Morocco, situated on the northwest side of North Africa, is a country with a rich history and diverse culture. You will find the authenticity of the local people and their hospitality very attractive, which will elevate your holiday experience in Morocco. From stunning beaches to charming cities to natural landscapes, you will find everything in this destination. You will also be amazed to meet the traditionally nomadic community of Morocco, the Berber, at the highs and lows of the Atlas Mountains.
If you are planning a trip to Morocco, then this travel guide will help you learn the necessary information about the country and plan your travel itinerary accordingly.
Morocco Information
| Time Zone | GMT+1 |
| Official Language | Arabic |
| Currency | Moroccan Dirham |
| Population | 37.71 million (as of 2023) |
| Capital | Rabat |
| Nickname | Kingdom of the Atlas |
Visa Requirements for Morocco
When a UK resident is travelling to Morocco, they gain a visa-free entry to the country. If you are travelling for tourism purposes, then you are allowed a 90-day free stay. However, make sure to carry your passport that holds a validity of at least 6 months from the date of entry to Morocco and must have blank pages for entry and exit stamps. Ensure that you have your passport stamped upon exit from Morocco prior to departure to avoid potential issues upon leaving the country or at the time of re-entry in the near future.
Seasons of Morocco
If you are planning a trip to Morocco, you should learn about its seasons, which are outlined in this Morocco vacation travel guide. The country mainly has four seasons, namely spring, summer, autumn and winter. In this travel guide to Morocco, we have provided you with the prevailing temperatures of each season and the best time to visit the country.
Spring Season (March to May)
Spring is considered one of the best times to visit Morocco, thanks to its pleasant weather, which makes the landscape green and vibrant. The mild temperature of this season makes it comfortable for tourists to indulge in various outdoor experiences.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| March | 15° to 20° |
| April | 15° to 27° |
| May | 19° to 26° |
Summer season (June to September)
The summer season in Morocco offers dry and hot weather to visitors when one can witness high temperatures. You also get a tropical experience, bright skies, and sunny weather with minimal chances of facing rainfall. Again, in the coastal areas of Morocco, you will experience mild weather due to the Atlantic and Mediterranean currents.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| June | 22° to 35° |
| July | 29° to 37° |
| August | 24° to 36° |
| September | 25° to 30° |
Autumn Season (October to November)
Autumn is yet another peak season when you get to experience a pleasant weather setting. With warm daytime temperatures and cooler evenings, it makes for a comfortable exploration of various iconic places and indulgence in a wide array of activities.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| October | 17° to 30° |
| November | 15° to 21° |
Winter Season (December to February)
Winter in Morocco presents a diverse weather scenario across the country, with significant differences in temperatures between the coastal, inland, high-altitude and desert areas. January is the coldest month of the year when one can witness a considerable drop in the temperature.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| December | 10° to 20° |
| January | 15° to 18° |
| February | 15° to 20° |
Best Time to Visit Morocco:- The best time to visit Morocco is either during the spring season or the autumn season. During these seasons, the weather remains pleasant, allowing the tourists to explore various points of interest dotted around the country.
Best Places to Visit in Morocco
In this Morocco trip guide, we have picked some of the popular destinations across the country to offer you a pleasant holiday experience. Below are some of the best places to visit in Morocco that will help you experience the local culture, traditions and hospitality.
Marrakech
Marrakech is a bustling city renowned for its vibrant culture, marvellous architecture and mouthwatering cuisine. Surrounded by a lively atmosphere, rich history and luxurious accommodations, this city is a must-visit on your trip to Morocco. Besides visiting the iconic attractions, you can also enjoy the Hammans or take a walk amidst beautiful gardens.
5 Popular Attractions in Marrakech
- Bahia Palace
- Jardin Majorelle
- Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Madrasa Ben Youssef
- Le Jardin Secret
Best Time to Visit Marrakech: From March to May and September to November.
Casablanca
Visit the largest city of Morocco, renowned for its historic Art Deco architecture, which is also a blending point of traditional Moroccan cultures and modern development. It also has the largest artificial port in Africa. The name of the city itself is the name of a classic romantic film.
