Though Morocco is a year-round travel destination, there is a significant drop in the number of tourists during the summer. Many are deterred by the high temperatures, questioning whether a summer vacation there is a good idea. In this piece, you’ll understand why these concerns are valid and what factors you should consider during travel planning. You’ll also find valuable tips for handling the heat in Morocco and I’ll tell you what you can do to cool off on hot days in Marrakech.
Morocco spans various climate zones, leading to significant temperature differences across multiple regions. In coastal towns like Essaouira or Agadir, the climate remains relatively mild all year round, with temperatures rarely rising above 30°C (86°F)—there’s no need to worry about extreme heat. The Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts of Northern Morocco are excellent travel destinations.
In contrast, temperatures in Marrakech and the south, particularly in the Sahara, can occasionally reach above 40°C (104°F). Even though this seems high, it’s much more bearable due to the low humidity than on hot days in Germany.
By being mindful of a few things, you can handle the high temperatures during the summer in Morocco and shouldn’t miss out on visiting Marrakech. Even excursions to the Sahara are possible, although this experience might be more pleasant at other times of the year.
The situation is entirely different in the Atlas Mountains, where summer is the best time for trekking. For instance, you can only climb the 4167-metre-high Jebel Toubkal without snow during these warm months.
Practical tips to beat the heat in Morocco
If you’re planning your trip to Morocco in the summer, it’s important to prepare for these potentially scorching temperatures. The heat in Morocco is particularly intense during the middle of the day and in the afternoon. Children, people with chronic illnesses, and older adults often react more sensitively to high temperatures. Therefore, it’s important to protect yourself effectively from the sun.
So, how can you combat this heat? The key strategies include staying hydrated, using sufficient sun protection, and wearing light, airy clothes. Beyond these, a few other tricks could help you manage the Moroccan heat.
1. Drink enough water
It can’t be stressed enough—staying hydrated is crucial to deal with the heat. As your body can dehydrate faster at high temperatures, ensure regular fluid intake and always carry a bottle of water with you. You can buy bottled water from the numerous small shops found everywhere.
2. Use sunscreen with high SPF
It’s really important to choose the right sunscreen with sufficient sun protection factor (SPF) to protect your skin from the intense Moroccan sun rays. Go for a high-quality sunscreen with as high an SPF as possible. Depending on your skin type, your sunscreen should have at least SPF 30, but it’s appropriate to use a higher SPF, like SPF 50, for sun-sensitive skin or children.
Since you should regularly reapply sunscreen outdoors, especially after swimming, choosing one that absorbs quickly and isn’t greasy is wise. A good after sun lotion can also help your skin recover and rejuvenate faster after intense sun exposure.
3. Wear the right clothes
Wearing loose, airy clothing, such as linen pants or maxi skirts, is often much more comfortable than wearing less fabric. This way, you can protect your skin from too much sun, and the air can circulate, providing relief. Make sure to cover your shoulders, décolleté, arms, and legs. Not only does this protect these skin areas, but it’s also respectful of Moroccan social conventions. A loose scarf draped around the shoulders shields the neck and, if needed, the hair from sun and dust. Sun hats are also a great idea.
4. Avoid direct sunlight
Try to stay in the shade as often as possible to escape the heat. Especially from midday to late afternoon, avoid direct sunlight and enjoy an extended break in one of the many beautiful courtyards or shaded gardens.
5. Take a nap in the afternoon
The hottest time of day in Morocco is the late afternoon. Therefore, some shops take a break from 2 to 5 PM during the summer. Use these afternoon hours for an extended lunch break. You can schedule excursions and sightseeing for cooler mornings, and after a relaxing siesta, you’ll be ready to continue exploring Morocco at more pleasant temperatures.
6. Use air conditioning, if available
If your accommodation has air conditioning, setting it to the lowest temperature is tempting. A tried-and-true trick is to keep the air conditioning running steadily at 24-25°C (75-77°F). The room cools down faster without becoming uncomfortably cold. Another advantage is that the unit doesn’t need to operate at full blast. It also helps to keep the doors closed to prevent the cool air from escaping.
