Visiting Fes in August: Weather + Festivals + Things to Do
- Malika
- Jan 8
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 4
Is August a good time to visit Fes? Fes in August is hot, hot, hot and definitely won’t appeal to all travellers. You can expect temperatures in the mid-to-high 30s C (high 90s F), although it can feel hotter amidst all the hard, radiating surfaces of the medina.
While August may not be the ideal time to visit Fes, it's still possible to have a memorable experience if you plan your itinerary thoughtfully. This means rising early and doing the bulk of your sightseeing in the morning before retreating to somewhere cool (a museum, a riad or a hotel pool) in the afternoon.
Many Moroccans will siesta during the heat of the day before venturing out again in the evening. I would highly suggest following their lead - nighttimes in Fes have a really festive atmosphere in the summertime!
Because of the heat, many travellers choose to avoid Fes in August in favour of milder coastal cities, such as Essaouira and Agadir. As a result, some Fes riads and hotels will lower their prices - you may benefit from slightly reduced rates if you plan an August trip to Fes. Compared to many destinations across Europe where accommodation prices are sky-high in August, Fes offers a more affordable summer vacation experience.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Fes in August, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Fes in August to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in August here.
For more information about visiting this ancient, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Fes.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
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Fes weather in August
In August, Fes is sizzling, with daytime temperatures reaching average highs of around 36°C (97°F). With the dry heat radiating off the medina's walls, it can feel much hotter, particularly in the mid afternoon.
Because of this, it’s best to explore in the early morning hours and then retreat to the cool comfort of your riad or hotel when the heat becomes too much. As evening falls, temperatures drop to a more pleasant 19°C (66°F) - perfect for alfresco dining and nighttime strolls.
When packing for an August trip to Fes, I’d recommend bringing loose, breathable attire that offers good coverage, as the city maintains a conservative dress code despite the heat.
August sees very little rainfall in Fes, with an average of just 5 mm for the month, so you can safely leave your rain gear behind! However, don’t forget to pack a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen, as the UV levels can be really high.
Visiting Fes in August
Is August a busy time in Fes?
With many Europeans and North Americans on their annual summer vacation, August can still be quite busy in Fes, despite the heat. While you might think the weather would keep people away, for many, it’s the only time they have off work and school to travel to Morocco.
That being said, August isn't as packed as the shoulder months of May and September, which offer perfect weather for exploring the city.
Because of this, you can often find lower accommodation prices at some riads and hotels due to the slightly decreased demand. That being said, it's still wise to book early, as the best places in Fes tend to get reserved well in advance!
Ideally, look for a riad with a pool so you can cool off during the warm afternoons and check that it has air conditioning before you commit.
Best things to do in Fes in August
What’s on in Fes in August
Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People
The Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People is celebrated annually on August 20th to commemorate the nation's hard-fought struggle for independence from colonial rule. It remembers how the Royal Family were forced into exile in 1953 and honours the sacrifices made by Moroccans who risked everything to secure their country's freedom and self-determination.
Today, the Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People is marked as a public holiday in Morocco and an occasion for national reflection and celebration. Aside from the closure of government offices, banks and some businesses, you can expect a televised speech from the King.
Best things to do in Fes in August
Best things to do in Fes in August
Yes, the daytime temperatures are intense in August but it wouldn’t be a visit to Fes without exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina of Fes el-Bali. In addition to its artisan workshops, leather tanneries and traditional souks, it’s home to some magnificent architectural landmarks that include elaborately decorated mosques and madrasas.
Be sure to visit the 14th-century Bou Inania Madrasa and Al Attarine Madrasa, both of which feature ornate tilework, carved cedar wood and tranquil courtyards.
Once the heat starts to get too much, take a break back at your Fes riad or hotel - you can relax beside the pool, indulge in a siesta or simply sip Moroccan mint tea in the shaded courtyard. If you have trouble relaxing on holidays, then consider visiting one of Fes’ fascinating museums, such as the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts or Dar Batha Museum of Islamic Arts. The latter boasts a gorgeous garden you can retreat to on hot August afternoons.
With its unique Fassi cuisine, Fes is definitely one of the best places in Morocco to do a cooking class. And with most taking place indoors, it’s also a great opportunity to stay cool on hot August days. You can opt for a relaxed, family-run experience (this is a great way to connect with locals) or sign up for one of the highly professional cooking classes at Palais Amani.
If you’re a foodie who wants to learn about Fassi cuisine without doing the cooking yourself, there are plenty of other food tours and experiences in Fes.
If I’m being honest, I don’t think that August is a great time for day trips to Meknes and Volubilis, even though both are fantastic destinations. By the time you arrive, the temperatures are likely to have risen to uncomfortable levels and the Roman ruins of Volubilis are particularly exposed. If you do decide to visit, be sure to bring lots of water and protect yourself against the sun.
Is August a good time to visit Fes?
August really isn’t the best time to visit Fes - March to May and September to November are far better in my opinion. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have an enjoyable experience if this is your only opportunity to travel to Morocco.
While it can get scorchingly hot in the midday sun, you can escape the worst by planning your activities in the early morning and late afternoon/evening.
I’d suggest taking a stroll through the medina in the early morning when temperatures are cooler and ticking off some of the city’s architectural landmarks (those that close in the evenings). After lunch, when it gets really warm, you can participate in a cooking class, head inside to explore one of the city’s cultural museums or unwind at your riad - perhaps sipping tea in a shaded courtyard or relaxing by the pool.
For those who prefer a fast-paced travel experience or want to see everything in just a day or two (check out my one-day Fes itinerary here), visiting Fes in August might not be the best choice. But if you’re willing to embrace a more leisurely travel style that allows for periods of rest and relaxation (follow the locals' for inspiration!), then you can have a really memorable experience in this ancient city.
