Morocco in summer is hot in the cities and the desert, but it is not hot everywhere. Marrakech and the Sahara see the highest temperatures, while the Atlantic coast and the northern mountains stay much cooler. This guide shows the average heat in each region, how to plan your days and what to wear, so you can decide if Morocco in summer suits your dates.
Is Morocco Too Hot in Summer?
It depends on where you go. July and August are the hottest months in most of the country. A trip that stays in Marrakech and the desert needs careful planning. A trip that adds the coast or the mountains is much easier. Morocco in summer works well when you match each region to the right part of the day.
Morocco in Summer: Temperatures by Region
These are average figures for July and August from weather records. Real days can be hotter or cooler.
Marrakech: the average high is about 37 °C (98 °F) and the average low is about 21 °C (70 °F). The hot season runs from late June to early September. The city of Marrakech is the one most visitors expect to be hot, and it is.
The Sahara side: the nearest large town to Merzouga with weather records is Errachidia. Its average high is about 38 °C (100 °F) in July and 37 °C (98 °F) in August. Nights stay warm, with lows near 25 °C (77 °F). Its hot season is a little longer, from mid June to early September.
Essaouira on the Atlantic coast: the average high is about 26 °C in July and 27 °C in August (79 to 81 °F). The sea wind keeps Essaouira far cooler than the inland cities.
Chefchaouen in the northern mountains: the average high is about 30 °C (86 °F) in July, and the average low is about 21 °C (70 °F). It is warm, but it feels easier than Marrakech.
The Sahara Desert in Morocco in Summer
The Sahara is the hottest part of Morocco in summer. Daytime heat is strong, and the sand gets very hot, so the middle of the day is not the time to walk the dunes. Most of the fun happens early in the morning and late in the afternoon, when the light is soft and the sand is cooler.
If you go to the desert in summer, keep the plan simple. Rest in the shade at midday. Ride out late in the afternoon, as in our guide to a camel ride in Merzouga. Climb the dunes at sunrise. Our guide to a night in a Sahara desert camp shows how the evening and morning work.
The drive to the desert is long, and a summer day makes it harder. See our guide to the drive from Marrakech to the Sahara, and look at the 3 or 4 day desert tour. The longer tour gives you more rest on the way.
Marrakech and the Cities in Summer
Marrakech is hot from late morning to late afternoon. Plan your visits to the medina and the palaces for the early morning. Return to your riad for a break at midday, and go out again after sunset, when the squares fill with people. Fes and the other inland cities follow the same rhythm.
The Coast and the Mountains in Summer
If the heat worries you, the coast is the answer. Essaouira is windy and mild, and it makes a good break between two hot days. Chefchaouen is also easier than the south, and a stay there adds color and walks to a summer trip. Our guide to Chefchaouen and how to fit it in shows how to add it. To compare the two kinds of trip, read the Sahara desert versus the Atlantic coast.
How to Plan Each Day in Morocco in Summer
Start early
Do your walking, climbing and sightseeing before late morning. The hours after sunrise are the coolest and the quietest.
Rest at midday
Spend the hottest hours in the shade, in a cool room or by a pool. A long lunch is part of the Moroccan day, so use it.
Go out again at sunset
The late afternoon and the evening are the best part of Morocco in summer. The light is golden, the air is cooler and the squares are alive.
What to Wear and Pack for Morocco in Summer
Choose light, loose clothes in cotton or linen that cover your shoulders and legs. They protect you from the sun and are also respectful in the cities. Add a hat or a scarf, sunglasses and sun cream, and carry a water bottle everywhere. Bring one warm layer for air-conditioned rooms and for the coast in the evening. Our guides on what to wear in the Sahara desert and what to pack for the Sahara have the full lists.
Is Morocco in Summer Worth It?
Yes, if you plan for the heat. Many travelers can only travel in July and August, and a smart route makes it work. Pair the hot cities and the desert with the coast, keep the middle of the day free and drink water often. If your dates are flexible, our month by month guide to the best time to visit Morocco compares every month.
How to Plan Morocco in Summer With Us
Send us a message on WhatsApp at +212 609 490 681 or use the contact page. Tell us your dates, the number of travelers and the places you want to see. We will build a route that puts the heat in the right place and keeps your days easy.
Planning Morocco in summer?
Message us on WhatsAppMorocco in Summer FAQ
Is Morocco too hot in summer?
The cities and the desert are hot, with highs of about 37 to 38 °C in July. The coast and the northern mountains are much milder.
Which is the hottest month in Morocco?
July is the hottest month in Marrakech and in the desert towns, and August is very close.
Where is the coolest place in Morocco in summer?
Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, with highs near 26 to 27 °C, is the coolest place in these records.
Can you visit the Sahara in Morocco in summer?
Yes, but plan around the heat. Stay out of the sun at midday and spend your time on the dunes early and late in the day.
What should I wear in Morocco in summer?
Wear loose cotton or linen that covers your shoulders and legs, and bring a hat, sunglasses and a water bottle.
Navigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to help you plan Morocco in summer.
Prefer cooler air in the mountains? Read our climbing Toubkal guide.
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