Marrakech city breaks

Temperature: Mid 20s (°C) in spring, to mid to high 30s (°C) in the summer.

When’s the best time to go?

Sitting on the outskirts of the Sahara Desert and overlooked by the snowy grandeur of the High Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a superb destination for a holiday and a city where the past and present are intertwined, creating a backdrop that is as exciting as it is relaxing. Barter your way through sand-dusted souks, get an invigorating massage in a local hammam or soak up the sun on one of the many nearby beaches.

As you might expect from a desert city, the climate is warm and dry for most of the year. However, to help you pick the right time for your African adventure, we put some Marrakech travel advice together.

The hottest months are between June and September. While the temperature averages at around 29°C, it’s not uncommon for it to leap into the 40s by day. At night, things can get chilly very quickly, so it’s worth packing something warm just in case. With an average of 14 hours’ sunshine a day, there’s plenty of time to get bronzing.

The wettest month is November, but even that’s not a big deal. If you’re not a fan of extreme heat, your best bet is to book your holiday to Marrakech in the spring or autumn, when things hover around the 25°C mark.

Marrakech Weather Overview

Jan | Feb | March | April | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec

Explorers: Dive straight into the vibrant city life; head for the lively square and make your way through the alleyways. Get your haggling head on and explore the busy souk to sample a slice of traditional Moroccan life.  

Scenery lovers: From the historic city centre to the breath-taking backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, it’s easy to fall in love with this city.

History buffs: This destination is one of Morocco’s former imperial capital cities, and it’s home to an array of historic attractions and fascinating museums. You’ll find the fascinating Saadian Tombs within easy reach. 

Language: The language spoken in Marrakech is Arabic.

Currency: The currency used in Marrakech is the Moroccan Dirham (Dh).

Local time: Marrakech is the same time zone as GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Marrakech airport, 7km south west of the resort.

Flight time from UK: Approximately 3 hours 20 minutes.

Tourist information: Further Marrakech tourist information can be found at www.visitmorocco.com.

Visa / health: Before you travel, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco for advice on visas and your health for your holiday to Marrakech.

By bus: There are plenty of buses to take you to the north west of the old city, running from early morning till late at night.

By taxi: Hail a beige taxi almost anywhere in the city and round up to the nearest dirham or two when you reach your destination.

By horse-drawn carriage: Ride around the medina on a caliche, a horse-drawn carriage; check the fixed hourly rates painted on the side of the carriage or agree on a price beforehand on shorter trips.

For arts lovers: Watch the streets of Marrakech come alive for the National Festival of Popular Arts with traditional Berber music, folk dancing and street performers in July.

For film buffs: Enjoy the week-long Marrakech International Film Festival for a spectacular showcase of world cinema.

Passports and visas

Do I need a passport?

Marrakech passport regulations state that British citizens will need a valid UK passport to gain entry to the country. On arrival, ensure that your passport is stamped with an entry stamp. For further advice before you set off on your Marrakech holidays, visit: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements

Do I need a visa?

British citizens do not need a Marrakech visa if they are staying for less than three months. For the latest information on visa requirements, head to: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements

Should I get travel health insurance?

While you might see your holiday to Marrakech as a chance to relax or explore, it’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected. Travel health insurance can give you financial protection against injury or illness, covering the cost of things such as medical treatment, medicine, and medical repatriation back to the UK if necessary. Check your policy to see what is and isn’t covered before you fly.

Any other tips?

• If you’re visiting the markets, be prepared to haggle. As a rule of thumb, have what you’re prepared to pay in mind, but start bargaining at a lower price. Don’t enter into haggling unless you have genuine intent to buy; time-wasters are not looked upon kindly.
• When using taxis, be sure to agree on the fare with the driver before you get in.
• When taking photographs, don’t be tempted to try and take pictures of the locals without first asking permission. Public performers such as snake charmers may ask for a fee.
• Avoid drinking tap water; stick to the bottled stuff. Similarly, try not to eat salads that have been washed in tap water, ice cubes in drinks, or fruit that has been peeled and washed.
• ATMs can be hard to find, even in the newer parts of the city. Carry as much cash as you think you’ll need. You’ll find that upmarket restaurants and shops do tend to accept cards.