The best time to visit Marrakech
Morocco's ochre city captivates with its lively souks, palaces steeped in history and mystical desert call. But when to go to Marrakech to savor every nuance? The answer lies as much in the weather as in your desire to avoid the crowds or vibrate to the rhythm of the festivals. This guide deciphers the seasons, the climate and the soul of the red city, so that your trip perfectly matches your desires. Follow the thread of the months, each one unfolding its own chapter...
Spring: March to May - The perfect balance
It's in spring, between March and May, that Marrakech welcomes its most visitors. The reason? An enchanting climate: mildly warm days, cool, fairytale nights and skies that are sparing of rain. Thermometers dance between 23°C in March and 29°C in May, with nights rarely below 10°C. Ideal weather for getting lost in the narrow streets or sipping mint tea overlooking the Atlas Mountains.
March wakes up to the scent of orange blossom. The city seems to be coming back to life, even if a few showers (30 mm in all) can dampen the mood. Queues at the Jardin Majorelle remain reasonable - but reservations are recommended. Insider tip: accompany these light days with a glass of Verdicchio Italian, whose tangy notes match the spirit of the month.
April raises the mercury to 25°C. Beware of Easter, synonymous with crowds! The blossoming jacarandas of Gueliz and the vibrant souks offer a picture-postcard backdrop. It's the perfect time to escape to the Atlas Mountains: cool enough to hike, mild enough not to shiver.
May, is in full bloom: 29°C, rare rainfall (10 mm), and an intoxicating city. But it's high season - hotels are fully booked and prices are on the rise. Make up for it with endless days (14 hours of sunshine!) to stroll around the Bahia Palace or haggle without suffocating. All in all, spring is a harmonious blend of gentleness and energy.
Summer: June to August - Sun-tested
Summer in Marrakech spares no one. June opens the ball with highs of 33°C, while July and August set the thermometer soaring to 38°C - or even 45°C in the shade of the alleyways. Nights are sticky and rarely flirt with 20°C. And rain? A distant memory (less than 5 mm per month). The sun reigns unchallenged for 14 hours a day, turning the medina into an ember.
June remains almost mild. Inhabitants flee the streets in the heat of the day, giving way to a surprising calm. It's bargain season: hotels and riads lower their rates to attract the more adventurous.
July and August, on the other hand, play the pyromaniac. The days are scorching, the air vibrates with heat, and air conditioners - where they exist - struggle to keep up. Paradox: Europeans on vacation invade Jemaa el-Fna square at dusk, transforming the nights into a human furnace. The only escape: the riad swimming pools, an oasis of freshness. As for desert excursions... best forget them. Summer here is a rite of initiation - or a challenge for lovers of natural saunas.
Autumn: September to November - The golden return
Marrakchi autumn rivals spring, but is tinged with a gentle melancholy. September to November unfolds with warm days, cool nights and a relaxed rhythm. Highs slip from 34°C in September to 23°C in November, while the rains make a timid appearance (20 mm in November). A season for romantics.
September prolongs summer with days reaching 34°C. The heat persists, but the crowds are thinning - schoolchildren are back in class. It's the perfect in-between time: reasonable prices and golden light on ochre walls.
October is a golden month: 28°C, cloudless blue skies and gentle breezes that caress the terraces. The souks regain their hypnotic rhythm without the hustle and bustle of summer. As for the Atlas Mountains, they are adorned in coppery hues - the call of the hikes is irresistible. On the cultural front, galleries are reopening, and the city is breathing new life into its creativity.
November brings a delicate coolness (23°C during the day, 10°C at night). The Marrakech International Film Festival (late November/early December) electrifies the nights with open-air screenings and unexpected encounters. In the souks, vendors become less insistent - haggling almost becomes a dance. With its low prices, festivals and low-angled light, autumn is a well-kept secret.
Winter: December to February - L'échappée douce
Winter transforms Marrakech into a balmy haven. Days oscillate between 19°C in January and 21°C in February, while nights can shiver at 6°C. Rainfall remains timid (30 mm monthly maximum) - far from a flood. Away with the bathing suits, make way for strolls in the medina or mountain escapades.
December pulse to the rhythm of the festive season. Tourists and travelers in search of the exotic are driving up the prices of riads and hotels. Take the opportunity to discover the nearby Atlas Mountains, where the peaks are adorned with a fine powder of snow - a magical contrast to the ochre ramparts.
January blows a wind of tranquility. With a daytime temperature of 19°C, the city is slowly coming to life. The Marrakech Marathon (last Sunday) blocks certain arteries - so plan your journeys ahead! It's also the month of bargains: flights and accommodation drop, while the medina reveals itself without the crowds. It's an opportunity to lose yourself in the narrow streets, as if in a fairy tale. A Thousand and One Nights.
February brings the season to a mild close (21°C). The contemporary art fair 1-54 (3ᵉ weekend) electrifies the La Mamounia hotel, attracting collectors and the curious. Almond trees in bloom are already whispering of spring, and the days are stretching out. Winter here is a nugget for thrifty travelers, culture lovers... or those who prefer low-angled light to summer furnaces.
Festivals and Ramadan
Timing doesn't just depend on the weather - events and faith also shape Marrakech. Ramadan changes dates every year (from February 10 to March 10 in 2025). Daytime fasting closes some restaurants, but nights explode with food stalls.
It's a cultural immersion - respected travelers consider it magical.
Festivals add spice
The Rose Festival (May, near Kelaat M'Gouna) celebrates flowers - pair it with a floral Italian white wine like Falanghina. The Festival des Arts Populaires (July) combines dance and summer nights. The film festival in autumn and the art fair in spring attract an international audience. Be sure to check the dates, as they may affect your plans.
Why timing is crucial
Marrakech's semi-arid climate can be unpredictable - scorching summers, mild winters, bright interseasons. Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) win out for weather - 20-30°C, little rain and long days. Summer is hot (38°C+), but economical if you can stand the heat. Winter is cool (15-20°C) and calm, except during the holiday season.
Crowds are heaviest in spring and autumn - book in advance. Summer and winter offer tempting deals, but test your tolerance to heat or cold. Festivals enliven every month - go if they tempt you. It's your adventure - choose what suits you.
Final thoughts
The «best» time to visit Marrakech is up to you. Do you like sunshine and flowers? Spring is for you. Prefer calm and culture? Autumn is ideal. Looking for a bargain? Winter or summer works. Today is April 2025 - the peak of the spring season. Start planning now, and the magic of Marrakech awaits you. Let yourself be seduced by its Moroccan flavors by discovering our favorite restaurants, and your trip will become an unforgettable sensory experience.