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

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

In my opinion, November is an underrated time to visit Morocco. After the exhausting heat of the summer months, November in Morocco is wonderfully cool. It’s the perfect destination for travellers seeking to escape the looming chill of winter back home.

One of the major draws of travelling to Morocco in November is the lack of crowds. It really is a breath of fresh air after the busy summer season. This means you can wander the ancient medinas and browse the colourful souks, without having to compete with lots of other people for space. 

Travelling to Morocco in November means comfortable, sunny days. It really is perfect for medina sightseeing. Plus, the mountain trails are still largely snow-free if you’re heading off to hike in the Rif or Atlas ranges. And for water babies, the ocean temperatures are yet to plummet.

For those with an interest in visiting the Sahara Desert, November is an ideal time. You can expect mild, sunny days for exploring the undulating dunes.

Camel trekking, quad-biking and witnessing the desert’s mesmerising play of light and shadow are all made infinitely more enjoyable in this temperate season.

And for surfers, the Atlantic swells are just starting to fire up as the peak winter season kicks off. 

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

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Weather in Morocco in November

As November arrives in Morocco, the country is slowly making its transition from autumn to winter. The air takes on a distinct chill in the northern cities of Fes and Chefchaouen, signalling the imminent arrival of the cooler months ahead.

Be sure to bring warm layers if you’ll planning a November holiday in Morocco!

Pockets of warmth can still be found. For example, daytime temperatures occasionally reach as high as 27°C (80°F) in some southern cities. But the overall trend is a steadily dropping mercury.

In many parts of Morocco, high temperatures are now averaging between 18 and 23°C (64 to 73°F). Keep in mind it can be brisker along the coastline.

November in Morocco also ushers in a fair amount of rainfall. Even the famously sun-drenched Marrakech experiences a few rainy days in November. I’d recommend packing a waterproof jacket to be on the safe side.

Be mindful that the combination of heavy rains and Morocco’s mountainous topography can sometimes lead to dangerous flash floods.

Is November a popular time to visit Morocco?

With the peak tourist season well and truly over, visiting Morocco in November generally means fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere at major sights and attractions. The demand for accommodation, transportation and other services is reduced, often translating into slightly lower prices.

As a result, you can sometimes score deals on hotels and tours if you’re travelling to Morocco in November. Additionally, you can explore some of the country’s most iconic destinations with more space and flexibility. 

However, I’d still recommend booking ahead if you want to secure the lowest prices or nab a room at sought-after riads and hotels.

Festivals and events in Morocco in November

Moroccan Independence Day 

Each year on November 18, the Kingdom of Morocco celebrates its independence from French colonial rule. This national holiday, known as Fête de l’Indépendance, is marked by lively parades with traditional music, dance and costumed performers.

Some neighbourhoods also host patriotic celebrations. More commonly, families and friends gather for a shared meal while enjoying the day off school and work. 

International Film Festival of Marrakech 

Typically held from the end of November through the first week of December, this cinematic festival draws filmmakers, actors and movie enthusiasts from across the globe. The streets and squares of Marrakech come alive as directors debut their latest works. Screenings usually take place inside theatres and open-air venues throughout the city.

Beyond the film screenings, the festival also features engaging panel discussions, master classes and networking events. The festival provides invaluable opportunities for filmmakers to connect, collaborate and share their creative visions.

In 2025, the International Film Festival of Marrakech will take place from November 28 and December 6.

Where to go in Morocco in November

With the heat of the summer months well and truly subsided, the Sahara Desert is once again wonderful in November. The temperatures are ideal for camel trekking through the dunes and hiking or rock climbing in the gorges and valleys near Ouarzazate.

Travelling to Morocco in November is also ideal for exploring the Rif and Atlas Mountain ranges. It’s a great time to hike to the summit of Mount Toubkal if you’re prepared for snowy conditions. Additionally, there are plenty of hikes at lower altitudes that don’t require crampons.

While Chefchaouen can be chilly, the fireplaces in many of the local riads provide a welcome warmth in the evenings. I wouldn’t let the low temperatures put you off exploring this blue-hued gem!

November is an excellent time to visit Morocco’s imperial cities. They are far less crowded compared to the peak summer months.

In Fes, the slight increase in rainfall is more than made up for by the ability to wander the ancient medina at a leisurely pace, without jostling through hordes of fellow sightseers.

Marrakech is also an inviting destination in November, with the lack of crowds allowing you to fully appreciate its historic and cultural wonders. 

The temperatures along Morocco’s Atlantic coastline might not be ideal for swimming and sunbathing. But the surf season is really kicking off in November. Taghazout becomes a hive of activity as surfers arrive from Europe and beyond to take on legendary breaks like Anchor Point.

For a quieter surf experience, head south to the beaches around Mirleft and Sidi Ifni. 

With the south of Morocco warmer than the north in November, those chasing the sun should focus their explorations on the bottom half of the country.

This one-week itinerary from Marrakech to Agadir is ideal for those who are self-driving and includes a visit to the UNESCO-listed ksar of Ait Benhaddou.

If you have more time, consider this two-week itinerary from Essaouira, which includes a scenic drive through the little-visited Drâa Valley. 

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.