7. Limit time outdoors
Spending the whole day outdoors during extreme heat can quickly become exhausting. Try to combine your outdoor activities with relaxing breaks in an air-conditioned café or another cooler place. Spending too much time in the sun can be tiring, and regular breaks can help you to tolerate the heat.
8. Keep the room cool
To keep the room cool, close the windows during the day and avoid unnecessary light sources. If you’re staying in a traditional riad, it’s best to close the curtains. This way, the heat stays outside and your room pleasantly cool.
Tips for hot days in Marrakech
It can get very hot in Marrakech during the summer. But there are also significantly fewer tourists in Marrakech during the summer, thus offering a more authentic experience. You can manage the temperatures—some tricks ensure you have a good time without suffering too much from the heat.
Wake up early and take long afternoon breaks
As mentioned, the hottest hours in Marrakech are between 2–5 PM. So, make good use of the morning hours, have breakfast at a streetside café and experience the Medina as it wakes up. This way, you’re already near many attractions and on-site when they open their doors.
Spend the early afternoon hours in your hotel or riad. Riads, particularly because of their architecture, provide natural heat protection, plenty of shade and substantially lower temperatures. Some even have a swimming pool. Find here a selection of beautiful riads in Marrakech.
Visit the right sights at the right time
Moroccan architecture, which includes many attractions, takes the climate and the high summer temperatures into account. Plenty of shade, planted courtyards, water features and cooling materials such as tiles and marble create a pleasant environment. In this way, you can use a tour to cool down.
Attractions that guarantee such a refreshing retreat on hot days are Medersa Ben Youssef, Dar Si Said Museum, Maison de la Photographie, Bahia Palace, and Jardin Majorelle. You can also visit these places in the afternoon.
In contrast, a visit to El Badi Palace, Saadian Tombs, the Jewish Cemetery, Menara, and Agdal Gardens and the exterior of the Koutoubia Mosque is recommended in the early morning during summer due to the limited shade. Jemaa el Fna is a large paved area that gets extremely hot during the summer months. Therefore, you should wait until evening to visit this attraction.
Trips to cooler surroundings of Marrakech
When it gets too hot in Marrakech it’s worth heading to the nearby Ourika Valley or the Atlas Mountains. As both places are located at higher altitudes, the temperatures there are significantly cooler. Popular destinations include the mountain village of Imlil and the village of Setti Fatma, with its waterfalls located at the upper end of the Ourika Valley. Anima Garden in the Ourika Valley is another worthwhile excursion destination.
You can plan such day trips on your own and travel to the destinations by bus or Grand Taxis. There are also travel agencies that offer these excursions. You usually meet in the morning at a meeting point at Jemaa el Fna or are directly picked up from your hotel.
Go swimming
There is nothing better than a day at the pool! If there isn’t a pool in your accommodation, you can find several water parks in and around Marrakech where you can swim. These include Oasiria, Aqua Fun Club, and Eden Aquapark. These water parks promise cooling off but there is hardly any shade. Make sure to use plenty of sun protection.
What to do in an emergency?
Take quick action if you or someone around you starts feeling unwell due to the heat, such as experiencing nausea, dizziness, or severe headaches. These could be symptoms of heatstroke or sunstroke.
Move the affected person to a shady, cool place and provide them with water to compensate for fluid loss. You can try to cool the skin with damp cloths. Afterward, rest is needed.
Don’t hesitate to seek medical help if the symptoms don’t improve or even worsen. In large cities like Marrakech or Agadir, pharmacies and hospitals are easily accessible and can help in acute cases.
Conclusion on summer in Morocco
Temperatures in Morocco vary greatly depending on the region. While it remains relatively pleasant along the coast and in the Atlas Mountains during the summer, it can get boiling in the desert and cities like Marrakech. But a summer vacation in Morocco is certainly manageable and offers the advantage of encountering fewer tourists.
Make sure you take good care of yourself in the heat, with adequate sun protection, appropriate clothing and regular fluid intake. In that case, nothing stands in the way of a relaxing vacation—even during the hot summer months.
