Marrakech can get very hot in summer, and temperatures can exeed 40° Celsius.
Even the cooler months can feel very warm and humid, especially walking around the souks and popular points of interest.
Marrakech is also a conservative city with a majority Muslim population.
So, what should you wear to feel comfortable and respectable?
For female visitors, I would suggest palazzo trousers.
These are baggy and flowing, keeping you nice and cool.
They pair well with smart cotton blouses and can be worn underneath a maxi dress.
Lightweight cotton trousers also look smart, and neutral colours give a sophisticated, modest appearance.
Silk (including recycled sari silk) maxi dresses are very versatile and keep you cool. They can be worn with a lightweight pair of palazzo trousers underneath for extra modesty if the dress is thin.
Linen is perfect and always looks polished. It may get slightly creased, so I would suggest bringing along a portable steamer. They’re a life-saver and take up very little space in your suitcase.
However, most accommodations have an iron and laundry service.
Cotton tee-shirts and blouses, paired with a maxi skirt or loose-fitting trousers, are ideal and can look flattering with the right accessories.
Yoga pants are also perfect for a day exploring.
Headscarves are fashionable at the moment and can be used as a head covering whilst visiting some of the religious sights or as a convenient wrap for around the shoulders.
I like to wear turbans to cover my locs.
They keep my head and neck cool at the same time.
Silk scarves roll up really small and fit perfectly in your bag.
Marrakech is definitely more liberal than other morroccan cities. However, exposing too much flesh is definitely frowned upon.
You may attract unwanted attention from males and disapproval from local females spoiling your overall experience and making you feel uncomfortable.
How you present yourself will determine the kind of experience you have in Marrakesh.
In your hotel or riad, it’s perfectly fine to wear shorts and clothing for sunbathing, so pack something for those occasions also.
Males can wear knee-length shorts with linen or cotton short-sleeved shirts to look smart yet casual.
Many restaurants don’t accept men wearing sandals, but smart leather sliders are deemed to be acceptable.
Linen or cotton long trousers for men are ideal and keep the body cool.
Regarding men’s clothing choices, it’s definitely less important than the females.
I wouldn’t advise a male to walk around without a shirt on. That is best left for beach holidays.
So, staying comfortable and cool is the only thing they need to consider.
On the other hand, women are expected to respect the cultural norms of the country unless they’re going to the clubs in the Gueliz or Hivenage part of Marrakech.
This is where the clubs and bars are, and it’s acceptable to dress more glamorously here.
You can still look good in the appropriate clothing.
It’s about choosing nice accessories.
Regarding footwear, there is a lot of walking around the medina, so comfortable footwear is essential.
Trainers, pumps, or sandals are all acceptable.
I took a couple of outfits in my travel bag, and once I arrived, I bought the rest of my clothing in the souks.
It wasn’t too expensive, and I felt as if I blended in with the locals better.
I enjoyed wearing the traditional Moroccan dresses and ethnic style tops and trousers.
Finally, I have never needed to take a warm coat to Marrakech.
I usually take a shawl or cardigan, and it’s always been adequate, even in March.
Depending on what time of year you travel to Marrakech, you may be better thinking in terms of layers.
In winter, the evenings can get chilly.
A trip to Agafay desert can be very blustery, sitting watching the sunset.
A shawl or lightweight hoodie or jumper is perfect to enjoy the experience in the open air.
A thin skin underneath a long dress or trousers is usually enough.
I wore long sleeved tee-shirts underneath my dresses during the evenings.
Keeping your eyes on the weather forecast before travelling will help you to plan accordingly for your trip.
So to sum up,
Wearing comfortable clothing suitable for a day exploring the medina and tourist hot spots is the most important thing to consider.
You will walk a lot, and it can get humid.
To discourage unwanted attention and negative vibes from the locals, female travellers should refrain from dressing too provocatively.
Unless they’re in the bars and clubs, which are more liberally minded.
Choosing natural fibres is the best way to stay cool, and long, loose-fitting garments are ideal because they look modest and feminine.
Turbans are elegant and modest.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring the sunscreen.
You don’t want to walk around looking like a lobster.
A list of my favourite and more challenging things in Marrakech.
Colourful Babouches
Marrakech is ‘my happy place’. It’s a city of contrasts, from the ancient walls of the medina to the plush bars and clubs of Hivernage in the new part of the city.
Visitors may find the experience to be an assault on the senses.
