Visiting Morocco in October

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As temperatures drop a little further, the weather gets even better for sightseeing, hiking, heading into the desert and enjoying the coast. Unsurprisingly it’s also one of the most popular months to visit Morocco, so it’s worth planning and booking your trip well in advance, especially if it’s during school holidays.

With the worst heat gone, it’s a great time to head into the endless silent dunes of the Sahara. Why not ride on a camel before camping out under the stars, or if you have less time, combine an overnight stay with Ait Benhaddou. If you want a desert experience without the long journey from Marrakech, the Agafay Stone Desert is an unusual alternative to the classic sandy desert.

You might find some rain falling over the mountains as the month goes on, but it’s not enough to stop hiking and trekking. For a real challenge, this is the last month of the year to attempt the climb of Mount Toubkal before the snows of winter set in on north Africa’s highest mountain. There are plenty of alternative hiking routes through the High Atlas though, whether you want a multi-day trek following Berber paths through mountain villages, or a taste of the scenery and culture on a gentler hike in the Atlas Mountains.

Down in the foothills, it’s warmer and you can see a different side to the landscape as you wander through the palm valley of Tafraoute. Or there’s another chance to walk under the palms elsewhere in Morocco in the Dades Valley, although the water level in the river will be at its lowest this month. It’s date season, so you can even try some of the freshly harvested fruit during your visit.

The start of the month is also the best time to head to the coast. Temperatures in Essaouira and Agadir are a pleasant 25C although the sea breezes can make it feel cooler as October goes on. The inland cities are coming into their own again though with temperatures between around 25C and 28C in Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Chefchaouen, making it enjoyably warm for sightseeing but without the cooler evenings which arrive in the winter.

Festivals: The Date Festival takes place in October in Erfoud, celebrating the harvest of the fruit with dancing, music and plenty of chances to try sweets made from dates. The date depends on the harvest but it’s usually the third week of October.

Best for: Exploring the whole country, desert adventures, trekking and hiking, city breaks