Travelling to Morocco in February: Is it a good time to visit?
- Malika
- Jun 16, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Travelling to Morocco in February? Discover everything you need to know about visiting Morocco in the winter, from weather to crowds and where to go.
As the Northern Hemisphere transitions from the depths of winter into the gradual awakening of spring, Morocco is magnificent in more ways than one. The temperatures are relatively mild, particularly in the south of the kingdom, making February an ideal time to visit Morocco if you want to escape the chill back home.
Additionally, February is one of the quietest months for tourism in the country, something I appreciate as an expat living in Morocco! There's more room to move in the medinas and I love that you can make last-minute bookings without worrying that all the most sought-after riads and hotels are at capacity.
Due to the reduced demand, you can sometimes find more affordable prices on flights, accommodations and tour packages, making February one of the cheapest months to visit Morocco.
In my opinion, February is a wonderful time to explore the Sahara and the sunny coastal cities of Agadir and Essaouira, which offer a welcome escape from the winter snows and heavy rainfall that are impacting much of Europe. The month also plays host to the Almond Blossom Festival in the town of Tafraoute, which is well worth venturing off-the-beaten tourist track for.
During February, tour groups tend to be smaller - you don't have to worry about being swamped by people at major tourist sites. This also allows for more personalised interactions with locals and the chance to delve deeper into the country's cultural heritage and traditions.
Whether you're shopping up a storm in the souks of Marrakech or being awed by the architectural wonders of Fes, travelling to Morocco in February offers some refreshingly authentic experiences.
In this article, discover what you can expect if you’re travelling to Morocco in February, from weather to events and the best places to visit.
If you're focusing your travels on Marrakech, Fes, Agadir or Essaouira, click on the links to find detailed information about visiting each in February.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Weather in Morocco in February
Is February a popular time to visit Morocco?
Festivals and events in Morocco in February
Where to go in Morocco in February
Weather in Morocco in February
In the southern regions of Morocco, the weather in February is particularly pleasant, offering an ideal escape from the chilly winter conditions across much of Europe and North America. While February sees a slight decrease in rainfall compared to January, there's still a good chance of encountering a rainy day or two during your Moroccan vacation.
In February, Marrakech enjoys an abundance of sunshine, with daytime temperatures hovering comfortably around 20°C (70°F). Evenings can be much chillier, however, with lows dipping to around 10°C (50°F). I'd suggest booking a Marrakech riad with a fireplace if you're visiting in winter - it's such a treat in the evenings!
If you're heading further north to Casablanca, Rabat or Tangier, the weather takes on a decidedly more wintery feel. Here, the mercury struggles to reach the mid-teens Celsius (low 60s Fahrenheit) in February and grey skies predominate. Personally, I don't think late winter is the best time to visit northern Morocco.
But the real extremes can be found in the Atlas Mountains, where daytime highs may climb as high as 20°C (70°F) during the day, only to plummet considerably once night falls. If you're travelling into the mountains of Morocco in February, be sure to pack lots of layers of warm clothing!
Is February a popular time to visit Morocco?
While the peak tourist season in Morocco typically runs from October through April, February stands out as a notably crowd-free month. This makes it an ideal time to visit Morocco if you're looking to experience the country's cultural attractions and stunning landscapes without having to compete for space.
As the winter weather starts to wind down and spring slowly begins to emerge, late-February is a wonderful time to be in Morocco's cities and rural regions. Popular attractions like the medinas of Fes and Marrakech, the dramatic gorges of the High Atlas mountains and the picturesque coastal towns along the Atlantic seaboard tend to be far less congested.
As a result, you may be able to nab significant savings on hotel and riad rates if you're travelling to Morocco in February or perhaps even splurge with a luxury stay.
Festivals and events in Morocco in February
Almond Blossom Festival
Each February, the small town of Tafraoute in southern Morocco celebrates the annual almond harvest with a festival showcasing the cultural traditions of the local Amazigh people. In addition to music and dance performances, you can see artisanal crafts and sample almond-based delicacies, such as nougat and pastries.
The nearby "Valley of the Temples" provides ample opportunity for hiking amid the dramatic, ochre-coloured peaks, with the chance to marvel at the famous "Blue Painted Rocks".
Ramadan
In 2026, Ramadan will take place from February to March (around 16 February to 18 march) and is celebrated by Morocco’s Muslim community. This significant religious event in the Islamic calendar involves fasting during daylight hours, multiple daily prayers and the overall strengthening one's faith.
Families come together following sunset to break their daily fasts and experiencing one of these joyous meals is a memorable part of any visit. Ramadan evenings are also really lively as many people head out to stroll after they've eaten and catch up with friends.
It's important to remember that restaurants, shops and public areas might have shorter operating hours during Ramadan, so be sure to plan ahead.
If you're travelling to Morocco during Ramadan, you'll find everything you need to know in my detailed article here.
Where to go in Morocco in February
Considering the weather, it's best to focus your explorations on the south of the country if you're visiting Morocco in February. Along the southern coastline, temperatures are pleasantly warm, making it an ideal time to relax on the beaches surrounding Agadir, Mirleft and Sidi Ifni or hit the surf breaks around Taghazout (the Atlantic swells are at their best in winter).
Further inland, the Sahara Desert also offers exceptional experiences at this time of year, with the mild winter weather perfect for venturing out on camel treks or quad-biking tours. The clear, dust-free air makes February an excellent month for photography, allowing you to capture the ever-changing colours and dramatic scenery of the Sahara in all its glory.
In the Atlas Mountains, the ski resort town of Oukaïmeden, located about 80 kilometres (50 miles) south of Marrakech, offers a small but enjoyable winter sports centre with downhill runs. Alternatively, the Michlifen ski station near Ifrane provides another option for hitting the slopes, with the views across the snow-blanketed hills worth the visit alone.
Beyond the outdoor adventures, travelling to Morocco in February means you can explore Morocco's captivating cities at a more leisurely pace. Large tour groups tend to be smaller in number and the most popular architectural attractions in the medinas aren't swarming with tourists.
You can hire a private guide to wander the labyrinthine medinas of Marrakech and Fes (be sure to rug up for the latter) or enjoy the relaxed atmosphere that permeates Essaouira’s bohemian cafes and art galleries.
