If you are looking for an authentic medieval city steeped in history, visit Fes, Morocco. Fes is a beautiful old city and a treasure trove of authentic culture, cuisine and museums. You can get a view of the city from the walls or follow the medina paths to track down the top attractions in the town. Fes is peppered with madrasas, mosques and palaces, and the trade crafts haven’t changed in 1,000 years.
When you travel to Fes, ensure you visit the top historical sites and discover hidden treasures. The historical highlights of the city are found in the old city. You can locate the Royal Palace and stroll through the Marinid Tombs and the mausoleums of Marinid sultans. Marvel at the architectural designs of Madrasa Bou Inania and enjoy impressive views of the entire city.
You can experience the city’s culture by attending the festivals and events held throughout the year. Experience the exciting nightlife or enjoy going souk shopping. You can learn about the traditional herbs and spices in traditional Moroccan shops.
Best time to travel
The best time to visit Fes is in early spring, from March to April and in autumn, from September to November. Fes is an inland tourist spot and tends to get busy in autumn and spring being the two most temperate seasons. However, you should spare two days of your holiday in Morocco to enjoy the beauty of Fes.
March – June
With the flowers coming out and the sun shining bright, signalling the start of spring, it’s the best time to enjoy various excursions. Plan for the festivals and events to avoid missing exciting parties. Spring is usually among the busiest seasons for tourists in Fes.
Weather
Spring weather is favourable, with temperatures ranging from 18.6°C (65°F) and 28.8°C (83°F). The humidity and temperatures combine, making the weather moderate for outdoor activities. The weather is moderate at the beginning of spring, but the temperatures increase in the later months. The precipitation is also significantly lower, so you can stroll around the city comfortably.
Events & Parties
If you are visiting Fes in late May or early June, you can attend the most popular global music festival. The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music brings together world-class spiritual singers. You can also learn Sufi music from all over Morocco and trance music from the Aissawa and Hamaacha brotherhoods.
Price Evolution
Since spring is one of the busiest tourist seasons in Fes, the prices are higher. However, you can save cash if you start your holiday in early March. You can also book your accommodation and tickets in advance and enjoy lower rates compared to the peak prices during busy tourism months.
June – September
If you can stand the heat, visit Fes between June and August to venture outdoors and hike the mountains without bumping into crowds. While the temperatures are usually high, you can still enjoy many outdoor activities. For instance, you can hike the mountain ranges in the area since the temperatures are cooler. Alternatively, visit indoor attractions in the medina. July has the longest days in Fes; you can make the most of the day and explore.
Weather
Summers in Fes are hot and dry, the temperatures move from warm to extremely hot between June and August. It also sees the least precipitation so it is the perfect time to visit if you are trying to avoid rain on your holiday. When the Festival of World Sacred Music isn’t held in May, the four-day event takes place in June.
Events & Parties
While summers don’t attract many festivities and events in Fes, you can still find exciting places to experience the culture and interact with the locals. Even so, Fes is a destination where you will enjoy important national festivities, such as Youth Day, celebrated on 21 August each year, the birthday of the current King Mohammed VI, in honour of the contribution of youth to the Kingdom.
Price Evolution
The weather in summer is quite hot, while the temperatures average at 33°C (91°F), they can reach upward of 40 °C (104°F), which makes Fes a less frequented destination than in other seasons and consequently, prices are quite low compared to peak holidays.
September – December
Autumn is the best tourist season in Fes, and you can enjoy various excursions and indulge in festivities. With the heat cooling down, you can explore the old city or participate in outdoor activities without feeling the heat. The excellent weather in autumn attracts many tourists.
Weather
The weather during fall is moderate. While the temperatures reach daily highs of 16°C (60°F) and 31°C (87°F), the humidity and wind make the weather moderate for outdoor activities. However, you should expect moderate rain and snow in the later months.
Events & Parties
Autumn is a vibrant season in Fes, and you can attend various festivals and parties. Towards the end of October, you should attend the Sufi Culture Festival or participate in the Annual Autumn festival that celebrates Moroccan culture. The festivals and parties allow you to learn about Moroccan culture, enjoy their delicacies and dance to the traditional music. Since it is a busy tourism season, the festivals are likely packed and crowded.
Price Evolution
The autumn season is the busiest in Fes. At this time, hotels may be pricier due to high demand, so in order to secure an affordable hotel or accommodation it is advisable to book early. Securing accommodation a few months before autumn can save you some cash.
December – March
While Morocco boasts a Mediterranean climate, winters in Fes can be wet and cold. If you enjoy winter sports, it’s the perfect time to go skiing and snowboarding. You can find a range of ski resorts to indulge in winter sports. Alternatively, you can go hiking in the winter weather.
Weather
The winter weather in Fes is quite cold, and the city is usually covered in snow. They sometimes have snow storms from December to January. The temperature usually drops to 8 °C (46°F). If you visit Fes during winter, ensure you carry warm clothes to keep away the cold.
Events & Parties
Aside from Independence Day in the early winter months, Fes is too cold for festivities and events. However, you can join other tourists in bonfire camps or New Year events.
Price Evolution
The cold weather makes winter an unpopular tourist period. That means hotel prices are quite low, and you can find more comfortable accommodation without spending extra money.
How to get from the airport
You can take a taxi to the city centre or your hotel. Taxis are affordable if you cannot catch a bus from the airport. Buses are usually more affordable and offer express transport into the city. Most international arrivals are from the Fes Saiss International Airport. However, you can land in Marrakech and take a bus or train to Fes. You can walk to the old town centre or take a taxi when you arrive by train.