Morocco in Summer: Where to Go, How Hot It Gets and How to Enjoy It
Summer (June to August) is hot in inland Morocco: Marrakech and Fes regularly reach 38–42°C and the Sahara can exceed 45°C. It is still a good time to travel if you plan around the heat: spend more time on the Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Taghazout) and in the Atlas Mountains, sightsee in Marrakech early and late, and keep desert nights for sunrise and sunset.
Typical summer temperatures
| Place | Typical daytime high (Jul–Aug) |
|---|---|
| Marrakech | About 36–42°C |
| Fes | About 34–40°C |
| Merzouga (Sahara) | About 40–46°C |
| Imlil / High Atlas villages | About 25–30°C |
| Essaouira | About 22–26°C, windy |
| Chefchaouen | About 28–32°C |
Values are typical ranges; heatwaves can push temperatures higher.
Best places in summer
- Essaouira: cool trade winds, long beaches and fresh seafood; see things to do in Essaouira or take the Essaouira day trip.
- The Atlas Mountains: Imlil, Ourika and Ouirgane are noticeably cooler, with rivers and shade: Ourika Valley day trip.
- Ouzoud Waterfalls: swimming in the pools below the falls.
- Taghazout and the surf coast: warm water and small, beginner-friendly waves; see surfing in Morocco.
Marrakech in summer
Visit monuments at opening time, rest in your riad pool from 12:00 to 16:00, and come out again for Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk. Evening experiences such as the street food tour by night are perfect in summer.
The Sahara in summer
Desert tours run all year, but in summer the middle of the day is very hot. Good operators schedule camel rides at sunset and sunrise and choose camps with shade and ventilation. Drink a lot of water and avoid physical effort at midday. Read the best time to visit the Sahara.
Summer travel tips
- Drink water constantly and add rehydration salts on long days.
- Wear loose, light-coloured, covering clothes and a hat.
- Choose accommodation with air conditioning or a pool.
- Book ahead: July and August are busy with Moroccan families and visitors from Europe.
- Check the dates of Eid holidays, when transport is busier.
Official heat-health advice is available from the World Health Organization.
Book it with a local operator
- From Marrakech: Essaouira Day Trip to the Atlantic Coast — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: Ourika Valley & Atlas Mountains Day Trip with Waterfalls — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- Marrakech: Street Food Tour by Night with 10+ Tastings — from €39 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Surfing in Morocco: Taghazout, Imsouane and Essaouira Compared
- Akchour Waterfalls: Hiking to God's Bridge From Chefchaouen
- Gnawa Music in Morocco: Origins, Instruments and Where to Hear It
Frequently asked questions
Is Morocco too hot in July and August?
Inland cities and the desert are very hot, often 38–45°C, but the coast and the mountains are pleasant. With a smart plan, summer travel works well.
Can you do a desert tour in summer?
Yes. Camel rides take place at sunset and sunrise, and good camps offer shade. Avoid activity in the middle of the day.
Where is cool in Morocco in summer?
Essaouira and the Atlantic coast, the High Atlas villages, and the north around Chefchaouen and Tangier.
Is Marrakech worth visiting in summer?
Yes, if you sightsee early and late and rest at midday. Hotels with pools make summer stays comfortable.
Main photo: Adam Harangozó, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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