When to go to Morocco
There is no shortage of reasons to visit Morocco. The imperial cities and their palaces attract history enthusiasts; the Rif and Atlas mountains are a hiker's playground; the Mediterranean beaches welcome sunbathers while the Atlantic beaches are popular with surfers. In the evening, everyone gets together around a table laden with delicious traditional dishes.
Whether you choose to go to Morocco during the school holidays or off-season, La Méridionale will take you to the land of the setting sun with its regular Marseille-Tangier and Barcelone-Tangier connections. On board, our chefs' cuisine and our smiling crew will give you a foretaste of Moroccan hospitality.
Morocco: when should I go?
Would you like to book your ferry ticket to Morocco, but don't know when to go to Morocco to get the most out of your stay? The answer depends on the region you are visiting and the activities you have planned.
With its warm and sunny days, the Kingdom is a great place to visit all year round. However, some times of year are better for hiking, cultural tourism or swimming.
If you want to go trekking in the Atlas mountains, it's best to go to Morocco in summer to make the most of the fine days and mild nights.
Spring and autumn are ideal times to discover the imperial cities like Marrakech, Fez and Meknes.
Finally, if you are going to Morocco in August and in summer, either as part of operation Marhaba, or because you have to take your holidays at a set time, it's best to go to the coast. In Tangier, Essaouira and Casablanca, the heat is less stifling than inland.
The weather in Morocco
Morocco is influenced by three climates. In the north and along the coasts, it's the Mediterranean climate that dominates, with hot summers and dry winters.
The centre of the country, a mountainous region, has a mountain climate. Temperatures vary greatly between the seasons and from day to night. Snow falls from January to April.
In the south, the desert climate prevails. Rain is seldom seen and the temperatures are high all year, even in winter. In this part of Morocco, in summer, the winds from the desert and higher altitudes make the heat harder to bear than in the rest of the Kingdom.
The climate in Marrakech
The Ochre City enjoys a semi-desert climate. The winters are mild, ranging from 6° to 19° Celsius, and the summers very hot. In Marrakech, in August, the mercury can rise to 37°.
Rainfall is concentrated in the period between October and April, the rainiest month. But the sun always shines in the end. Whatever the season, the city enjoys ten hours of sunshine a day.
April, May, September and October are the most pleasant months in which to explore the Gateway to the South. If you plan to go to Morocco in summer, it is best to avoid the City of the Seven Saints. The heat can be overwhelming there, day and night.
The climate in Essaouira
Located on the Atlantic coast, Essaouira has a Mediterranean climate with an oceanic influence. Thanks to the ocean currents, the weather is mild in winter and summer alike.
The variations in temperature are less marked than in the rest of the country.
The thermometer never goes under 10° or over 23°, even in July.
The water temperature ranges from 18° in January to 22° from July to October. If you plan to go to Morocco for surfing or kitesurfing, pack your wetsuit!
From May to September, the ocean brings mist and fog in the morning. But don't worry, they clear in the afternoon and make way for the sun.
The best time to visit Essaouira or swim there is between May and October. Essaouira is also one of the best destinations to go in Morocco if you are travelling in the summer.
The climate in Casablanca
Further north, on the Atlantic coast, Casablanca also has a Mediterranean climate with an oceanic influence. The winters are mild, with temperatures ranging between 9 and 20°, and little rainfall.
On fine days, the mercury rarely rises above 26°. Heatwaves are less frequent and shorter than in the south of the country. Mist and fog are common in the morning but never last long.
Casablanca is a welcoming city all year round. But the months from May to September are the nicest time to explore the White City.
The climate in Agadir
In Agadir Bay, the climate is both subtropical and oceanic. The weather is always fine and warm. The thermometer climbs up to 26° in the winter and 30° in the summer.
You will be swimming in water with a temperature of 17° in January and 21° in July. There can be a big difference between the water and air temperature. In Agadir, in May, the ocean is just 18° while the air is 26°.
To enjoy the beach and the sea, head to Agadir between June and October. You will avoid the showers and can make the most of the warm and bright days.
Why go to Morocco?
To decide when is the best time to go to Morocco, think about what you would like to do there. And if you have to travel on certain dates, don't worry. Whatever the season, you will always find something to do in Morocco.
The beach in Morocco
With over 3,500 kilometres of coastline, Morocco is a dream destination for anyone who loves the sea. Its position by the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean means you can swim in areas with fewer waves, or go diving and surfing.
The seaside resorts on the Atlantic coast, like Essaouira and Taghazout, are ideal places for water sports. Despite its location by the ocean, Agadir offers calm waters, perfect for a family swim. Its sandy beach, stretching for six kilometres, is much loved by builders of sandcastles and other temporary structures.
To avoid the swell and find warmer water, head for the Mediterranean coasts. In Tetouan, M’Diq and Martil, the blue of the sea and the golden sand seem unreal.
Can't decide between sea and ocean? Well, head for Tangier. The Pearl of the North overlooks both the Atlantic and the Mediterranean.
Visit Moroccan towns and villages
Before booking your ticket, you're no doubt wondering where to visit in Morocco. If it's your first stay in the Kingdom, set off to discover the imperial cities. In Fez, Marrakech, Rabat and Meknes, you will learn a lot about Moroccan history and culture. As well as the palaces, kasbahs and souks, they have museums and parks.
If you are going for two weeks, add Chefchaouen and Essaouira to your itinerary. With their colourful medinas and seafront, the Blue City and the City of Winds have become must-see sites for anyone travelling in Morocco.
Hiking in the Moroccan desert
Do you dream of walking in the palm groves of the Draa Valley, wandering the canyons of the Valley of Roses, or tackling the 2,700-metre climb up the Jbel Saghro? Head for Morocco in September.
The end of the summer is the best time to explore the Moroccan desert, Zagora and Ouarzazate, the last cities before the Sahara.
To admire the scenery, you don't need to be a high-level athlete.
Sportier visitors can opt for hiking and mountain biking while less seasoned athletes may prefer a ride in a 4x4 or on a camel's back.
Returning to the homeland
Every year, millions of Moroccans living abroad go back to the land of the setting sun for their holidays. It's a chance to reunite with their families, have a rest and (re)discover the region where they were born.
In order to give its nationals the best possible welcome, the State provides reception points at the main ports of departure in Europe (in Marseille, Genoa and Spain) and at arrival locations in Morocco. Operation Marhaba, run by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, begins on 5 June and ends on 15 September.
If you book your ferry ticket for Morocco with La Méridionale, you will be greeted in Marseille and Tangier by the professionals and volunteers of the Marhaba programme. If needed, they can provide you with medical, administrative or social assistance to make sure your entry into Moroccan territory goes without a hitch.
