What’s the weather like in Morocco in March? Does it rain at all? Are temperatures getting warmer? Where’s the best place to go on holiday? If you’ve been wondering about these questions, this article will help to give you the answers and includes plenty of regional weather tips on the Moroccan climate in March.
March heralds the start of the best time to travel to Morocco. Although the weather in Europe is usually still cold and frosty, spring has already sprung in Morocco. During the daytime, it’s pleasantly warm but not as hot as later in the summer. The nights are milder and the rain has virtually petered out. Nature is starting to flourish in the countryside with the onset of spring and this means that going out on rural excursions is an impressive experience. In the Atlas Mountains, much of the snow has thawed. Higher altitudes still have a white coating and, when the weather is clear, you can see this in the distance from the city of Marrakech.
You’ll find an overview of all the seasons of the year and the weather for different regions in the article about “Weather in Morocco: the best times to travel, weather data and tips for your holidays“.
Morocco in March: the weather in a few different regions
When you’re fed up with the winter and are longing for the sun, you can’t go wrong by choosing to go on a Moroccan holiday in March. This is the month when daily temperatures reach highs of over 20°C across the country. Even the night times are far milder than in winter. In fact, the thermometer barely drops below 10°C in Morocco in March.
The Atlantic coast enjoys a maritime climate, with the sea influencing temperatures and giving a more balanced day and night-time range in coastal regions. By contrast, inland areas experience a continental climate with greater temperature differences. The Sahara experiences similar weather in March, but without rainfall. The only really cold spots in Morocco in March are the summits of the Atlas Mountains.
In theory, you could take a Moroccan holiday in any region in March. If you’re into swimming and beach holidays, the Atlantic coast is an enticing destination. In southern Morocco and Marrakech, you’ll find the temperatures are pleasant and comfortable. March is also the ideal month to go on a tour of the desert, thanks to the moderate temperatures. If you’ve always wanted to be out in the Moroccan Sahara under the starry sky, don’t miss this opportunity.
When trekking in the Atlas Mountains, you’ll see spring bursting into life if you stick to moderate altitudes. If you want to go to North Africa’s highest mountain, the Djebel Toubkal (at 4167m), even in March, you’ll need winter equipment and alpine experience.
Marrakech in March
In Marrakech, the first main season of the year beings in March in terms of visitors and the weather. This is the month when Marrakech enjoys very pleasant temperatures. During the day, it’s warm enough to relax in a T-shirt when out at a rooftop café or spending time at your riad. You don’t have to plan to escape the infamous heat that can become so hard to bear in midsummer. By contrast, night-time temperatures don’t drop as much as in December or January.
In March, there are various festivals in Marrakech. These include, for example, the Biennale Marrakech festival, which runs for over three months. There’s also the International Magic Festival in Marrakech. The latter has been running at irregular intervals since 2004. It boasts a colourful program of professional entertainment and many different street art shows.
The Atlantic Coast, Essaouira and Agadir in March
The Moroccan Atlantic coast stretches over 2000 kilometres. Temperatures here are more balanced than further inland. So, on the coast during the day, it can reach about 20°C, which is not quite as warm as in Marrakech, for example. But it’s not as chilly at night. This type of climate is down to the Atlantic, which releases stored heat more slowly than the air. That’s why the winters on Morocco’s coast are very mild.
In the winter months, the southern Atlantic coast is a good place to go on holiday. However, from March onwards, you’re rather spoilt for choice. In the north, you can choose from numerous appealing destinations such as the seaside resorts of Asilah and El Jadida, the capital, Rabat, or the city of Casablanca. A suggestion of somewhere to go in the metropolis is the gigantic Hassan II Mosque. This is the world’s largest religious building and it towers down over the sea. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit. This is an exception to the rule, because other mosques in Morocco don’t allow this, unfortunately.
Further south lies the port of Essaouira at the same level above sea as Marrakech. Essaouira enjoys a Portuguese influence and is relatively touristy but still very beautiful, with a laid back atmosphere. Due to the strong wind that blows in Essaouira all year round, the beautiful harbour town is also a meeting place for surfers and kite surfers. Also, the long beach is ideal for swimming and long walks.
South of Essaouira, you’ll find many more exciting destinations along the Atlantic coast. In addition to well-known places such as the former surfers’ enclave of Taghazout or Agadir, you can visit Mirleft, Legzira or Sidi Ifni.
Northern Morocco and Fes in March
In March, spring is gaining momentum in northern Morocco and temperatures are warming up. This is a better time to stay in cities like Tangier, Chefchaouen, Tétouan or Fez compared to the winter. With a little luck, you may even experience an early summer there. However, March in this region is also the wettest spring month. Therefore, you should always take your rainwear when traveling to Northern Morocco at this time of year.
Southern Morocco and the desert in March
There’s usually a great contrast between the weather on the Atlantic coast and the weather in the desert areas of Morocco. In November and March, this contrast is less pronounced and daytime and night-time temperature differences are relatively moderate.
March is the ideal time to travel if you’d like to go on a desert tour when visiting Morocco but are worried about the heat. In the Moroccan Sahara, temperatures don’t go above 25°C in March during the day. By contrast, it doesn’t cool off as much at night as in the winter. You can go an organised desert tour from Marrakech to the Sahara all year round. In particular, there’s a very good, cost-effective three-day trip to Merzouga, organised by Wüstencamp.
Conclusion
If you plan to travel to Morocco in March, you really can’t go wrong. Along the long Atlantic coast, you’ll find numerous beautiful places that are great for spending a few days by the sea. In northern Morocco, it can be a bit rainy sometimes, but you should prepare to be greeted with pleasant temperatures and should keep cities like Fès or Chefchaouen in mind. If you like even warmer weather, it’s best to think about visiting Marrakech and Southern Morocco. March is ideal for desert tours and round trips in the south of the country. Nature lovers can discover some lovely guided trekking tours in the Atlas Mountains.
Weather data: www.yr.no,
Photos are all from Travelguide Marrakech, except Fez (Alina Chan), Rabat (Quentin Drèze), Agadir (Hash Pay)