Marrakesh features a hot semi-arid climate with long, scorching summers and mild, sunny winters. The city enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, very little rainfall, and dramatic temperature swings between day and night. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather, while summer heat can be extreme, making Marrakesh a vibrant but seasonally challenging destination.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Marrakesh’s climate is shaped by its inland location at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, resulting in four distinct seasons with pronounced temperature differences. Summers (June–August) are extremely hot and dry, with average highs of 36–40°C, frequent peaks above 43°C, and almost no rain. Nights remain warm, and the city enjoys up to 11 hours of sunshine per day. The sun is intense, and sand or dust storms are possible, especially with southerly winds from the Sahara. Air conditioning and shaded courtyards provide crucial relief during the hottest months.
Winters (December–February) are mild during the day, with average highs of 18–22°C, but nights can be surprisingly cool, dropping to 5–7°C. Rainfall is infrequent but more likely than in summer, with January and February being the wettest months (20–40 mm monthly), usually as short, sharp showers. Snow is almost unheard of in the city, though the Atlas Mountains nearby are often snowcapped. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most comfortable seasons, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20–30°C, cool evenings, and minimal rain. These periods are marked by blooming gardens, vibrant city life, and ideal conditions for exploring both the medina and the surrounding landscapes. Marrakesh receives about 250–300 mm of rain annually and boasts over 300 sunny days a year. Winds are generally light, but desert gusts can occasionally lift dust and sand into the city.
| Average climate data for Marrakesh, Morocco | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 27 | 31 | 37 | 37 | 33 | 27 | 22 | 19 | 37 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 6 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 20 | 20 | 18 | 15 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 32 | 38 | 38 | 39 | 24 | 4 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 24 | 40 | 31 | 281 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 8 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 6 | 58 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 64 | 67 | 61 | 60 | 58 | 54 | 48 | 47 | 53 | 58 | 62 | 64 | 58 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 |
| Average UV index | 3 | 5 | 7 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 9 | 6 | 4 | 3 | 7 |
The best time to visit Marrakesh is in spring (March–May) and autumn (late September–early November), when temperatures are comfortably warm (20–30°C), rainfall is minimal, and the city is vibrant with festivals and blooming gardens. These seasons offer ideal conditions for sightseeing, exploring the medina, and enjoying rooftop terraces without the extreme summer heat.
The least favourable time to visit is during the peak of summer (July–August), when daytime temperatures often exceed 40°C, the sun is intense, and outdoor activities can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. Many locals escape to the coast or mountains, and some businesses may close or reduce hours due to the heat.
Marrakesh has a hot semi-arid climate with extremely hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters. Rain is rare and concentrated in winter and spring, while the city enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year.
Summer temperatures in Marrakesh regularly reach 36–43°C, with occasional spikes above 45°C. Nights remain warm, and the sun is intense, making midday outdoor activities challenging.
Snow is extremely rare in Marrakesh due to its low elevation and warm climate. However, the nearby Atlas Mountains are often snowcapped in winter, visible from the city on clear days.
Rain is most likely from November to April, with January and February being the wettest months. Even then, rainfall is usually brief and totals are low, rarely disrupting travel plans.
Marrakesh enjoys abundant sunshine, with around 300 sunny days and up to 11 hours of sun per day in summer. Even in winter, the city typically sees 7–8 hours of sunshine daily.
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a hat for summer. In winter and spring, bring layers and a warm jacket for cool nights. Modest attire is recommended for cultural respect, especially in the medina.
Marrakesh is generally dry with low humidity, especially in summer. Winds are usually light but can be brisk during desert gusts, sometimes lifting dust and sand into the city.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (36.9 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (18.3 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 26.4 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is August (20.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (5.8 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 12.8 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is November (40 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is July (1.2 mm). Over the whole year there are 281.2 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is April (7.6 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is July (0.6 days). Over the whole year there are 58.2 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is February (66.9 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is August (47.5 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 58 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 14 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 10 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is June (Average sunshine: 10.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is October (Average sunshine: 7 h). Over the whole year there are 8.2 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 11). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 3). Over the whole year the average UV index is 7.2.
