Where to goin Morocco.
From the medinas of Marrakech and Fès to the Sahara, the High Atlas and the Atlantic coast: what each place is like and how long to stay.
Marrakech
Palaces, souks, gardens and the Atlas next door.
Fès
Morocco's medieval heart.
Merzouga & Sahara
Erg Chebbi dunes and desert camps.
Chefchaouen
The blue city of the Rif.
High Atlas
Villages, valleys and Toubkal.
Essaouira
Ramparts, boats and Atlantic air.
Casablanca
The Hassan II Mosque and your arrival.
Approximate drive times
| From | To | Approx. drive |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | Imlil (High Atlas) | 1–1.5 h |
| Marrakech | Agafay desert | 45 min |
| Marrakech | Essaouira | 2.5–3 h |
| Marrakech | Aït Benhaddou | About 4 h |
| Marrakech | Merzouga | 9–10 h (split over 2 days) |
| Casablanca | Marrakech | 2.5–3 h |
| Casablanca | Rabat | About 1 h |
| Fès | Chefchaouen | 3.5–4 h |
| Fès | Merzouga | About 8 h |
Driving times without stops, which we always add. Mountain roads can be slower in winter.
When to go where
Average daytime highs by month.
| Place | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 19 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 29 | 33 | 37 | 37 | 32 | 28 | 23 | 20 |
| Fès | 16 | 18 | 21 | 23 | 27 | 32 | 36 | 36 | 31 | 26 | 20 | 17 |
| Essaouira | 19 | 19 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 21 | 20 |
| Merzouga (Sahara) | 17 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 38 | 42 | 41 | 35 | 28 | 22 | 18 |
| Chefchaouen | 15 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 32 | 32 | 28 | 23 | 18 | 15 |
Approximate long-term average daily highs in °C. Mint = comfortable for sightseeing; saffron = hot. Desert and mountain nights are much colder than these daytime figures.
Let's begin your journey.
Tell us who is travelling, when, and how you want Morocco to feel. A Morocco specialist in Marrakech replies personally with a private route and an itemised proposal.