Best Time to Visit Morocco from Asia: A Month-by-Month Guide

Many travellers from the Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia and Japan ask us the same question: what is the best time to visit Morocco? The short answer is spring and autumn. The longer answer depends on your holidays, on what you want to see and on how you feel about heat and cold. In this guide, our team in Merzouga explains the seasons in simple terms.

Morocco has many climates

Morocco is not one single climate. The Atlantic coast, around Casablanca, Rabat and Essaouira, is mild all year. The Atlas Mountains are cool and can have snow in winter. The Sahara, around Merzouga and Zagora, is very hot in summer and cold at night in winter. A typical tour crosses all these zones, so you need clothes for different temperatures.

For travellers from tropical Asia, the biggest surprise is often the cold. Even in a sunny month, a desert night or a mountain pass can feel very cool. Pack a warm jacket in every season except summer.

Season by season

Spring (March to May): the favourite season

Spring is the most popular time to visit. Days are warm and sunny, nights are fresh and the valleys are green. In the Dades Valley, the roses bloom in late April and May. This is also a perfect time for the desert: you can walk on the dunes in the afternoon without strong heat.

Spring matches several Asian holidays. Japanese travellers often come during Golden Week, and many Filipino families travel during Holy Week. Book a few months ahead for these dates.

Summer (June to August): hot in the south

Summer is very hot in Marrakech and in the Sahara. Temperatures in the desert can be above 40°C in the afternoon. It is still possible to travel, and the coast is pleasant, but we change the rhythm of the day: early departures, a long rest at midday and camel rides at sunset. The night under the stars in the desert is warm and very beautiful.

Autumn (September to November): calm and golden

Autumn is our second favourite season. The heat goes down in September, and October and November bring clear skies and soft light, which is ideal for photography. The date harvest takes place in the palm groves of the south in autumn. This season works well for Singapore and Malaysia school holidays at the end of the year.

Winter (December to February): sunny days, cold nights

Winter days are often sunny and pleasant in Marrakech, but nights are cold everywhere. In the Sahara, temperatures at night can be close to freezing, and the Tizi n'Tichka pass in the High Atlas can have snow. Desert camps provide thick blankets, and some offer heating. Winter is also the quietest season, so the medinas are less crowded.

Ramadan and religious holidays

Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year, following the Islamic calendar. During this month, many Moroccans fast from sunrise to sunset. Tourists can still travel normally. Hotels serve breakfast and most tourist restaurants stay open, although some small cafés close during the day. After sunset, the streets come alive and the atmosphere is very special.

For Muslim travellers from Indonesia and Malaysia, spending part of Ramadan or Eid in Morocco can be a beautiful experience. Our halal Muslim-friendly tour can be adapted to iftar and suhoor times.

Quick guide by travel style

• Desert and camel ride: March to May and September to November.
• Photography: October to April, for soft light and clear skies.
• Mountain walks in the Atlas: April to June and September to October.
• Beach time on the Atlantic coast: June to September.
• Fewer crowds: January, February and the second half of November.

How long should you stay?

From Asia, the journey to Morocco is long, with at least one connection. We suggest a minimum of seven days on the ground. With one week, you can see Marrakech, the Atlas, the Sahara and Fez on our compact 7-day Morocco tour. With ten days, you can add Casablanca, Rabat and Chefchaouen. Read our 10-day Morocco itinerary for a detailed example.

What to pack

• Light, long clothes that cover shoulders and knees, for respect and sun protection.
• A warm jacket for desert nights and mountain passes (except in summer).
• Comfortable walking shoes for the medinas, and sandals for the dunes.
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat or scarf.
• A small torch for the desert camp.
• Copies of your passport and travel insurance documents.

Our advice from Merzouga

There is no bad time to visit Morocco, only the wrong plan for the season. In summer we start early; in winter we keep you warm. Because all our tours are private, we can change the daily schedule to match the weather and your energy. Tell us your dates and we will suggest the best route. You can also browse our Sahara desert tours or read our practical guide for Filipino travellers.