Morocco in November is a good month for first-time visitors who want mild days, cooler nights and fewer crowds. Early in the month the weather is similar to October, and by late November the desert and the mountains get colder at night. This guide covers the weather by region, holidays and festivals, what to pack, and where to go.
Morocco in November: The Short Answer
Yes, November is a good time to visit Morocco. Our best time to visit Morocco guide lists September to early November among the sweet spots: warm days, cool nights and manageable crowds. Marrakech and the coast stay relatively mild, while desert and mountain nights get colder as the month goes on. Crowds start thinning after the first couple of weeks.
Morocco in November Weather by Region
The figures below come from Rough Guides, which gives ranges rather than exact averages. Real days can be warmer or cooler.
Morocco in November: Marrakech and Fes
Interior cities such as Marrakech and Fes have days of about 18–24 °C (65–75 °F) and nights of about 7–13 °C (45–55 °F). Pack a few layers for the evening. Our guide on whether Marrakech is worth visiting explains why it is a strong base, and Fes vs Marrakech helps you choose between the two.
Morocco in November: The Sahara
In the desert around Merzouga and Zagora, days are roughly 21–27 °C (70–80 °F), and nights fall to about 4–10 °C (40–50 °F). The swing between day and night can reach about 17 °C (30 °F). The desert stays mostly dry, and skies are generally clear. Our own guide on what to wear in the Sahara desert adds that nights can fall to about 5 °C or lower in winter, so bring warm layers.
Morocco in November: The Coast
Casablanca and Rabat have days of about 21–24 °C (70–75 °F) and nights of about 13–16 °C (55–60 °F). Essaouira is around 21 °C (70 °F) by day. The sea is about 20 °C (68 °F), which is cold for swimming. The north gets more rain than the south, but rain usually does not disrupt travel much. To compare the coast with the dunes, read Sahara desert vs the Atlantic coast.
Morocco in November: The Atlas Mountains
In the Atlas Mountains, daytime highs are about 13–18 °C (55–65 °F), and nights are about 2–7 °C (35–45 °F). There can be frost higher up. Waterproof shoes are a good idea for trails. If you want to climb, read our guide to climbing Toubkal first.
Is Morocco in November Crowded?
November is a shoulder-season month, with fewer tourists than in peak months, and hotels and riads often have better availability and lower rates. Domestic tourism picks up around Independence Day on 18 November, so some travel writers suggest visiting Marrakech early in the month for a calmer medina. Prices rise again in December around the holidays. For heat and crowds in the opposite season, see our guide to Morocco in summer.
Morocco in November: Holidays and Festivals
Two public holidays fall in November. The Green March is marked on 6 November, and Independence Day is on 18 November, marking the end of the French and Spanish protectorate. Early in the month the Erfoud Date Festival marks the end of the date harvest, with music, food and markets. Many rural areas also hold the olive harvest. Dates can change, so check locally before you plan around an event.
What to Pack for Morocco in November
Bring warm layers or a jacket for evenings, especially in the desert and the mountains. Pack warm sleeping clothes for a desert camp, plus a hat and gloves if you expect a cold night. Waterproof shoes help in the Atlas, and a few layers cover Marrakech evenings. Many luxury tents also have heating, as our guide to a night in a Sahara desert camp explains. For a full list, see what to pack for the Sahara desert.
Best Places to Visit in Morocco in November
A good November route pairs a city with the desert. Spend your first days in Marrakech while it is mild, then head south for the dunes. Our 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech follows that pattern, and you can check how much a Morocco desert tour costs before you book. For a longer trip, see our 7 days in Morocco itinerary or our guide on how many days you need in Morocco.
In the dunes, plan a sunset camel ride in Merzouga and browse the best things to do in Merzouga. If you are choosing a base, read Merzouga vs Zagora. At night, stargazing in Merzouga is still excellent in November. The center of the Milky Way is not visible from November to January, but the sky is full of stars and the long nights give you more time.
Morocco in November: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morocco in November hot or cold?
Neither, for most of the country. Days are mild, from about 13 to 27 °C depending on the region, and nights are cooler. The Sahara and the Atlas can be cold after dark.
Is Morocco in November good for the desert?
Yes. The desert stays mostly dry with generally clear skies, and days are pleasant. Pack warm layers for the night.
Can you swim in Morocco in November?
The sea is about 20 °C (68 °F), which is cold for swimming, so most visitors skip it.
Does it rain in Morocco in November?
The north gets more rain than the south, about 40–60 mm in places such as Tangier and Rabat. Rain usually does not disrupt travel much, and the desert stays mostly dry.
Planning Morocco in November? Message us your dates and we will plan your route with you.
Message us on WhatsAppNavigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family. We will be glad to help you plan your Morocco in November trip, from the first night in Marrakech to the last sunset in the dunes.
More Navigate Morocco guides: Sunset in Morocco, Sahara desert camp meals, Cash in Morocco, Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga.
