Visiting Morocco in Summer, Travel guide
Visiting Morocco in Summer: Morocco is an increasingly popular year-round travel destination. But as the seasons change throughout the year, visitors also have the opportunity to discover Morocco’s culture and history. Whether you enjoy water sports, mountain hiking, cultural experiences or historical sites, you’ll find that the ideal time to explore all these regions of Morocco can vary throughout the year. If you’re planning to visit Morocco in summer, there are a few things to bear in mind.
In general, spring and autumn are the months when Morocco sees most of its international visitors, as the milder climate is favorable. But the summer months offer special pleasures for travellers too. Morocco’s high season for domestic travel is during the summer, while foreign travel is at its lowest. Local Moroccans generally take their month-long vacation in August, flying to cooler coastal towns, particularly in northern Morocco. They will be joined by Moroccans living abroad who return home at this time to visit family and friends.
If you decide to make a Morocco Tours in summer, you can expect big discounts on accommodation (except in the coastal region), lively music festivals and the chance to experience the real Morocco. Not to mention the scorching sun, which goes perfectly with the country’s sandy coastline.
VISITING MOROCCO IN SUMMER – THE BASICS:
Morocco’s climate is as diverse as its geography. From the cooler Atlas Mountains to the mercilessly hot Sahara Desert and the windy coastal region, the weather varies considerably across the country. This is even truer in summer. Generally speaking, Morocco enjoys a subtropical climate. Temperatures can fluctuate between 5ºC (41ºF) during the winter months and 50ºC + 40º (120ºF) boiling at the height of summer in the desert.
Morocco’s coastal region enjoys a more temperate climate, thanks to the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Here, average summer temperatures range from 29ºC (84.2ºF) to 32ºC (89.6ºF). The further away you are from the coast, the more extreme the temperatures become. Marrakech , for example, enjoys a semi-arid climate with very little rainfall in summer (2 mm in total). Average maximum temperatures range from 31ºC (36ºC) to 36.5ºC (98ºF) between June and August. The Mediterranean climate in Fez means that the city receives slightly more rain than Marrakech, but temperatures still average 35°C (95°F) in summer. But the Sahara Desert dominates the hottest part of Morocco: in the heat of summer, average temperatures are 38°C (100°F) and sand temperatures can easily exceed 80°C (176°F).
SIMPLE SURVIVAL TIPS:
All this talk of boiling temperatures may seem a little overwhelming. But traveling across Morocco in summer is entirely feasible and can be rewarding. Here are a few things to keep in mind when visiting Morocco in summer:
Enjoy the warm nights. You’ll find that in summer, Moroccan cities really come alive after sunset. In Marrakech, food stalls, snake charmers and musicians all set up shop in Djemaa El Fnaa to entertain and feed visitors. In the country’s cities, you’ll quickly discover that much of life happens after sunset. Head to the early evening and discover Morocco’s lively nightlife scene.
Make air conditioning your best friend. Air conditioning is a must if you’re traveling to Morocco in summer. And if you choose to join one of our exciting tours, know that all vehicles and villas are well equipped with air conditioning to keep you cool on hot summer days.
Plan your walking tours for the morning. If you’re visiting historical and cultural sites in Moroccan cities, try to plan these visits for the morning. Chances are the temperature will drop early in the day, and you’ll have plenty of shady spots to protect yourself if the sun gets too hot.
Visiting Morocco in Summer
Take precautions. Temperatures will be high in summer, so make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day. Protect your skin with sunscreen, long, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.
Take things lightly. Whatever you decide to do during your stay in Morocco, the most important thing to keep in mind is to take it easy. The heat will affect the pace at which you can sometimes explore the country, and that’s fine. The most important thing is to stay hydrated and safe while having a great time discovering Morocco.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water all day long. It’s very easy to overheat and dehydrate quickly. Always carry water and drink, drink, drink!
Visiting Morocco in Summer
Stay in a villa with a pool. In addition to air-conditioned rooms, a refreshing pool will be your go-to place when the afternoon sun starts to get a little too hot. And after spending your morning hours exploring Morocco’s exciting cities, nothing will be more enjoyable than a relaxing afternoon in the pool.
Escape the big cities. If you want to avoid the heat at all costs while exploring Morocco, your safest bet is to escape the country’s big cities. The Moroccan coast is a refreshing option for discovering picturesque towns such as Agadir, Essaouira, Tangier and Rabat. Here, temperatures tend to be cooler than in southern Morocco, and the ocean breeze offers a refreshing break from the summer sun. If you prefer the great outdoors, opt to explore the cooler Atlas or Rif mountains. You’ll find plenty of trekking opportunities filled with interesting natural and cultural attractions to discover along the way.
SO SHOULD YOU VISIT MOROCCO IN SUMMER?
Absolutely. All seasons offer a unique perspective on Morocco, and summer will allow you to see Morocco from a different angle.
A little-known fact is that Morocco is home to numerous festivals, many of which take place during the summer months. The Fez Festival of World Sacred Music takes place for a week in June, bringing together brilliant musicians from all over the world to create a “beacon of peace for the Islamic world”. The Gnaoua World Music Festival honors the music and arts of the Gnaouas and takes over the tranquil seaside town of Essaouira every June.
Visiting Morocco in Summer
With fewer international travelers and more domestic tourism, you’ll be able to connect with more locals and witness towns and villages with their traditional routines and festivities. So start preparing for your Moroccan summer and contact our team for a personalized itinerary designed to meet your needs and expectations.