Marrakesh Weather by Month: Best Times for Sun and Hiking

Quick answer

The best time to visit Marrakesh is from March to May or September to November when temperatures range between 23°C and 28°C. Avoid July and August, where peaks frequently exceed 45°C, making the Medina uncomfortable. For the cheapest rates, visit in January when riad prices often drop by 30% compared to the peak Easter weeks.

Marrakesh monthly weather and crowd overview

Monthly breakdown

January

Daytime temperatures in January hover around 18°C, which is comfortable for walking through the Kasbah or the Mellah. However, after 17:00, temperatures drop sharply to 6°C. Riad rooms without central heating feel damp and cold. Pack a heavy wool coat and thermal layers. Rain is sporadic but can turn the unpaved alleys of the northern Medina into mud. This is the best time for budget travellers as entry fees to the Bahia Palace remain fixed at 70 MAD (approx. $7 USD), but accommodation rates are at their lowest.

February

February marks the start of the almond blossom season in the nearby Ourika Valley, a 45-minute grand taxi ride costing roughly 300 MAD ($30 USD) for a private hire. The air is crisp with 20°C highs. It is excellent for hiking in the High Atlas foothills near Imlil, though you will need crampons for higher elevations like Toubkal. Wear light layers for the afternoon sun and a windbreaker for the shade.

March

March sees a significant uptick in tourists. The weather is stable at 23°C, ideal for long outdoor sessions at the Jardin Majorelle (ticket price 155 MAD, approx. $15.50 USD). You should book garden tickets online at least 72 hours in advance. Vegetation in the Menara Gardens is in full bloom. A light jacket is still necessary for evenings.

April

April is peak season due to the Easter holidays. Expect the 25°C heat to feel stronger due to high UV levels. The city is crowded, and queues at the Saadian Tombs can exceed 45 minutes. This is the prime month for photography as the air is clear of summer dust. Wear linen clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Rainfall is low but short, heavy thunderstorms occur.

May

Temperatures rise to 29°C. May is the last month suitable for long-distance desert treks to Merzouga before the Sahara becomes dangerously hot. In the city, the heat is dry. Stay in riads with thick pisé (rammed earth) walls to stay cool. Rose season begins in the Dadès Valley; it is a six-hour drive from Marrakesh, but local markets will be stocked with fresh rose water and oils.

June

June hits 33°C. The Gnaoua World Music Festival usually takes place in late June in Essaouira, a three-hour bus journey via Supratours or CTM (tickets approx. 100 MAD / $10 USD). The coastal breeze makes Essaouira 10 degrees cooler than Marrakesh. In the city, limit walking between 12:00 and 16:00. Carry a reusable water bottle; hydration is critical as humidity drops to 45%.

July

July is intensely hot, often reaching 40-45°C. The stone walls of the Medina radiate heat long into the night. Most locals stay indoors during the day, and Jemaa el-Fnaa only truly wakes up after sunset. Ensure your accommodation has air conditioning, not just a fan. Public transport like the ALSA buses (4 MAD per trip) are air-conditioned, but walking more than 15 minutes is exhausting. This is not the time for hiking or city walking tours.

August

Similar to July, August is dominated by extreme heat. Dust storms (chergui) can blow in from the Sahara, reducing visibility and air quality. Many European tourists still visit, but outdoor activities are limited to poolside lounging. If you must visit, book a riad in the Mouassine neighbourhood to be close to the main sights and minimize walking. Pack high-factor SPF and loose cotton garments.

September

September remains warm at 33°C but the oppressive peak heat breaks. It is a popular month for the L'Boulevard festival in nearby Casablanca (3 hours by Al Boraq high-speed train). The evening air is pleasant for rooftop dining. You will still need summer clothing, but the risk of heat exhaustion is lower than in August.

October

October is arguably the best month for a balanced trip. Highs of 28°C are perfect for exploring the souks without sweating. It is also the start of the date harvest. Hiking in the Atlas Mountains is popular again as the summer heat has faded but the winter snows haven't yet arrived. Expect higher prices for boutique hotels and riads.

November

November brings more frequent rain (35mm), which clears the dust from the air. Highs of 23°C are comfortable, but the 11°C nights require a jacket. This is a transition month; you can enjoy the city without the spring crowds. It is the best time for museum visits, such as the Yves Saint Laurent Museum or the Dar Si Said.

December

December is popular for Christmas and New Year. Days are sunny and 19°C, but nights are cold (7°C). Many riads have open courtyards that become very chilly. The sky is usually a deep blue, providing clear views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains from city rooftops. Flight prices from London or Paris spike during the final two weeks of the month.

Common mistakes

• Underestimating the night-time temperature drop in winter; a riad courtyard can be colder than the street.
• Failing to pre-book Jardin Majorelle tickets; they no longer sell tickets at the gate and time slots sell out days in advance.
• Planning a desert trip in July or August when temperatures in the dunes can exceed 50°C.
• Packing synthetic fabrics for the summer; only linen and cotton are breathable enough for the dry heat.
• Forgetting that Friday is a prayer day; many souk stalls close between 11:00 and 16:00, regardless of the weather.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner simplifies your Marrakesh logistics by syncing your itinerary with real-time weather forecasts. It calculates walking times between the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Koutoubia Mosque based on average temperatures, suggesting indoor museum visits during the midday July sun or outdoor garden tours during temperate April mornings. It also provides current exchange rates for MAD and estimates grand taxi fares between the city and the Atlas Mountains. Check the official site of transport providers like ONCF for train schedules before you go.