Morocco Weather, climate and geography
Weather & climate
Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November are generally the best times for a journey covering several regions. Temperatures are usually comfortable in the imperial cities, the countryside is suitable for sightseeing and conditions in the desert are less extreme than in midsummer.
Coastal destinations can be visited throughout the year. Atlantic resorts such as Agadir and Essaouira have milder summers than inland cities, although Essaouira can be windy. The Mediterranean coast and northern Morocco are warmest and driest from June to September, while most rain falls between November and March.
Summer temperatures can be extremely high in Marrakech, Fez, the interior and the desert. The Sahara is most comfortable from October to April, but temperatures drop sharply after sunset and winter nights can be very cold.
The principal trekking season in the High Atlas runs from late spring to early autumn. Snow may remain on high passes into spring, while winter conditions require appropriate equipment and experience. Lower valleys can be explored for much of the year.
Lightweight, breathable clothing is suitable for summer, with loose garments that cover the shoulders and knees for visiting towns, rural communities and religious sites. Swimwear should generally be confined to beaches, swimming pools and resort areas.
Bring a sunhat, sunglasses and strong sun protection throughout the year. Comfortable walking shoes are useful for uneven medina streets, while sturdy footwear is required for mountain walking.
Layers are essential because temperatures can vary considerably between day and night. Warm clothing is needed for the Atlas Mountains, desert nights and inland areas during winter. A waterproof jacket is useful in northern and coastal Morocco during the wetter period from November to March.
A scarf provides protection from sun, dust and wind and may also be useful when entering conservative rural areas. Visitors travelling during Ramadan do not require special clothing but should dress with particular consideration for local customs.
Geography
Morocco occupies the northwestern corner of Africa, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north. It borders Algeria to the east and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the south. Morocco also shares land frontiers with the Spanish-administered enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla.
The Rif Mountains follow the Mediterranean coast, while the Middle Atlas, High Atlas and Anti-Atlas ranges extend across the interior. Jebel Toubkal, in the High Atlas, is the country's highest mountain at 4,167m (13,671ft) and the highest summit in North Africa. The mountains separate the fertile Atlantic plains from the drier plateaux and desert landscapes of the southeast.
The Atlantic lowlands contain Morocco's principal agricultural areas and most of its largest cities. Rivers including the Sebou and Oum Er-Rbia flow towards the Atlantic, while the Drâa and Ziz valleys support palm-filled oases south and east of the Atlas Mountains. Conditions become increasingly arid towards the Sahara, where rocky plateaux and seasonal lakes are interspersed with dune fields such as Erg Chebbi and Erg Chigaga.
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