As the Moroccan summer begins to take hold, the country experiences a surge in tourist numbers and a corresponding rise in accommodation prices. But don’t let the crowds put you off, as June is one of the best times to visit Morocco if you want to experience the country’s vibrant cultural scene. Incredible music and arts festivals take place across the country, making it an ideal month for culture vultures.
While temperatures in the south (particularly the inland cities) may be too hot for some, they are usually warm and welcoming across Morocco’s north. The coastal areas offer a breezy respite, with places like Agadir, Taghazout and Essaouira luring those looking for a North African beach vacation. At the same time, Morocco’s mountainous regions are blissfully mild - perfect for hitting the hiking trails of the Rif and Atlas Mountains.
If you’re planning to visit Morocco in June, it’s a good idea to lock in your itinerary early. With accommodations and tours in high demand, I’d advise securing any reservations well in advance. By strategically planning your adventure to take advantage of the milder conditions in the north and coastal regions (and avoiding the scorching Sahara), you can have a culturally rich Moroccan vacation in June.
Read on to discover what you can expect if you’re travelling to Morocco in June, from weather to events and where to visit.
Travelling to Morocco in June
Weather in Morocco in June
As the sweltering Moroccan summer begins to set in, temperatures begin to rise across the kingdom. In Marrakech, the mercury can climb well into the mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit), making it tiresome to be out sightseeing in the middle of the day. Further inland, the desert regions experience even more extreme conditions, with the dunes baking beneath the cloudless sky.
But there are areas of respite. The coastal cities of Asilah, Essaouira and Agadir all benefit from refreshing ocean breezes while the Atlas Mountains enjoy relatively mild temperatures in the mid-to-high 20s C (high 70s F). Temperatures are similarly mild in the historic cities of Fes and Chefchaouen, making this a great time to visit the Rif Mountains.
Visiting Morocco in June
Is June a popular time to visit Morocco?
As the temperatures rise, so do the tourist numbers, with a corresponding surge in high-season prices in popular destinations like Marrakech and Fes. During June, you can expect the most desirable riads and hotels to book out early, particularly those with swimming pools! That being said, the June crowds aren’t quite as bad as in July and August when Europeans and North Americans are on their annual summer holidays and you can still enjoy a relaxed vacation in some of Morocco’s off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Travelling to Morocco in June
Festivals and events in Morocco in June
Gnaoua World Music Festival
Each June, the seaside city of Essaouira comes alive with the sights, sounds and rhythms of the Gnaoua World Music Festival. This three-day celebration pays tribute to the Gnaoua people, an ethnic group indigenous to the Maghreb region. Their musical traditions have been passed down for centuries and are characterised by call-and-response chants, rhythmic percussion and the haunting sound of the guembri lute. But the festival's scope extends far beyond just Gnaoua - it also features a diverse lineup of world-class performers in a range of contemporary genres, creating an electrifying cross-cultural musical experience.
Marrakech Popular Arts Festival
Taking place each year in the city of Marrakech, this wonderful festival features a diverse array of entertainers and artists from all corners of the globe. In addition to fire-swallowers, skilled storytellers and soulful singers, you can expect acrobatic performances and traditional Moroccan artisans showcasing their talents. The Marrakech Popular Arts Festival is held in venues around the city - even the majestic ruins of El Badi Palace host theatrical performances and daring trick horse riders in an explosion of cultural richness and artistic expression.
Mawazine Festival
Held annually in Rabat, this international music festival is one of the world’s largest, with its name translating as “Rhythms of the World”. This perfectly encapsulates the festival's mission to celebrate Morocco's diverse cultural influences and welcoming spirit while showcasing artists from around the globe. Sprawling across multiple venues throughout the capital, the Mawazine Festival has previously featured pop and R&B superstars like Stevie Wonder, Usher and Maroon 5. What makes Mawazine truly remarkable is its accessibility - the majority of performances are free to attend!
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Adha is a highly anticipated Islamic festival that will take place in the month of June for 2024 and 2025. It sees families across Morocco sacrifice a sheep (as Abraham willingly sacrificed his son Ishmael), then enjoy three days of feasting, praying and sharing in the community spirit. In Amazigh towns and villages, the Bujlood festival also takes place, with 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. Learn more about what to expect in this article: Travelling to Morocco During Eid al-Adha.
Visiting Morocco in June
Where to go in Morocco in June
With tourists beginning to descend upon Morocco's most popular destinations, June is a great time to venture off the beaten track. Instead of ticking off Marrakech and the Sahara Desert in the south (both of which are baking in June), opt to visit Taroudant and the blissful beaches around Mirleft and Sidi Ifni. Keep in mind that temperatures tend to be milder along the coastline and more extreme once you head inland.
In June, the northern regions of the country offer a welcome respite from the oppressive heat, making this a great time to explore the capital, Rabat, and the bustling city of Casablanca. The Rif Mountains provide a scenic and serene escape for hiking and enjoying the great outdoors, with the “Blue City” of Chefchaouen serving as a gateway. Alternatively, you can hit the hiking trails around Imlil to experience the Atlas Mountains in all their glory.
Amidst the summer heat, both the Atlantic and Mediterranean coastlines offer a chance to cool off, with Morocco’s beach resorts in full swing by June. You can relax on the shores of Al Hoceima, explore the whitewashed medina of Asilah or coincide your visit to Essaouira with the Gnaoua World Music Festival. The coastline around Agadir and Taghazout offers plenty of options for surfers, with the smaller swells at this time of year ideal for beginners.
For those who are self-driving, this one-week itinerary from Tangier to Fes is perfect for June as it’s concentrated on the north of the country.
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