Visiting Fes in September: Weather + Festivals + Things to Do

Is September a good time to visit Fes? It’s a good time to explore this ancient city if you like the heat. But not so much if you’re craving mild temperatures and fewer crowds. 

In the past, September was considered part of the “shoulder season”. But this is probably no longer accurate, considering the number of travellers who visit Fes during the month.

While the summer holidays are officially over, September is still a busy time in Fes and the heat of August is only starting to dissipate. My suggestion would be to start your day early to make the most of your sightseeing in the cooler morning hours. Then take a break in the afternoon at a museum or your riad/hotel

Although September might not be the perfect month to be in Fes, you can still have an incredible time with some careful planning. Many locals take a siesta during the hottest part of the day (I’d recommend following suit), before reemerging in the cool of evening. 

In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Fes in September, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Fes in September to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary. 

Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in September here.

For more information about visiting this ancient, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Fes.

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Fes weather in September

In September, Fes remains hot, with daytime temperatures averaging around 32°C (89°F). The dry heat radiating from the medina’s walls can make it feel even hotter, especially during the peak afternoon hours.

For the most comfortable sightseeing experience, I’d recommend exploring in the early morning. Then, seek refuge in the cooling comfort of your riad or hotel when the heat intensifies.

As night approaches, the temperatures cool down to a more enjoyable 17°C (62°F). It’s ideal for outdoor dining and evening walks. I suggest packing loose, breathable clothing that provides adequate coverage. Remember, Fes adheres to a conservative dress code, despite the warm weather.

If you’re visiting Fes in September, you can expect minimal rainfall, although precipitation does pick up slightly compared to the drier summer months. That being said, you can probably get away without bringing any wet weather gear, such as rain jackets and umbrellas, if you’re trying to pack lightly. 

One of my top tips for planning a trip to Fes in September is booking a hotel or riad with a pool. It means you have somewhere cool to refresh in the mid-afternoon and can enjoy a quintessentially Moroccan poolside experience.

Is September a busy time in Fes?

September is generally a busy month in Fes as the peak summer tourism season extends into early autumn. With many people trying to escape the heat and crowds of August, September has become a more appealing alternative.

As a result, you can expect a lot of other tourists while exploring the city’s ancient medina, historical sites and souks. Be prepared!

If you’re visiting Fes in September, I’d highly recommend booking your accommodation well in advance to secure your preferred hotel or riad. Many of the most sought-after properties will get snapped up early!

I also suggest making reservations if you’re dining at some of the most popular restaurants in Fes. You might miss out if you just try and turn up. 

What’s on in Fes in September

Imilchil Marriage Festival 

The Imilchil Marriage Festival is a matchmaking event that attracts young singles. It takes place in a small village in the Atlas Mountains during late August and early September. For many attendees, this festival is a chance to connect with potential partners and start a family together.

Participants don their most beautiful traditional clothing, often accompanied by their parents, who are key players in the quest for love. While Imilchil is around five hours’ drive from Fes, it’s worth the journey to experience this unique cultural celebration. 

Best things to do in Fes in September

No trip to Fes would be complete without wandering through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed streets of Fes el-Bali. It’s here that you’ll find most of the city’s attractions. The medina is filled with artisan workshops and traditional souks, as well as magnificent architectural treasures like mosques and madrasas.

Be sure to explore the Bou Inania Madrasa and Al Attarine Madrasa, both of which are adorned with intricate tilework and beautifully carved cedar wood. I’d also recommend climbing to one of Fes’s tannery viewing platforms to observe this age-old craft in action.

If unwinding on vacation is a challenge for you, consider checking out one of Fes’ fascinating museums. Their indoor settings are usually cooler than the streets outside.

The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts showcases beautifully crafted chests and mashrabiya screens. Meanwhile, the newly-restored Dar Batha is renowned for its outstanding collection of Islamic arts.

Another activity to consider on a hot afternoon in September is a traditional Moroccan cooking class. Most of these are held indoors, sometimes in air conditioning. While there are lots of cities in the country where you can do this, Fes is a standout due to its unique Fassi cuisine.

You can opt for a laid-back, family-run experience, which is a wonderful way to engage with the locals. Alternatively, you can enrol in one of the professionally led cooking classes at Palais Amani.

If you’re a food enthusiast eager to explore Fassi cuisine without getting your hands dirty, there are numerous other food tours and experiences available.

If you only have one day to visit Fes, check out my suggested one-day itinerary here.

Is September a good time to visit Fes?

If you don’t mind the heat and want to avoid the worst of the summer crowds, then visiting September in Fes can be a good alternative to August or July. It’s worth keeping in mind that the medina certainly won’t be empty. You will need to plan ahead when making hotel/riad bookings and restaurant reservations. 

To avoid being out in the hottest part of the day, I recommend wandering the medina in the cooler morning hours. After lunch, when the heat peaks, consider joining a cooking class, visiting one of Fes’ cultural museums or simply relaxing at your riad.

September isn’t an ideal time to be “go, go, go” all day. But it can definitely be an enjoyable time to visit Fes if you adopt a “slow travel” approach.

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.