As the intense heat of summer gives way to the invigorating chill of autumn, Morocco is undeniably alluring in September. While the inland desert regions maintain their scorching daytime temperatures (and are best avoided), many other parts of this enchanting North African country experience a cooling trend, creating the perfect conditions for discovery. As an expat living in Morocco, I always feel a sense of relief when September rolls around - the heat is starting to wane and the crowds are thinning.
Whether you want to relax on the sun-drenched beaches of the Atlantic coastline or escape into the Atlas Mountains, Morocco is ripe for exploration in September. The tourist hordes that sweep Fes and Marrakech during the peak summer season are beginning to dissipate, giving you greater room to move at major attractions and the opportunity to be more flexible with your travel plans.
Although September may not be the peak of the tourist season, the country still welcomes a steady stream of adventurous travellers and there’s definitely a buzz in the air. Music festivals ignite major cities across the country, making this a great time for fans of jazz, electronica and emerging rock acts to visit Morocco. No matter what you want to do, Morocco in September offers a wealth of opportunities to experience everything this enchanting North African gem has to offer.
Read on to discover what you can expect if you’re travelling to Morocco in September, from weather to events and where to visit.
Travelling to Morocco in September
Weather in Morocco in September
As Morocco transitions from its scorching summer into its mild autumn season, the weather in September can vary quite dramatically depending on the region. Coming right on the heels of the country's hottest month, September can still be sweltering in many inland areas but also offers a much more comfortable climate in others.
In Marrakech, for instance, the daily average temperature of around 25°C (80°F) is cool enough to comfortably explore the vibrant souks and historic palaces without being overwhelmed by intense heat. However, September is still usually too hot to venture into the Sahara Desert, where the blistering daytime heat (well into the high 30s°C/90s°F) can be oppressive.
In contrast, the coastal areas and mountainous regions of Morocco offer a much more pleasant escape from the lingering summer heat. Along the Atlantic coastline, you can enjoy plentiful sunshine and daily averages in the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F) in Agadir and Essaouira - perfect for relaxing on the beach, swimming in the ocean or learning to surf. For those seeking to beat the heat, the Atlas Mountains also enjoy similar temperatures, although the daytime highs and nighttime lows are more extreme than along the coastline.
Visiting Morocco in September
Is September a popular time to visit Morocco?
As the summer crowds begin to dissipate, September ushers in a more tranquil and mellow atmosphere across Morocco. That being said, it’s still a popular time to visit for savvy travellers (particularly those coming from Europe) who are set on avoiding the summer throngs. If you’re travelling to Morocco in September, you may be able to take advantage of budget-friendly flights and secure some good accommodation deals, although don’t expect the discounts to be immense.
Travelling to Morocco in September
Festivals and events in Morocco in September
Imilchil Marriage Festival
The Imilchil Marriage Festival is a large-scale match-making event that draws young men and women to a remote Atlas Mountains village in late August/early September. For many of its participants, it is a once-a-year opportunity to meet potential life partners and start a family. Dressed in their finest traditional attire, the unmarried are often accompanied by their watchful parents, who play an important role in the love-finding process. The festival has a lively, celebratory atmosphere, complete with music, dancing and the preparation of local delicacies.
Tanjazz Festival
Based in the coastal city of Tangier, this three-day celebration of jazz brings together a dazzling array of local and international talent while drawing audiences from around the world. In addition to artists inspired by Moroccan musical transitions, it showcases boundary-pushing international acts and Afro-jazz legends. Performances are staged in public squares and intimate venues across Tangier, a city that has long been at a cultural crossroads.
Oasis Festival
Oasis is an electronic music festival that takes place just outside the historic city of Marrakech. It draws music lovers from around the globe with its Ibiza-inspired atmosphere and an impressive lineup featuring the best local and international DJs. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, this rapidly growing event has become a "must-attend" for electronic music enthusiasts seeking an immersive, high-energy festival experience.
L'Boulevard Festival
Held in Casablanca each year, this week-long celebration brings together electronic, rock and underground music acts from across the country and beyond. For many up-and-coming Moroccan musical groups, this festival represents a rare opportunity to gain exposure and recognition on a national stage. A key component of the festival is the Tremplin (trampoline) segment, which takes the form of a competition that allows emerging artists to perform in front of large crowds and industry professionals. Beyond the concert stages, the festival also features Sbagha Bagha, an initiative that transforms Casablanca’s whitewashed landscape through large-scale graffiti murals.
Visiting Morocco in September
Where to go in Morocco in September
If you’re thinking about visiting Morocco and September and wondering where to go, the question should more appropriately be where shouldn't you go? With the temperatures starting to drop to more comfortable levels and the summer crowds thinning, Morocco opens itself up as a prime destination for exploration in September. The only real exception is the Sahara Desert, which remains too hot at this time of year to have a really enjoyable experience.
Along the coast, the weather is delightfully warm and there are far fewer people competing for space on the beach compared to the peak summer months. Inland, the mild temperatures in the mountainous regions make September an ideal time for hiking, whether you’re trekking to the summit of Jebel Toubkal or exploring the rugged Rif scenery around Chefchaouen.
With the cooling temperatures, September presents an ideal time for urban exploration, especially in the northern cities of Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier. In the imperial cities of Fes and Marrakech, you can enjoy relatively long days for sightseeing while encountering far fewer tour groups than during the busier summer months.
September also happens to be a particularly eventful time in Morocco, with a range of music festivals and cultural celebrations taking place across the country. Whether you want to experience the Marriage Festival in remote Imilchil or discover the contemporary sounds of Tanjazz, September in Morocco is perfect for culture vultures.
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About the author
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 majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.