morocco in spring

Morocco in Spring: Weather, Ramadan, Easter and How to Plan Your Trip

Yes, Morocco in spring is one of the best times of the year to visit. From March to May, Marrakech has warm, sunny days of about 22–27°C (72–81°F), the Sahara is pleasant for camel rides before the summer heat, and the valleys below the Atlas are green and in bloom. Nights are still cool, especially in the desert and the mountains.

Spring is also busy. Easter week, the end of Ramadan in March 2027 and the popular weeks of April and May all bring more travelers, so the best riads and desert camps fill early. Rain is more likely in Fes and Chefchaouen in March and April, and the Sahara gets hot by late May.

We are Chegaga Travel, a local agency based in Marrakech, and spring is one of our busiest seasons for private tours. This guide covers the real weather in each region, how to plan around Ramadan and Easter 2027, what changes from March to May, and a realistic 10-day spring itinerary. If you are still choosing a season, start with our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Morocco.

Morocco Spring Weather by Region (March to May)

Spring weather in Morocco warms quickly from month to month, and altitude still matters more than the calendar. In the same week of April, you can have 24°C (75°F) in Marrakech, near 30°C (86°F) in the Sahara, and cold nights in a High Atlas village. The table shows typical averages; early March feels close to winter, late May close to summer.

RegionDay (Mar → May)Night (Mar → May)What to expect
Marrakech22 → 27°C / 72 → 81°F9 → 14°C / 48 → 57°FSunny most days; a few showers in March and April; May starts to feel hot at midday
Sahara (Merzouga, Erg Chegaga)about 26 → 34°C / 79 → 93°Fabout 12 → 20°C / 54 → 68°FDry and bright; best in March and April; hot afternoons by late May; windy days possible
High Atlas villages (Imlil, about 1,740 m)about 18°C / 64°F in Aprilabout 6°C / 43°F in AprilSnow can stay on the high peaks into spring; valleys are green
Fes21 → 28°C / 70 → 82°F8 → 13°C / 47 → 56°FMarch is one of the wettest months; April and May are pleasant
Chefchaouen (Rif Mountains)about 18°C / 64°F in April, 21°C / 70°F in Mayabout 12–13°C / 54–55°FOften rainy in March and April; May is drier
Essaouira (Atlantic coast)about 20–23°C / 68–73°Fabout 13–15°C / 55–59°FMild and windy; the sea is cool for swimming

Sources: Weather2Travel – Marrakech, Weather & Climate – Morocco in April (Merzouga), Weather & Climate – Imlil in April, Way4i – Fes by month, Easeweather – Chefchaouen. Averages hide hot spells and cold snaps, so check the forecast a few days before you travel.

Daylight is no longer a limit in spring. By April the sun sets around 7:45 p.m. in Merzouga, and days are close to 13 hours long, so driving days can be longer and more relaxed than in winter.

Sunny garden with spring flowers in Marrakech in April

The Sahara in Spring: The Best Weeks for the Dunes

March and April are among the most comfortable months of the year in the Moroccan Sahara. Days are warm rather than hot, nights at camp are mild enough to sit outside late, and the long evenings leave time for a sunset camel ride without rushing. By late May, afternoons often pass 33°C (91°F), so the dunes are best enjoyed early in the morning and at sunset.

What changes in the desert from March to May

  • March: warm days and cool nights. Bring a fleece for the evening; you will rarely need the heavy winter layers.
  • April: often the most pleasant month. Sunset is around 7:45 p.m. in Merzouga, so you can arrive at camp in the late afternoon.
  • May: hot afternoons. Plan the camel ride for sunset and sunrise, rest in the shade at midday, and choose a camp with good ventilation.
  • Wind: spring can bring windy days and occasional sandstorms. They usually pass within hours; a scarf for your face and sunglasses make a big difference.

Merzouga or Erg Chegaga in spring?

