This guide compares climate normals published by Morocco's Direction Générale de la Météorologie (DGM) through the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). Normals are long-term monthly averages, not trip forecasts. Each figure applies only to its named station, not to an unlisted mountain, beach or desert camp.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
The best time to visit Morocco depends on the places in your itinerary and the temperatures you prefer. For a route that includes Marrakech and Casablanca, April and October are useful months to compare. Marrakech's mean daily maximum/minimum is 25.7°C/12.4°C in April and 28.5°C/15.7°C in October. Casablanca's corresponding normals are 20.6°C/13.3°C and 24.3°C/16.8°C.
Those comparisons do not make either month universally “best.” July's mean daily maximum is 37.7°C in Marrakech and 38.8°C in Ouarzazate, compared with 26.1°C in Casablanca and 29.2°C in Tangier. In January, the mean daily minimum is 5.9°C in Marrakech, 1.8°C in Ouarzazate, 8.9°C in Casablanca, and 8.2°C in Tangier. Match the dates to the actual stops on your route, then use the latest DGM forecast for daily decisions.
How does Morocco weather differ by route?
The WMO/DGM city dataset for Marrakech, together with the other named station pages, shows why one nationwide temperature label is not enough:
- Marrakech: an inland-city station with a July mean daily maximum/minimum of 37.7°C/20.6°C and a January normal of 19.1°C/5.9°C.
- Casablanca: an Atlantic-city station with July normals of 26.1°C/20.5°C and January normals of 17.6°C/8.9°C.
- Tangier: a northern-city station with July normals of 29.2°C/19.3°C and January normals of 16.8°C/8.2°C.
- Ouarzazate: a southeastern gateway station with July normals of 38.8°C/22.7°C and January normals of 17.3°C/1.8°C.
Casablanca's figures should not be presented as averages for the entire Atlantic coast, and Ouarzazate's figures should not be presented as averages for every Sahara camp. The table also contains no high-mountain station. For places not represented here, consult the location-specific DGM forecast and warnings rather than extrapolating from the nearest famous city.
What do spring climate normals show?
From March to May, the named stations show a steady rise in mean daily temperatures:
- Marrakech: from 23.6°C/10.3°C in March to 29.4°C/15.2°C in May.
- Casablanca: from 19.7°C/11.6°C to 22.7°C/16.0°C.
- Tangier: from 19.0°C/10.4°C to 23.7°C/14.1°C.
- Ouarzazate: from 22.7°C/8.2°C to 30.7°C/15.7°C.
April sits between those endpoints: 25.7°C/12.4°C in Marrakech, 20.6°C/13.3°C in Casablanca, 20.6°C/11.8°C in Tangier, and 26.7°C/11.9°C in Ouarzazate. Use these as route comparisons, not promises of clear skies or fixed daily temperatures. A mountain stop needs its own forecast because the city stations in this table do not represent high-altitude conditions.
What do summer climate normals show?
The July and August normals show a clear difference between the inland and coastal stations in this dataset:
| Place | July max/min | August max/min |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 37.7°C / 20.6°C | 37.4°C / 21.1°C |
| Ouarzazate | 38.8°C / 22.7°C | 37.5°C / 22.1°C |
| Casablanca | 26.1°C / 20.5°C | 26.7°C / 21.0°C |
| Tangier | 29.2°C / 19.3°C | 29.7°C / 20.1°C |
These are mean daily maxima and minima, not the highest or lowest temperatures a traveler may encounter. If a trip involves long outdoor periods, compare the latest forecast for each stop with your own heat tolerance and adjust the timing of activities accordingly. Do not use the Casablanca or Tangier rows to infer ocean or surf conditions; those variables are not covered by this table.
What do autumn climate normals show?
The four-station comparison cools between September and November. Marrakech moves from 32.5°C/18.6°C in September to 23.1°C/10.7°C in November. Ouarzazate moves from 33.1°C/18.1°C to 21.7°C/7.2°C. Over the same months, Casablanca changes from 25.8°C/19.5°C to 21.0°C/12.8°C, and Tangier from 27.4°C/18.6°C to 20.2°C/12.3°C.
What is Morocco weather like in October?
In October, Marrakech's 1991–2020 mean daily maximum/minimum is 28.5°C/15.7°C. Tangier is cooler and wetter at 24.5°C/16.2°C with 86.8 mm average rainfall. These are climate averages, not a forecast; check official warnings before departure.
October conditions vary materially by route. DGM data supplied through the WMO put Marrakech at a mean daily maximum of 28.5°C and minimum of 15.7°C, with 19.1 mm of average monthly rainfall across about four precipitation days. Tangier is cooler and considerably wetter, so coast, city, and altitude still matter. Check the official DGM forecast and warnings shortly before travel.
| Place | Mean daily max | Mean daily min | Mean monthly rainfall | Mean precipitation days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 28.5°C | 15.7°C | 19.1 mm | 4 |
| Fes | 26.1°C | 12.6°C | 53.9 mm | 7 |
| Tangier | 24.5°C | 16.2°C | 86.8 mm | 9 |
| Casablanca | 24.3°C | 16.8°C | 45.3 mm | 7 |
| Agadir-Inezgane | 26.1°C | 16.7°C | 21.2 mm | 3 |
| Ouarzazate | 27.5°C | 13.3°C | 14.8 mm | 3 |
These are 1991–2020 climate normals, not a prediction for a specific trip. For packing, use light daytime layers plus a warmer evening layer, and add rain protection when the route-specific forecast calls for it; see what to wear in Morocco. A 10-day Morocco itinerary can combine cities with a southeastern gateway, while mountain and ocean plans need their own checks in the Toubkal season guide and Morocco surf-season guide.
