Travelling to Morocco in March: Is it a good time to visit?
- Malika
- Jun 17, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Travelling to Morocco in March? Discover everything you need to know about visiting Morocco in the spring, from weather to crowds and where to go.
With spring in full swing, March is a wonderful month to visit Morocco and one of my favourite times to be in the country. During these weeks, the temperatures are perfectly warm during the day, often reaching the mid-20s Celsius (mid-70s Fahrenheit). This makes it an ideal time for both city sightseeing and outdoor recreation this captivating North African nation.
That being said, the nighttimes can still be crisp and cool - pack lots of warm layers if you're travelling to Morocco in March. But, in my opinion, the temperature contrast is all part of the allure - I love enjoying the warm sunshine during the day, then getting rugged up at night (ideally beside an open fireplace).
In March, the tourist crowds that flood Morocco's most popular cities and attractions during April and May have not yet arrived in full force. This means you can experience the architectural wonders of Marrakech and Fes with fewer people vying for the same photo opportunities.
The exception to this is if the Easter holidays happen to fall in March, bringing a noticeable uptick in visitors. Get your accommodation bookings locked in early if this is the case!
With the landscapes beginning to awaken from their winter slumber, March is an exceptional time to enjoy Morocco’s great outdoors. Budding trees and blooming flowers dot the rolling hills and mountain ranges, offering a feast for nature lovers. The Sahara Desert is also at its best, with idyllic daytime temperatures and crisp nights for enjoying the convivial atmosphere around the campfire.
In this article, I'll explain what you can expect if you’re travelling to Morocco in March, 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 March.
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Weather in Morocco in March
As winter's chill begins to fade across Morocco, the transition into the warmer springtime season arrives earlier than in much of the Northern Hemisphere. In Marrakech, the daily highs often reach into the low 20s Celsius (70s Fahrenheit) - perfect for exploring the city's maze-like medina and colourful souks before the summer heat kicks in.
Further north, in the imperial city of Fes, the coastal port of Tangier and the blue-hued town of Chefchaouen, March temperatures tend to be slightly cooler. But they're still pleasant enough for outdoor exploration if you want to travel to northern Morocco in March.
The arrival of spring does come with a trade-off - increased rainfall - and March is considered one of the wettest periods in Morocco. While this may mean packing an umbrella or light jacket for protection against showers, the upside is that the precipitation breathes new life into Morocco's often arid landscapes.
In response, the country's desert gorges and mountains ignite with greenery and blossoming orchards - this is a particularly magical time to explore Dades and Todra gorges.
Visiting Morocco in March
Is March a popular time to visit Morocco?
As the winter chill begins to fade and spring's warmth starts to take hold, March is one of the best times to visit Morocco. While the high tourist season has not yet reached its peak, the country's major cities and desert landscapes start to see a noticeable uptick in visitor numbers, compared to February at least.
This makes March an ideal time to visit Morocco if you want to feel a buzz in the air, but without having to contend with large crowds. You can explore the ancient medinas, haggle for treasures in the souks and trek through the High Atlas mountains, all with a greater sense of space and solitude.
That being said, it's important to note that if the Easter holidays fall during the month of March, a noticeable surge in holidaymakers descend on the country. If you're travelling to Morocco during this period, don't leave your bookings to the last minute!
Travelling to Morocco in March
Festivals and events in Morocco in March
Ramadan
In 2026, Ramadan will fall between February and March and is observed by the majority of Morocco’s Muslim population. This major religious observance in the Islamic calendar is a time of fasting (from dawn til dusk), prayer (multiple times a day) and deepening one's connection to faith.
Following sunset, families gather together in the evenings to break their daily fasts and sharing in one of these convivial meals is a highlight of any visit. Afterwards, many people head out to meet up with friends and there's a really lively atmosphere in Moroccan streets on Ramadan nights!
It’s worth keeping in mind that restaurants, stores and public spaces may have reduced opening hours during Ramadan and you'll need to plan accordingly.
You can learn more about travelling to Morocco during Ramadan here.
Visiting Morocco in March
Where to go in Morocco in March
March is a wonderful time to visit Morocco's southern Atlantic coast, where the weather is warm and pleasant with little to no rainfall. In addition to the charming seaside city of Essaouira, known for its bustling fishing port and lively arts scene, consider hitting up the beachfront resort of Agadir.
Many in-the-know sun-seekers (particularly RVers) head further south to laid-back Mirleft and Sidi Ifni where you'll find Spanish colonial buildings and gorgeous beaches backed by ochre-hued cliffs. The mild temperatures at this time of year make it an ideal opportunity to stroll along the sands and sample the locally caught seafood that is a specialty of the region.
Beyond the coast, March is also a wonderful time to explore the stunning mountain landscapes of Morocco, including the Rif Mountains in the north and the High Atlas range that carves through the country. The gorges of Dades and Todra are both magnificent after the spring rains and can easily be combined with a visit to Ait Benhaddou.
While hikers should be prepared for the possibility of some rain, the spring wildflowers that bloom at this time of year add a whimsical touch to the already breathtaking scenery. If you're venturing into the High Atlas, you may encounter snow at the higher elevations and skiing is usually still possible at Oukaïmeden and Michlifen in March.
If you’re thinking about heading inland to the Sahara Desert, March is a particularly appealing time to visit as the weather is deliciously mild and the peak crowds are yet to arrive. Just be sure to pack warm clothing for the evenings, as the desert nights can still be quite chilly.
Hitting up Toubkal National Park, Ait Benhaddou and the Sahara Desert, this two-week itinerary from Essaouira is a perfect option for March visitors who want to explore on a self-driving trip.