Both are excellent in spring. Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) is reached on paved roads, fits naturally into a Marrakech-to-Fes route, and has the widest choice of camps. Erg Chegaga is wilder and quieter, with the last stretch by 4×4 on desert tracks, and works well as a loop from Marrakech. We compare both in Merzouga vs Erg Chegaga camel trek.

If you are short on time, our 3-day Sahara desert tour from Marrakech is the shortest comfortable way to see the dunes. For remote dunes and fewer vehicles, look at our Erg Chegaga desert tours. Before your camel ride, read what to wear for camel riding.

Travelers on a sunset camel ride in the Merzouga dunes in spring

Morocco in March, April and May: Month by Month

Morocco in March

March is mild and green, with Marrakech around 22°C (72°F) by day and cool evenings. It is the wettest spring month in Fes and the north, so keep a rain jacket and a flexible plan for Chefchaouen.

In 2027, March starts at the end of Ramadan. Ramadan is expected to run from about 8 February to 9 March 2027, with Eid al-Fitr around 10 March; the exact date depends on the moon sighting (Calendarific – Morocco holidays 2027). What this means for your trip:

  • In the first week of March, some cafés in small towns close during the day; sites, riads and tourist restaurants stay open.
  • Eid al-Fitr is a family holiday. Expect a quiet first morning, then busy roads as families visit each other.
  • Morocco usually moves its clocks back one hour during Ramadan and returns to normal time a few days after Eid, expected around 14 March 2027. Check your flight and transfer times.

Easter Sunday is 28 March 2027. The last week of March and the first half of April are busy, especially in Marrakech riads and Merzouga camps. Book these dates early.

Morocco in April

April is often the most balanced month of the year: about 24°C (75°F) in Marrakech, warm but not hot in the Sahara, green fields in the Dades and Ourika valleys, and long days. It is also one of the busiest months, so the earlier you plan, the better your choice of riads and camps.

April is a good month to combine the desert with the north. Fes and Chefchaouen still get some rain, but showers are usually short. In the Atlas, valley walks are excellent, while the highest trails can still have snow early in the month.

Morocco in May

May is warm and bright, around 27°C (81°F) in Marrakech, with less rain everywhere. The south is hot by late May, so desert nights are comfortable but midday is best spent in the shade.

May is rose season in the M’Goun valley. The Rose Festival in Kelaat M’Gouna celebrates the harvest of Damask roses and usually takes place in the first half of May; the 2025 edition ran in early May (AP News). Dates change with the harvest and are usually announced late, so plan a flexible day if you want to see it. Accommodation near Kelaat M’Gouna is limited during the festival.

Eid al-Adha is expected around 16–17 May 2027. It is the most important family holiday of the year: some shops close for two or three days, and roads and trains are busy before and after.

Pink Damask roses in the Valley of Roses near Kelaat M’Gouna in May

The Atlas Mountains in Spring: Hiking and Mountain Roads

Spring is one of the best seasons for walking in the High Atlas. Valleys around Imlil and the Ourika are green, villages are busy with farming, and days are around 18°C (64°F) in April, though nights still drop to about 6°C (43°F).

  • Valley walks between Berber villages are possible almost every day from March to May.
  • High trails and Toubkal can keep snow and ice into April. Early in the season, a summit attempt needs proper equipment and a certified mountain guide; by May conditions are usually easier.
  • Mountain roads: snow closures on the Tizi n’Tichka pass are rare after early spring, but rain can cause short delays on mountain roads, so an early start is still a good habit.

For guided walks with a local mountain guide, see our guided Atlas Mountains hiking tours. A day in the Atlas fits easily at the start or end of any private tour from Marrakech.

A Sample 10-Day Private Morocco Itinerary for Spring

This route uses spring’s long days to cover Marrakech, the Valley of Roses, two nights in the Sahara, Fes and Chefchaouen. Driving times are approximate and do not include photo or lunch stops.

