The best time to go to Marrakesh

20.11.2023 - 20:33 / lonelyplanet.com / Atlas Mountains / Art

As Morocco’s leading tourist destination, Marrakesh draws visitors to admire the beauty of the palaces, roam the enchanting alleyways and shop for handmade goods in the souks.

The city is usually flush with tourists during its peak seasons in spring and autumn, and during the Christmas and New Year period. Yet despite soaring temperatures in the summer months, particularly July and August, the city is becoming a year-round destination. 

Travelers visiting off-peak, particularly in January and November, are not only rewarded with the chance to soak up some winter sun, but also the increased availability of accommodations – and fewer travelers posing for photos at the city’s main attractions.

So whether traveling for the culture, local festivals or the shopping, in the winter sun or summer heat, these are the best times to visit Marrakesh.

Temperatures, particularly at nighttime, tend to increase from early March, marking the return of pleasant evenings spent dining on rooftop terraces and orange blossoms scenting courtyards. In May, while exploring the art galleries and architecture of Gueliz, keep an eye out for jacaranda trees that provide a pop of color along the main avenues. 

Easter break sees the city swell with travelers so arriving with a general plan for your days will avoid any disappointment, particularly at the Majorelle Gardens where advance purchase of timed-ticket entry is mandatory. 

Come June, when the heat hits and temperatures can hover around 45ºC (113ºF), the snow-covered Atlas Mountains, visible in the distance from the rooftop terraces of the medina, draw people for their significantly cooler temperatures (around 10ºC/50ºF) and fresh mountain air. 

A buzzy vibe takes over the city in early autumn, as city residents return to a bustling pace after the summer, galleries host vernissages to unveil new exhibitions, and travelers once again flock to the city, particularly during Europe's half-term holidays. Book accommodations, guides and restaurants well in advance of your arrival.

Marrakesh is abuzz from around December 20 through the first week of January, as travelers choose Morocco to ring in the New Year in style. If heading to the Red City for a celebration at this time, expect to spend at least five nights, the minimum stay required at many accommodations. But days are easily filled with exploring the medina, day-tripping to the Atlas Mountains or Agafay Desert, and gallery-hopping in Gueliz.

Known for its nightlife, trendy restaurants and hip bars in the Gueliz and Hivernage areas, Moroccans from across the kingdom head to Marrakesh too to celebrate the start of the New Year. A night out may cost more than in London or New York, though it typically includes dinner and lively