Morocco sits at the crossroads of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Its diverse landscapes range from stunning coastal regions to remote treks of the Sahara Desert. The snow-capped peaks of the Atlas and Rif Mountains are some of the most breathtaking sights that can be found in this incredible African country. The central plateau is known for its dense forests, while the plains of Meseta feature the country’s best farmland. This travel guide to Morocco offers the best things for travellers to see and do. It also tells you about the best time to travel to Morocco.
Morocco’s history is a long and storied one that dates back deep into antiquity. It has seen diverse influences from the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa and Europe over the past several thousands of years. The country is home to many must-see historical sites that can be found across its various regions. Ancient Roman ruins like those found at Volubilis date to the third century BCE, while the Telouet Kasbah once served as the seat for the powerful El Glaoui family that held sway in the area during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Situated in the southern part of the country, the Citadel of Ait Ben-Haddou is one of the finest examples of the pisé clay architecture style that originates in North Africa.
Throughout the long history of Morocco, its people have been sustained by their unique food culture. The country’s cuisine is one of the factors that draws travellers from around the globe each year. From major cities like Tangier, Casablanca and Marrakesh to the many towns and villages of Morocco, you will find a variety of tasty delights. A few must-try dishes include bissara (fava bean soup), kefta (minced meat patties, skewers or balls with herbs and spices), tagine (an aromatic stew cooked in a special pot), zaalouk (a cooked tomato and eggplant salad) and fish chermoula (fish cooked with a fresh herbal sauce). Sweet treats to try include lemon cake, almond pastries and date cookies.
The availability of outdoor activities is a notable factor that brings visitors to Morocco each year. A quick look at the map of Morocco and its diverse regions helps to make it evident why this is the case. The country enjoys beautiful beach locations on both its Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts. Finding a relaxing spot to sunbathe is never a problem in this country which is home to around 3,500 kilometres (2174 miles) of coastline. Many coastal regions in Western Morocco are famed as hubs for watersports, surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. Moroccan beaches are also popular spots for horseback riding. Travellers who love to trek through the great outdoors and enjoy a challenge will find plenty of opportunity to do so as Morocco is home to the Rif and Atlas Mountains. Their rugged landscapes are ideally suited for hiking and climbing endeavours.
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Destinations
Best time to travel
The weather in Morocco is consistently warm, so it is always a great time to visit the country. With that said, certain times of the year will appeal to some travellers more than others will. To a large degree, it depends on what you are looking for in a Moroccan holiday. If you are unsure when to visit Morocco, it is worth considering what you can expect during each of the four seasons. This will help you to decide the best time to visit Morocco that is right for you. For those curious about how many days to spend in Morocco, a trip of 7 to 10 days is sufficient to allow you to explore the country’s amazing cities and scenery.
March – June
Spring is among the most popular seasons to visit Morocco. It is ideal for travellers who want to avoid the highest temperatures and largest crowds. For these reasons, March and April are consistently noted as being among the best times to explore all Morocco offers. If you are looking for some springtime swimming, the beaches of Marrakech are a great option.
Weather
The weather in Morocco during the spring is milder and drier than it is during the summer. The average temperature is 25°C (77° F) though it is cooler on the coast than it is in the interior of the country.
Events & parties
There are many exciting festivals and events that take place in Morocco during the spring. The International Nomads Festival is held each March. March is also the month of one of Morocco’s most beautiful festivities, the Almond Blossom Festival in Tafraoute, in the Ameln Valley, celebrating this beautiful time of the year with concerts, dancing and live entertainment.
Price evolution
Spring is one of the more expensive times of the year to visit Morocco. This is because it represents the beginning of the country’s tourism season. Travellers begin to flock to the country beginning as early as March.
June – September
Travellers seeking the sun flock to Morocco during the summer months. It is the most popular time of year for beach activities at popular locations like Agadir and Essaouira. Cities like Tangier and Marrakesh buzz with food stalls and entertainment during the country’s hottest season.
Weather
The average summer temperatures along Morocco’s coastal areas can range from 18° (64°F) to 28°C (82°F) while daily highs in the country’s interior can soar to as much as 35°C (95°F). For many travellers, these conditions are ideal, while others prefer to visit in the spring or autumn to avoid the most intense heat.
Events & parties
Held in mid-summer (late May or early June), the Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is one of the highlights of the summer season in Morocco. For something more traditional, visit on 30 July, when the Feast of the Throne honours the king of Morocco with fireworks and celebrations.
Price evolution
The summer is the most expensive time of the year for travel to Morocco. June and July are the most expensive months when many travellers arrive to hit the country’s beaches and enjoy the time in its cities.
September – December
Autumn is another popular season for travel to Morocco. During this time of year, the crowds on the beaches are much fewer. The mountainous areas of Morocco enjoy a temperate climate during the autumn that is ideal for hiking.
Weather
Average daily highs during the autumn can still get up to 27°C (81°F) while daily lows are around 16°C (61°F). Though desert temperatures can drop significantly in the evening, it is still relatively warm in the cities. Coastal areas continue to enjoy sunny weather, but it can get quite windy.
Events & parties
Many Moroccan festivals are linked to the harvests: at the end of October, the Date Festival is held in the town of Erfoud, in the Ziz River Valley, a fair where you can not only taste the best dates, but also learn all about this popular fruit of Moroccan gastronomy.
Price evolution
September to November is one of the most cost-effective times to visit Morocco, with hotels and businesses lowering prices due to less tourist traffic.
December – March
Winter is the best time to travel to Morocco if you want to explore the sands of the Sahara Desert. It is much cooler during the day than it is during the summer, and the skies are consistently clear.
Weather
Average daily winter temperatures in Morocco range from 8°C (46°F) to 17°C (63°F), with the coast being the warmest part of the country. Temperatures can drop below freezing in Morocco’s desert areas during winter.
Price evolution
Winter is an ideal time for budget travel to Morocco. It is the slowest season for tourism, so the cost of accommodation is lower than at other times of the year.