Most first-time visitors worry about two things when they pack for Morocco: will I be too hot or too cold, and will I be dressed appropriately? The answer to both is the same. Bring loose, breathable layers that cover your shoulders and knees, and adjust them to the season and the place you are in.
Morocco has no legal dress code for visitors, and in the newer districts of Marrakech, Casablanca or Rabat you will see every style imaginable. But it is a Muslim country where modest dress is the norm, and the medinas, villages and mountain areas are more traditional. A good rule from the Rough Guide is simply to notice what local people are wearing and dress along similar lines. This guide goes through what that means in practice, season by season.
The basics for everyone
Whatever the month, a few principles cover most situations:
- Cover shoulders and knees. Loose trousers, long skirts, midi dresses and short- or long-sleeved tops all work. Very short shorts, crop tops and sleeveless vests stand out away from the pool and the beach.
- Choose loose over tight. Loose clothing is cooler in the heat and draws less attention. Linen and cotton are comfortable; quick-drying synthetic fabrics are handy for hiking and humid coastal days.
- Think in layers. Temperatures can swing a long way between midday and night, especially in the desert and the mountains.
- Wear proper shoes. Medina lanes are uneven, dusty and sometimes slippery. Comfortable, worn-in shoes with good grip matter more than anything else you pack.
- Carry a light scarf. It shades you from the sun, keeps dust out of your face, adds warmth in the evening and covers your hair if you visit a mosque that admits non-Muslims.
Men are not exempt. Moroccan men rarely wear shorts in town, and long trousers with a T-shirt or shirt will help you fit in. For women, the UK government suggests loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest; our guide to Morocco for women travellers goes into more detail.
Season by season
Inland Morocco has hot summers and surprisingly cold winter nights. Marrakech is a useful reference point: average highs run from about 18°C in January to about 36°C in July and August, while average lows go from about 6°C in winter to about 20°C in midsummer. The coast is milder all year, and the mountains and the desert are more extreme.
| Season | What to expect | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Warm days, around 22–27°C on average in Marrakech; cool evenings | Light trousers or skirts, T-shirts, a light jumper or jacket for evenings |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Very hot inland, around 31–36°C on average in Marrakech; milder on the coast | Loose linen or cotton, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a thin long-sleeved shirt for sun |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Warm to mild days, about 32°C in September falling to about 22°C in November | Summer clothes early on, then add a warm layer for evenings |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Mild, sunny days around 18–20°C; nights around 6–8°C | Long trousers, a warm jumper or fleece, a proper jacket and warm socks |
Spring
Spring is one of the easiest times to pack for. Days in the cities are warm without being punishing, so light trousers or a long skirt with a T-shirt is fine for sightseeing. Evenings cool down quickly, so bring a light jumper or jacket. Snow can linger on the High Atlas peaks early in the season, and the north around Chefchaouen can be showery, so a light waterproof is worth carrying if you are heading there.
Summer
Summer is about staying cool and protected from the sun. Loose, long, light-coloured clothing protects your skin from strong sun and is often more comfortable than shorts and a vest. A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. Plan to explore early and late, and rest in the middle of the day. On the Atlantic coast, Essaouira stays much cooler and is often windy, so a light jacket is still useful there in the evening.
Autumn
Early autumn can still feel like summer, especially in September. By November, the days are pleasant and the nights cool, so pack as you would for spring. Autumn is also one of the best seasons for the desert and the mountains, which means you will need at least one warm layer even if the cities feel warm.
Winter
Winter surprises many visitors. Days in Marrakech are often sunny and pleasant, but traditional riads are built to stay cool, and rooms and courtyards can feel cold at night. Bring a warm jumper or fleece, a proper jacket, warm socks and something comfortable to wear indoors in the evening. Ask your riad whether rooms are heated before you book. See our guide to the best time to visit Morocco for more on the seasons by region.
Dressing for specific places
Medinas, villages and small towns
The old cities and rural areas are where modest dress matters most. Covering shoulders and knees is respectful, and slightly more covered clothing, such as long sleeves and longer skirts or trousers, will help you blend in in smaller towns and mountain villages. Frommer's notes that running shorts, sleeveless shirts and beachwear are generally only worn for sport or at the beach.
Mosques and religious sites
Most mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims. The best-known exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which runs guided tours. Visitors there take off their shoes at the entrance (bags are provided to carry them), and should wear clothing that covers the shoulders and chest, with trousers or skirts below the knee. Women are asked to cover their hair; a scarf in your bag saves you having to borrow one. When in doubt, cover more rather than less.
The desert
A night in the dunes needs clothes for two climates. By day, cover up against the sun with a long-sleeved shirt, long trousers, a hat or a scarf you can wrap around your head, and sunglasses. After sunset the temperature drops fast: in Merzouga, December averages are around 20°C by day but about 7°C at night, and winter nights can feel much colder on open sand. Bring a fleece or down jacket, a hat and socks. Closed shoes or sandals you can easily empty of sand are both useful. Our Sahara guide covers the rest of the trip.
The High Atlas
Even on a summer day trip from Marrakech, the mountains are noticeably cooler, so take a fleece or light jacket. For walking, wear proper hiking shoes and dress in layers you can add and remove. In winter, snow is common at altitude and higher routes need proper cold-weather gear and an experienced guide.
Beaches and pools
Swimwear is normal at hotel and riad pools, and on tourist beaches in places such as Essaouira and Agadir. Cover up when you leave the beach or pool area, and choose a busy tourist beach over a quiet local one. Topless sunbathing is not acceptable.
Hammams
In a public hammam, most bathers bring their own towel, slippers, soap and a scrub mitt or loofah, though these can be bought locally. Most public hammams have separate hours for men and women. Spa hammams in hotels and riads are booked in advance and work differently, so ask what to bring and what to wear when you book.
Dressing during Ramadan
During Ramadan, the UK government advises following local dress codes, because clothing that does not meet them may cause more offence at this time. In practice, that means erring on the side of more covered clothing, especially in the medinas and around mosques. Our guide to visiting Morocco during Ramadan explains what else changes during the month.
A simple capsule wardrobe
For a ten-day trip in spring or autumn that combines cities, mountains and desert, this list covers almost everything:
- Two or three pairs of loose trousers, long skirts or dresses
- Four or five T-shirts or tops that cover the shoulders, plus one long-sleeved shirt
- A warm fleece or light down jacket, and a light waterproof outside summer
- A large scarf or shawl
- Comfortable walking shoes, plus sandals or slip-ons for riads
- Swimwear, a sun hat and sunglasses
- Warm socks and something cosy for desert and winter nights
For the full list, including documents, adapters and health items, see our Morocco packing guide.
Do not overthink it
Moroccans are generally forgiving of visitors who get it slightly wrong, and nobody expects you to dress like a local. What people notice is the effort. Pack loose layers, keep a scarf and a warm jacket within reach, and you will be comfortable from the medina to the dunes.
The Morocco Packing Checklist
Season-by-season packing lists for cities, mountains and desert.
See what's insideTravel details change. We review our guides regularly, but always confirm prices, schedules and entry requirements with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