What do winter climate normals show?
January illustrates the spread among the named locations. Mean daily maximum/minimum temperatures are 19.1°C/5.9°C in Marrakech, 17.6°C/8.9°C in Casablanca, 16.8°C/8.2°C in Tangier, 17.3°C/1.8°C in Ouarzazate, and 21.1°C/8.4°C in Agadir-Inezgane.
Those figures are city or gateway station normals. They are not readings for a high-mountain trail, ski area, remote dune camp, or a particular accommodation. For any mountain or camp itinerary, check the precise location's DGM forecast and warnings and confirm current access, operating status, and supplied equipment with the operator. Do not infer snow conditions or opening dates from a calendar month.
Month-by-month weather snapshot
The table compares DGM-supplied 1991–2020 mean daily maximum/minimum temperatures in °C at four named stations:
| Month | Marrakech | Casablanca | Ouarzazate | Tangier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 19.1 / 5.9 | 17.6 / 8.9 | 17.3 / 1.8 | 16.8 / 8.2 |
| Feb | 20.7 / 7.6 | 18.1 / 9.7 | 19.3 / 4.5 | 17.3 / 8.8 |
| Mar | 23.6 / 10.3 | 19.7 / 11.6 | 22.7 / 8.2 | 19.0 / 10.4 |
| Apr | 25.7 / 12.4 | 20.6 / 13.3 | 26.7 / 11.9 | 20.6 / 11.8 |
| May | 29.4 / 15.2 | 22.7 / 16.0 | 30.7 / 15.7 | 23.7 / 14.1 |
| Jun | 33.6 / 17.9 | 24.6 / 18.7 | 35.5 / 19.6 | 26.9 / 17.3 |
| Jul | 37.7 / 20.6 | 26.1 / 20.5 | 38.8 / 22.7 | 29.2 / 19.3 |
| Aug | 37.4 / 21.1 | 26.7 / 21.0 | 37.5 / 22.1 | 29.7 / 20.1 |
| Sep | 32.5 / 18.6 | 25.8 / 19.5 | 33.1 / 18.1 | 27.4 / 18.6 |
| Oct | 28.5 / 15.7 | 24.3 / 16.8 | 27.5 / 13.3 | 24.5 / 16.2 |
| Nov | 23.1 / 10.7 | 21.0 / 12.8 | 21.7 / 7.2 | 20.2 / 12.3 |
| Dec | 20.2 / 7.3 | 18.9 / 10.5 | 17.7 / 3.2 | 17.8 / 10.0 |
Normals smooth out day-to-day variation and do not cover every destination. The table does not represent remote Sahara camps or high-mountain routes. Check DGM forecasts and warnings for each location during the trip.
How should you pack for Morocco weather?
Pack from the route-specific forecast, not from a nationwide season label. A practical process is:
- List every overnight stop and any mountain, coast, or camp excursion.
- Compare the relevant station normals to understand the likely seasonal range.
- Check DGM forecasts and warnings for the actual locations before departure and again during the trip.
- Use layers when the itinerary spans places with materially different mean maxima and minima.
- Add rain protection when the forecast calls for precipitation.
- Ask mountain, ski, and camp operators to confirm current access and what weather-specific equipment they supply.
For an October city itinerary, the station data support light daytime clothing plus an evening layer; a northern or Atlantic stop also warrants a forecast-based rain check. The same list should not be reused automatically for a mountain route.
Want a packing list customized to your dates and itinerary? Chat with Anass on WhatsApp →
In summary
Choose Morocco travel dates by the named places on the itinerary, not by a nationwide promise about one perfect season. Use the 1991–2020 station normals for month-level comparison, then let current DGM forecasts, warnings, and operator conditions control the final plan.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
There is no single best time for every route. April and October are useful comparison points for many city itineraries, but neither is a universal winner. Compare the monthly normals for the exact cities in your itinerary, account separately for unrepresented mountain or camp locations, and then use DGM forecasts and warnings for day-level decisions.
What is Marrakech weather like in October?
Marrakech's 1991–2020 October normal is a mean daily maximum/minimum of 28.5°C/15.7°C, with 19.1 mm mean monthly rainfall across about four precipitation days. These are long-term averages, not a trip forecast, and they do not show the exact heat, rain or evening conditions you will experience on specific dates.
Is Morocco too hot in July and August?
It depends on the route and the traveler. July/August mean daily maxima are 37.7°C/37.4°C in Marrakech and 38.8°C/37.5°C in Ouarzazate, compared with 26.1°C/26.7°C in Casablanca and 29.2°C/29.7°C in Tangier. Check the live forecast and current heat warnings before deciding on your itinerary.
When is the best time to visit the Sahara desert in Morocco?
The station data in this guide do not establish one best season for the entire Sahara. Ouarzazate, a southeastern gateway rather than a proxy for every camp, averages 38.8°C/22.7°C in July and 27.5°C/13.3°C in October. Verify the actual camp location and conditions.
Does it snow in Morocco?
The DGM monitors weather and publishes forecasts and warnings, but this guide does not cite a verified mountain-station dataset or fixed ski schedule. For a snow-dependent trip, check the precise mountain forecast, current road information, and the operator's status instead of relying on recurring dates.
Sources
- Direction Générale de la Météorologie (Morocco) — climatology, forecasts and warnings
- World Meteorological Organization / Morocco DGM — 1991–2020 city climate normals for Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, Tangier, Agadir-Inezgane, and Ouarzazate
- Moroccan legal-time decree 2-26-530 — 20 September 2026 return to GMT (official decree record)
- Official Journal of the European Union — 2026 summer-time schedule