The lively sounds, sights, and smells can be a complete overload on the senses and somewhat overwhelming to the most seasoned traveller.
However, don’t let that put you off coming to Marrakech.
You do become accustomed to it, and it’s part of the charm of Marrakech.
I have made a list of the 5 things that I myself love and hate about this fascinating city to help you get the most out of your visit.
Here are the 5 things I hate about Marrakech.
1.
If you’re an animal lover, you might find the hustlers in the main square too much to cope with.
The monkeys on chains and the snakes (which you are encouraged to have a photo taken with) are difficult to accept.
Don’t encourage this.
The monkies have been brought down from the Atlas mountains, and although people need to make a living, they clearly don’t want to be there.
Then there are the horses, taking tourists through busy traffic and the donkeys pulling carts through narrow alleyways full of motorbikes and tourists.
The horses seem to be looked after, but the traffic is horrendous, and I’ve witnessed accidents where they’ve been clipped by passing motorists.
The donkeys look overworked and neglected.
It’s the culture of the city, but very different from what I’m used to.
I avoided eye contact with the snake charmers and monkeys in the square, and they stopped approaching me eventually.
There are a lot of stray dogs and cats, but they are looked after by the locals, and many of the cats have been rehomed by the owners of the riads.
They are regularly fed, and the people in Marrakesh are kind and caring as a rule.
If you are an animal lover, you may find Marrakech a bit of a culture shock to begin with.
I joined Brooke, a sanctuary, for working animals abroad when I arrived home.
I can’t change how people earn their money, but I can help to educate them.
2.
Queueing at the airport.
Be prepared to stand in line for up to 2 hours on arrival. The process is slow, so get used to it.
Take a snack and keep a drink readily available. You will most likely need it.
You can pay extra for the fast- track service, but it may cost you around €230 for the first person and €190 for the second person.
Tip: Try to visit the bathroom before the plane lands and consider choosing a seat near the exit.
Get off the plane and boot it to passport control as quickly as you can.
3.
Marrakech is touristy.
The narrow alleys of the Souks can be very crowded most of the time.
Don’t expect to get anywhere quickly because you and hundreds of other tourists will be browsing around the shops at the same time.
Marrakech is one of the most popular tourist destinations, and it will certainly feel as though they’re all there at the same time as you.
Tip: Plan to visit in January or November to avoid the crowds.
It is still sunny but much cooler than during the summer months.
There are fewer people around the tourist attractions, so you will get that perfect photo opportunity.
Tip: Don’t try taking photographs of the local people or vendors. They don’t feel comfortable about it and may even expect a payment from you.
4.
The smell of fumes from the motorcycles in the souks.
Everyone in Marrakech seems to own a motorcycle, and they all appear to be riding them at the same time.
The souks are full of motorcycles and tuk-tuks, giving off clouds of fumes as they hurtle past.
This can get stuck in the back of your throat, causing you to feel a little bit nauseous occasionally.
There is little you can do to change this, but I recommend doing your shopping in the souks early in the morning before they get busy.
Around 9.00 is an ideal time.
There are a lot of vehicles on the roads, and it can be chaotic at times.
Pollution is fairly bad, so just be aware of this if you struggle with asthma or other breathing issues.
5.
The street vendors in the main square can be rather persistent.
During the evening, the main square opens up becoming a meeting place for thousands of people.
This includes the locals and tourists alike, and it gets incredibly busy.
The food stalls are all in competition with each other, and vendors can follow you persistently with a menu to get your custom.
Some of them can be very persuasive, even pushing the boundaries of what’s considered to be harassment
It can be very overwhelming, and it’s often difficult to remain calm in those kinds of situations
The henna ladies are also demanding your custom.
It’s not uncommon for them to take hold of your hand and begin applying henna on them without your consent.
Tip: If you’re not interested, try not to make eye contact with any of the vendors.
Saying “ La Shukran” which means no thank you in Arabic, is a helpful way to discourage unwanted attention.
It’s important to remember, every one is simply trying to make a living.
Marrakech was badly affected by the devastating earthquake in 2023, and many people have lost their livelihoods and homes.
Whilst it’s difficult to cope with the constant barage of vendors vying for your custom, it’s worth remembering their own struggle to survive.
Marrakech is certainly a different way of life from what you may be used to and a culture shock to many first-time visitors.
