Travelling to Morocco in October: Is it a good time to visit?
- Malika
- Jun 27, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Travelling to Morocco in October? Discover everything you need to know about visiting Morocco in autumn, from weather to crowds and where to go.
There's no denying it - October is a wonderful time to visit Morocco! The crowds are manageable, the temperatures are pleasant and there's an abundance of fascinating cultural events on the calendar.
If you’re hesitant about visiting North Africa due to the intense summer heat, then the autumn season is ideal. Travelling to Morocco in November means blissfully mild temperatures during the day and comfortable lows at night, allowing you to travel the length and breadth of the country with ease. This includes the Sahara, which can be uncomfortably hot well into September, as well as the gorges of Dades and Todra.
Although there is still plenty of tourist activity in Morocco in October, the crowds are smaller than during the busy summer season. This comes as a welcome relief, particularly in popular destinations like Marrakech and Fes. The reduced foot traffic makes it easier to fully appreciate the architectural landmarks and historic sites, as well as connect with Moroccan people along the way.
Additionally, October hosts several of Morocco's most celebrated festivals, offering a unique window into the country’s cultural heritage and contemporary creative landscapes. Whether you’re into electronic music, fusion jazz or traditional Tuareg sounds, there really is something for everyone.
Read on to discover what you can expect if you’re travelling to Morocco in October, from weather to events and where to visit.
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Weather in Morocco in October
By October, autumn has well and truly set in, with comfortable temperatures throughout the country. In Marrakech, you can expect daily highs around 27°C (82°F), with lows dipping to a pleasant 15°C (60°F) in the evenings.
In the Atlas Mountains, the temperatures are even cooler, with highs in the low 20s°C (low 70s°F). This makes it an ideal time to explore Morocco's mountainous landscapes and hike through the scenic valleys and villages.
In the northern cities of Fes, Rabat and Casablanca, you'll want to bring an extra layer, as the daily averages dip down to around 18°C (66°F). Plus, I'd recommend packing an umbrella or waterproof for the occasional rainy day.
Visiting Morocco in October
Is October a popular time to visit Morocco?
As the summer vacation season comes to a close and students return to their classrooms, the influx of tourists to Morocco begins to wane. In my opinion, this makes travelling to Morocco in October ideal!
With the peak summer crowds in the rearview mirror, you can enjoy a more peaceful sightseeing experience. And with reduced demand for hotels and tours, this means you can take advantage of slightly better deals.
In summary, travelling to Morocco in October allows you to have a more flexible itinerary, rather than having to book everything in advance.
Travelling to Morocco in October
Festivals and events in Morocco in October
Erfoud Date Festival
Each autumn, the Erfoud Date Festival celebrates the region's most iconic crop - the date palm. Held in the heart of Morocco's date-producing capital, this three-day extravaganza commemorates the annual harvest with an array of cultural traditions and festivities.
A highlight is sampling an endless array of date-based delicacies, from sticky date pastries to date-infused tagines.
MOGA Electronic Music Festival
Held in the coastal city of Essaouira, this annual celebration of electronic music and digital arts showcases an array of talented artists from Morocco and the broader Maghreb region. Festival-goers are treated to dynamic live performances, captivating audiovisual installations and immersive multimedia experiences that merge cutting-edge technology with the region's rich cultural heritage.
In 2025, the MOGA festival is set to take place from October 1 to 5.
Taragalte Festival
Taking place in the desert oasis of M'Hamid El Ghizlane (on the edge of the Erg Chigaga dunes), the Taragalte Festival is a celebration of nomadic culture, heritage and musical traditions. Over three days, attendees are treated to performances that showcase the hypnotic rhythms and melodies of Amazigh and Tuareg people, as well as poetry readings, art exhibits and enlightening workshops that promote messages of peace and environmental consciousness.
Oudayas Jazz Festival
The Oudayas Jazz Festival is a highly anticipated annual event that takes place each October in Rabat. It is held within the ancient Kasbah of the Oudaias, a fortress-like neighbourhood known for its Moorish architecture and views of the Bou Regreg River.
For several days, the whitewashed alleyways and plazas of the kasbah come alive with the soulful sounds of jazz, as musicians from across the globe gather to share their talents.
Atlantic Andalusia Festival
The coastal city of Essaouira hosts this renowned festival, which brings together Jewish and Muslim artists from across Morocco. Visitors can look forward to an array of captivating exhibitions highlighting the country's diverse artistic traditions, from paintings and handicrafts to multimedia installations.
The festival also features concerts spotlighting the fusion of Moroccan, Jewish and other global musical influences, including flamenco ballets that blend Moroccan and Spanish cultural elements.
Marathon des Sables
Also known as the "Sand Marathon," this gruelling ultramarathon traverses Morocco’s Sahara Desert and is one of the most challenging foot races in the world. Spanning a distance of 250 kilometres (156 miles), this epic event tests the physical and mental limits of even the most seasoned endurance athletes.
The course layout is different each year, adding an extra layer of unpredictability as runners must adapt to the ever-changing dune terrain. Registration spots are highly coveted and often sell out months in advance, so anyone interested in taking on this monumental challenge should secure their place well ahead of time.
In 2025, the Marathon des Sables will be taking place from October 10 to 18, with more info available here.
Visiting Morocco in October
Where to go in Morocco in October
With mild temperatures across the board, travelling to Morocco in October allows you to experience the depth and breadth of the country. The southern Atlantic coastline usually enjoys pleasant weather, making places like Agadir, Mirleft and Sidi Ifni ideal for a beach getaway - the water is still blissfully warm!
October marks the start of Morocco’s surf season, with the breaks around Taghazout starting to fire up. That being said, some coastal regions can be a bit cloudy and windy during this transitional season.
Further north, the bustling cities of Rabat and Casablanca may be a bit overcast, but their cultural offerings ensure they remain compelling places to visit. Inland, Marrakech shines in October, as the oppressive summer heat has finally subsided and the tourist crowds are slightly reduced after the busy summer months.
The nearby Atlas Mountains also beckon during this time as the moderate climate makes hiking and trekking an absolute joy. If you’re heading to Imlil, just be sure to pack some warm layers, as the mountain nights can get quite chilly. For those seeking a challenging climb, October presents an ideal window to tackle North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal.
After the heat of the summer months, the Sahara Desert is once again inviting and the date palm groves along the edge of the dunes are in harvest. You can combine an overnight Sahara camp expedition in Erg Chigaga with the Taragalte Festival, which takes place in the gateway town of M'Hamid El Ghizlane.
Additionally, the weather is perfect for exploring the gorges and valleys between Ouarzazate and the Sahara as well as visiting the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou.
If you're visiting Morocco in October, this two-week itinerary from Essaouira is a great option for those who are self-driving. It takes in some of the main attractions in the country's south, as well as getting a little off the beaten tourist track.
