Visiting Fes in October: Weather + Festivals + Things to Do
- Malika
- Feb 28
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 1
Is October a good time to visit Fes? If you're looking for mild weather and fewer tourists, October is a fantastic time to explore Fes. The intense summer heat has faded, leaving behind warm autumn days that are perfect for sightseeing without the need for heavy layers. This is Morocco’s shoulder season at its best!
October is a wonderful time to wander through the narrow streets of the ancient medina and hunt for handcrafted goods in the souks and artisan workshops. The cooler climate also makes it a great time to visit the city's stunning palaces, madrasas and mosques, although you should be prepared for the occasional shower.
With less demand for places to stay, you may find better deals at some of the best hotels and riads in Fes, making for a more budget-friendly vacation.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Fes in October, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Fes in October to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in October here.
For more information about visiting this ancient, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Fes.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Fes weather in October
In October, Fes experiences mild temperatures averaging around 27°C (80°F) during the day - absolutely perfect for sightseeing! In the evening, the mercury drops to around 14°C (57°F), so I’d recommend bringing a light jacket or sweater to layer up for nighttime outings.
Compared to September, you can expect a slight increase in rainfall, with moderate precipitation spread across an average of seven days during October. It’s wise to bring a waterproof or an umbrella if you have space in your luggage, although there are plenty of awnings to duck under if you do get caught in a surprise shower.
Visiting Fes in October
Is October a busy time in Fes?
By October, things are starting to quieten down in Fes, although I wouldn’t say it’s crowd-free. October forms part of the shoulder season in Morocco, making it an ideal time to visit for those seeking a more relaxed experience. While the city remains lively, the throngs of tourists that descend upon Fes during the peak summer months and early autumn have largely dissipated.
As demand for accommodations and tours decreases, you may find more competitive hotel/riad rates and a wider range of options available. That being said, I wouldn’t leave your bookings until the last minute, particularly if you're looking to stay at one of Fes' most sought-after riads - these boutique properties usually have very limited rooms!
What’s on in Fes in October
October tends to be a quiet month for large-scale events in Fes, with no major celebrations or festivals on the calendar (at least none that have been announced at the time of writing). But that doesn’t mean there aren’t things happening in the city - you just might need to keep an ear to the ground (or an eye on posters) to discover pop-up exhibitions and live music nights taking place.
I’d also recommend asking the staff at your riad or hotel if they know of any local events that are scheduled during your October trip to Fes.
Best things to do in Fes in October
Best things to do in Fes in October
One of the best things to do in Fes in October is wander through the ancient medina of Fes el-Bali and get lost among the bustling souks. Here you’ll find everything from colourful textiles to aromatic spices and handcrafted ceramics - the shopping in Fes really is incredible! Even the tiniest hole-in-the-wall places can reveal beautifully crafted goods - perfect if you're after one-of-a-kind souvenirs and gifts.
If you don’t want to go it alone, you can find guided shopping experiences that access hidden workshops and artisan stores where you can connect with local craftspeople.
While exploring the medina, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century religious school adorned with elaborate zellije tiles, carved cedar and stucco work. Also of note is Al Attarine Madrasa, a newly restored religious school near Al Quaraouiyine Mosque.
The Chouara Tannery is another must-see - here you can observe the centuries-old craft of leather tanning in action and browse high-quality leather goods. Among the best museums in Fes are the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts and Dar Batha, a beautifully restored palace with an Andalusian-style garden. If you're interested in Moroccan artistry, these are both essential destinations!
If the hustle and bustle of the medina gets too much, enjoy some time out in the serene gardens of Jnan Sbil, a 19th-century oasis filled with ponds, palms and seasonal plantings.
In my opinion, Fes is one of the best places in Morocco to take a cooking class, with the city boasting a cuisine all of its own - Fassi. You can opt for a laid-back, family-run experience or you enrol in one of the professionally led cooking classes at Palais Amani.
Aside from cooking classes, there are numerous other food tours and experiences available in Fes that don’t require you to get your hands dirty in the kitchen. Check out my article here to learn more.
In the late afternoon, make your way to the Merenid Tombs for a panoramic view of the city bathed in a golden glow as the sun sets over Fes. These crumbling ruins once formed part of the royal necropolis of a dynasty that ruled Morocco from the 13th to 15th centuries.
Please note: The Merenid Tombs were closed at the time of writing due to restoration works. Check that they have reopened before trekking all the way there!
If you only have one day to explore Fes, check out my suggested itinerary here.
Is October a good time to visit Fes?
Is October a good time to visit Fes?
If you’re seeking mild temperatures and fewer crowds, October is a great time to visit Fes. While the sweltering heat of summer has passed, the days are still warm enough for comfortable sightseeing (without having to layer up) and there's only the occasional rain shower expected.
In my opinion, the weather in October is ideal for getting lost in the winding lanes of the ancient medina and shopping for handcrafted treasures in the souks. You can also explore the city's magnificent palaces, madrasas and mosques without building up a sweat - these are (for me) a highlight of visiting Fes.
With reduced demand for accommodation in October, there’s also the opportunity to score better rates at hotels and riads, all of which adds up to a more relaxed and affordable Moroccan escape.
