What time of year is best to travel to Morocco? May is a formidable opponent. Roses are ready to be picked, the weather is dry and sunny, and it’s not too hot to visit the desert just yet. Continue reading for a monthly guide to May’s must-sees and activities.
The weather
In May, spring is in full flower. Additionally, summerlike weather will begin to appear in southern Morocco. This is great for beachcombing, but not so great for sightseeing with large groups in a city like Marrakech, where highs can reach the upper 80s.
In general, May is warm, windy, and dry in Morocco, with pleasant evenings. In the highlands, the foliage turns a vivid green after the spring rains in March and April, which makes outdoor activities especially alluring. The average May temperature in the Atlas Mountains is a pleasant 72°F. Tangier, on the northern shore, has a lower average temperature of 63°.
Keep in mind that towns and communities surrounding the desert may experience sandstorms in the spring. If you find yourself in one, find a place to hide and wear a scarf over your face to wait out the storm.
Costs & Crowds
Morocco is a popular destination in May. Major tourist destinations are likely to be crowded, particularly on weekends. If you have specific accommodation or tour preferences, make reservations well in advance. If you’re visiting imperial cities for sightseeing, now’s a fantastic time to hire a private guide (instead of going on a larger tour) so that you can get about the city while avoiding the busiest crowds.
Where to Go
May is your final chance to visit the Sahara before the temperatures get too high (visitors are advised not to go in June, July, August, or September). The desert gets increasingly hotter as the month goes on, so plan your vacation as early in your calendar as you can.
May is a great season to visit the shore because of the moderate weather and the absence of the summer throng, depending on where you go.
How to Proceed
Make time for a desert tour towards the end of spring, which includes a camel ride and camping in the desert. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water and sunscreen.
Don’t pass up the Valley of Roses harvest. It’s a rather calm (and aromatic) spot in spring, but this month there’s a huge festival that draws plenty of visitors to the area (see below for additional details).
Think of traveling to the seashore, the Rif Mountains, or the Atlas Mountains instead of the congested metropolis. May is peak travel season in Morocco, although the imperial cities’ ancient cores consistently see the highest number of visitors.
Get an early start and think about side trips to lesser places like Meknes or Volubilis, where you’ll encounter fewer tourists and enjoy some fresh air and wide open spaces along the journey, if you do intend to sightsee in a busy destination like Fes.
Events in May:
The Rose Festival — This vibrant festival, which takes place in the town of El Kelaa M’Gouna in the aptly titled Valley of Roses, coincides with the harvest of Damascus rosebuds, which are the source of rose water. Anticipate traditional cuisine, Berber dancers, and plenty of rose-themed merchandise. Certain dates and hours are subject to change each year, so be sure to check ahead.
Mawazine / Rhythms of the World Concert: Every year, the city of Rabat plays host to this highly anticipated musical event. You can see sets by superstars like Rihanna or Robert Plant, as well as Moroccan performers, depending on the schedule. For exact dates and ticket details, check in advance.
The world’s largest and oldest collective beehive, located near Argana, just north of Agadir, is the site of an annual celebration known as the Honey Festival.
Are you visiting Morocco in May? Take a look at these fantastic routes.
Quick Desert Tour, Marrakech, Essaouira. The final decent time to visit the Sahara Desert before the scorching summer months is in May. This weeklong plan make the most of your time, visiting Marrakech, the High Atlas Mountains, and the desert before unwinding at the beach in Essaouira.
Atlas Hiking, Imperial Cities, and Desert Adventures. Try this eleven-day plan if you have a few additional days to spend in Morocco. It includes visits to the imperial cities, time spent in the Sahara, and climbing in the High Atlas Mountains, among other cultural sightseeing and outdoor experiences. You’ll feel at ease in every location our trip visits thanks to May’s fantastic weather.
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