March to May · 18–28°C
Spring, the best all-round season
Wildflowers and blossom in the Atlas, warm days on the Marrakech rooftops, gentle desert nights. It is also the busiest window, so plan well ahead.
Fes, Morocco· Concierge · Mon–Sat · 09:00–18:00 GMT+1
Al-Attarine Madrasa, Fes · Photo: Houssain tork, CC BY-SA 4.0
Plan a Morocco trip the way a local would
This is the briefing our team sends first-time visitors before they arrive: the best season to go, the regions, real daily costs, what to wear, tap water and food, tipping, bargaining in the souks and SIM cards.
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- Costs in MAD and USD
- Updated every season
Morocco at a glance
The basics to know before you land, including the clock change at Ramadan.
- Capital: Rabat
- Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD)
- Languages: Arabic, Berber (Tamazight), French
- Plugs: Type C / E, 220V
- Time zone: GMT+1, moving to GMT+0 during Ramadan
- Main airports: Casablanca (CMN), Marrakech (RAK), Fes (FEZ), Tangier (TNG)
On this page: when to go, where to go, what shapes the cost and practical tips.
Fes, where many of our trips begin.
Fes el BaliThe best time to visit Morocco
We run trips all year, but the country changes a lot with the season. This is what we'd honestly recommend.
September to November · 20–30°C
Autumn, just as good
The date harvest in the south, a warm Atlantic at Essaouira and clear Sahara skies. Late October is the sweet spot for a night in a desert camp.
December to February · 8–20°C
Winter, cool and quiet
Snow on the Atlas, log fires in the riads and fewer crowds in the medinas. The desert is cold at night, so bring layers.
June to August · 25–42°C
Summer, for the coast and the mountains
Inland Morocco is very hot. Head for Essaouira, Asilah, Oualidia and the Atlas mountains. We don't run desert camps in July and August.
Six regions worth your time
Don't try to see all of Morocco in one trip. Pick two or three, link them with a private driver and travel slowly. Each opens its own region guide.
Fes and the imperial citiesA walled medina founded in the 9th century, its tanneries, medersas and working craft quarters.Read the region guide
Marrakech and the High AtlasThe Red City's medina and gardens, Berber villages and the high peaks behind.Read the region guide
The Sahara at MerzougaThe orange dunes of Erg Chebbi, a night in a desert camp, camels at sunrise.Read the region guide
ChefchaouenThe blue medina in the Rif mountains, an easy add-on to Fes or Tangier.Read the region guide
Essaouira and the Atlantic coastA whitewashed fortified port, fresh fish and a cool escape from the Marrakech heat.Read the region guide
Tangier and the northWhere the Mediterranean meets the Atlantic: old cafés, the kasbah, Spain across the strait.Read the region guide
From Fes, the dunes of Erg Chebbi are a long day's drive.
Erg Chebbi, MerzougaWhat shapes your quote
Every trip is quoted for your group size, your days and your choice of riads, private or small-group. International flights are left to you. You get the quote in writing before you commit, and we'll tell you where to spend and where to save.
Comfortable
A characterful riad, sit-down restaurants, a private driver for the transfers and one or two guided days. This is where most of our travellers land.
Typically: 3–4 star riads, private transfers, one or two guided days.
Five-star
Boutique riad suites, one driver-guide with you throughout, a comfortable desert camp and reserved tables.
Typically: 5 star riads and camps, a dedicated driver-guide, reserved experiences.
Travelling independently
Not a package of ours. Travellers on their own typically spend about $50–90 per person per day on guesthouses, street food, buses and shared taxis. If you want a guide for part of it, we'll quote just those hours.
Typically: Riad guesthouses, local transport, self-guided medinas.
Six things we tell every first-timer
The small things that make a trip run smoothly, which we also send you before you fly.
How much cash should I bring to Morocco?
Budget 400–600 MAD ($40–60) per person per day in cash for tips, mint tea, taxis, small souk buys and the hammam. ATMs are everywhere in the cities; break large notes early.
What should I wear in Morocco?
Modest is comfortable, not required. Cover shoulders and knees in the medinas and religious sites; anything goes at pool clubs and on the coast. Bring layers for desert nights, which can drop to 5°C even in spring.
Can I drink the tap water, and is street food safe?
Don't drink the tap water; bottled mineral water is everywhere and cheap. Street food is generally excellent if the stall is busy with locals. Salads at good riads are safe.
How much should I tip in Morocco?
10% in restaurants if service isn't already added, and 20–30 MAD for a bathroom attendant. For a private driver, $10–15 a day; for a half-day city guide, about $20. Always in cash, dirhams preferred.
How does bargaining work in the souks?
It is expected for souvenirs and rugs, not for food or fixed-price shops. A fair price is usually 40–60% of the first ask. Smile, walk away once, and never offer a price you wouldn't actually pay.
Should I buy a Moroccan SIM card?
Yes. Buy a Maroc Telecom or Inwi SIM at any airport for around $5–8 with 20 GB. 4G covers the cities, the towns and most of the road to the Sahara, and riads have WiFi.
Ready to turn the guide into a real trip?
- Tell us what drew you in. Your dates, who is travelling and what you want to see.
- A person reads it. We write a day-by-day plan for your group, private or small-group.
- You change anything. Then we confirm the guides, drivers and riads.