Casablanca is too often overlooked in favour of Morocco's more popular tourist cities or the adventure of the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains.
Top 8 Things to do in Casablanca Morocco
While Casablanca may lack some of the atmosphere of Morocco's imperial cities, Casablanca offers a unique insight into Morocco's French colonial past and a peek at a more cosmopolitan Morocco – the Morocco of today.
Casablanca is the economic heart of Morocco, where Moroccans come to seek their fortune and where businesses and creatives thrive. Discover all the best things to do in Casablanca – Morocco's largest city.
The Sahara Desert
No trip to Morocco would be complete without visiting the Sahara Desert.
Camel Trekking in Morocco - Experience a Sahara Desert Tour
Morocco desert tours are one of the most popular things to do in Morocco.
For a truly unique experience, take a camel ride into the Sahara Desert and spend a night under the stars in a traditional Berber camp.
Morocco Travel Tips
How to get to and get around Morocco, what to pack for Morocco, even what to read before you visit Morocco. We've got you covered with all these great Morocco travel tips.
A Guide to Catching the Ferry From Spain to Morocco
Travelling between Spain and Morocco is a lot easier than many people think. Whether you want to make a day trip from Spain to Tangier or are travelling on to Europe from Morocco, the ferry between Spain and Morocco is a great way to go. Find out everything you need to know about crossing the Strait of Gibraltar.
Catching The Train From Casablanca to Marrakech
Want to know the best way to get from Casablanca to Marrakech?
The train is the most convenient way to travel around Morocco. Trains in Morocco are comfortable, reliable and relatively inexpensive.
Get all the information you need on travelling between Casablanca and Marrakech by train from timetables to what to expect on first and second class.
Packing List for Morocco
Morocco is such a unique destination thanks to the diversity of experiences it offers and cultural influences.
With cultural considerations, a climate as diverse as its geography and a myriad of experiences on offer, knowing what to pack for Morocco is not always easy.
Here is a practical packing list for Morocco that covers off on all the travel essentials for a trip to Morocco no matter your style of travel.
Best Books About Morocco: What to Read Before You Visit Morocco
This collection of books about Morocco will transport you to the exotic old-world atmosphere of North Africa and remind us we can still invoke the sights and smells of a faraway place from the pages of a well-written book.
These books are the essential reading list for Morocco beyond the guidebooks which will give you a better understanding of Morocco's rich history, culture, customs and geography.
Authentic Moroccan Food You Can Make At Home (17 Recipes)
There's nothing quite like eating a tagine in Morocco, sipping tea on the rooftops of Marrakech, or enjoying fresh-baked pastries from the bakeries of Casablanca. But it is possible to enjoy Moroccan food at home.
These easy Moroccan Recipes you can make at home will either get you in the mood for your trip to Morocco and stir vivid memories of past trips.
