- Let's take a look at the map
- Beach vacation and its features
- On a tour of the imperial cities
- To Africa on … skiing?
- Useful observations
Morocco's popularity as a tourist destination rose significantly several years ago, when a series about a local beauty with a difficult fate was shown on television. Luxurious interiors of rich palaces gave way to viewers of medieval streets, an intricate labyrinth of ancient mosques entwining minarets. Thousands of tourists were drawn to a small state in northwest Africa - both for beach and sightseeing vacations. The fairy-tale country still receives guests for whom the most interesting programs for the study of cultural and historical heritage have been drawn up. There is no definite answer to the question of when is the best time to relax in Morocco. Beach, sightseeing and outdoor activities are just a small part of the possibilities for a traveler in love with fairy tales in the spirit of Scheherazade.
Let's take a look at the map
Located in the western part of North Africa, the state of Morocco is washed by the waters of the Atlantic and Mediterranean Sea. The proximity of the Sahara also has a significant impact on climatic conditions, and therefore meteorologists count several climatic zones on the territory of Morocco.
The Mediterranean coast of the kingdom boasts an ideal climate for a comfortable stay. The mild subtropics guarantee a warm, humid winter with temperatures not lower than + 12 ° С and a hot summer, at the height of which the thermometers usually fluctuate around the + 28 ° С mark.
However, the proximity of the Sahara makes its own adjustments to the weather, and too often the winds coming from the desert can heat Mediterranean cities to + 35 ° C. These winds are called shergs and they usually come into play in the second half of summer.
In July and August, dust storms with the participation of sherga are quite common, and therefore these months are not the best time to relax in Morocco.
In the rest of the kingdom, the weather looks like this:
- The northwest of the country is influenced by the ocean. The proximity of the Atlantic with its cold currents causes substantial daily temperature fluctuations.
- In desert areas, the difference between daytime and nighttime thermometers can reach 20 degrees or more, and therefore, when going on an excursion to the desert with an overnight stay, one should not neglect warm clothes.
- The main oceanic beach resorts of the country - Agadir and Essaouira - are especially comfortable for holidays from June to September. During these months, the average daily air temperature ranges from + 20 ° C to + 25 ° C.
As for the temperature values of the water in the Atlantic Ocean in the area of Morocco's beach resorts, then prepare for the fact that it will remain refreshingly cold even during the height of summer. Thermometer columns in the Atlantic waves off the coast of the country in July-August are unlikely to cross the + 22 ° C mark.
Beach vacation and its features
Choosing the best time to be in Morocco, when is the best time to relax there? Do not be guided only by temperature indicators. You will hardly be able to comfortably sunbathe on the shores of the open ocean in Agadir or Essaouira before 10 o'clock in the morning, even at the height of the beach season. We are talking about sea winds that blow from the ocean in Morocco and bring significant coolness, at least until lunchtime. For the same reason, when going to the beaches of the kingdom, you should not worry if the vacation falls between July and August inclusive. Despite the solid temperature readings, you will be able to sunbathe quite comfortably, thanks to the fresh breezes.
Please note that wind greatly enhances the effect of sun exposure on the skin, and you can get heatstroke or burns here quickly and imperceptibly. Do not neglect creams with a high sun protection factor, drink plenty of fluids while on the beach, and wear hats and clothing that cover exposed skin during the most intense solar activity.
On a tour of the imperial cities
Among other cities in the kingdom, the former capitals of the country are invariably of particular interest to tourists. Their visit is usually included in a special excursion - a tour of the imperial cities. To visit sites from the UNESCO World Heritage List, you should choose the right season so that walking along the ancient streets and historical sites will bring the traveler only joy and pleasure:
- Fez is the oldest of the imperial cities. It is located far enough from the sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and therefore the climate there can be attributed to a kind of continental. The optimal time for a tour to Fez is the second half of spring and the end of autumn, when the air temperature during the day does not exceed + 25 ° С - + 28 ° С.
- Marrakech is famous for its main square, where street magicians and actors perform, and the old city surrounded by a high wall is a real medieval labyrinth of oriental tales. It is best to go to Marrakech in March-April or in the second half of October and November, when daily air temperatures rarely exceed + 25 ° С.
- Ancient Meknes is called the city of one hundred minarets. In February and March it can be too chilly in the evenings, but April is the best time to visit the old capital of Morocco. You will also like to relax in Meknes in October, when the thermometers stop at + 24 ° С during the day.
Rabat is the current capital of Morocco. It is no exception to the list of imperial cities in the sense that you can also enjoy the perfect excursion around Rabat in April or October.
To Africa on … skiing?
Despite its reputation as the hottest continent on the planet, Africa never ceases to amaze the traveler with a huge variety of climatic and weather conditions. If you prefer an active holiday to any kind of vacation and do not neglect the opportunity to get your adrenaline rush on the ski slopes, you have your own answer to the question of when is the best time to fly to Morocco. Holidays in a unique resort in the Atlas Mountains will be an amazing and exotic adventure for you.
The Ukaimeden resort is located 75 km from Marrakech at an altitude of more than 2500 meters above sea level. The sports season on the slopes of the Big Atlas begins at the end of autumn, when the average daily thermometer readings are approaching zero, and the snow cover becomes not only very impressive, but also stable. All ten slopes of Ukaimeden are ready to receive athletes for several months, and it is only in April that winter sports fans finally leave the slopes to return again next year.
During the entire period of skiing, the air temperature during the day fluctuates from + 12 ° С - + 15 ° С in autumn and spring and up to –5 ° С - at the height of winter.
Useful observations
Tour operators do not name any special festivals or holidays that could be an interesting reason to visit Morocco. On the contrary, there are several annual periods when it is best not to vacation in Morocco. This is not associated with increased danger, just a trip on such days will cause some inconvenience to tourists.
Living according to the Muslim calendar, the kingdom honors the laws of Islam. The most strictly observed fast of Muslims is the holy month of Ramadan, during which residents of the country are forbidden to eat and drink before sunset, shops are often open on a reduced schedule, and some are closed altogether, and cafes and restaurants begin to serve visitors only after dark.
Ramadan lasts 29 days and the dates of its occurrence change annually, and therefore they should be specified specifically. Do not forget that alcoholic beverages may not be sold to you during the holy month even in European-style restaurants.
If you consider yourself a true fan of surfing, you better go on vacation to Morocco in winter. It was at this time that the Atlantic rewarded the brave with the strongest waves in these latitudes. The only negative is the need for a wetsuit. The water temperature in the ocean off the coast of the villages of Taghazut and Tamarhat near Agadir and on the beaches of Essaouira, where surf is the most frequent, rarely rises above + 13 ° C - + 15 ° C in January-February. If you want to not only conquer the wave, but also take part in the traditional annual competition, head to Agadir in May. It is at the end of spring that a windsurfing and water skiing tournament is held at the main beach resort of the Kingdom of Morocco.
Fishing and observation of sharks from the yacht will be most successful in spring or in the first half of summer. July and August are too hot for marine life, despite the fact that the waters of the Atlantic Ocean and its cold currents off the coast of Morocco do not seem too warm to humans.
