What to Wear in Morocco: A Simple Guide by Season

Before their trip, many guests ask us what to wear in Morocco. It is a good question. Morocco is a Muslim country with relaxed tourist areas, but people appreciate modest clothes. The weather also changes a lot between the coast, the mountains and the Sahara. This guide gives you simple rules for each season and each place.

General rules: respectful and comfortable

There is no strict law for visitors, and you will see many styles in Marrakech. Still, modest clothes make daily life easier. People are friendly and you receive less attention in the souks.

• Cover your shoulders and knees in medinas, villages and markets.
• Choose loose clothes rather than tight ones. They are also cooler in the heat.
• Natural fabrics like cotton and linen are best.
• Swimwear is fine at the hotel pool and on the beach, not in the streets.

Morocco dress code for women

Women do not need to cover their hair, except to enter a mosque. Long skirts, wide trousers, tunics and light shirts with sleeves work very well. A large scarf is the most useful item in your bag: it protects you from the sun and the dust, keeps you warm in the evening, and covers your hair when needed. Many travellers from Malaysia and Indonesia simply wear the same clothes they wear at home, and they feel very comfortable.

Clothes for men

Men usually wear trousers or long shorts below the knee, and T-shirts or shirts. Very short shorts and sleeveless tops are uncommon in the cities, except in the hotel.

What to wear in Morocco in each season

Spring (March to May)

Days are warm and nights are fresh. Bring light clothes for the day, a sweater and a light jacket for the evening. In the desert, a windproof jacket helps on windy days.

Summer (June to August)

It is very hot in Marrakech, Fez and the Sahara. Wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes, a wide hat and good sunglasses. Long sleeves protect you from the sun better than a T-shirt. On the coast, in Essaouira, the wind is cool, so bring a light jacket.

Autumn (September to November)

Similar to spring. September is still hot in the south; November evenings are cold in the desert and the mountains. Pack layers you can add or remove during the day.

Winter (December to February)

Days are mild and sunny, but nights are cold everywhere, especially in the Sahara and the Atlas. Bring a warm jacket, a fleece, a hat, gloves and warm socks. Riads in the old cities can feel cold inside at night.

What to pack for the Sahara desert

The desert is hot in the day and cool or cold at night, in every season. For the camel ride and the camp, we suggest:

• A scarf or a Berber turban to protect your face from the sun and sand (you can buy one in Merzouga).
• Closed shoes or sandals with straps; sand gets very hot in summer.
• A warm layer for the evening, even in summer, and a real jacket in winter.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses and a small torch for the night.
• A small bag for one night, so you leave the big suitcase in the vehicle.

The Atlas Mountains

On the road over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, or in villages like Imlil, the temperature is lower than in Marrakech. In winter there may be snow. If you plan a walk in the mountains, bring comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket, as in our luxury Marrakech, Agafay and Atlas tour.

What to wear in a mosque in Morocco

Most mosques in Morocco are open only to Muslims. Non-Muslim visitors can enter the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca on guided visits, when visits are running. For this visit, and for religious sites in general:

• Cover shoulders, arms and legs.
• Women cover their hair with a scarf.
• You take off your shoes at the entrance, so wear shoes that are easy to remove.

Muslim travellers who want to pray in mosques during the trip can read our halal travel guide to Morocco.

Shoes, bags and small details

Good shoes matter more than fashion in Morocco. The medinas have stone streets, steps and slopes, and they can be slippery after rain. Light trainers or walking sandals with a strong sole are ideal. Carry a small cross-body bag that closes well, as in any busy market in the world. Leave expensive jewellery at home. In the evening, many riads and restaurants are relaxed, but some guests like one smarter outfit for a special dinner. Finally, remember a small bag of tissues and hand gel: they are useful on long road days.

Morocco packing list

• Light, long and loose clothes for the day.
• A warm layer and a jacket for evenings, the desert and the Atlas.
• A large scarf.
• Comfortable walking shoes for the medinas of Fez and Marrakech, where the streets are uneven.
• Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen.
• A small daypack, a reusable bottle and some tissues.
• One smart outfit for a nice dinner in a riad.

Travel light with a private tour

On a private tour, your bags stay in the vehicle with your driver, so you do not need to carry everything every day. A medium suitcase and a small bag are enough. On our 7-day tour from Marrakech to Fez, for example, you cross the city, the mountains and the desert in one week, so layers are the key. For a relaxed coast and city trip, see the luxury Marrakech and Essaouira tour.