What’s the weather like in Morocco in February? What sort of temperatures can you expect? And what other things should you bear in mind if planning a Winter holiday, Moroccan style? This overview – with individual sections on the country’s main regions – covers everything you’ll need to know about the weather in Morocco in February.
Is February a good month to travel to Morocco? Absolutely, especially given that most countries across Europe will be at their coldest and grimmest at this time of year. Anyone who finds themselves fed up with the damp and the chill of the European winter is likely to appreciate the respite of Morocco’s warmer climes.
But before you plan your trip, it’s worth finding out more about the weather you can expect in different parts of Morocco. The country is home to several separate climate zones, so temperatures can vary considerably from one region to the next.
You’ll find a more general overview of the weather in Morocco in this article about travel times, weather data and holiday tips.
Morocco in February: regional weather
A trip to Morocco in February is a great way to escape the European winter. But the coldest season of the year can still be felt in northern Africa. Temperatures in February may be slightly higher than those in January. However, some parts of the country are still much cooler than you might expect from an African country, especially at night.
Further inland and away from the coasts, in the mountains and deserts of southern Morocco, visitors can expect significant variations in temperature from day to night, even in February. However, lows of just above freezing are rarely recorded outside the Atlas Mountains. The mildest weather is likely to be found on the country’s southern Atlantic coastline at this time of year.
Several of the country’s regions are ideal for a holiday in February. The sprawling Atlantic coastline, dotted with cities such as Essaouira and small towns like Mirleft, makes a worthwhile destination for a relaxing seaside holiday, with long walks and short dips into the water.
In southern Morocco and Marrakech, daytime temperatures of 20°C are common, but it cools considerably after sundown. As such, warm clothing is essential. From February onwards, trekking tours of the Atlas Mountains can be undertaken at moderate altitudes without alpine gear.
Marrakech in February
Marrakech in February can be subject to some fairly dramatic and sudden changes in temperature. During the day, the thermometer can easily climb to 20°C. On a sunny afternoon, you can comfortably relax on the roof terrace in a t-shirt. But the situation can change rapidly, especially if exploring the sheltered parts of the Medina, or after the sun sets. The temperature has a tendency to fall rapidly, and it becomes noticeably chillier.
In comparison to the sweltering heat of Marrakech in the summer, February’s temperatures are pleasantly moderate, perfect for a busy day of sightseeing around the city. However, if you are sensitive to the cold, be sure to pack plenty of warm clothing and choose a good riad.
Atlantic coast, Essaouira and Agadir in February
Morocco’s lengthy Atlantic coastline enjoys a pleasant, maritime climate. The Atlantic functions as a sort of heat reservoir, gradually releasing its energy into the air. As a result, Morocco’s coastal towns enjoy relatively mild winters.
The further south one travels along the coastline, the warmer and drier the climate becomes. Essaouira is a notable example. This beautiful harbour town is effectively assailed by strong winds all year round, earning it the nickname, “City of Winds”. If you go for a stroll along the seafront and watch the surfers and kitesurfers at play, you’ll quickly understand the city’s appeal for water sports enthusiasts.
Essaouira is an appealing destination all year round, and well worth a stay. Bathing in the sea is possible even in February, with average temperatures of 18°C. However, the relatively strong winds mean that it is still quite fresh.
For a more traditional beach holiday, however, Agadir is probably your best bet. Although it is located just 200 km further south, it’s quite a bit warmer than Essaouira. Critically, it is far less windy than Essaouira and has less rainfall.
In Agadir, the daytime temperature in February can often climb as high as 21°C. Average water temperatures are much the same as in Essaouira, hovering around 18°C.
Northern Morocco and Fez in February
During February, northern Morocco tends to be relatively cool with higher rainfall than other parts of the country. Although the Mediterranean and the Atlantic can have a stabilising climatic effect, this influence declines the further inland you travel. As such, the climate in the country’s northern interior is invariably less maritime and more continental, resulting in a notable disparity between daytime temperatures and those overnight.
Fez, northern Morocco’s biggest city, is not located on the coast. Here, you can expect warm, almost spring-like weather in winter. But in the evenings, the temperature can drop to around 5°C.
The climate in northern Morocco is undoubtedly much more pleasant in February than the weather in most of Europe. It is warmer, with more sunlight and less rain. But suppose you are travelling to Morocco in February specifically to flee the chilly European winter.
In that case, you are advised to head for the south of the country and save northern Morocco attractions for another visit, preferably in the spring or autumn. This is not to suggest that northern Morocco’s weather is unpleasant in February. Merely that other places are likely to be much warmer.
Southern Morocco and the deserts in February
As far as the weather is concerned, southern Morocco’s desert zones provide the sharpest possible contrast to the milder destinations along the coast. The differences in temperature between day and night can be extreme. And rainfall is a rarity here, as one might expect.
February is in many respects an ideal month for organised desert tours in Morocco. Primarily because the daytime temperatures are fairly pleasant. That said, the mercury can drop to as low as 6°C overnight. If you plan to undertake a tour of the Sahara, spending a night under the stars in a desert camp, a sleeping bag and plenty of warm clothing will prove indispensable.
Another highlight in February is the almond blossom festival in Tafraoute. This charming little village lies on a plateau beside the Atlas Mountains. The region is famous for its annual festival, which celebrates the blossoming of the almond trees.
The Almond Blossom Festival is among Morocco’s most enchanting folkloric events. It is usually held during the second week of February, although this can vary slightly depending upon the trees’ blooming. For example, in 2019, the festival took place between the 22nd and the 25th of February.
In short…
Travelling to Morocco in February promises an escape from the frosty northern winter and a welcome dose of warmth and sunshine. Although Morocco’s weather is much nicer in February than the weather in Europe, it is worth considering your destination carefully, because there are noticeable differences between the weather in the country’s different regions.
In general, if travelling in February, I would recommend either a stay on the Atlantic coast, south of Rabat, or a trip to southern Morocco and Marrakech. Recommended excursions at this time of year include organised desert tours and trekking holidays in the Atlas Mountains.
Weather data: www.yr.no,
Photos: all Travelguide Marrakech except Fez (Alina Chan), Rabat (Quentin Drèze), Agadir (Hash Pay)