In Morocco, as summer gives way to fall, local temperatures begin to drop and a vibrant cultural calendar presents a plethora of exciting events. This month’s itinerary for September includes places to see and things to do.
The weather
September, which follows Morocco’s hottest month, can be extremely hot or somewhat cool, depending on where you live. The average daily temperature in Marrakech is 80°F, which is pleasant enough for sightseeing but yet too hot for excursions in the surrounding Sahara Desert.
While it can be unbearably hot in other inland locations as well, it’s a great time to visit the mountains or the seaside. Agadir, a seaside city, offers plenty of sunshine and a comfortable average daily temperature of 74°F. The Atlas Mountains see slightly warmer temperatures, with daily averages of 77°F and highs of 90°F.
Tangier’s high in the north averages 81°, whereas Casablanca’s high is even more agreeable at 78°.
Costs & Crowds
September is calm, with the summer tourist rush coming to an end. Nonetheless, it’s still a popular time to travel to Morocco, particularly on weekends when travelers from Europe take advantage of inexpensive flights to Marrakech and other large towns. This time of year, there aren’t many special offers or discounts; hotels and tours are probably at full price, and if you have a specific riad or restaurant in mind, you should book in advance.
Where to take yourself
The question ought to be asked in the case of September in Morocco: where should you not go? In summary, September is still too hot to truly enjoy the Sahara Desert, so that’s the only spot you’ll probably want to miss. Other than that, Morocco is ripe for exploration: long days of sunshine and fewer tour groups than in summer greet imperial cities like Fes; the weather is mild and there are fewer people along the coast; the mountains are getting colder, making trekking and hiking more attractive.
How to Proceed
Morocco has a number of festivals and other noteworthy events in September. To experience certain parts of traditional Moroccan culture that most tourists miss, consider organizing a side trip to a once-in-a-lifetime event like the Imilchil Marriage Festival (more on this below).
Hiking and swimming are two more fantastic outdoor activities that are best done in the month of May. Lakes, rivers, and the ocean have warmed up after a long summer, making them cool places to swim after a strenuous climb. Think of taking a hike in the High Atlas Mountains’ Todra Gorge, where you can cool yourself in the Todra River.
Finally, September is a great month for sightseeing in cities because of the cool weather, especially in northern locations like Casablanca, Tangier, and Chefchaouen.
Events in September
Imilchil Marriage celebration: Every August and September, young men and women from Berber tribes congregate in the village of Imilchil, high up in the Middle Atlas Mountains, for a communal marriage celebration during which they select a partner. A major feature of the event is the procession of ornately dressed young women dancing and celebrating as they look for husbands. For three days, hundreds of people camp out in traditional tents and are escorted by horses and camels.
Oasis Festival: Every year, this electronic music festival, modeled after Ibiza, gains popularity outside of Marrakech. For a lineup and exact dates, visit the website.
L’Boulevard Festival: Electronic, rock, and underground music are all featured at this week-long music event in Casablanca.
Tanjazz Festival: As the name implies, this three-day jazz event takes place in Tangier. For the most recent schedule, visit the website.
Are you visiting Morocco in September? Take a look at these fantastic routes.
Northern Moroccan Cities — This 14-day tour, which begins and ends in Tangier, will show you the “blue city” of Chefchaouen, the Roman ruins at Volubilis, the medieval medina of Fes, and much more. The pleasant weather and dwindling crowds signal that the time has come to explore.
Moroccan Cities & the Coast: You have nine days to tour Essaouira, a seaside city, and Chefchaouen, one of Morocco’s imperial cities. This schedule is best suited for September, when the desert is still unbearably hot because it concentrates on the north.
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