Morocco Weather in May 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

For what to expect if you travel to Morocco in May, read our travel advice and weather info below, with average temperatures, rainfall, and humidity, places to go, and travel tips, including what to wear.

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1. Morocco Weather in May: Overview

Djemaa El Fna, Marrakesh, Morocco

Averages:

• Temperature range: 14–25°C (57–77°F)
• Rainfall: 2 cm (1 inches)
• Rainy days: 6
• Sunshine hours/day: 10
• Ocean temperature: 17°C (63°F)
• Humidity: 33–79% (comfortable in the desert to very humid on the coast)

May is when you will see Morocco's weather get warmer, with temperatures reaching average highs of 31°C (88°F) in Mergouza and 28°C (82°F) in Marrakesh. Coastal temperatures are also rising in May, although it might still be a little too early for a beach holiday if you're in search of balmy sunbathing conditions.

Rainy days also start to reduce in May, with an average of 2 cm (or 1 inch) of rain in May, and the days are longer at an average of 10 hours of sunshine a day.

May Climate Comparison (Averages) for Morocco's Top Tourism Areas

2. The Best Places to Visit in Morocco in May

May marks the end of spring and the start of summer, with warmer temperatures throughout Morocco. It is one of the best times to visit Morocco, with the weather being warm but not unbearable throughout. Days are long and sunny, with very few rainy days along the north of the country.

This time of year is a great time to visit the Atlas Mountains, as with April, due to comfortable temperatures for active outdoor activities. May is also still pleasant to visit many of Morocco's historical and cultural sights, with temperatures not yet being unpleasant.

It is still a little early to be visiting Morocco's beaches, as coastal temperatures are not yet warm enough for those looking for somewhere to sunbathe, especially in the mornings and evenings.

Read on further to find out more about putting together your ideal May itinerary to visit Morocco:

1) Hike in the Atlas Mountains Following a Visit to Marrakesh

The Atlas Mountains, Morocco

If you're visiting Morocco, you have to stop in Marrakesh, the nation's number one tourist destination for good reason! In Marrakesh you'll be able to learn more about Moroccan culture through a walking tour of the old center (the Medina) and a visit to the markets (also known as the souks).

There are a lot of stops to hit on your visit to Marrakesh. To make sure you don't miss anything important, and for more information, see our Top 11 Things to Do in Marrakesh.

After Marrakesh we recommend a visit to the Atlas Mountains, where there are plenty of paths to choose for a trek, depending on how long you'd like to trek, and what you're looking to see. With a wide variety to choose from, there is something for every level of fitness.

Besides breathtaking mountain landscapes, a trek through the Atlas Mountains would also introduce you to Moroccan Berber culture, as you can visit villages in the mountains to learn more about their traditions and connection to these impressive peaks.

If you're unsure of where to start to put together a trek in the Atlas Mountains, please feel free to reach out for us to put together a tailor-made itinerary with local, knowledgeable guides. Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.

2) Enjoy the Agafay Desert, near Marrakesh

The Agafay Desert, Morocco

A short distance of 30 km (20 miles) from Marrakesh, the Agafay Desert is also a good option for May. Hot in the day, but not as sweltering as later in the summer, it has comfortable temperatures in the evening.

Although not as dreamy as the Sahara Desert near Mergouza, it doesn't need a day's road journey to get there. You may like to spend a night there to enjoy its austere sand-and-rock landscape and desert activities — from quad bike trips to desert resorts with pools or more-outdoorsy campfires and tents.

3) Soak up the Culture in Meknes and Fez

Meknes, Morocco

As two of Morocco's three "imperial cities", Fez and Meknes are close to each other and both of cultural importance.

In Fez, make sure you drop into some of the artisan workshops to see traditional Moroccan leather making, cloth dying, and copper crafts, dotted throughout its approximately 4,900 traditionally laid-out alleys.

