Morocco Holidays

The best time to visit Morocco mainly depends on the temperature that you prefer. Typically, the most temperate times to visit Morocco are in the early spring between March and May, and the autumn in September and October.

November to February can be chilly – particularly in the mountains and desert – though, given the country’s subtropical climate, temperatures will be nowhere near as cold as they can get in Europe. This can be a wonderful time of the year to experience a quieter, more everyday Morocco, free from crowds.

In summer, temperatures can be rather hot, though seaside locations like Tangier and Essaouira can be more bearable, alongside the Atlas Mountains. Visiting desert regions on your Morocco holiday isn’t always recommended during summer, when the heat can become extreme in the day and a deep chill set in at night.

Date season is in October, meaning that the countryside and harvest will be at its lushest and sweetest-smelling. Ramadan usually falls in April or May – this can be disruptive to the routine of the country but also an enjoyable, electric time to visit if you love immersing yourself in other cultures.

As a destination, our Morocco holidays truly have something to suit every traveller.

Hikers, bikers and nature-lovers will enjoy conquering the High, Middle and Anti-Atlas Mountains and exploring the towering banks of Saharan sand. The Rif Mountains to the north are also awe-inspiring.

The cities of Fez and Marrakech are home to fascinating culture, shopping in ancient souks and beautiful architecture. They feature sights, sounds, and smells that will feel right at home to those who love an assault on the senses.

And coastal locations like Essaouira, Tangier and Casablanca offer a cooler, calmer, more beach-oriented holiday in Morocco, as well as lots of water sports.

Put simply, wherever you visit in Morocco, you’ll experience the interesting mix of Arab, Amazigh and colonial cultural influences, as well as a culinary culture that’s utterly one-of-a-kind.

If you use common sense, a trip to Morocco is likely to be just as safe as any other popular holiday destination.

Morocco is a peaceful and tolerant place to visit. Locals are hospitable and friendly, and communicating in Arabic, French or English is common, making communication rarely an issue.

The country can be quite conservative, so dress modestly and avoid public displays of affection, particularly if you identify as LGBTQIA+ or a woman.

Petty crimes such as pickpocketing and scamming have been known to happen, so always be vigilant, don’t carry too much cash, use a money belt and keep valuables out of sight. If locals approach you offering tours, access to shops with better prices, and other unsolicited services, it’s best to politely decline.

While there are some risks of holidaying in Morocco such as the above, our guides will be with you throughout your trip to offer advice and guidance. You can view the current UK government travel advice on Morocco here.

Morocco is a great destination to take children. As a friendly culture with a strong emphasis on family, children are very much welcomed by locals, and our guides have plenty of experience leading groups with children. Flights from the UK are short too, meaning less jet lag and hassle travelling.

It’s fair to say that bringing kids on a tour in Morocco will be an eye-opening and mind-broadening experience for them.

Haggling for goods in a colourful souk, riding camels through the Sahara, sipping mint tea in a desert camp, gazing out over medieval city skylines from a riad at dusk, or hiking through dramatic scenery. Whatever your itinerary, Morocco is exotic and scintillating – an unforgettable experience for children. There are plenty of pools to enjoy as well!

The average flight time between UK destinations and the capital of Morocco, Rabat, is three hours and 29 minutes, according to Skyscanner in January 2023.

There’s no ‘best city’ to visit during your holiday to Morocco – each offers different experiences suiting different travellers:

• Marrakech – The bustling, often-hectic city of Marrakech doesn’t fail to disappoint. If you want to spend time shopping in warrens of souks in the Medina, Souq Semmarine, and Souq El Kebir, there’s no better place to visit, with artisan goods galore. Marrakech’s street food offering is fantastic, with sights aplenty – the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Bahia Palace and Jardin Majorelle are all must-sees.
• Fez – With a history stretching back millennia, Fez has ancient buildings lining every avenue, making it a must-visit for anyone with an interest in architecture or history. While there are plenty of souks to explore, don’t forget to look up and marvel at the fine detailing adorning buildings and the cedarwood arches that stretch between them.
• Chefchaouen – The blue-painted city, situated in the Rif Mountains, is an otherworldly sight, with locals having an ardent appreciation for vibrant colour in their public spaces. Understandably, it’s an arts and crafts hub, so while you’re using the city as a base for your hikes out into the wilderness, make sure to browse the various wares on offer.
• Tangier – An artistic hub situated at Morocco’s most northerly tip, Tangier has a long history of tourism, benefitting from cooler coastal weather. That’s given it a more international, relaxed flavour in comparison to other cities like Casablanca and Marrakech.
• Casablanca – One of Morocco’s most contemporary cities and an economic hub, Casablanca has a much more modern feel than cities like Fez and Marrakech. It boasts great nightlife, plenty of fantastic restaurants, a large Medina and an artistic cultural scene.

At the time of writing (January 2023), the Moroccan government does not require visitors to have a Covid vaccine pass or negative PCR test when arriving for their Morocco holiday.

View up-to-date government guidance here.

If you are a British national, you don’t need a tourism visa if you’re planning on visiting Morocco for three months or less. Your passport must be valid for at least three months on your date of entry.

View government entry requirement guidance here.

Moroccan tipping culture is well established and can form a sizeable portion of Moroccan service workers’ wages. As such, it’s typical to tip around 10% if you receive good service, so therefore keeping some smaller denominations of cash to hand can be helpful.

Rounding up the bill is also common but be careful not to give very small tips as this might be seen as insulting.