Is August a good time to visit Marrakech? August in Marrakech is a sweltering month, with high temperatures that often soar past 40°C (104°F). The city’s ancient sandstone buildings radiate heat like a tandoor oven and the narrow alleyways of the medina can be stifling. If you don’t like the heat, Marrakech in August might not be for you.
Yet despite the energy-sapping conditions, August remains a popular time to visit Marrakech, with many European and North American visitors on their annual summer break. August is also the school holiday period in Morocco, although most domestic tourists are heading to the coast or mountains, rather than to Marrakech.
While August in Marrakech isn’t for me (I’m not a fan of the heat), I don’t mean to imply that it won’t appeal to everyone. Many people love the intense warmth, particularly in the evenings when Marrakech really comes to life. For those seeking respite from the city's cauldron, the nearby Atlas Mountains offer a welcome escape, with their higher elevations providing a refreshing drop in temperature.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Marrakech in August, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Marrakech in August to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan summer escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in August here.
For more information about exploring the "Red City", check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
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!
Marrakech weather in August
Marrakech in August is incredibly hot, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 41°C (77°F to 106°F) during the day. The intense, dry heat creates a distinctly North African atmosphere - the ancient clay walls of the medina absorb the sun's rays all day before releasing the heat slowly overnight. This means that early mornings and evenings are the most pleasant times to explore the labyrinthine alleys.
In the evenings, the temperature drops to around 21°C (70°F), making it a much more pleasant time to be out exploring the souks. This is also when Djemaa el-Fnaa comes to life, with sizzling food stalls, storytellers and musicians. Moroccans tend to stay up late during the summertime to take advantage of the comfortable evening temperatures and they siesta in the afternoon instead.
Top tip: Every time I visit Marrakech in August, I book a riad with a swimming pool and retreat to the cool waters in the afternoon (when the heat is at its peak).
Is August a good time to visit Marrakech?
Is August a busy time in Marrakech?
Even though August is the peak season for travel across Europe, there’s a small dip in visitors to Marrakech due to its notoriously hot weather. That’s not to say it’s uncrowded - there’s just somewhat of a reprieve! Those who brave the heat are rewarded with fewer crowds and the opportunity to experience the slow, languid pace of life that takes hold of the city during the hot summer months.
Accommodation prices are also slightly lower in Marrakech during August, compared to May and September at least. There’s a bit of a lull in demand as travellers seek cooler temperatures along the Moroccan coastline in cities such as Agadir and Essaouira. This makes it a great time to score deals on Marrakech hotels and riads or splurge somewhere that might be out of your price range during the peak season.
Get inspired with this selection of the best luxury boutique hotels in Marrakech.
Is August a good time to visit Marrakech?
What’s on in Marrakech in August
Setti Fatma Moussem
Every year, the beautiful Ourika Valley (around 45 minutes’ drive from Marrakech) hosts a four-day festival dedicated to the esteemed local saint, Setti Fatma, whose holy shrine is situated by the flowing river. Although non-Muslims cannot enter the sacred koubba, the nearby village hosts a lively celebration during the moussem. Visitors can explore stalls featuring local produce and crafts while pilgrims gather from various places to partake in religious rituals, music and dance performances.
Visiting Marrakech in August
Best things to do in Marrakech in August
To avoid the sweltering heat of Marrakech in August, it's essential to schedule your sightseeing activities mindfully and avoid being out during the hottest times of the day. I recommend kicking off your explorations early in the day to visit some of the city's architectural gems, such as the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs and Madrasa Ben Youssef.
As the temperature climbs, consider retreating to Le Jardin Secret or Jardin Majorelle, where the lush greenery provides a refreshing escape. Alternatively, you can cool off indoors at the Dar Si Said Museum or Dar El Bacha, both of which are among the best museums in Marrakech.
When the hustle and bustle of the medina becomes too much, consider taking a day trip to the Ourika Valley or joining a 5 Valleys Tour from Marrakech. Both options explore traditional Amazigh villages and offer breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, with much cooler temperatures at this higher altitude.
Another great way to escape the heat of Marrakech is to head to the coast and explore the charming city of Essaouira. You can enjoy a leisurely day wandering through its whitewashed medina, which is bathed in refreshing ocean breezes (and has a far more relaxed vibe than the Marrakech medina). Pop into one of Essaouira’s many art galleries, dine alfresco at the eclectic cafes and feast on fresh sardines at the port. Stretching south of the medina is a golden crescent of sand where you can refresh with a swim or take a kitesurfing lesson.
If you like slow travel, I’d recommend spending your afternoons back at your riad or hotel, simply lazing by the pool or enjoying a siesta in the cool of an air-conditioned room. Marrakech has some amazing riads with swimming pools, either within their inner courtyards or on their rooftop terraces. Scheduling in some relaxation time will allow you to recharge and give you energy to head out again in the evening, once the temperatures have cooled.
In August, Marrakech really comes alive after dark, as both locals and tourists once again populate the streets of the medina. Not only can you soak up all the sights, sounds and smells of Djemaa el-Fnaa but some of the souks trade later than usual in summer due to the increased evening demand. This makes it a great time to do some shopping if you don’t have the energy during the heat of the day.
Is August a good time to visit Marrakech?
Is August a good time to visit Marrakech?
If you’re not comfortable in hot climates, August can be a challenging time to visit Marrakech. Daytime highs regularly climb into the upper 30s°C and early 40s°C (high 90s°F/low 100s°F), making sightseeing and outdoor activities uncomfortable for many travellers, especially those not accustomed to such scorching temperatures.
However, if you're willing to adapt your schedule and take advantage of the cooler mornings and evenings, August can be an incredible time to experience the energy of Marrakech. While the medina isn't as busy as it is in May and September, the city still maintains a festive ambiance and you certainly won't feel like you have the place to yourself.
And if you love hot weather, you'll be in your element visiting Marrakech in August! Just make sure you stay hydrated and take time out to rest somewhere cool and shaded if you feel even the slightest hint that heatstroke might be setting in.
By purchasing through my links, you’ll be supporting my website at no additional cost to you
Find hotels via Booking
Book tours and attractions via Viator
Find a rental car via Discover Cars
Book flights/buses/trains via Kiwi
Get travel insurance via Visitors Coverage
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.