DayRouteDriving timeSpring tip
1Arrive in MarrakechAirport transferDinner on a riad rooftop: evenings are mild from April
2Marrakech: guided medina visit, gardens, foodNoneVisit gardens in the morning, when they are coolest and quietest
3Marrakech – Tizi n’Tichka – Aït Ben HaddouAbout 4 hGreen Atlas slopes; snow may remain on the peaks in March
4Aït Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – Kelaat M’Gouna – Dades ValleyAbout 3 hIn early May, this is the day for the Valley of Roses
5Dades – Todra Gorge – Merzouga, sunset camel ride, desert campAbout 5 hWalk the gorge before the day warms up
6Merzouga: free day around Erg Chebbi, Khamlia village, second night in campShort drivesTwo nights are worth it in spring, when the weather is ideal
7Merzouga – Midelt – Ifrane – FesAbout 7–8 hThe longest day; the cedar forest near Azrou is green in spring
8Fes: guided medina visit, tanneries, craftsNoneKeep indoor visits ready if rain is forecast in March or April
9Fes – ChefchaouenAbout 4 hWalk the blue streets in the late afternoon light
10Chefchaouen – Tangier for departureAbout 2.5–3 hOr return to Fes or Casablanca if your flight leaves from there

Want a shorter trip? Drop the north and return from Fes, as in our Marrakech to Fes private tour. Want this exact direction? Our 10-day Morocco itinerary from Marrakech to Tangier follows a similar route and can be adapted to your dates. In Chefchaouen, a guided Chefchaouen walking tour helps you find the quieter lanes.

Blue-painted street in Chefchaouen on a spring morning

What to Pack for Morocco in Spring

Pack light layers: spring days are warm, but mornings, desert evenings and mountain villages are cool.

  • Breathable long sleeves and trousers in cotton or linen, for sun protection and for visiting villages respectfully.
  • A fleece or light down jacket for desert evenings in March and April and for the Atlas.
  • A light rain jacket for Fes and Chefchaouen in March and April.
  • Sunglasses, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen. The spring sun is strong in the desert and at altitude.
  • A scarf or buff against wind and sand on a camel ride.
  • Comfortable walking shoes for the medinas, and light hiking shoes if you plan Atlas walks.
  • A refillable water bottle, especially from late April when the south warms up.
  • Clothing that covers shoulders and knees, respectful during the end of Ramadan and in rural areas.

For the complete list by season, see our Morocco packing list.

Is Spring the Right Time for Your Morocco Trip?

Spring is a good fit if you…Choose another season if you…
Want warm days for both cities and the Sahara on one tripWant the quietest medinas and lowest demand (consider January)
Like green valleys, flowers and Atlas walksPlan to travel only on Easter week dates and book late
Want two comfortable nights in a desert campStruggle with heat and can only travel in late May
Can book riads and camps a few months aheadWant beach and swimming weather (the Atlantic is still cool)

If you prefer cooler, quieter travel, our guide to Morocco in winter covers December to February.

Why a private tour helps in spring

In spring, the main challenge is demand, not weather. With a private tour, your driver can leave before the tour buses at Aït Ben Haddou, change the order of days around Eid or a rose festival date, and slow down where you want more time. We also reserve riads and desert camps for your dates as soon as you confirm, which matters most around Easter. Learn more about how a Morocco private driver works.

Our private, tailor-made tours start from 272 US$ per day per person, based on 2 travellers. The final price depends on your dates, the length of the trip, your choice of riads and camps, and the activities you add.