So now I’ve told you about a few of the things I find challenging in Marrakech, I would like to tell you about what keeps me going back time and time again…
A lovely man shows me inside the Hammam/image by Freebird Tracey.
Marrakech is definitely my ‘happy place’
I am absolutely in love with this city.
Here’s why…
1.
The people are wonderful.
You can expect to encounter the friendliest and most welcoming people you have ever met.
They are constantly smiling and can’t wait to tell you all about their beautiful city.
They are multi-lingual, and many people speak up to 5 different languages.
They love to teach you about the Amazigh culture, the indigenous tribes of North Africa.
It’s absolutely fascinating, and it’s possible to stay with Amazigh people in the Atlas mountains during your trip.
The level of service in restaurants is astonishing, and the riad owners go out of their way to make sure that your stay is nothing short of perfect.
I highly recommend staying in a riad at least once.
They are traditional Moroccan houses with a central indoor garden or courtyard. The views over the rooftops of the medina are stunning, and listening to the birds singing in the morning is delightful.
They are a haven of peace and tranquillity after the exhilaration outside.
NB: I have a separate post about staying in a traditional riad.
2.
The vibrant colours and wonderful craftsmanship.
If, like myself, you are drawn to beautiful colours and intricate designs, you will be in paradise in the Souks.
You will find an assortment of fine jewellery, inticately designed Berber rugs, wood carvings, and a vast array of other wonderfully crafted products
You will be blown away by the artisans, creating wonderfully curated pieces of work in front of you, and the displays of various items at a decent price.
Wherever you look, you will notice something that catches your eye.
Just be prepared to barter.
3.
The food is delicious.
There are some amazing places to dine in Marrakech, and the food is of an incredibly high standard.
There are good quality vegetarian restaurants and cafes, and many cater for vegans and people with gluten intolerance.
The food in Marrakech is diverse, and you can find dishes to suit everyone’s palate from all over the world.
I found delicious Italian restaurants that made the most wonderful pizzas and pasta dishes.
The signature dish of Marrakech is Tagine.
Tagine is the name of the clay pot used to cook the dish in
It’s cooked very slowly, resulting in the most decadent, mouthwatering flavours.
Choose from meat or vegetable tagine, you won’t be disappointed.
There are some more unusual options, such as sheep’s head and snails found around the square.
This seemed to be more popular amongst curious tourists and locals than those people who prefer fine dining.
Overall, I was very impressed with the amount of variety on offer and the stunning restaurant settings.
I also recommend visiting Bacha Coffee ( see my separate post)
There are hundreds of different coffees to choose from and a nice selection of cakes, pastries, and other light snacks.
You do have to wait for a table, but you get to look around the museum and enjoy the lush garden whilst waiting.
4.
The architecture is absolutely stunning.
There are so many interesting places to visit, and the intricacy of the tile work is absolutely astonishing.
Islamic craftsmanship with its symmetry and attention to detail is beautiful, and I was spellbound.
The lush gardens are also breathtaking and a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the Souks.
I recommend visiting these places to get an idea of how exceptional everything truly is,
. Bahia Palace.
. Madrasa Ben Youssef.
. The saadian Tombs.
. The Koutoubia Mosque.
. The Secret Garden.
. Bacha Museum.
Marrakech is steeped in history, and there is something exciting to see for every visitor.
5.
Marrakech is a great starting place for visiting other places
I took a wonderful trip out to the Agafay desert, and it was absolutely magical.
I had dinner in the desert watching the sunset it was unforgettable..
There are trips to Ouzoud to see the second largest waterfall in North Africa and experience the monkeys.
You can also take a train to Casablanca or visit Essaouira for the day.
If you wish, you can venture into the Sahara desert if you have about 3 days to spare. It’s a very popular destination amongst tourists.
Tours are very well organised, and the tour guides are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. They go out of their way to make sure you have the best experience.
Riads or hotels are happy to help you organise your trip, but you can also check other popular online sights for price comparison.
Ouzoud Waterfall.
There are many different reasons why I love Marrakech, I have listed only a few.
Here are a few other things to take into consideration..
Marrakech is a safe place to visit, especially for solo female travellers.
Although it is mainly an Islamic city, it is relatively liberal.
I would always encourage showing a little bit of respect regarding your dress code. Wearing a loose cover around your shoulders when visiting religious sites is advisable.
Marrakech can reach temperatures of 50° in the summer, which is incredibly hot, so bare that in mind when choosing when to go.
