October is a great month to visit Morocco because of the country’s comfortable temperatures, fascinating activities, and manageable crowds. This monthly guide will tell you where to go and what to do.
The weather
Greetings from Morocco’s fall, unquestionably one of the nicest times to visit. It’s finally cold enough in Marrakech to enjoy after months of oppressively hot weather; highs are expected to reach 82°F and lows will hover around 60°. The adjacent Sahara Desert has the same range.
The Atlas Mountains provide beautiful weather as well, with an average temperature of roughly 72°F and a range of 12 degrees for highs and lows. If you plan to visit Fes or Casablanca, you should pack a jacket because the average daily temperature in both places is approximately 67°. No matter where you go, pack an umbrella, especially if you plan to visit northern cities like Tetouan and Tangier, as the dry season is coming to an end and there’s always a chance of rainy days.
Costs & Crowds
October is a less touristy month because it’s back-to-school time for students after their summer break. Hotel accommodations and tours are always the most expensive during the busy summer months; you might get a little better bargains in the fall. Additionally, you won’t have to purchase train tickets so long in advance. October is a great month to explore Moroccan cities because there aren’t as many tourists and you can be a little more flexible and impulsive with your travel schedule since you don’t have to book everything months in advance.
Where to Go
In Morocco, October is a great month to visit almost any place. It’s true that October isn’t always the greatest time to visit the beach because of foggy coastal areas in the fall, notably around Tangier, and stronger winds in Essaouira. If you are determined to visit the coast, pick a location in the south, such as Agadir, Sidi Ifni, or Dakhla, where you will probably have nice weather.
Clouds also frequently appear in Rabat and Casablanca, particularly in the latter part of the month. However, because of their cultural offers, they remain excellent options for October travel.
By October, Marrakech has cooled off after several months of unbearable heat, making it a fantastic destination to visit during this time of year. October is also a great time to visit the Atlas Mountains; just remember to pack thick clothes because nighttime lows occur.
How to Proceed
October is harvest season in Morocco. While dates are harvested in Zagora, Errachidia, and Erfoud from October to late November, apples are the predominant crop in the High Atlas and Middle Atlas Mountains. It’s a great time to schedule a trip or trek in the surrounding areas because you’ll get to see the customs surrounding the harvest and, of course, sample the fruit. See below for more details about the well-known Erfoud Date Festival.
Thanks to the low temperatures, this is a wonderful time to climb Mount Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa. There are other excellent choices for easier hikes in the Middle Atlas Mountains. Visit Todra Gorge, Dades Gorge, or Ouarzazate.
This time of year, surfing is a popular sport along the coasts. Of course, the south has milder temperatures and more beginner-friendly conditions. A fantastic choice for windsurfers (or curious tourists) is the city of Dakhla.
Events in October
Erfoud, the epicenter of date production and the home of around a million date palms, is the site of the three-day Erfoud Date Festival. Annual dates harvest celebrations include parades, cuisine, music, racing, and the crowning of a “Date Queen.”
Taragalte Festival: Focused on music and peace, the festival takes place over three days at the end of October (precise dates vary every year; check online). Situated close to the town of Zagora in southeast Morocco, this remote location in the Sahara Desert attracts musicians from all over the world.
MOGA Electronic Music Festival — This electronic music and digital arts festival, which takes place in mid-October in Essaouira (with dates changing every year), showcases the talents of Morocco and the Maghreb. Plus, it’s a great time of year to explore the seaside city.
Are you visiting Morocco in October? Take a look at these fantastic routes.
Moroccan Culture, Adventure & Leisure — Make the most of October’s milder weather by visiting Marrakech and the Sahara. Explore the desert near Ouarzazate, a well-known filming location, go on a climb in the Atlas foothills, and spend the night in a typical Berber home after touring the city’s medina.
Hiking through the Atlas, a Grand Tour of the Desert, and Imperial Cities — This twelve-day itinerary takes you to Rabat, Meknes, Fes, Marrakech, Chefchaouen, the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara, where you’ll camp overnight. Enjoy cultural sightseeing, trekking, and desert activities.
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