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Judith Wiesner
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26 days of exploring Morocco with our guide and superb driver - Mohamed. It was an adventure that was tailor-made for us - a nice mix of urban and countryside. It exceeded our wildest expectations. Thank you
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Aurora Bjørlo
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We had a fantastic day trip from Marrakesh to Ait Ben Haddou with Walid! He was friendly, professional and made the whole journey really enjoyable. We had a great time exploring the beautiful scenery along the way. Highly recommend Walid to anyone visiting Marrakesh!
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sofia bucay
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We had a wonderful experience traveling through Morocco, and a big part of it was thanks to Hamid, who organized our entire 10-day, 9-night trip through TravelLocal. From the beginning, Hamid did an excellent job planning an itinerary that allowed us to experience many of the most important and beautiful places in Morocco. Everything was very well organized, from the route and transportation to the selection of beautiful riads and hotels, as well as our journey through the desert. The itinerary gave us a great opportunity to discover the diversity, culture, and beauty of Morocco. Our driver, Walid, also made a huge difference in our experience. He was with us throughout the trip and was extremely responsible, punctual, kind, and friendly. We always felt safe and comfortable with him. Along the way, he shared so much about Morocco, its culture, traditions, and the places we were visiting, which made the long drives interesting and gave us a much better understanding of the country. Walid was always patient and helpful, and by the end of the trip, we genuinely felt like we were saying goodbye to a friend. He even surprised us with a gift of delicious Moroccan cookies on our last day, which was such a thoughtful gesture. Overall, we had a wonderful experience with the trip Hamid organized and with Walid as our driver. Everything came together beautifully, and we returned home with incredible memories of Morocco. We would absolutely recommend both Hamid and Walid to anyone planning a trip to this beautiful
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Adriana Bochicchio
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Empresa muy responsable. Se encargaron de buscarnos en el hotel, el traslado, el hotel con rica comida. La excursión del desierto muy linda. Y los camellos muy cuidados.
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Peter Hill
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Our 28 day Moroccan adventure included traversing approximately 4000km of beautiful Morocco, visiting the four imperial cities, camel rides in the Erg Chebbi Desert, Balloon flights over Marakesh, hiking in the Dades Valley and ascending to the summit of Mt Toubkal. We connected with Hamid and Chegaga Travel through Travel Local and his assistance with itinerary planning and organising the right accommodation was critical to the success of our experience. Walid our driver is the quintessential professional. He is highly experienced in the tourism industry and he provided us with excellent advice. Our safety and comfort was always his priority. It is a long way from Australia to Morocco. Hamid, Walid and the team at Chegaga Travel have made our experience of Morocco one of our most treasured and memorable holidays. Peter & Josephine
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Patrick Bergeaud
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C’est la 1ere fois que nous venions au Maroc. Ce séjour de 10 jours a été fantastique. Notre premier contact à notre arrivée fut avec notre chauffeur Mustapha, avec qui le courant passa tout de suite. Après une 1ere nuit à Marrakech en plein milieu de la médina et tout près de la place Jemaa Fna, notre dépaysement fut total tant par la foule dans ces petites ruelles que par la température. Notre périple nous a conduit à Ouarzazate puis à Zagora avec tout au long du parcours de nombreux arrêts et visites qui ont rythmé les 2 journées avec des guides compétents. Puis ce fut l’apothéose avec le désert de Chegaga où les 2 nuits passées ont été exceptionnelles avec la balade à dos de dromadaire et le coucher de soleil sans oublier la visite d’une palmeraie avec le repas local chez l’habitant et les nuits au clair de lune. La suite du périple nous entraîna à Tarroudant via Foum Zguid puis 2 nuits à Essaouira avec un climat totalement différent (28-30) qui nous a permis de découvrir tranquillement cette belle ville côtière et profiter de la plage Enfin notre dernière escale nous a conduit de nouveau à Marrakech dont nous avons pu profiter beaucoup plus que lors de notre arrivée. Un grand merci à Hamid qui nous a organisé ce circuit de 10 jours et un grand merci à Mustapha, notre chauffeur guide qui nous a fait profiter de la découverte de son pays (ponctualité, gentillesse, disponibilité, bienveillance et toujours dans la bonne humeur). Il a su nous conseiller et nous a permis d’éviter les « pièges à touristes ». Nous conseillons fortement chegaga travel. Patrick et Elisabeth
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Justin
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We booked a 4-day (3-night) trip with Chegaga Travel, starting from Marrakesh all the way to the Sahara and finishing in Taghazout. This trip included stays in two riads and one modern camp. At each location, we received a 3-course menu, which was always good (and very vegetarian-friendly). This tour allowed us to get to know many different facets of Morocco, which we loved. Sights like the Dades Valley and the Todra Gorge felt especially memorable to us. One of the many highlights was the night spent in the camp in the middle of the Sahara. Not only was the camp itself beautiful and clean, but everyone we met was also very welcoming. We enjoyed a great breakfast and dinner there. Finally, we have to mention that our guide, Hassan, did an amazing job. He really knows how to drive and navigate through Morocco. Furthermore, he always listened to our needs regarding the different stops we wanted to make or skip. We had really nice conversations in which he shared interesting and detailed information about Morocco in general.
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Chuck Wightman
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I connected with Hamid through Travel Local, and his help in planning and executing the perfect 17-day trip through Morocco was exemplary -- absolutely fantastic. From arranging well-appointed, well-located riads and hotels, to planning a fairly complex itinerary covering some lesser visited sites and cities in Morocco, Hamid made sure my family had a fantastic trip, and was incredibly prompt in replying through both the planning stage and when we had a question in Morocco. He visited us the day of our arrival to make sure we were settled, and provided good advice for the sights we planned to see, as well as advice on where to get the best gifts/souvenirs, depending on our interests. Our driver Walid, had fabulous advice about the best eating options at each of our stops, and was prompt each morning, stopping at our pace throughout the day. He also treated us to what can only be called the best sweets in all of Morocco. I have traveled to more than 70 countries, and was thoroughly impressed with the care and attention to detail of Hamid and his team.
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Olivia Zink
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Walid was a very good driver and explained everything to us. Highly recommended.
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mrmousey201082
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Had the most amazing fun packed full day with a fantastic guide Walid, who was helpful , informative and showed us some amazing sights around morroco with some great views for photo oportunites Would recommend this tour company especially Walid. The camel ride and watching the sunset was our hightlight.

