Are you looking to visit Morocco? If you are, then you want to make sure it’s the best visit you’ve ever had, right? But how are you going to do that? How are you going to find the best things to do in Morocco when you get there? Well, you’re going to want to set up your travel to Morocco, and then you’re going to have to set up the tours that will make this the trip of a lifetime. So, just how are you going to find the right Morocco tours? Where should you go when you book them? We’re going to take a look at everything you need to know.
Readers from Northern Africa or Spain can ignore this section because traveling to Morocco is easier when you’re located in either of these two regions or countries. For others, a visit to Morocco will need a lot of planning and proper execution to make the trip memorable. If you’re availing of the services of a reputed travel agency, then things will be much smoother; however, people traveling alone will have to plan and set the itinerary properly to complete their trip.
To be frank, there’s no bad time to visit this diverse country because it offers something or other to all travelers. However, most travelers prefer autumn (September to November) and spring (March to May) to travel across the length and breadth of this country. Even though international tourists prefer these two seasons, Moroccans and other African nationals prefer the summer and winter.
The climate during autumn and spring is pleasant, as it’s neither too cold nor too hot, but you need to bear with hordes of travelers. However, if your itinerary consists of a hike to the Atlas Mountains or a lazy dip in the Atlantic, then it’s best to opt for the summer and winter months. Morocco’s weather is often the single most important factor for several tourists planning a trip to this country. Like all other countries situated in the northern hemisphere, Morocco experiences summer from June to August and winter from December to February.
Summer is really hot, and the further you travel to the south, the hotter it gets owing to the presence of the Sahara desert. Some of the popular tourist destinations, like Fez, Marrakesh, and southwest Morocco, experience extreme heat during the summer. Thus, if you’re traveling to Morocco during the summer, opt for cooler coastal destinations like Tangier, Essaouira, and Rabat, where the cool ocean breeze is a huge relief. Summer is a preferred time for European tourists since they want to make the most of their summer vacation.
If you’re planning to travel to Morocco during the winter, then you must bring along your woolens since the winter nights can be surprisingly cold. You might even be lucky enough to witness snowfall while traveling to northern Morocco. Winter in the northern and coastal parts of Morocco is usually wet, but down south, it’s drier and colder.
Early spring or fall is considered the best time to visit the Sahara Desert because the weather is pleasant during these times and you’ll be able to make the most of your Saharan sojourn. Avoiding the arid weather and dry landscapes, which are typical features of the Moroccan summer, will save you from the scorching daytime temperatures and freezing nighttime temperatures. During your visit to the Sahara Desert, pack warm clothes, as the nights in deserts can be freezing and a warm jacket will surely save you from the cold. Even though spring is a great time to visit the Sahara Desert, you must be wary of the Sirocco wind that results in sandstorms in April.
Summer in Morocco is particularly uncomfortable as the daytime temperature is too high for travel. However, schools in Europe, as well as Morocco, are closed during the summer, so tourists pour into popular destinations. If you’re availing of the services of a travel agency, then you need not worry about hotel bookings, but solo travelers need to get their bookings confirmed beforehand as this is a super-busy time for the hotels. Pack in all the summer essentials like hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, and umbrellas to save your skin from the scorching heat. Ramadan usually occurs during the summer, so get ready to enjoy all the festivities.
Spring in Morocco is quite dry and warm. During this season, you won’t find snow anywhere in Morocco except the mountain peaks. If you’re visiting the coastal area in the north, then you can expect much cooler and wetter weather; your wetsuit will come in handy. Planning a trip during the spring season will save you from the maddening crowd because fewer tourists visit Morocco during the spring. You can attend the Gnaoua Music festivals in Fez during May.
It’s considered to be the best time to go about visiting the bigger cities and also make a splash in the cool ocean waters in the North. Since the temperatures are down even during the daytime, you can go hiking in the mountains. The weather is pleasant during the fall, and you get the opportunity to be a part of some of the popular festivals in Morocco. The month of September is all about commemorating Eid al-Adha, which spans over three days. Followers of Islam pay homage and respect to Abraham through animal sacrifices.
