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

Is July a good time to visit Fes? Visiting Fes in July can be a mixed bag. The intense heat of mid-summer may prove challenging for some travellers. Daily high temperatures regularly soar above 35°C (95°F) and the arid climate means there is little respite from the heat.

However, with some smart planning and a willingness to adapt your schedule, it’s still possible to have a rewarding experience in this mesmerising medieval city. 

Early mornings are the ideal time to head out and explore the labyrinthine medina before the alleyways become an oven. You can return to your accommodation for a leisurely lunch and a siesta during the early afternoon hours when the temperatures usually reach their peak. Then, emerge again in the late afternoon to experience Fes as it comes to life in the evenings. 

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

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

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

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Fes weather in July

At the height of summer, the ancient city of Fes bakes under the intense July sun. Daytime temperatures soar to sweltering highs averaging around 35°C (95°F), with the dry heat radiating off the walls of the medina.

Evenings bring a welcome reprieve as the sun dips below the horizon. At this time, temperatures slide to a more comfortable low of around 18°C (64°F).

Packing for Fes in July means bringing loose, breathable clothing with ample coverage. Remember, the city still adheres to a conservative dress code despite the stifling heat.

Fes experiences extremely low levels of rainfall in July, with an average precipitation of just 1 mm throughout the month. you can definitely leave the waterproofs at home! What you do need to bring, however, is a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen as the UV rating can be high at this time of the year. 

Is July a busy time in Fes?

Even though July brings the heat, it’s still a busy month in Fes, with the summer travel season in full swing. Tourists from Europe and North America are enjoying their long vacations. Meanwhile, those from the Southern Hemisphere are flocking north to escape the chill back home.

This influx of visitors gives Fes a real energy and there’s definitely a lively atmosphere in the air.

However, July is not quite as crowded in Fes as the shoulder months of May and September, which enjoy ideal weather conditions for exploring the city. As a result, you can sometimes find slightly lower accommodation rates at some riads and hotels.

I’d still recommend booking early as the best places to stay in Fes will get snapped up! Ideally, find a Fes riad with a pool so you have somewhere to cool off in the afternoons. 

What’s on in Fes in July

Feast of the Throne 

Each year on July 30, the Feast of the Throne commemorates the anniversary of King Mohammed VI’s ascension to the throne. On this day, government offices, banks and some businesses close. This allows people to enjoy quality time with family and friends in honour of their king.

The primary celebrations occur at the Royal Palace in Rabat. Here, the king delivers a speech to the nation. You can also look forward to military parades and air shows happening throughout the country.

Best things to do in Fes in July

Even though the daytime heat can be intense in July, no trip to Fes is complete without wandering through Fes el-Bali. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts stunning architecture, artisan workshops and traditional souks, along with one of Morocco’s most famous tanneries.

There are also some gorgeous madrasas (Islamic schools) to explore. Many of these have shady spots where you can escape the July sun. 

Another great way to stay cool is by exploring one of Fes’ fascinating museums. The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts showcases beautifully crafted doors and mashrabiya screens. Meanwhile, Dar Batha is well-known for its impressive ceramics collection.

Also of note is the Museum of Arms at Borj Nord, which displays a wide range of weaponry. Some of the exhibited objects were actually produced in Fes.

In my view, Fes is one of the best places in Morocco to do a cooking class. This is another great way to avoid the heat while still having a culturally immersive experience. Y

ou’ll find everything from structured courses to relaxed family-style sessions that are as much about socialising as cooking. Palais Amani is especially famous for its cooking school and the views from the alfresco kitchen are breathtaking!

There are also plenty of food tours and experiences in Fes that allow you to discover Fassi cuisine. Some classes can be scheduled for the cooler evening hours. 

I don’t think that July is necessarily the best time to make a day trip from Fes to the imperial city of Meknes or the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis. The temperatures will already be hot by the time you arrive.

But if you have your heart set on venturing to these fascinating destinations, just make sure you drink lots of water and cover up against the sun. Volubilis in particular is really exposed with very few shady spots to retreat to. 

Is July a good time to visit Fes?

Generally speaking, the ideal times to visit Fes are from March to May and September to November. During these periods, the weather is comfortably mild.

Although July can be incredibly hot in Fes, you can still have an enjoyable experience. I’d suggest scheduling your sightseeing to avoid being out in the exposed sun during the heat of the day. 

In my opinion, it’s best to be out and about walking the medina in the early morning hours, before the mercury has risen too high. Then after lunch, when things are really hot, plan to be inside. This could be at an air-conditioned museum, doing a cooking class or relaxing back at your riad (perhaps drinking tea in a shaded courtyard or lounging beside the pool). 

I would say that visiting Fes in July is not a good idea for travellers who like to be constantly on the go or want to see everything within a day or two. It requires a slower pace of travel that allows for plenty of “downtime”. Be ready to embrace the art of the afternoon siesta!

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.