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

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

There’s no denying it – October is a wonderful time to visit Morocco! The crowds are manageable, the temperatures are pleasant and there’s an abundance of fascinating cultural events on the calendar. Autumn is definitely my favourite season in Morocco, no matter where in the country I’m exploring.

If you’re hesitant about visiting North Africa due to the intense summer heat, then the autumn season is ideal. Travelling to Morocco in October means blissfully mild temperatures during the day and comfortable lows at night. As a result, you can travel the length and breadth of the country with ease. 

This includes the Sahara (which can be uncomfortably hot well into September), as well as the gorges of Dades and Todra.

Although there is still plenty of tourist activity in Morocco in October, the crowds are smaller than during the busy summer season. This comes as a welcome relief, particularly in popular destinations like Marrakech and Fes.

The reduced foot traffic makes it easier to fully appreciate the architectural landmarks and historic sites. Plus, you’ll have more opportunities to connect with Moroccan people along the way.

Additionally, October hosts several of Morocco’s most celebrated festivals. Many of these offer a unique window into the country’s cultural heritage and contemporary creative landscapes. Whether you’re into electronic music, fusion jazz or traditional Tuareg sounds, there really is something for everyone. 

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

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Weather in Morocco in October

By October, autumn has well and truly set in, with comfortable temperatures throughout the country. In Marrakech, you can expect daily highs around 27°C (82°F). Lows dip to a pleasant 15°C (60°F) in the evenings.

In the Atlas Mountains, the temperatures are even cooler, with highs in the low 20s°C (low 70s°F). This makes it an ideal time to explore Morocco’s mountainous landscapes and hike through the scenic valleys and villages.

In the northern cities of Fes, Rabat and Casablanca, you’ll want to bring an extra layer. The daily averages dip down to around 18°C (66°F). Plus, I’d recommend packing an umbrella or waterproof for the occasional rainy day. 

Is October a popular time to visit Morocco?

As the summer holiday season officially comes to a close at the end of September, the influx of tourists to Morocco begins to wane. In my opinion, this makes travelling to Morocco in October ideal!

There’s more room to move in the medinas. Plus, you won’t be competing for photography spots at the most popular attractions.

With the peak summer crowds in the rearview mirror, you can enjoy a more peaceful and authentic sightseeing experience. And with reduced demand for hotels and tours, this means you can take advantage of slightly better deals or be more flexible with your travel plans.

The only exception to this is towards the end of October when many European countries have a short school break. As a result, you can expect a small uptick in visitor numbers and increased demand for rooms.

Festivals and events in Morocco in October

Erfoud Date Festival

Each autumn, the Erfoud Date Festival celebrates the region’s most iconic crop – the date palm. Held in the heart of Morocco’s date-producing capital, this three-day extravaganza commemorates the annual harvest with an array of cultural traditions and festivities.

A highlight is sampling an endless array of date-based delicacies, from sticky date pastries to date-infused tagines. 

You can learn more about visiting Morocco’s date-producing capital in my Essential Travel Guide to Erfoud.

MOGA Electronic Music Festival

Held in the coastal city of Essaouira is this annual celebration of electronic music and digital arts. It showcases talented artists from Morocco and the broader Maghreb region.

Festival-goers are treated to dynamic live performances, captivating audiovisual installations and immersive multimedia experiences that merge cutting-edge technology with the region’s rich cultural heritage.

In 2025, the MOGA festival is set to take place from October 1 to 5.

Taragalte Festival

Taking place in the desert oasis of M’Hamid El Ghizlane (on the edge of the Erg Chigaga dunes), the Taragalte Festival is a celebration of nomadic culture, heritage and musical traditions. Over three days, attendees are treated to performances that showcase the hypnotic rhythms and melodies of Amazigh and Tuareg people.

Additionally, there are poetry readings, art exhibits and enlightening workshops that promote messages of peace and environmental consciousness.

Oudayas Jazz Festival

The Oudayas Jazz Festival is a highly anticipated annual event that takes place each October in Rabat. It is held within the Kasbah of the Oudaias, a fortress-like neighbourhood known for its Moorish architecture and views of the Bou Regreg.

For several days, the whitewashed alleyways and plazas of the kasbah come alive with the soulful sounds of jazz. During this vibrant event, musicians from across the globe gather to share their talents.

Atlantic Andalusia Festival

The coastal city of Essaouira hosts this renowned festival, which brings together Jewish and Muslim artists from across Morocco. You can expect captivating exhibitions highlighting the country’s diverse artistic traditions, from paintings and handicrafts to multimedia installations.

The festival also features concerts spotlighting the fusion of Moroccan, Jewish and other global musical influences. In the past, this has included flamenco ballets that blend Moroccan and Spanish cultural elements.

Marathon des Sables

Also known as the “Sand Marathon,” this gruelling ultramarathon traverses Morocco’s Sahara Desert. It’s considered one of the most challenging foot races in the world.

Spanning a distance of 250 kilometres (156 miles), this epic event tests the physical and mental limits of even the most seasoned endurance athletes.

The course layout is different each year. This adds an extra layer of unpredictability as runners must adapt to the ever-changing dune terrain.

Registration spots are highly coveted and often sell out months in advance. So anyone interested in taking on this monumental challenge should secure their place well ahead of time.

In 2025, the Marathon des Sables will be taking place from October 10 to 18, with more info available here.

Where to go in Morocco in October

With mild temperatures across the board, travelling to Morocco in October allows you to experience the depth and breadth of the country.

The southern Atlantic coastline usually enjoys pleasant weather in October, making places like Agadir, Mirleft and Sidi Ifni ideal for a beach getaway. The water is still blissfully warm! 

October also marks the start of Morocco’s surf season, with the breaks around Taghazout starting to fire up. That being said, some coastal regions can be a bit cloudy and windy during this transitional season.

Further north, the bustling cities of Rabat and Casablanca may be a bit overcast. But their cultural offerings ensure they remain compelling places to visit.

Inland, Marrakech shines in October. The oppressive summer heat has finally subsided and the tourist crowds are slightly reduced after the busy summer months.

The nearby Atlas Mountains also beckon during this time as the moderate climate makes hiking and trekking an absolute joy.

For those seeking a challenging climb, October is an ideal time to tackle North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal, before the winter snowfall arrives.

After the heat of the summer months, the Sahara Desert is once again inviting and the date palm groves along the edge of the dunes are in harvest. You can combine an overnight Sahara camp expedition in Erg Chigaga with the Taragalte Festival, which takes place in the gateway town of M’Hamid El Ghizlane. 

Additionally, the weather is perfect for exploring the gorges and valleys between Ouarzazate and the Sahara. Don’t miss a visit to the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou.

If you’re visiting Morocco in October, this two-week itinerary from Essaouira is a great option for those who are self-driving. It takes in some of the main attractions in the country’s south, as well as getting a little off the beaten tourist track.

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.