Are you preparing to tackle the Sahara Desert on an unforgettable ride with Motor Adventures? You may have already checked the dates we run our Morocco motorbike and buggy tours as part of your planning — but if you haven’t, our excursions start every September before wrapping up the following May.
But what if you want to add a few days before or after your tour to explore even more of Morocco? That’s where this guide comes in! Our local tips and insights can help you find the best time to visit Morocco, not just for the ride, but for the rest of your adventure too. Whether you’re flying into Marrakech, heading to the coast, or adding a few days in Fes or Casablanca, here’s what to expect across Morocco’s travel seasons.
Scroll down to get started. And if you think of any questions for us, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Seasons in Morocco: A Quick Guide
Morocco has several climate zones, but the general rule is: the further south or inland you go, the hotter and drier it gets. Coastal areas stay mild year-round, while the desert and Atlas Mountains experience bigger temperature swings.
Here’s a quick breakdown of Morocco’s climate guide:
- Spring (March–May): Warm days, cool nights, little rain. Wildflowers and other flora burst into life. Ideal conditions for riding and exploring.
- Summer (June–August): Extremely hot, especially inland and in the desert. Motor Adventures doesn’t run tours during this period.
- Autumn (September–November): A second spring. Warm but not roasting. Great for riding and sightseeing.
- Winter (December–February): Cold nights, some rain in the north, possible snow in the High Atlas. Dry, crisp, and clear in the desert.
When to Visit Marrakech
Most of our riders arrive via Marrakech, and many spend a couple of days exploring the city. It’s one of Morocco’s most iconic destinations, with mazelike alleys home to thriving souks (marketplaces) selling traditional jewellery, pottery, and textiles. The city’s medina is a walled, densely packed medieval city dating back to the Berber Empire.
Discovering the ‘Red City’ is fun and fascinating, but timing matters.
- Spring and autumn are the sweet spots. Daytime highs sit between 25 and 30 °C, and nights are comfortable. These are the best months to enjoy the medina, souks, rooftop cafés, and Marrakech’s beautiful gardens.
- Winter brings cooler days (around 18 to 22 °C) which are sunny and pleasant, but nights are chilly, with temperatures sometimes dropping to around 5°C or lower. Rain is occasional but not a dealbreaker.
- Summer can hit 40 °C or more. It’s dry but intense — not ideal for wandering through crowded alleys. The low humidity makes things more bearable, but you may find there are large chunks of the day where it’s simply too hot to do anything.
If you’re booking a ride and wondering when to visit Marrakech, go for March to May or September to early November. You’ll get the best of the city and the best of the bike trails.
Looking for inspiration? Our signature tour, the Sahara Experience in Morocco, runs in October, April, and May. And if you want a family experience, we tailor the October excursion so that children can safely join in the fun.
When to Visit Ouarzazate and the High Atlas
Motor Adventures’ Morocco tours all start at Ouarzazate, the gateway to the desert. Sitting just south of the High Atlas Mountains, it’s dry, open, and stunning.
- Spring and autumn are near-perfect here, with clear skies and daytime temperatures of around 20 to 30 °C.
- Winter can bring chilly nights (as low as 5 °C) and snow on the mountain passes. But the crisp, comfortable days mean the riding is still excellent if you’re layered up.
- Summer is not recommended — the heat is dry but relentless.
The region’s wide landscapes, old kasbahs, and film history (from Gladiator to Game of Thrones) make it worth extending your stay around your tour. Ait Benhaddou, the famous ksar and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is only around a 30-minute drive from Ouarzazate, making for an incredible detour.
If you’re already leaning toward the idea of a winter ride, our Mini Mountain and Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco and High Peaks and Desert Morocco Motorcycle Tour both kick off in December!
Essaouira and Agadir: Cool by the Coast
If you’re heading for the coast after your desert ride, Essaouira and Agadir are two great options that offer a very different experience from the desert heat.
- Essaouira, a gorgeous port city overlooking the Atlantic, is breezy year-round. Summer highs rarely top 30 °C, and winters hover around 18 °C with some rain. It’s a top spot for surfing, seafood, and slow days.
- Agadir, further south and known for its golf courses, crescent-shaped beach and seaside promenade lined with restaurants, cafes, and bars, is warmer than Essaouira. Winter days often hit 22 to 25 °C, making it a popular winter-sun destination.
These cities are ideal add-ons after a bike tour. You’ve conquered the dunes, now chill by the sea. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, but winters hold up well, too!
If you’re finding this guide useful, don’t miss our motorcycle touring tips in Morocco! It’s filled with even more local advice to help you make the most of your bike or buggy experience.
Casablanca, Fes and Rabat: Going Further North
If you’re flying in or out via Casablanca or want to explore Morocco’s imperial cities, here’s what you need to know.
- Casablanca and Rabat, both coastal, have a Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm but tolerable (26 to 30 °C), and winters are mild with some rain.
- Fes, which sits inland, has more of a climatic swing. Summer can be intense (35 to 40 °C), while winter nights can dip below 5 °C.
- Spring and autumn again steal the show. Warm days, fewer crowds, and big cultural festivals.
Morocco Off-Road Tour Season: When the Riding’s Best
All of our Morocco tours run from September to May. That’s not just for comfort, it’s for safety too. The Morocco off-road tour season avoids the high summer heat, which can push over 45 °C in the Sahara. Heading out in those conditions isn’t just enjoyable, it’s dangerous.
During our riding months:
- Spring (Mar–May) offers desert blooms, warm weather, and long days.
- Autumn (Sep–Nov) provides perfect trails, mild temperatures, and golden light.
- Winter (Dec–Feb) is cooler in the mountains but ideal in the desert — clear skies and no crowds.
For a deeper dive into this topic, check out our blog When’s the Best Time to Visit the Sahara Desert in Morocco? It’s the perfect companion piece to this guide and will help you find the ideal time of year for your Motor Adventures experience.
So, What’s the Best Time to Visit Morocco?
There is no “best” time to visit Morocco. It all depends on your plans, needs, and travel preferences. But when it comes to planning an escape that includes one of our Sahara experiences, here’s the takeaway:
- For motorbike and buggy tours with Motor Adventures, September to May is the only time to go. This is the best time to ride the desert.
- For exploring Marrakech, Ouarzazate, and coastal towns like Agadir and Essaouira, spring and autumn win again.
- Winter is great for desert riding and escaping the European cold. Even cities like Fes and Rabat offer mild temperatures for the time of year.
- Summer is only worth considering for short coastal visits or northern cities, but not for riding.
So, if you’re looking for the best time to book a Morocco holiday that lines up with the ultimate desert adventure, you’ve got your window!
Ready to Ride? Let’s Plan Your Morocco Desert Tour!
So, what is the best time to visit Morocco for you? Once you have some dates in mind, head over to our Morocco tours calendar and find out what’s possible. Whether you’re looking for something brief and intense, or a longer, more immersive ride, there’s a Motor Adventures tour waiting for you — and the season is wide open.
Do you have any questions for our team? Please just contact us! We’re here to help however we can.
