The climate of Morocco
Morocco, situated in the northwestern corner of Africa, enjoys a diverse geographical landscape. From the rugged Atlas Mountains to the sandy Sahara Desert and the coastal plains along the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea, each region contributes to the varied climate of the country. With the Mediterranean climate in the northern and coastal regions, including cities like Casablanca and Tangier, Morocco experiences warm to hot dry summers and mild, wet winters. Temperatures in these areas can range from 8°C (46.4°F) in the coldest months (
December to
February) to 30°C (86°F) in the hottest months (
July and
August). However, moving towards the interior and southern parts of the country, a semi-arid climate prevails, leading to hotter, drier summers and cooler winters. In contrast, the mountainous regions can have temperatures dropping below freezing in winter, with significant snowfall.
The best time to visit Morocco
The ideal time to visit
Morocco is during the spring months from mid-
March to
May or the fall months from
September to
October. These periods offer mild, comfortable temperatures suitable for sightseeing, hiking in the mountains, or exploring the cities. Spring sees temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 24°C (75.2°F), and the landscapes come alive with verdant greenery and blooming flowers. The fall months, with temperatures from 22°C (71.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), are equally inviting, as the extreme summer heat subsides and the country prepares for the milder winter season.
The worst time to visit Morocco
The period to avoid when planning a visit to
Morocco is the peak summer months from
June to
August, particularly if intending to visit the southern or interior regions of the country. During this time, temperatures in these areas can soar up to 40°C (104°F), making outdoor activities and exploration quite uncomfortable. Similarly, the winter months (
December to
February) can be quite cold, especially in the mountainous regions where temperatures often dip below freezing, making travel in these areas potentially challenging.
Spring weather in Morocco
The spring season in
Morocco, from mid-
March to
May, is characterized by mild, pleasant weather. In the northern and coastal regions, temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 24°C (75.2°F), making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. In the south and the interiors, temperatures remain moderate but begin to climb towards the end of the season. Light rainfall might occur, but it generally enhances the beauty of the Moroccan landscape, turning it lush and vibrant.
Summer weather in Morocco
The summer season in
Morocco, spanning from
June to
August, can be intense, particularly in the southern and interior regions where temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F). In the northern and coastal regions, however, the Mediterranean climate moderates the heat, with temperatures averaging 30°C (86°F). This period experiences the least amount of rainfall, contributing to the overall aridity and high temperatures. Despite the heat, this is when Morocco's beaches become highly popular among locals and tourists alike.
Autumn weather in Morocco
Autumn in
Morocco, from
September to
November, is a transitional period with falling temperatures and diminishing heat. Coastal and northern regions experience temperatures from 22°C (71.6°F) to 28°C (82.4°F), while the southern and interior regions cool down considerably compared to the summer months. Rainfall begins to increase during this time, especially towards the end of the season, providing a refreshing change from the summer aridity.
Winter weather in Morocco
Winter in
Morocco, which spans from
December to
February, varies significantly across different regions. The coastal and northern areas witness mild winters with temperatures fluctuating between 8°C (46.4°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). Rainfall is at its peak during this period, particularly in the northern regions. Conversely, the southern and interior regions experience cooler weather with temperatures dropping significantly at night. The high peaks of the Atlas Mountains receive considerable snowfall, turning them into popular destinations for winter sports enthusiasts.
Weather in January
January is typically the coldest month in
Morocco, with marked differences in weather conditions across various regions due to the country's diverse geography. In the northern and coastal regions, including Casablanca and Tangier, January sees mild winter conditions.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
Morocco,
February signifies the continuation of winter, but the country starts witnessing a slight increase in temperatures compared to
January. In the northern and coastal areas, such as Casablanca and Tangier, February temperatures average between 10°C (50°F) and 18°C (64.4°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
In
Morocco,
March marks the beginning of the spring season, when temperatures start to rise gradually, and the country begins to shake off the winter chill. In northern and coastal regions, including cities like Casablanca and Tangier, March experiences a noticeable change in weather.
Weather in March »Weather in April
April in
Morocco sees a significant shift toward the warm and sunny weather characteristic of the spring season. Across the country, there are noticeable changes in temperature and rainfall patterns. In northern and coastal cities such as Casablanca and Tangier, April weather is marked by an increased warmth with average temperatures ranging from 13°C (55.4°F) to 22°C (71.6°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Morocco marks the height of the spring season, characterized by increasing temperatures, blooming landscapes, and continued decrease in rainfall. In the northern and coastal areas, such as Casablanca and Tangier, May brings warmer weather with average temperatures between 16°C (60.8°F) and 24°C (75.2°F).
Weather in May » Weather in June
June in
Morocco signals the onset of the summer season, characterized by a significant rise in temperatures across the country and a continued decrease in rainfall. In the northern and coastal areas, such as Casablanca and Tangier, June experiences hot and sunny weather.
Weather in June » Weather in July
July in
Morocco is characterized by the peak of the summer season, with some of the highest temperatures of the year and minimal rainfall across the country. In the northern and coastal areas, including Casablanca and Tangier, July is hot with temperatures ranging from 22°C (71.6°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Morocco continues the trend of hot, dry summer weather. Across the country, temperatures remain high, and rainfall is scarce. In the northern and coastal regions, including cities like Casablanca and Tangier, August is marked by persistent heat.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
Morocco,
September signals the start of the autumn season, characterized by a gradual decline in temperatures from the summer highs and a slight increase in rainfall. In the northern and coastal areas, such as Casablanca and Tangier, September brings a slight relief from the intense heat of the summer.
Weather in September »Weather in October
October in
Morocco sees a further progression into the autumn season, with more noticeable drops in temperature and increases in rainfall across the country. In the northern and coastal regions, including cities like Casablanca and Tangier, October brings cooler weather with average temperatures ranging from 17°C (62.6°F) to 24°C (75.2°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Morocco marks a further transition into the colder season, with decreasing temperatures and increasing rainfall observed across the country. In the northern and coastal areas, including cities like Casablanca and Tangier, November brings further cooling.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Morocco signifies the onset of the winter season, with temperatures continuing their downward trend and rainfall reaching its peak in various parts of the country. In the northern and coastal areas, including cities like Casablanca and Tangier, December brings cooler weather with average temperatures ranging from 11°C (51.8°F) to 18°C (64.4°F).
Weather in December »