Marrakesh-Safi is Morocco's most visited region, anchored by Marrakesh — the Red City — a UNESCO World Heritage medina teeming with souks, palaces, and the legendary Jemaa el-Fna square. Beyond the city, the region spans from the High Atlas Mountains to the Atlantic coast at Essaouira, offering everything from quad biking in the Agafay Desert to surfing at Sidi Kaouki.
Marrakesh-Safi sits at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains and experiences a hot semi-arid climate (BSh). Summers are intensely hot and almost completely dry, with temperatures frequently topping 40°C in July and August. Winters are mild and pleasant, with cool nights and sporadic rainfall. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable conditions, making them the ideal windows for sightseeing in the medina, trekking in the Atlas foothills, and exploring the region's gardens and souks. The region sees roughly 230 mm of rain per year, concentrated between November and April, with the summer months nearly rainless.
Best time to visit
Best: March–May and September–November
Peak Season: December–January and March–April
Avoid: July–August (extreme heat 38-42°C / 100-108°F)
Notes: Spring (March to May) brings warm, sunny days, blooming gardens, and lower crowds than the Christmas peak. Autumn (September to November) is equally pleasant and coincides with the Marrakesh International Film Festival in late November or early December. December and January attract Europeans escaping winter and coincide with the Marrakesh Marathon. Avoid mid-summer if heat is a concern — temperatures in July and August regularly exceed 40°C, making outdoor exploration uncomfortable for much of the day.
Items:
- Month
- January
- Temp high
- 18
- Temp low
- 6
- Rainfall mm
- 28
- Humidity
- Low–Moderate
- Notes
- Cool, pleasant days with crisp nights. The Marrakesh Marathon draws international runners. Gardens such as the Majorelle are lush from winter rains.
- Crowd level
- High
- Month
- February
- Temp high
- 20
- Temp low
- 8
- Rainfall mm
- 25
- Humidity
- Low–Moderate
- Notes
- Gradually warming with comfortable daytime temperatures. Almond trees bloom in the foothills. A good month for hiking in the Atlas before the heat arrives.
- Crowd level
- Moderate–High
- Month
- March
- Temp high
- 23
- Temp low
- 11
- Rainfall mm
- 30
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Notes
- One of the best months to visit. Warm days, cool evenings, and spring wildflowers across the Atlas. Occasional short rain showers keep the landscapes green.
- Crowd level
- High
- Month
- April
- Temp high
- 26
- Temp low
- 13
- Rainfall mm
- 28
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Notes
- Ideal sightseeing weather. Jemaa el-Fna is alive with evening activity. Ramadan may fall in April depending on the Islamic calendar — expect shorter restaurant hours.
- Crowd level
- High
- Month
- May
- Temp high
- 30
- Temp low
- 17
- Rainfall mm
- 18
- Humidity
- Low–Moderate
- Notes
- Warm and mostly dry. The Rose Festival in the nearby Dadès Valley (Kelaat M'Gouna) is a highlight. Temperatures are rising but remain manageable.
- Crowd level
- Moderate–High
- Month
- June
- Temp high
- 35
- Temp low
- 21
- Rainfall mm
- 5
- Humidity
- Low
- Notes
- Noticeably hot by midday. Early morning and evening sightseeing is recommended. Crowds thin as many European visitors avoid the heat.
- Crowd level
- Moderate
- Month
- July
- Temp high
- 40
- Temp low
- 24
- Rainfall mm
- 2
- Humidity
- Very Low
- Notes
- Extreme heat — the hottest month. Daytime temperatures regularly hit 40°C or above. The medina and souks are best visited at dusk or dawn. Eid al-Adha may fall in July depending on the Islamic calendar.
- Crowd level
- Low
- Month
- August
- Temp high
- 39
- Temp low
- 23
- Rainfall mm
- 3
- Humidity
- Very Low
- Notes
- Nearly as hot as July and still very dry. Not recommended for visitors sensitive to heat. Riad pools and shaded riads are an important refuge.
- Crowd level
- Low
- Month
- September
- Temp high
- 34
- Temp low
- 20
- Rainfall mm
- 10
- Humidity
- Low
- Notes
- Temperatures begin to ease from their summer peak. Still warm but increasingly bearable, especially in the evenings. An underrated time to visit with fewer crowds.
- Crowd level
- Moderate
- Month
- October
- Temp high
- 28
- Temp low
- 16
- Rainfall mm
- 22
- Humidity
- Low–Moderate
- Notes
- Excellent weather returns — warm sunny days and cool nights. Date harvest season in the south. Occasional autumn showers refresh the city.