Similar to all other countries in the northern hemisphere, winter offers pleasant weather in whichever Moroccan city you visit. The crowd during the wintertime is thinner compared to the other seasons, so you can expect to roam around without jostling for space in trains and buses. Hotel booking during the winter is easier, and you can book your room at discounted prices. You can witness snowfall while visiting places at higher altitudes, and nights will be particularly chilly during the winter. The city of Marrakesh hosts the annual International Film Festival during the winter, and you can watch some good-quality world cinema if you attend the event.
Touring Morocco during Ramadan is a blessing in disguise, as you get the opportunity to be part of an event that takes place for only a month every year. Additionally, you get to witness and experience the rich Islamic religious culture and history firsthand. Non-Muslims might find the month of Ramadan overwhelming and demanding because of the dawn-to-dusk fasting. You should never smoke, drink, or indulge in other un-Islamic activities like sex and drinking coffee.
Ramadan is a sacred month, and you’ll find the locals calmer, friendlier, and more forgiving. However, you won’t find too many stores open during the day, so pack the essentials beforehand. Even though alcohol is served in some of the hotels, it’s better to skip drinking as it’s simply offensive. Travelers can expect to roam around the cities without much fear because crime rates drop sharply during the month of Ramadan.
You won’t need a visa to enter Morocco if your visit is for a period of fewer than 90 days. However, you must have a valid passport with six months of validity during your entry to Morocco. You must also have one blank page for the entry stamp. If you wish to overstay or stay beyond 90 days, you have to apply for an extension or appear before a judge before exiting the country.
Morocco is separated from Spain by only 9 miles if you’re traveling through the Strait of Gibraltar. You can try swimming in Morocco from Spain if you’re willing. However, if you think that you lack the athleticism or enthusiasm to swim, then you can take a flight or book a seat on a ferry to cross over to Morocco. You just need to carry your passport; a visa is not required for entry if you wish to stay less than 90 days. Some of the popular ferry services from Spain are Algeciras to Tangier-Med, Tarifa to Tangier-Ville, Barcelona to Tangier-Med, Spain to Nador, Mainland Spain to Ceuta, and Mainland Spain to Melilla. You can book your seats online, or your travel agent can do it on your behalf.
A pleasant winter climate prevails during the month of January, and you’ll need your jacket and warm clothes to save your body from the chilly winds. While traveling to the northern or coastal parts of Morocco, you must also carry an umbrella or raincoat, as winter in these regions is wet.
The frigid and chilly winter is steadily becoming warmer over the months of February, so you can visit Morocco in February to experience pleasant weather sans all the heat. This is in fact the cheapest month to travel, as you can avail of some great discounts since the rush of travelers dips during February.
It’s an excellent month to visit Morocco, as the weather is warmer during the day and cooler during the night, sans the winter chill. Evenings are cooler because the sun goes down quickly, and you should pack warmer clothes if you’re planning to spend a significant part of the time outdoors. The spring season begins in March, so you can expect to be welcomed with some amazing sights while traveling.
Since Spring continues through April, you can expect to enjoy the beauty of Moroccan spring while traveling to the major tourist destinations.
Even though the day grows longer and the temperature rises by at least 3 to 4 degrees compared to the month of April, you will still enjoy traveling. Warm days and cooler nights are common during this month, and the overall weather is pleasant for travel. You will hardly ever face any trouble during your stay as the hotels, homestays, and Riads are filled to capacity because it’s the peak season for tourists.
A visit to Morocco in August can be extremely challenging for people who are heat-sensitive. Since summer is at its peak during August, you should restrict your travel plans to mountainous or coastal locations. It’s better to follow the locals and keep indoors during the hottest days because too much heat can sap all your energy and dehydrate your body quickly.
September is a great time to visit Morocco, as the weather is pleasant for travel and other outdoor activities. From the mesmerizing beaches to the splendid mountains, everything looks beautiful in September. Plan your visit to Morocco in September to see the country in its full glory!
Autumn is in its full glory in the month of October, and if you wish to witness the natural beauty of Morocco while traveling across the length and breadth of this country, You won’t have too many travelers during this time of the year because European and American holidays start in December. Thus, you can expect to travel on buses and trains without jostling with the crowd.
A comfortable temperature and fewer travelers during the month of November make it an idle time to plan your Moroccan holiday. Awesome adventures and travel experiences await you during the month of November.
