With summer just around the corner and the roses ready to harvest, May is an incredible time to visit Morocco and definitely one of my favourite months in the country. The weather is blissfully sunny and dry (but not too hot) and the country is yet to be overrun with the crowds that descend in late June, July and August. You can explore the medinas of Marrakech and Fes without working up a sweat and the beaches around Essaouira and Agadir are starting to buzz.
For travellers who relish spending time in the great outdoors, May offers a wonderful opportunity to bask in Morocco's natural splendour before the oppressive heat of the summer months sets in. The temperatures are still mild enough for camel trekking in the Sahara Desert and hiking in the Atlas Mountains, with the wildflower displays making this region particularly gorgeous.
Additionally, May hosts one of Morocco's most enchanting festivals - the Festival of Roses - with the aromatic scent of distilled rose oil wafting through the valleys. If I had to recommend one particular month to explore the area surrounding Ouarzazate, May would be it! All in all, late spring is an exceptional time to explore both the cultural and natural wonders that Morocco has to offer.
Read on to discover what you can expect if you’re travelling to Morocco in May, from weather to events and where to visit.
Travelling to Morocco in May
Weather in Morocco in May
As spring reaches its peak in May, Morocco's landscapes really come alive. Across much of the country, the month is characterised by warm, dry conditions accompanied by a steady, invigorating wind. This is a welcome change from the spring rains of March and April, which leave the mountainous regions carpeted in greenery. In the Atlas Mountains, you can expect comfortable daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F), making this an ideal time for trekking and outdoor adventures.
In the southern regions, the weather takes on a distinctly summery character, perfect if you want to soak up the sun and enjoy an early beach vacation. The mercury in Marrakech often reaches into the high 20s/low 30s (upper 80s Fahrenheit) while Tangier is slightly cooler with averages in the high teens (mid-60s Fahrenheit).
The only downside of visiting in May is the potential for sandstorms, which can sweep through villages and towns near the desert regions. If you’re heading to the Sahara, be sure to pack a scarf to cover your face in case a storm passes through.
Visiting Morocco in May
Is May a popular time to visit Morocco?
May is an exceptionally popular time to visit Morocco and large numbers of tourists can be expected at the country’s major sightseeing attractions and in the medinas of Marrakech and Fes. To ensure you're able to secure your preferred accommodation and tour activities, it's highly recommended to book well in advance. This is particularly true if you’re planning on heading to the Festival of Roses and want to stay in or around Kalaat M’Gouna, Dades and Todra Gorges.
Travelling to Morocco in May
Festivals and events in Morocco in May
Festival of Roses
Held each year in the charming town of Kalaat M’Gouna, this fragrant festival coincides with the annual harvest of the Damascus rosebuds, the source of the region's famed rose water. Not only can you explore the area’s dramatic landscapes with the scent of blooming roses in the air but there are market stalls, musical concerts and cultural events in the city. The Festival of Roses is also a celebration of Amazigh culture and feasting on local dishes is all part of the experience.
Festival of World Sacred Music
First launched in 1994, this 10-day festival (held in late May or early June) has become a renowned global platform for the celebration of devotional music traditions. Attracting artists from all corners of the world to the city of Fes, the festival showcases an eclectic array of performances ranging from mesmerising Sufi chants and Quranic recitations to stirring Christian hymns and gospel harmonies. Beyond the concert halls, the festival also fosters enriching dialogues through thought-provoking debates and panel discussions, providing a space for profound connections between music, spirituality and the human experience.
Visiting Morocco in May
Where to go in Morocco in May
If you're eager to explore Morocco’s Sahara Desert, May is the ideal time to do so before the scorching summer heat sets in. As the month progresses, the temperatures continue to rise, making it increasingly uncomfortable to be out in the dunes during the heat of the day. If possible, time your Sahara Desert experience with a stop at the Festival of Roses in Kalaat M’Gouna on the way.
May is also a wonderful time to visit Morocco's Atlantic coastline, where the temperatures are mild and the summer crowds have not yet descended in full force. The weather is ideal for strolling the whitewashed medina of Essaouira and exploring the artistic streets of Asilah, as well as visiting the coastal capital of Rabat. For a classic beach vacation, head south to Agadir or Mirleft and Sidi Ifni where the temperatures are already warm enough for swimming.
If you’re keen to hike, the trails around Imlil in the Atlas Mountains are spectacular in May, with the spring rains injecting the landscape with a good dose of greenery. The Cascades d’Akchour in the Rif Mountains are also impressive with the springtime melt and can be combined with an exploration of blue-hued Chefchaouen.
While Marrakech and Fes can be busy at this time of the year, you can often avoid the heaviest crowds by starting your sightseeing early in the day. Alternatively, head off on day trips to explore lesser-known destinations like Meknes (near the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis) or the “Mini Marrakech” of Taroudant.
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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.