5 Popular Attractions in Casablanca
- Church of Notre Dame of Lourdes
- Morocco Mall
- Muhammad V Square
- Museum of Moroccan Judaism
- Arab League Park
Best Time to Visit Casablanca: From March to May and September to November.
Fes
Home to the oldest university in the world, Al-Qarawiyyin University, Fes, is one of the most well-preserved historic towns of the Arab-Muslim World. It is also considered to be the spiritual and cultural capital of Morocco. Soak in the rich history and culture of the city and learn about its rich past events.
5 Popular Attractions in Fes
- The Royal Palace of Fes
- Marinid Tombs
- Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts
- Dar Batha Museum of Islamic Arts
- Borj Nord Museum
Best Time to Visit Fes: Between September and November.
Essaouira
Travel to the coastal city of Morocco, Essaouira, which is renowned for its significance as a former trading post. At present, the city offers tourists fresh seafood, kitesurfing opportunities and a vibrant art scene. Also, don’t miss the UNESCO World Heritage Site, a well-preserved medina.
5 Popular Attractions in Essaouira
- Plage d’Essaouira
- Gallery Kasbah
- Bayt Dakira
- Place Moulay Hassan
- Bab El Marsa
Best Time to Visit Essaouira: Between September and October.
Tangier
Experience a unique blend of African and European influences in Tangier. Indulge in the vibrant nightlife, historical sites and beautiful beaches, making your trip to Morocco worthwhile. Feel the old-world charm along with the modern settings surrounding the city, making your Moroccan vacation pleasant.
5 Popular Attractions in Tangier
- Kasbah Museum
- Hercules Caves
- Cape Spartel
- Tangier American Legation Museum
- Grand Socco
Best Time to Visit Tangier: Between April and October.
Rabat
Situated on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and the Bouregreg River lies Rabat, the capital city of Morocco. Make sure to visit the renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site Chellah and the Kasbah of the Udayas. The destination offers you an enriched culture and tranquil surroundings, allowing you to explore the city leisurely.
5 Popular Attractions in Rabat
- Hassan Tower
- Mausoleum of Mohammed V
- Andalusian Gardens
- Chellah
- Les Jardins Exotiques de Bouknadel
Best Time to Visit Rabat: From March to May and September to November.
Agadir
If you are a beach lover, then Agadir is a must-visit place for you on your Morocco holiday. Relax at the beach side under warm weather or participate in different water sports. The laid-back atmosphere and beautiful sandy beaches are perfect for spending leisure time on your Morocco vacation.
5 Popular Attractions in Agadir
- Agadir Oufella
- Crocoparc
- Agadir Medina
- Marina Agadir
- Plage d’Agadir
Best Time to Visit Agadir: Between March and May.
Chefchaouen
The blue pearl of Morocco, Chefchaouen, is a destination renowned for its blue-washed buildings and also the beautiful scenery of the mountains surrounding the city. The unique natural landscape and scenic backdrop attract tourists to visit this beautiful destination. You can also make your holiday adventurous by going hiking in the mountains.
5 Popular Attractions in Chefchaouen
- Chefchaouen Medina
- Place El Haouta
- Place Outa El Hamam
- Grande Cascade D’akchour
- Talassemtane National Park
Best Time to Visit Chefchaouen: Between May and October.
Best Things to Do in Morocco
Morocco offers you a wide array of experiences to make your holiday memorable. Below are some of the best things to do on your trip to Morocco.
- Take a guided tour of one of the world’s largest mosques, Hassan II Mosque, open to non-muslims.
- Take a walk through the streets of Casablanca to witness the marvellous architecture, from Moorish tiled facades to the modern Grand Theatre de Casablanca and Art Deco apartments.
- Go hiking in the Atlas Mountains to gain a stunning view and a thrilling experience.
- Enjoy a relaxing time at a hammam, where you can get massaged, soaped, and scrubbed.
- Savour the Moroccan delicacies while visiting different cities around the country and getting introduced to their gastronomy culture.
- Go shopping at the local souks, where you can find a wide array of items to be purchased.
- Enjoy stargazing from a high sand dune, offering you a memorable experience.
