Marrakesh Holiday Weather Overview
The ancient Berber city of Marrakesh is one of Morocco's three biggest cities and is the country's most important former imperial capital. Huge numbers of tourists visit Marrakesh for its history, culture and access to the scenic Atlas Mountains.
Marrakech is an exciting and exotic destination, a city with Berber heritage where the maze of souks contrasts with chic European style pavement cafes, and where Islamic art and architecture sit alongside busy nightlife spots.
With a hot and semi arid climate, Marrakech is a popular destination all year round, although the summer heat can be too intense for some. Throughout the year, there is a significant difference between day and night time temperatures, which can catch out some visitors. It rains infrequently and the sunshine is pretty much constant.
The ancient city of Marrakesh, known as the Medina, features fortified historic architecture and is an UNESCO World Heritage site. Morocco's biggest traditional market, or souk, is also found in Marrakesh. The bustling daytime market features many lively performers and becomes a massive open-air restaurant at night time.
Relatively low humidity generally lessens the oppressive feel of the very high daytime temperatures in this subtropical city, though at the height of summer, visitors should follow local customs and chill out during the midday heat. The dusty winds of June are worth avoiding but otherwise, Marrakesh can be enjoyed throughout the year.
When is the best month to visit Marrakesh?
Spring and autumn are the ideal times of the year to visit Marrakesh. The chance of rain is minimised, the days are relatively comfortable and the nights are not too cold. Winter weather in Marrakesh is also not too bad but it can sometimes rain and the nights can be cold. June brings a hot desert wind that makes the city dusty and gives some people headaches.
Marrakech in the Spring
Marrakech spring weather is very pleasant, with daytime temperatures of around 22°C in March, rising to the high 20s by May. It may rain on a couple of days each month, but these short sharp showers are usually over very quickly.
Spring is the perfect season for exploring the medina and its souks or for visiting sites of historical importance. Indulge in a Hammam or explore the nearby Atlas Mountains.
Bring lightweight summer clothing and a hat, but something to cover up with at night when the temperatures can still feel a little chilly. Sandstorms can blow in from the Sahara in the spring, so sunglasses are necessary to protect your eyes.
Marrakech in the Summer
Summer temperatures in Marrakech are searingly hot. Starting at around 30°C in June, by the end of August temperatures can easily hit 40°C or more, with this dropping back to around 23 or 24°C at night.
The heat is overwhelming to many. It's important to stay out of the midday sun, to drink plenty of water and to allow yourself time to acclimatize. It's a very dry heat, and there is virtually no rain at this time of year.
Marrakech in the Autumn
The autumn months are, like the spring, a popular time for tourists to Marrakech, because the heat is more bearable. It's still very warm in September, October and November, with temperatures ranging from 32°C in September to 25°C in November. The nights become increasingly chilly as the autumn progresses, however, and by November you may be looking at a night time low of 10°C, so bring a shawl or light jacket.
The rain begins to increase in the autumn too, and you may catch a few rainy days - but there is still only around 1 inch of rain each month.
Marrakech in the Winter
Winters can be surprisingly chilly in Marrakech, particularly at night. Daytime highs remain in the high teens Celsius, but nights can fall to around 4 or 5°C - and most hotels will not have heating, so you may feel this more keenly than you think. Take a sweater for the chilly evenings, and layered clothing for the warmer days.
What to pack and wear in Marrakesh?
If you head to Marrakesh during the summer, expect regular daytime temperatures in the high 30s (°C). Bring very light, breathable, clothing and plenty of sunscreen, as well as a hat and sunglasses. At other times of the year, Marrakesh weather means you will still need clothing to suit the hot daytime temperatures. In the winter, pack something to ward off the chilly nights.
Best months to visit Marrakesh?
April and March are the best month to go for holiday or travel to Marrakesh. The weather averages gathered from Marrakesh weather forecast and Marrakesh weather history also forecast these months temperature to be around 25°c and average of 298 hours of sunshine in a month.
Coldest months of Marrakesh?
January and February are the coldest months with temperature at around 6°c.
Which months receive most rainfall in Marrakesh?
March and November receive most rainfall with precipitation count of 41.97mm.
Travelling to Marrakesh? Check out our Weather averages of Marrakesh to better plan your holiday or travel.
If you would just like to know what the weather was for a past dates for research or education or you are just curious then visit our historical weather of Marrakesh section.