Just like in other countries located in the Northern Hemisphere, winter is at its peak during the month of December. Bring your woolens and warm clothes if you’re planning to explore Morocco during your Christmas holidays. Explore the Saharan Desert and the southern parts of Morocco as winter presents a completely different picture of an otherwise dry and arid country.
So, if you’re heading to Morocco, where do you want to go? You’re definitely going to have plenty of options because it’s a beautiful country that’s full of plenty of cultures as well as plenty of tourist spots. That means, no matter what you’re really looking to explore, you’re definitely going to find something that you can do here. We’ll talk about some of the best Moroccan cities and definitely some of the top landmarks that you won’t want to miss.
Marrakesh is actually the imperial city, and it’s one of the most well-known in all of Morocco. It’s beautiful both for the city itself and for the Atlas Mountains that it’s seated at the foot of. You’ll be able to check out the night markets, street food, and definitely plenty of shopping in the traditional shops or souks. Not only that, but you can take a look at the Saadian Tombs and the El Badi Palace. Make your visit complete by staying at one of the riads within the walls of the medina. It’s an experience you won’t get any other way.
Looking to explore the beauty of the Sahara Desert? Then you’re going to need to start in Merzouga. It’s actually a great place to explore the outskirts of this desert and the Erg Chebbi dune sea. Plus, you can see plenty of wildlife and the Bedouin camps. You may also want to check out a camel safari or even head out on a tour that takes you through the desert on a quad. Sandboarding and sand skiing are other popular activities for tourists and locals alike and offer a truly unique experience.
This spectacular city used to be the capital of Morocco, and while it’s not any longer, it’s definitely a center of culture and religion. Founded way back in the 9th century, this is a perfect place for the historian in you and will showcase much of the Idrisid dynasty architecture. You can even check out the Quaraouiyine mosque and university. They’re credited as the oldest in the world. Not only that, but you’ll find the Jewish Quarter, Merenid Tombs, and Chaouwara Tanneries to be truly spectacular to explore.
This is another former capital city for Morocco, and here you’ll find even more amazing architecture. In fact, there are amazing carvings and even huge gates that showcase what was once one of the most important cities in the country. The ruins in Volubilis are a short trek away, and within the city, you’ll find amazing sites like the Royal Stables and even the Museum of Moroccan Art. None of these are things you’ll want to miss out on because they’re going to make your visit even more cultural.
This town is right in the heights of the High Atlas Mountains, which are, themselves, the highest peak in all of North America. You’ll have a good hike to get up here, but you’re going to love everything you see when you do. If you’re interested in skiing while you’re in Africa, this is definitely the place to do it, and you’ll have no problem hiking from here all the way to the next town (though you may want to allow a few days to make sure you can do it safely). Explore this beautiful landscape and definitely enjoy the opportunity to see the mountains from right inside.
If you’re looking for a beachy town where you can enjoy everything from kite surfing to one of the best music festivals around, you’re definitely going to love Essaouira. It’s right on the Atlantic coast and gets you away from the bustle of the city. Not only that, but it’s a little town where you can enjoy the brightly painted houses and the beautiful views of the harbor as well. When you get hungry, you’ll want to check out some of the seafood restaurants. They’re definitely some of the best you’re going to find anywhere, whether in Morocco or abroad.
This little town gives you some of the best views you’re going to find anywhere because it’s right in the Rif Mountains. In fact, it’s right in the peaks of the Rif Mountains, so you can’t get a much better view. Not only that, but it’s full of painters and photographers who love the serenity and clarity of the views. There are artsy shops throughout the medina, and you can enjoy the hiking trails if you’re looking for a little more adventure. Not only that, but the architecture of the town is something to see as well, even if you’re just passing through.
In Tangier’s surrounding areas, take time to visit the lighthouse at Cap Spartel, only 14 km from Tangier, where, on a good day, you can see the extraordinary meeting point of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, one dark blue and the other a lighter shade of blue. The Caves of Hercules, situated 16 km from the city, have an unusual opening over the ocean that is similar to the shape of Africa. This place, surrounded by an aura of mythology, is considered a symbol of Tangier.