Plan your spring trip with a local team

Tell us your dates, how many people are traveling and what you want to see, and our Marrakech team will send you a personalized spring itinerary and quote, with realistic driving times and the best desert nights for your dates. Spring dates fill early, especially around Easter. Request your personalized Morocco itinerary.

Morocco in Spring: FAQ

Is spring a good time to visit Morocco?

Yes. March to May brings warm, sunny days in Marrakech (about 22–27°C / 72–81°F), comfortable weather in the Sahara and green Atlas valleys. It is also a busy season, so book riads and desert camps early, especially around Easter.

Is March a good time to visit Morocco?

Yes, for the cities and the desert. March is mild, with cool nights and some rain in Fes and the north. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to end around 9 March, with Eid al-Fitr around 10 March, and Easter Sunday is 28 March.

How hot is Morocco in April?

April is warm but not hot in most places: about 24°C (75°F) by day in Marrakech and around 30°C (86°F) in the Sahara, with cool evenings. The Atlas villages stay cooler, with nights around 6°C (43°F).

Can you visit the Sahara in May?

Yes, but plan around the heat. Late May afternoons often pass 33°C (91°F), so camel rides are best at sunset and sunrise. Nights in camp are warm and comfortable.

Is Morocco busy at Easter?

Yes. Easter week is one of the busiest periods of the year in Marrakech and the Merzouga camps. For Easter 2027 (28 March), we recommend booking several months ahead.

Does it rain in Morocco in spring?

Sometimes. March and April bring short showers to Marrakech and more rain to Fes and Chefchaouen. The Sahara stays mostly dry, and May is drier everywhere.

How much does a spring tour of Morocco cost?

Our private tours start from 272 US$ per day per person based on 2 travellers. The exact price depends on your dates, trip length and accommodation, and we confirm it in your personalized quote.

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