In Meknes, you'll be able to see the difference between the older and newer parts of town, dating back as far as the 3rd-century-BC UNESCO World Heritage Site of Volubilis, an incredible Roman temple that is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman sites in Morocco.

After your visit to Volubilis, we recommend seeing Bab Al Mansour, probably the best-known city gate across all of North Africa. You can take this gate into Meknes' medina, the old city, to explore further.

For more in-depth information about both Fez and Meknes, see the following articles:

• Top 9 Things to See in Fez (Fes)
• Top 11 Things to See in Meknes

4) Take Family Pictures in the Blue City of Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen, Morocco

As probably one of the best-known sights of Morocco, Chefchaouen is a great backdrop for some family photos, with its gorgeous blue-washed buildings. The historic lanes have lots of interesting sights to see, including Chefchaouen Ethnographic Museum.

There are many contrasting theories about why the buildings there are blue, ranging from suggestions that it keeps mosquitoes away, to the theory that it helps keeps houses cool in the warmer summer months. May is a good time to visit, before the temperatures really rise there.

There are some beautiful hikes around the city too, so we recommend staying anywhere between 1 day to multiple days for treks in the city and the nearby luscious, green Rif Mountains.

See more on Top 7 Things to See and Do in Chefchaouen.

3. Morocco Festivals in May: Labor Day

Marrakesh, Morocco

Labor Day falls on May 1 in Morocco every year. This holiday commemorates the achievements of the labor movement, and it is an annual public holiday in Morocco.

Visiting during this time, you might not even notice it is Labor Day, with the exception of more crowds at the beaches or in the public parks. Most museums and tourist attractions remain open, we recommend calling ahead to smaller museums or restaurants to ensure they are open, just in case.

Public transport might also be slightly busier during the May Labor Day holiday.

4. End of High Season: More Crowds and More Costly

Merzouga Dunes, Morocco

May marks the end of the high season in Morocco, as temperatures are increasing. This means that there are higher numbers of tourists in Morocco at this time, leading to higher costs for transportation and accommodation.

As a result, you might find certain places busier if you visit in May. It is worth booking a little further in advance for a visit in May to avoid disappointment or the rising prices for traveling around the country.

5. What to Wear in May

Tannery man in Marrakesh, Morocco

With May's temperatures being higher in Morocco than preceding months, we recommend wearing light trousers and a T-shirt or a cotton shirt. Natural fabrics tend to feel more airy during the warmer times of the day, and in the cities where temperatures are higher such as Marrakesh.

As Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, we don't recommend wearing very short shorts or tops without short sleeves. While you will still be able to get around in less clothing, you might feel uncomfortable with the stares from the public, as most people in Morocco tend to dress more conservatively.

If you are looking to go hiking, into the desert or into the mountains, we recommend bringing an additional layer for the evenings when the temperatures can drop significantly. A sweater or a hoodie should be enough, or if you are sleeping in a camp or planning to stay in accommodation without heating we recommend warmer pajamas.

Monthly Weather in Morocco

Recommended Tours for Morocco in May

As May is the high season it can be hard to choose where to visit during this time of year. If you have specific thoughts on what you would like to do while you are in Morocco, do reach out and let us help you put together your ideal itinerary. We can take the stress out of planning your family's holiday for you. Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.

We've put together a list of some sample itineraries that work well for visiting Morocco in May below, covering a range of different places.

• Grand Tour of Morocco — 11-Day Private Tour: Casablanca–Rabat–Chefchaouen–Fez–Merzouga–Ouazazate–Marrakesh–Essaouira – El Jadida – Casablanca
• North Morocco Discovery — 5-Day Private Tour: Tangier–Chefchaouen–Fez–Volubilis
• South Morocco Civilization and Sahara Desert — 8-day Private Tour: Marrakesh – Zagora – M'Hamid – Erg Chegaga – Ouarzazate
• Classic Morocco with Essaouira — 12-Day Private Tour: Casablanca–Rabat–Fez–Merzouga–Ouarzazate–Marrakesh–Essaouira
• More Morocco Tours