There are plenty of different historical sites that you’ll want to take a closer look at, and it’s all going to be about the type of trip that you want to take. There’s a Morocco vacation package for any type of traveler, whether you’re adventurous, a hopeless romantic, a history buff, or anything in between. There’s going to be a whole lot of great experiences available to you, so let’s take a closer look at some of the sites you might want to include on your Morocco visit.
The medina, or marketplace, is definitely a great place to add to your must-visit list. You’ll find more handicrafts here than you even know what to do with, and you’re definitely going to love the vendors themselves. You’ll even find musicians, acrobats, and snake charmers throughout the market, which makes it even more authentic and makes sure you can see just what this country is all about. It’s bustling with people, and you can buy just about anything you could imagine. Not only that, but you’ll be able to experience it all day and even into the night (though you may need some help getting back out of the sea of stalls).
Located in Casablanca, this beautiful mosque is a destination point even for those who don’t partake in the local religion. It’s a relatively modern mosque, but it’s completely covered with amazing artwork and artistic displays. You’ll find mosaics, zellige tile, and carved marble throughout the interior and exterior that make it easy for anyone to see why this is such a destination. Each piece showcases a true love for the culture and the country itself while also creating a mix of modern and contemporary that you won’t find anywhere else.
This is the place to go if you want to really see the ruins of the country. You’ll find columns and remnants of the ancient temples here. Not only that, but you’ll still be able to see mosaics and, of course, the beauty of the scenery around you. These ruins are located right in the middle of some beautiful hills and countryside, so as you’re exploring just what it must have been like here so many centuries ago, you can also enjoy frolicking in the hills. Even better, these ruins are located conveniently near both Fez and Meknes, so you can add them to your travels easily.
The beauty of this fortress (or kasbah) can definitely not be overstated. It’s made completely of adobe in a brilliant gold-stone tone, and it’s covered in turrets and lanes that make exploring it even more unique. Not only that, but there’s the amazing landscaping around the outside. For those who really want to enjoy the culture and have the experience of a lifetime, you can sleep within the structure. It’s important to note that you’re not going to get a lot of the ‘comforts of home’ if you decide to stay inside.
Here is where the adventurous ones should be having the time of their lives because you’re going to find great hiking throughout this valley. You’re going to have options for short hikes or long ones, and you’ll be able to see fields, orchards, deserts, and plenty of birds as you’re traveling through. Make sure you take a tour guide with you so you don’t miss out on any of the souks and small villages along the way. You wouldn’t want to miss out on an amazing experience or the ability to test your metal in the wilderness.
This is another place where you can showcase your own skills and your enjoyment of all things outdoorsy. You’ll be able to go dune-surfing or dune-bashing, quad riding, or even camel trekking. The best thing here is that you’re going to have the opportunity to explore the sand dunes and the desert itself, and you can even take a camping trip out here. Just make sure you have a professional with you who can make sure that you and your family are going to be safe out in the desert. This is a great time to put a check next to your visit to Morocco.
These mountains are definitely unique to the area because they have plenty of greenery, palm groves, and even arid plains. You’ll find steep peaks and slopes covered in snow, however, if you continue to work your way around and throughout the mountains. For those who want to enjoy a good hike, you can travel the lower reaches of the mountains, or you can venture upward and really experience relief from the heat in the way of some beautiful (but freezing cold) snow-capped mountains. You’ll also find gorges, valleys, and plenty of forested areas.
Located in Tanaghmeilt, which is also within the High Atlas Mountains, these falls are some of the best around and have drops of 600 meters or more. They also have plenty of monkeys wandering through, amazing valleys, steep cliffs, and an amazing array of waterfalls. You’re definitely never going to see anything like it, and you’re going to want to come right back to check out what’s here. These falls and the mountains they spill over are definitely the kind you want to just keep watching forever.
No matter what your plans are when you visit Morocco, hopefully these cities and specific locations to visit will help you along. You want to have a great time, whether you’re just visiting for a short while or whether you’re actually staying there for an extended period. It’s going to be entirely up to you, but if you take some Morocco tours, you’re going to see that your opportunities are even better than ever. You can (and will) experience all that Morocco has to offer. You just need to know your Morocco itinerary, and that’s going to be available quickly and easily through our department because we know that getting on that trip is important to everyone in your family.
