What is the best time of year to travel to Marrakech?

Marrakech is one of the favorite destinations for the French on the African continent. Exotic and charming, the beautiful ochre city is filled with architectural and cultural wonders and boasts a very ancient history whose remnants are preserved with respect. Nestled between sea and mountains, the lovely city can be visited all year round, but some periods are more recommended than others.

Marrakech, a Gem in a Stunning Country
Morocco is a very beautiful country, primarily known for the city of Marrakech, but it has many other wonders to discover. Enchanting palaces, lush gardens, lively souks, exotic streets, and stunning beaches—its riches are plentiful!

There are numerous activities to satisfy enthusiasts of cultural discoveries, sports, entertainment, and nature. The local cuisine, rich in spices, is also delicious, and everything invites relaxation, from the sublime beaches to the authentic hammams.

Marrakech, the beautiful ochre city located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, has become a highly sought-after tourist destination. While its luxurious hotels attract travelers from all over the world, it is endowed with an impressive cultural and historical richness. This vibrant ancient imperial city is teeming with architectural wonders and breathtaking landscapes.

Notably, Marrakech has a palm grove with 10,000 trees spread over more than 15,000 hectares. Discoverable on camelback or by quad, it is as exotic as its Majorelle Botanical Garden, with its hypnotizing blue buildings. Exploring the city and its lively streets is a true attraction, akin to the souks or the Jemaa el-Fna square. Finally, the Dar Mnebhi Palace Museum is a must-visit for anyone wishing to better understand the beautiful ochre city and its arts.

Discovering the Two Sides of Marrakech
To fully discover Marrakech, both parts of the city are worth a visit. The Medina, which includes the historical heart from the 11th century, is surrounded by ramparts and dotted with riads, with their lovely shaded central courtyards, and it houses the souks. The modern city, which continues to expand, contains most of the hotels and luxury boutiques.

These are just a few examples of what to discover among many others. However, to enjoy them under the best conditions, it is preferable to choose certain times of the year.

What is the Best Time to Visit Marrakech?
It is entirely possible to visit Marrakech at any time. If you feel the urge, you can pack your bags and arrive tomorrow. However, depending on your desires and preferences, some periods are more favorable than others for discovering the city.

Climate Criteria
The climate in Morocco is generally pleasant all year round, even though the southern part of the country is more arid. Nevertheless, it is preferable to explore the ochre city during certain times of the year rather than others.

Ideally, the best time to visit Marrakech is in spring, from March to June, or in autumn, from September to late November. During these periods, the temperature ranges between 23°C and 28°C, which is ideal for exploring the city and its wonders without suffering from excessive heat. In July and August, the temperature can reach around 45°C in the shade, making it more challenging to enjoy. Conversely, in winter, from December to late February, temperatures remain around 20°C, but the nights are cool.

In Marrakech, rain is rather rare, and sunshine is dominant. Therefore, you don't need to worry about prolonged rainy periods regardless of when you travel. It is unlikely to experience persistent rain.

If the climate is your main criterion for choosing the best season, here are the average temperatures observed in Marrakech throughout the year:

January: 5°C to 19°C, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day and 7 days of rain in the month.
February: 7°C to 21°C, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day and 5 days of rain in the month.
March: 10°C to 24°C, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day and 6 days of rain in the month.
April: 12°C to 27°C, with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day and 6 days of rain in the month.
May: 15°C to 30°C, with an average of 9 hours of sunshine per day and 2 days of rain in the month.
June: 18°C to 34°C, with an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day and 1 day of rain in the month.
July: 20°C to 39°C, with an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day and 1 day of rain in the month.
August: 21°C to 39°C, with an average of 11 hours of sunshine per day and 1 day of rain in the month.
September: 18°C to 34°C, with an average of 10 hours of sunshine per day and 3 days of rain in the month.
October: 18°C to 34°C, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine per day and 4 days of rain in the month.
November: 10°C to 24°C, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day and 3 days of rain in the month.
December: 7°C to 20°C, with an average of 7 hours of sunshine per day and 7 days of rain in the month.

Economic Criteria
Many tourists eager to discover Marrakech also pay attention to the crowd and the cost of their trip. As in France, the most touristy periods are also the most expensive. Therefore, to travel while enjoying more tranquility, it is advisable to avoid school holiday periods, which always attract more tourists. Indeed, the more tourists there are, the less exotic the experience is, but it all depends on your expectations.

If you want to discover the city with the least tourist influx, know that the period from November to March is the calmest and the cheapest. Due to the law of supply and demand, the fewer visitors there are, the lower the prices. It is a cooler season but still offers beautiful discoveries under more pleasant temperatures than in France.

Outside this truly calmer period, opt for the months of March, May, June, and September to enjoy more favorable weather. Outside school holidays, the crowd remains more reasonable, allowing you to enjoy your stay more comfortably.

Visiting Marrakech During Ramadan
Ramadan is observed each year at different dates for a month. Most Moroccans practice it. Many tourists hesitate to visit the beautiful city during this period. However, it is entirely possible to discover its wonders during Ramadan, provided, of course, that this sacred period is respected.

A respectful tourist will be welcomed with open arms, and it is even an opportunity for cultural enrichment that blends fraternity and sharing. It goes without saying that respecting local customs is imperative and discretion is essential.