- Crowd level
- Moderate–High
- Month
- November
- Temp high
- 23
- Temp low
- 11
- Rainfall mm
- 32
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Notes
- Comfortable and uncrowded early in the month. The Marrakesh International Film Festival typically takes place in late November or early December, bringing a cultural buzz to the city.
- Crowd level
- Moderate–High
- Month
- December
- Temp high
- 19
- Temp low
- 7
- Rainfall mm
- 30
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Notes
- Cool and occasionally rainy, but daytime temperatures are pleasant for walking the medina. Festive atmosphere around Christmas as European visitors arrive. Snow may dust the High Atlas peaks, offering striking views.
- Crowd level
- High
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
Items
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Items
Spring (Spring is widely considered the best season to visit Marrakesh-Safi. Temperatures climb gradually from a comfortable 23°C in March to 30°C in May, gardens are in full bloom, and rainfall is light. The famous Majorelle Garden and Menara olive groves are at their most scenic. Spring also coincides with the Rose Festival in the nearby Dadès Valley.), Summer (Summer is the off-season for good reason. Temperatures soar, regularly exceeding 40°C in July and August. The city empties of many international tourists, and daytime outdoor exploration becomes challenging. Those who do visit benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds, but must adapt their schedule to early mornings and evenings.), Autumn (Autumn is a superb and slightly underappreciated travel window. September still carries warmth from summer but temperatures fall steadily through October and November to a very pleasant range. The Marrakesh International Film Festival adds cultural interest in late November or early December.), Winter (Winter is mild by European standards, making Marrakesh a popular sun-escape destination. Daytime temperatures hover between 18–20°C, though nights can drop to 6–8°C. Occasional rainfall keeps gardens green. The Marrakesh Marathon takes place in January, and the High Atlas peaks are dusted with snow, creating dramatic views from the city.)
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- Items
- Period
- December–January
- Level
- High
- Notes
- European winter holiday travellers arrive in large numbers. The Marrakesh Marathon (January) adds to demand. Book accommodation well ahead, particularly over Christmas and New Year.
- Period
- March–April
- Level
- High
- Notes
- The most popular travel window due to ideal weather. Easter week can be extremely busy. Prices are at or near their annual peak.
- Period
- May
- Level
- Moderate–High
- Notes
- Still busy as spring conditions persist. Rose Festival visitors heading to the Dadès Valley may pass through Marrakesh.
- Period
- February and October
- Level
- Moderate–High
- Notes
- Shoulder months with good weather and manageable crowd levels. A sensible alternative to peak spring and winter periods.
- Period
- November
- Level
- Moderate–High
- Notes
- Crowds build toward the end of the month with the approach of the Marrakesh International Film Festival.
- Period
- June and September
- Level
- Moderate
- Notes
- Transitional months. June sees visitors tapering off as heat rises; September marks the start of the autumn recovery. Decent value and fewer queues.
- Period
- July–August
- Level
- Low
- Notes
- The clear low season. International visitor numbers drop sharply due to extreme heat. Domestic Moroccan travellers and budget seekers willing to endure the temperatures can find good deals.
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Marrakesh Marathon
One of Africa's most popular road races, the Marrakesh Marathon draws tens of thousands of runners from around the world each January. The course passes through the city's historic streets and along the ramparts, making it a scenic as well as athletic event.
Rose Festival (Kelaat M'Gouna)
Held in the town of Kelaat M'Gouna in the Dadès Valley, roughly four hours from Marrakesh, this festival celebrates the annual Damask rose harvest with music, dancing, a rose queen pageant, and local craft markets. Many visitors use Marrakesh as a base for the trip.
Marrakesh International Film Festival
One of the most prestigious film festivals on the African continent, held annually in late November or early December. The event attracts international filmmakers, actors, and industry figures and includes open-air screenings in Jemaa el-Fna square.
Eid al-Adha
The Festival of Sacrifice is one of Islam's most important celebrations. Families gather, and the city takes on a distinctive festive character. Dates shift earlier by roughly eleven days each Gregorian year. Travellers should note that some businesses close or reduce hours during this period.
Ramadan
The Islamic month of fasting shapes daily life across Marrakesh-Safi. Many restaurants close during daylight hours, and the pace of the city changes. The evenings, however, come alive with Iftar (breaking of the fast) gatherings and street food stalls. Dates shift earlier by roughly eleven days each Gregorian year.