Visiting Morocco in September

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The start of autumn spells the end of those energy-sappingly high temperatures, as well as bidding farewell to the local holidaymakers as school and work resumes. Instead, it’s pleasantly warm, with blue skies and a chance to get out exploring once again – September is a definite contender for the best time to visit Morocco if you love a sunny holiday exploring.

There are clear skies over the Atlas mountains and milder temperatures which make walking a delight. Trek through mountain villages as you follow Berber paths, soak up the views on an easier hike in the Atlas Mountains or on a guided walk in the sunny foothills in the palm valley of Tafraoute. It’s another of the best months to climb Mount Toubkal as well, before the snows of winter arrive and make it harder to summit the highest mountain in north Africa.. There’s more tempting walking elsewhere in Morocco in the Dades Valley too, where you can follow trails among the palms and by the river.

It’s still hot in the inland cities, although the temperatures start dropping below 30C as the month goes on. If you’re worried about melting in Marrakech, why not head to Taroudant, known as Petit Marrakech – venturing inside the walled city feels like stepping back in time. The blues of Chefchaouen are sparkling in the sun this month, while there’s more history to be found at Fes as you weave through the maze of its medina and the nearby royal city of Meknes.

The Sahara can still be very hot too, especially towards the start of the month, so it’s best to plan your desert adventures for later in September, whether you want the full camel-riding experience or an overnight stay combined with Ait Benhaddou and Zagora. You could also try a brief visit to the Agafay Stone Desert as an alternative to the sweeping dunes, an easy option to combine with Marrakech.

Or if you want to make the most of the sun, head to the coast where it’s perfect beach weather. The wind drops dramatically in Essaouira as soon as summer is over, although you’ll still find plenty of breezes to keep you cool or fly a kite along the sand. Or head along the coast to Agadir to soak up the rays, with temperatures hovering around the mid 20Cs.

Festivals: The Imilchil festival, or Festival of the Brides, takes place in the Middle Atlas with hundreds of Berber people gathering in intricate outfits to find a spouse, while women traditionally cover everything except their eyes. These days most couples already know each other, but it’s also a chance to share Amazigh culture, including music and dancing.

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