Riads and hotels have places for you to sunbathe, and it is acceptable to wear shorts and bathing suits there..
If you’re looking for a place that is a combination of many different things, from the ancient to modernity,
A place that is diverse and can often feel like an organised chaos, yet perfectly functional,
A place that will transport you to the world of 1001 Nights,
Then Marrakech is for you.
I would recommend doing your research before visiting. Watch YouTube videos and read travel blogs.
Arm yourself with plenty of knowledge before you arrive so that you will know what to expect.
That way, you will have an unforgettable experience and come away with memories of places and people that will stay with you forever.
Intricately tiled fountain.
Continue reading for more information about the places mentioned in this post..
However, there are a few things you may want to consider before planning your trip.
I’ve put together a few helpful tips to help you decide when to travel..
Jamaa El Fna when it’s quiet
Marrakech has a high desert climate so it is pleasant all year round.
During the summer months, temperatures can reach a staggering 45°C or higher, which a lot of visitors find unbearably hot.
The Winter months can be moderately warm and sunny, feeling chillier in the evenings.
I suggest the best time to go is during the spring, from March till May or in autumn, from September till November.
March sees warm, sunny weather, and you can dine on the rooftops in the evening. However, I would recommend taking a lightweight jacket to throw on if it feels a bit chilly.
It gets warmer as the month progresses.
March is the wettest month experiencing 12mm of rain over a day, so it is worth bearing this in mind also.
June is the driest month with 1mm of rainfall over one day but temperatures in June and July do tend to soar.
This might make excursions and activities more uncomfortable.
If you prefer going when there are less tourists, I would suggest January to February.
The climate is sunny, with average highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C during the evening.
This would be the ideal time to visit if you’re put off by crowds and long queues.
Another thing to consider is that Ramadan takes place between February and April, so some stores and restaurants may be closed.
I choose to visit in late March and late September.
The Jacaranda trees along the main roads in Gueliz look really beautiful, and the air is really fragrant at this time of year.
Gueliz in September
The last time I went during March, it was quite hot, and I actually got sunburnt.
It was Ramadan, but it didn’t have a negative effect on my trip. Most places were still open as usual, and the service was excellent.
The tours and excursions still went ahead, and I had a good shopping experience.
In the souks
September was very humid.
I found it more challenging to walk around the palaces and stand in long queues.
The humidity was rather draining, and I found between 3.00pm and 7.00pm particularly warm and stuffy.
Marrakech is an all year round destination, so if you do decide to visit during the summer months, I have a few suggestions to help you cope with the heat..
Plan to visit tourist attractions in the morning as soon as they open.
If you pre book, you will avoid waiting in long queues in the heat, and there will be fewer people around.
Pace yourself.
Alternate between sightseeing and finding places in the shade to have a long cool drink and avoid too much sun exposure. There are plenty of beautiful spots with banana trees and beautiful tall palms to relax beneath.
Wear cotton or linen clothing.
Natural fibres are breathable and perfect for wearing in hot weather. Choose loose clothing that covers your arms and shoulders. They allow the air to circulate and help to evaporate sweat, keeping you cooler.
Stay hydrated.
Carry bottled water at all times to keep yourself from dehydrating.There are plenty of little kiosks dotted about selling reasonably priced water. Check the seals before purchasing for peace of mind.
Plan to do more during the evening.
Some of the tours begin later in the day, and trips to Agafay desert begin before sunset. The square comes alive in the evening, and most of the souks are still trading until quite late.
Wear high factor sunblock and keep your head covered.
The sun can be pretty fierce, and it’s easy to burn when you’re up on the rooftops, even in March.
Visit the water slides of Oasiria or bathe in the pools around the city.
Take advantage of the air conditioning available and consider taking an afternoon nap.
Don’t attempt to visit the Sahara unless it’s in the cooler months.
It’s important to remember that Marrakech is worth visiting all year round. However, it’s a personal choice, and you have to decide whether you can handle certain weather conditions or not.
If you follow these few simple rules, you should have an enjoyable visit whatever time of year you decide to travel.
It’s about planning your trip wisely.
Consider what it is you want from your experience.
Are you put off by crowds of tourists all crammed into the souks at the same time?
Can you handle the extreme heat, or are you happy to pack some clothing for cooler temperatures in January?
Whatever time you decide to go, I can tell you that the sun always shines in Marrakech, and the locals are always smiling..
Sounds Of The Souks 