Visiting Morocco in May

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Summer is around the corner, so May is another busy month with people making the most of the hot weather before it becomes unbearable. You’ll find cooler weather the earlier you come, but expect the popular destinations to get booked up fast.

It’s the last month to venture into the Sahara before the punishing heat of summer, with a chance to taste life amid the dunes and camp overnight under the stars – you could try the traditional option and arrive by camel for two nights in the Sahara, or combine a single night in the desert with a visit to Ait Benhaddou. If you’re looking for a different desert experience, the Agafay Stone Desert is not far from Marrakech, or you could team desert with the Dades Valley and hike past palms in this fascinating destination.

It’s also a fantastic time for a holiday in Morocco if you’re hoping to go hiking. This is also when to go to Morocco if you’ve got your sights set on climbing Mount Toubkal, north Africa’s highest mountain. But you needn’t head to the tallest peaks for an adventure in the Atlas Mountains. Discover Berber paths through mountain villages, or enjoy the scenery on a gentle hike in the Atlas Mountains and in the sunny foothills at Tafraoute.

It’s also the last good month to explore Marrakech. The temperature has already climbed to around 29C this month, so you’ll be enjoying the shade of your riad at midday, but with 30C+ temperatures around the corner, May is still comparatively cool if you’re happy to sightsee in the sun. The country’s other cities are slightly cooler, whether you’re exploring the royal city of Meknes, historic Fes or the winding blue streets of Chefchaouen.

Or for a quieter experience, the walled city of Taroudant is known as Petit Marrakech. Perfect for escaping the crowds, it feels like its big sister would have done 50 years ago. It’s easy to combine Taroudant with a visit to the coast as well, enjoying a few cooling breezes at Agadir and Essaouira, although the winds can be quite strong at the latter.

Festivals: May 1 is a public holiday for Labour Day, with some shops closing along with local schools which can mean sightseeing spots are busier.

The three-day Festival of the Rose, or Kelaa M’Gouna celebrates the rose of Damascus in the valley of the M’Goun River where the flowers are grown. It’s part of the harvest season, with tonnes of petals plucked for rose water and oil, as well as Berber music, dancing and singing. The date depends on the harvest but it’s usually around mid-May.

Best for: Sunny days, hiking, desert adventures, heading off the beaten track, beach breaks