Visiting Morocco in November

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The colder weather begins to return to Morocco in November, although as it’s around 23C in Marrakech, it’s still much warmer than the UK winter. You can expect a few more rainy days this month in the inland cities and temperatures dropping below 10C at night. Bear in mind than not all riads have good heating, so do check this in advance or be prepared to wrap up warm as night falls – always a good excuse for a mint tea,

The sunny cooler days are ideal for exploring the imperial cities of Fes and Meknes, where it’s still pleasantly warm although slightly cooler than Marrakech, and all three tend to be quieter than the busy days of October. It’s not the best time to visit Chefchaouen though, with lots of cloudy days this month stopping the city’s famous blues from showing at their best.

It’s not really sunbathing weather in Essaouira and Agadir any more, although you’ll get sunny warm days especially at the start of the month. Go prepared for sea breezes in Essaouira to make it feel slightly cooler, but it’s still a lovely time to wander the streets and watch the boats bobbing in the harbour though.

If you’re planning to head into the Atlas Mountains, there’s already snow on the highest peaks and it’s not a great month to climb Mount Toubkal. You can still find some hiking in the Atlas Mountains, although it’s best to stick to shorter hikes in the lower mountains if you don’t want to risk getting too wet or cold. Alternatively, consider a visit to the Dades Valley, where the changing colours of the leaves transform the scenery – the rainiest months are still ahead, although the weather gets more unpredictable towards the end of November.

The start of the month is also a good time to head into the Sahara. While daytimes will stay warm and sunny for a while yet, the nights are getting colder so time is ticking if you want to camp overnight, with some places shutting for the winter months. Don’t forget warm layers if you’re sleeping under the stars – an overnight stay combined with Ait Benhaddou is a good option.

Festivals: Morocco celebrates Independence Day on November 18, when the country gained its independence in 1944, with parades, street food and lots of parties.

The International Film Festival takes place in Marrakech every November, running for well over 20 years to promote and celebrate all forms of cinema, and often featuring some of the biggest names in film from around the world.

Best for: City breaks, the Sahara