Morocco
Marrakesh
Morocco
Marrakesh
Updated Jun 21, 2025
Overview
Marrakesh captivates with its labyrinthine medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lose yourself in bustling souks, where artisans craft intricate goods. Escape to tranquil riads and hammams for authentic relaxation. Dive into local culture at Djemaa el-Fna square, where snake charmers and storytellers entertain nightly. Venture beyond the medina to modern Gueliz for chic boutiques and galleries. For a truly local experience, join a cooking class or visit a Berber village in the nearby Atlas Mountains.
Best time to visit. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer ideal weather for exploring Marrakesh. Temperatures are mild, and crowds are thinner than in peak summer. These seasons also coincide with cultural events like the Marrakech Biennale in spring and the Oasis Festival in autumn.
City stats
Population
928,850
Land area
230 sq. mi.
Currency
Moroccan dirham
Year founded
1062 CE
Official langauge
Moroccan Arabic
English speaking
Somewhat spoken, esp. in hospitality
State/Province
Marrakesh-Safi
Timezone
Western European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
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Breakfast and brunch
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Average weather
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Major annual events
Cultural tips
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Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 65°F - 43°F | 65°F - 41°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:30 am | 5:45 pm | 4 days 1.3 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| February | 68°F - 46°F | 68°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:15 am | 6:15 pm | 4 days 1.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| March | 74°F - 51°F | 74°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:45 am | 6:45 pm | 4 days 1.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| April | 78°F - 55°F | 78°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 7:15 pm | 4 days 1.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| May | 85°F - 61°F | 85°F - 59°F | Sunny | 5:45 am | 7:45 pm | 2 days 0.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 91°F - 66°F | 93°F - 64°F | Sunny | 5:30 am | 8:00 pm | 1 days 0.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 98°F - 71°F | 100°F - 69°F | Sunny | 5:45 am | 8:00 pm | 0 days 0.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| August | 98°F - 71°F | 100°F - 69°F | Sunny | 6:15 am | 7:30 pm | 1 days 0.1 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| September | 91°F - 67°F | 91°F - 65°F | Sunny | 6:45 am | 7:00 pm | 1 days 0.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| October | 83°F - 60°F | 83°F - 58°F | Sunny | 7:15 am | 6:15 pm | 3 days 0.9 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| November | 73°F - 51°F | 73°F - 49°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:00 am | 5:30 pm | 4 days 1.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| December | 66°F - 45°F | 66°F - 43°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:30 am | 5:15 pm | 4 days 1.4 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebration of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar. Fireworks and festivities. | Limited services, but festive atmosphere. | ||
| Independence Manifesto Day | January 11 | Commemorates Morocco's independence from France. Parades and patriotic celebrations. | Interesting cultural experience, some closures. | ||
| Eid al-Fitr | Variable (end of Ramadan) | Marks the end of Ramadan fasting. Family gatherings and feasts across the country. | Avoid travel, most businesses closed. | ||
| Labor Day | May 1 | Celebration of workers' rights. Demonstrations and rallies may occur in cities. | Some closures, but generally manageable. | ||
| Eid al-Adha | Variable (10th day of Dhu al-Hijjah) | Islamic festival of sacrifice. Families gather for feasts and religious observances. | Avoid travel, widespread closures. | ||
| Throne Day | July 30 | Celebrates the anniversary of the King's accession. Parades and official ceremonies. | Some closures, but festive atmosphere. | ||
| Oued Ed-Dahab Day | August 14 | Commemorates the return of Oued Ed-Dahab to Morocco. Local celebrations in some areas. | Minimal impact on travel, mostly normal. | ||
| Revolution Day | August 20 | Marks the exile of Sultan Mohammed V. Patriotic celebrations and ceremonies. | Some closures, but generally manageable. | ||
| Youth Day | August 21 | Celebrates the birthday of the current King. Youth-focused events and activities. | Minor impact, some youth-oriented events. | ||
| Islamic New Year | Variable (1st day of Muharram) | Marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar. Quiet religious observances. | Some closures, generally calm atmosphere. | ||
| Green March Day | November 6 | Commemorates the Green March to Western Sahara. Patriotic displays and events. | Some closures, patriotic atmosphere. | ||
| Independence Day | November 18 | Celebrates Morocco's independence from France. National holiday with festivities. | Major holiday, expect widespread closures. | ||
| Mawlid | Variable (12th day of Rabi' al-awwal) | Celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday. Religious observances and festivities. | Religious holiday, expect some closures. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech Marathon | Last Sunday in January | Annual international marathon attracting runners from around the world to race through the city's historic streets and modern districts. | Great time to visit, enjoy the race atmosphere. | ||
| Marrakech Biennale | February-May (every two years) | Biennial contemporary arts festival showcasing visual art, literature, and performing arts from Moroccan and international artists. | Excellent time for art enthusiasts to visit. | ||
| Marrakech Grand Prix | Early May | International horse racing event featuring top thoroughbreds and jockeys competing at the Hippodrome de Marrakech. | Great for racing fans, minimal disruption. | ||
| Marrakech du Rire | Mid-June | Annual international comedy festival featuring stand-up performances by renowned comedians from Morocco and abroad. | Fun time to visit, lively atmosphere. | ||
| Oasis Festival | Mid-September | Electronic music festival held at a luxury resort, featuring international DJs and stunning desert backdrop. | Great for music lovers, busy but manageable. | ||
| Marrakech International Film Festival | Late November to early December | Prestigious film festival showcasing Moroccan, Arab, and international cinema, attracting global film industry stars. | Exciting time, but expect crowds and higher prices. |
1 | Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Women should cover shoulders and knees. Men should avoid shorts. Respect local customs and avoid revealing clothing to prevent unwanted attention. |
2 | Learn basic Arabic or French phrases. Moroccans appreciate tourists who make an effort to communicate in their language. Simple greetings and 'thank you' go a long way in building rapport. |
3 | Bargaining is expected in markets. Start at 50% of the asking price and negotiate from there. Be friendly but firm. Walking away often leads to better offers. Don't feel pressured to buy. |
4 | Ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas. Some may refuse due to religious beliefs. Respect their wishes and avoid photographing military installations. |
5 | Use your right hand for eating, shaking hands, and passing items. The left hand is considered unclean in Moroccan culture. Eat communal dishes from your own section of the plate. |
6 | Ramadan affects daily life. Respect those fasting by not eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours. Many restaurants close during the day, so plan meals accordingly. |
7 | Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Avoid kissing or excessive touching in public, even for married couples. Respect local customs to prevent discomfort or offense. |
8 | Be cautious with alcohol consumption. While available in some places, public intoxication is highly frowned upon. Respect local Islamic customs regarding alcohol, especially during Ramadan. |
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