When and Where to Go - Où et quand partir - Dónde y cuándo salir de viaje - Wohin und wann reisen






Travel quotes

Like all great travellers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen. Benjamin Disraeli

In America there are two classes of travel - first class, and with children. Robert Benchley

Travelers never think that they are the foreigners. Mason Cooley

The traveler was active; he went strenuously in search of people, of adventure, of experience. The tourist is passive; he expects interesting things to happen to him. He goes "sight-seeing." Daniel J. Boorstin

There are only two emotions in a plane: boredom and terror. Orson Welles

Africa > Morocco



Morocco : When and where to go ?


Click on a city for complete climate and weather tables     

TownJanFebMarAprMayJuneJulyAugSeptOctNovDec
Marrakech
Rabat


Morocco : Maps and Facts

One of the characteristics of the Moroccan climate is the distinct differences between day and night, summer and winter.

Only the Atlantic coast offers moderate temperatures. The irregular, but often heavy, rainfall on higher land during autumn and spring, together with the hot, dry weather starting in May, sometimes suffocating due to the east wind, all provide a mixture of cold and heat, rain and sun.

It is therefore for you to choose the best time to visit Morocco according to the area you wish to visit and the activities you wish to pursue; trekking in the desert in February, beaches at Essaouira in July, visiting the Imperial towns in April….

 
Morocco : maps

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What to do in Morocco


Nature and culture rub shoulders to the greater pleasure of the visitors in Morocco; relaxation, adrenalin boosters, discovery of a civilisation, various festivals, trekking in the desert, hiking in the mountains… Everyone will find what you dream of doing available in this country of contrasts, geographic as much as human.

A visit to the Imperial cities should not be missed by visitors interested in history; Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, will all amaze you in their turn with their numerous treasures. The Jema El Fna square, the minaret at Koutoubia and the gardens of Majorelle at Marrakech rival the Medina of Casablanca or that of Fas where you can take part in the Sacred World Music Festival if you should be there in June.

Visitors seeking more physical activities have many opportunities to enjoy themselves in the magnificent and wild surroundings of the open country; discover the southern provinces with a 4 wheel drive, go on the oasis trail and follow the desert tracks, navigate the sand dunes on the back of a camel or go walking in the High Atlas mountains, climb Mount Toubkal (4,068 metres), play golf in Agadir or surf at Essaouira… You are spoilt for choice here.

Whatever you decide to do during your visit, one thing that everyone will enjoy is the warm welcome received from the hospitable Moroccans.
 

Morocco : The basics


Very well served by numerous airlines, Morocco is about three hours flight from the majority of European airports.

No visa is required for the majority of European visitors but make sure you have a valid passport. Note that a tourist permit is valid for 90 days.

The Moroccan currency is the dirham, you can withdraw cash in all the major towns, the banks are equipped with ACMs.

The budget required depends on you according to the place where you stay and the month of your visit. Obviously a more touristic resort will cost more than stating in a town off the beaten track however, as a rough guide, a double room in a reasonable hotel will cost around 300 Dh per night and a restaurant meal between 50 and 300 Dh depending on the type of establishment; local, tourist or gourmet.

Do not forget to reserve some money for the souvenirs you will no doubt wish to take home with you; rugs, spices, pottery, wicker work, brass trays and Touareg jewellery are all very popular.

Basic health precautions to take include washing your hands well before meals, drink only mineral water and wash and peel fruit.

If you need to travel internally there are several train lines that connect the major towns although buses are cheaper and between them the local companies cover the whole country. You can also rent a car for a reasonable price but make sure you take out an all risk insurance cover.

In the larger towns, small and large taxis enable you to move around easily for a reasonable price.

Towns in Morocco


Marrakech

MarrakechCity of Morocco at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech has a little less than one million inhabitants. Comprising two parts, first the Medina is the historical and ancient, and secondly the new town recently, the city continues to grow towards its periphery.

Imperial city marked by a rich history, it is now an important cultural center and tourist destination. Spring and autumn are the most pleasant seasons to explore the city.

The Medina alone can justify several days of exploration dating from the 11th century, is surrounded by ramparts, dotted riads closed their shaded central courtyard and is home to the incomparable souks of Marrakech, with their hundreds of shops and Artisans working in the noise of the crowd and the smell of spices. You will enter after strolling on the Jamaa El Fna, and can visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadians, the Bahia Palace, among others. Guéliz and wintering areas are where you find modern hotels and many shops of luxury.

Do not miss the Menara Gardens, the Jardin Majorelle and Museum of Islamic Art. In addition, several events take place within the city, like the International Film Festival or Festival of contemporary dance, attracting a different type of tourists.

The city, in addition to its undeniable charms, is also the starting point for trips to the Ourika valley or the Toubkal National Park.

Rabat

RabatCapital of Morocco, Rabat has over 600 000 inhabitants, and almost two million if one takes into account the totality of the city.

Bordering the Atlantic Ocean, the city is surrounded by a monumental wall. It is served by the international airport of Rabat-Salé.

To get around the city, bus networks and tramway are still under construction. Several sites worth visiting tourists, and the Kasbah Oudaïas and the garden of the same name, Chella necropolis dating from 1339, the Cathedral of St. Peter, the Hassan Tower, Royal Palace, Agdal mosque, the Old Medina, the park Ibn Sina with its eucalyptus and pines, the Archaeological Museum, not to mention the beaches, the marina Bouregreg or wall of the Andalusians.

For your accommodation, you will find easily all categories of hotels and riads in the medina at affordable prices.

The restaurants are located in the trendy district of Agdal, but you discover during your strolls number of small discrete and small offices that enjoy mint tea and Moroccan pastries, and other delicious local specialties.