Morocco: Marrakech Travel & Hotels

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to visit Morocco, with warm days ideal for medinas, mountains and desert trips.

Summer is very hot in Marrakech and the Sahara but pleasant on the Atlantic coast; winter is mild in the cities, with snow in the High Atlas and cold desert nights.

Morocco's climate varies widely: hot summers inland (often above 38°C in Marrakech), mild winters, a breezy Atlantic coast and cold nights in the desert and mountains.

Morocco uses the Moroccan dirham (MAD), which cannot be taken out of the country in large amounts. Cash is king in medinas and souks; cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants. ATMs are easy to find in cities.

Morocco is good value: around €35–55 per day on a budget and €80–150 per day mid-range. Morocco riads range from simple guesthouses to luxury boutique stays, and desert tours are the biggest single expense.

Arabic (Moroccan Darija) and Amazigh (Berber) are official; French is widely spoken, and English is increasingly common in tourist areas.

Citizens of many countries — including the EU, UK, US, Canada and the Gulf states — can visit visa-free, usually for up to 90 days. Other nationalities need a visa or, for some, an electronic travel authorisation. Rules change and depend on your passport, so always confirm on the official government website or with the embassy before you book.

The Al Boraq high-speed train links Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca, and ONCF trains continue to Marrakech and Fes. Comfortable CTM and Supratours buses cover most routes, and grand taxis (shared) serve smaller towns.

For the Sahara and Atlas Mountains, join a tour or hire a car with a driver.

Try tagine, couscous (traditionally on Fridays), pastilla, harira soup and fresh mint tea. Marrakech's Jemaa el-Fnaa square becomes a giant open-air food market every evening.

Morocco is a Muslim country with a rich blend of Arab, Amazigh and Andalusian culture. Dress modestly, ask before photographing people, and bargain politely in the souks. Non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques, except Casablanca's Hassan II Mosque.

Mobile coverage is good in cities and along main roads, and riads usually offer Wi-Fi. Local SIMs from Maroc Telecom, Orange or inwi are cheap and sold at airports.