Because the country of Morocco is located in the African continent, it’s not unusual to find extreme temperatures, especially in the inland areas. The country is described to have a subtropical climate. At the same time, it benefits from the cooling breeze coming from the Mediterranean Sea as well as the Atlantic Ocean. Travelers will find that the weather in Morocco can be extremely hot in the summer, while it is quite cold and wet during the wintertime. Rain is generally most predominant in April, May, October and November.

Because of the various terrains in Morocco, the climate and temperatures can change quite significantly from one area to another. It is cooler in the coastal areas in the West although it can snow in the interior, near the Atlas Mountains, leaving the mountains covered in snow all year round. On the other hand, it can be uncomfortably hot and dry in the Sahara Desert, which is located in the southern and eastern portion of the country.

On the north coast, such as in the city of Tangier, the region is described as having a Mediterranean climate. This translates to hot weather especially during the months of May and September. The same climate can be found in the Rif Mountains, such as in the favorite city of backpackers, Chefchaouen.

The cities of Casablanca and Oualidia, located on the Atlantic coast of the country experience a lot of wet weather, especially during the winter season. It is cooler in this area. The coastal areas experience Maritime climate. Summer temperatures can sizzle at around 38 °C or just about 100 °F.

Travelers in Marrakech (Marrakesh) will find the semi-arid climate in this city, which has an average summer temperature of around 23 °C or just about 73 °F comfortable. Winter average is around 12 °C or just slightly over 53 °F. The seasonal climate changes in Marrakech are similar to other Mediterranean countries although the city receives less rainfall during the winter. Casablanca has a very mild climate unlike the typical climate in the Mediterranean, with an average annual high temperature around 21 °C or just about 70 °F. The low temperatures of winter average only 13 °C, which is nearly 57 °F each year. The average annual temperature is 18 °C or around 64 °F, in Fez and in Tangier.

The temperatures are quite extreme up on the mountainous areas since it is usually below zero. There is snow up in the mountains all year round. On the other hand, the northern portion of Morocco experiences a lot of rain during the winter season instead of snow.

Down on the southern region bordering the Sahara, the climate is described as dry and cold. During the summer season, the Sahara desert gets the Sirocco winds, making it even hotter in the desert. In July and August, the temperature turns to a sizzling 40 °C or 104 °F. The sun is out about 13 hours during the day.

Most travelers find that the best time to visit is in April, May and June. Another ideal time to visit is in September, October and November. January is the coldest time of the year.

Overall, Morocco is a sunny place to be, receiving an average sunshine of anywhere between 9 to as much as 13 hours a day. During the wintertime, the country receives only about 6 to 8 hours of sunshine a day.

Travelers planning a trip to Morocco should determine the exact cities where they are going so the proper items can be packed along. It’s a good idea to know the climate in Morocco and the temperature in Morocco before heading out. Generally, cool, lightweight fabrics are ideal. Dressing in layers is also a good option so that a light cardigan can easily be removed during the daytime and worn in the evening when the weather gets cooler. However, it’s still advisable to dress conservatively in spite of the hot weather. Those going outdoors are advised to pack a lot of sunscreen. Wearing a hat, cap and shawl to cover the head is also advisable to help protect against the hot sun. Dark sunglasses are also a must.

By determining the exact city that travelers plan to explore as well as the time of year the country will be visited, travelers can be better prepared when visiting Morocco. Knowing the exact type of climate to expect, travelers can then make the best travel itinerary and bring the proper attire as they make their way to one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in Northern Africa.