- Step back into the past by exploring Skoura’s palm oases surrounded by palm and date trees.
Popular Festivals of Morocco
Get a glimpse of the local life and culture of the Moroccan people by enjoying their vibrant festivals. Check below some of the popular Moroccan festivals celebrated at different times of the year.
| Name of Festivals | Tenure | Month |
| Yennayer | 1 day | January |
| Almond Blossom Festival | 4 days | February |
| International Nomads Festival | 4 days | April |
| Ramadan | 30 days | March |
| Fes Festival of World Sacred Music | 10 days | May |
| Eid al-Adha | 3 days | June |
| Milad un Nabi | 1 day | September |
| Marrakech Popular Arts Festival | 5 days | June |
| Mawazine Festival | 9 days | June |
| The Cherry Festival | 3 days | June |
Traditional Dishes of Morocco
Set out on a culinary exploration of Morocco on your trip to taste their local cuisine. Here are the ten most popular traditional Moroccan dishes that one must try on their visit.
- Couscous
- Mint Tea
- Chebakia
- Maakouda
- Fish Chermoula
- Pastilla
- Zealouk
- Harira
- Tagine
- B’ssara
Transportation of Morocco
The transportation system of Morocco provides a wide range of options to travel to different parts of the country, like rental cars, domestic flights, taxis, buses and trains. Buses and trains are seen as the popular options among budget travellers as they connect them to travel intercity. In terms of covering short distances, taxis are the best means to choose. If you’re looking to travel at your own pace, especially when exploring remote areas, then renting a car or hiring a private taxi is recommended.
Where to Stay in Morocco?
Morocco offers you a wide range of accommodation choices, starting from traditional riads to luxurious hotels. You get to select your stay based on your budget and preferences, making your Morocco vacation worthwhile. Around Morocco, tourists also choose their accommodation based on location, such as Marrakech, Fes, Rabat, Chefchaouen and many more, due to their unique ambience, rich history, vibrant culture, amusing nightlife and many more.
Morocco Travel Tips
Morocco offers you a pleasant vacation experience; however, you need to make some preparations to ensure a smooth trip. Below are some travel tips for Morocco that will help you throughout your holiday.
- Embrace the local customs, such as respecting the hospitality of the locals and being mindful of mealtime etiquette.
- Try to keep the itinerary a bit flexible to adjust according to the events (if any) taking place then.
- You can travel using public transport to get around different parts of Morocco.
- Make sure to exchange your currency for Moroccan dirhams to help you purchase things at the local market; however, cards are widely accepted.
- Learn a few Arabic phrases that will help you communicate in a better manner.
- Respect the ideology “God, King and Country”, meaning you cannot speak disrespectfully about any one of the three.
- Non-muslims are not permitted to visit cemeteries and mosques.
- If you are visiting during the peak season, then make sure to pre-book your tickets and accommodation.
- Carry the necessary medications to address any health issues during your holiday.
- Be aware of scams and pickpockets, especially in crowded areas.
- Make sure you negotiate prices before purchasing any products or services.
Conclusion
Plan your trip to Morocco to find a fantastic holiday experience with this travel guide to Morocco. The charming beauty, stunning architecture, rich history and culture make it more attractive to tourists. Immerse yourself in the local culture and make the most of your holiday, packed with some of the best experiences. Make sure to follow the travel tips provided in this Morocco holiday guide to enjoy a seamless holiday experience. Check our travel packages to Morocco to avail the best holiday packages. You can also get your itinerary customised by contacting our travel expert and designing a new one based on your budget and preferences.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
It is best to visit Morocco during either the spring or autumn seasons.
What is the national dish of Morocco?
Couscous is considered to be the national dish of Morocco.
What is the visa requirement for a UK citizen travelling to Morocco?
UK citizens do not require a visa to visit Morocco for tourism or business purposes and can stay up to 90 days.
Is Morocco an expensive country?
Morocco is generally considered a budget-friendly destination; however, costs may vary based on your travel preferences.
What is best to avoid in Morocco?
It is best to avoid showing public affection in Morocco, as it is considered inappropriate according to local customs.
