Travelling to Morocco in May: Is it a Good Time to Visit?

Travelling to Morocco in May? Discover everything you need to know about visiting Morocco in the spring, from weather to crowds and where to go.

With summer just around the corner and the roses ready to harvest, May is an incredible time to visit Morocco. It’s definitely one of my favourite months in the country!

The weather is blissfully sunny and dry (but not too hot) and the country is yet to be overrun with the summer vacation crowds (although it’s definitely not crowd-free). You can explore the medinas of Marrakech and Fes without working up a sweat. Plus, the beaches around Essaouira and Agadir are starting to buzz. 

If you’re someone who loves spending time in the great outdoors, travelling to Morocco in May allows you to bask in the country’s natural splendour before the oppressive heat of the summer months sets in.

The temperatures are still mild enough for camel trekking in the Sahara Desert and hiking in the Atlas Mountains. Plus, the wildflower displays make this region particularly gorgeous. 

Additionally, May hosts one of Morocco’s most enchanting festivals – the Festival of Roses. The aromatic scent of distilled rose oil wafting through the air is divine!

If I had to suggest the best month for exploring the area surrounding Ouarzazate (including Dades Gorge, Skoura and the Valley of Roses), May would be it!

All in all, late spring is an exceptional time to explore both the cultural and natural wonders that Morocco has to offer.

That being said, you need to be prepared with accommodation reservations if you want to stay at the most sought-after hotels and riads. Many of these properties will book out in May.

In this article, I’ll explain exactly what you can expect if you’re travelling to Morocco in May, 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 May.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!

Weather in Morocco in May

With spring reaching its peak in May, Morocco’s landscapes really come alive. Across much of the country, May is characterised by warm, dry conditions accompanied by steady winds.

This is a welcome change from the spring rains of March and April, which leave the mountainous regions carpeted in greenery.

In the Atlas Mountains, you can expect comfortable daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F). This makes May an ideal time for trekking and outdoor adventures in Morocco. 

In the southern regions, the weather takes on a summery character. It’s perfect if you want to soak up the sun and enjoy an early beach vacation.

The mercury in Marrakech often reaches into the high 20s/low 30s (upper 80s Fahrenheit). Tangier is slightly cooler with averages in the high teens (mid-60s Fahrenheit) – perfect for medina wanderings.

The only downside of visiting in May is the potential for sandstorms. These have been known to sweep through villages and towns near the desert regions. If you’re heading to the Sahara, be sure to pack a scarf to cover your face, just in case!

Is May a popular time to visit Morocco?

May is an exceptionally popular time to visit Morocco – you have been warned! Large numbers of tourists can be expected at the country’s major sightseeing attractions and in the medinas of Marrakech and Fes. If you want to escape the crowds, you need to get creative with your itinerary.

To secure your preferred accommodation and tour activities, I highly recommend that you book well in advance. Leaving this to the last minute means you won’t get your pick of properties or tour times.

This is particularly true if you’re planning on heading to the Festival of Roses and want to stay in or around Kalaat M’Gouna, Dades and Todra Gorges. 

Festivals and events in Morocco in May

Festival of Roses

Held each year in the town of Kalaat M’Gouna, this fragrant festival coincides with the annual harvest of the Damascus rosebuds. They have long been the source of the region’s famed rose water and oil.

Not only can you explore the area’s dramatic landscapes with the scent of blooming roses in the air, but there are market stalls, musical concerts and cultural events in the city. The Festival of Roses is also a celebration of Amazigh culture and feasting on local dishes is all part of the experience. 

Festival of World Sacred Music

First launched in 1994, this 10-day festival (held in late May or early June) has become a global platform for devotional music traditions. Attracting artists from all corners of the world to the city of Fes, the festival showcases an eclectic array of performances. These range from mesmerising Sufi chants and Quranic recitations to stirring Christian hymns and gospel harmonies.

Beyond the concert halls, the festival also facilitates thought-provoking debates and panel discussions about sacred music. All in all, it’s a space for profound connections between music, spirituality and the human experience.

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is a highly anticipated Islamic festival that will take place in the month of May in 2026. It sees families across Morocco sacrifice a sheep (as Abraham willingly sacrificed his son Ishmael). Then, they enjoy three days of feasting, praying and sharing in the community spirit.

In Amazigh towns and villages, the Bujlood festival also takes place. It features live music and parades of young men dressed up in sheep pelts. While it’s an incredible time to visit Morocco, careful planning is required as many businesses close up shop during the main celebrations.

It’s worth noting that the sacrificial aspect of Eid al-Adha was called off in 2025. This was due to the severe drought that has impacted Morocco and the soaring cost of sheep.

Recognising the economic hardship facing many people, King Mohammed VI asked Moroccans to abstain from sacrificing a sheep in solidarity with others. Families still gathered to feast and many opted to make a personal sacrifice instead.

Learn more about what to expect in my detailed article about travelling to Morocco during Eid al-Adha. 

Where to go in Morocco in May

If you’re eager to explore Morocco’s Sahara Desert, May is the ideal time to do so before the scorching summer heat sets in. As the month progresses, the temperatures continue to rise, making it increasingly uncomfortable to be out in the dunes during the heat of the day.

May is also a wonderful time to visit Morocco’s Atlantic coastline. Here, the temperatures are mild and the summer crowds have not yet descended in full force. The weather is ideal for strolling the whitewashed medina of Essaouira and exploring the artistic streets of Asilah. May is also perfect for visiting the coastal capital of Rabat.

If you’re travelling to Morocco in May in search of a classic beach vacation, head south to Agadir or Mirleft and Sidi Ifni. Here, the temperatures are already warm enough for swimming and there’s still plenty of room on the sand.

With the winter swell season over, May is also a great time for beginner surfers to hit the beach breaks around Taghazout and Tamraght.

If you’re keen to hike, the trails around Imlil in the Atlas Mountains are spectacular in May. The spring rains inject the landscape with a good dose of greenery. The Cascades d’Akchour in the Rif Mountains are also impressive with the springtime melt. A visit can be combined with an exploration of blue-hued Chefchaouen. 

While Marrakech and Fes can be busy at this time of the year, you can avoid the heaviest crowds by starting your sightseeing early in the day. Alternatively, head off on day trips to explore lesser-known destinations like Meknes (near the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis) or the “Mini Marrakech” of Taroudant. 

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.