Quick Answer
March to May and September to November for most of Morocco. Avoid June-August for inland cities (Marrakech, Fes hit 45°C). The Sahara desert is best October-April. The Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Taghazout) is pleasant year-round.
Marrakech & Fes (Inland Cities)
Spring (March-May) is ideal — warm days (25-30°C), cool nights, gardens in bloom. Autumn (September-November) is equally good after the summer heat breaks. Summer (June-August) is genuinely brutal — 40-45°C makes the medina exhausting. Winter (December-February) is mild and sunny (15-20°C) with cold nights — great for exploring without the heat.
Sahara Desert
October to April is comfortable — warm days (20-30°C), cold nights (0-10°C). The full Sahara experience (Merzouga, Erg Chebbi) requires an overnight camp, so pleasant night temperatures matter. Summer in the Sahara exceeds 50°C — genuinely dangerous. Bring warm layers for desert nights even in spring/autumn.
Atlas Mountains
Trekking season: April to October. Toubkal (4,167m, North Africa's highest) is best June-September. Ski season at Oukaïmeden: January-March. Spring wildflowers in the Ourika Valley (March-April) are stunning. Winter brings snow above 2,000m — beautiful but cold.
Ramadan Considerations
Ramadan shifts 10-11 days earlier each year (check dates for 2026). During Ramadan, many restaurants close during daylight hours, and the pace of life slows. It's still fine to visit — tourist restaurants stay open, and iftar (sunset meal) celebrations are a unique cultural experience. Be respectful: don't eat or drink publicly during fasting hours.