There's no denying it - October is a wonderful time to visit Morocco, offering manageable crowds, pleasant temperatures and an abundance of fascinating cultural events. If you’re hesitant about visiting North Africa due to the intense summer heat, then the autumn season is ideal. In October, you can expect blissfully mild temperatures during the day and comfortable lows at night, allowing you to travel the length and breadth of the country with ease.
Although there is still plenty of tourist activity in Morocco in October, the crowds are notably smaller following the busy summer season. This can be a major perk, allowing you to enjoy a less crowded experience, particularly in popular destinations like Marrakech and Fes. The reduced foot traffic makes it easier to fully appreciate the architectural landmarks and historic sites, as well as connect with the Moroccan people you encounter.
Additionally, October hosts several of Morocco's most celebrated festivals, offering 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.
Read on to discover what you can expect if you’re travelling to Morocco in October, from weather to events and where to visit.
Travelling to Morocco in October
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), with lows dipping 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 the mountainous landscapes and hike through the scenic valleys and villages. In the northern cities of Fes and Casablanca, you'll want to bring an extra layer, as the daily averages dip down to around 18°C (66°F), plus an umbrella or waterproof for the occasional rainy day.
Visiting Morocco in October
Is October a popular time to visit Morocco?
As the summer vacation season comes to a close and students return to their classrooms, the influx of tourists to Morocco begins to wane, making October an ideal time to visit. Gone are the peak summer crowds, allowing for a more peaceful sightseeing experience. Without the throngs of visitors vying for hotel rooms and tour spots, travelling to Morocco in October means you can take advantage of slightly better deals and availability. It also allows you to have a more flexible itinerary, rather than having to book everything in advance.
Travelling to Morocco in October
Festivals and events in Morocco in October
Erfoud Date Festival
Each autumn, the Erfoud Date Festival erupts in a vibrant celebration of 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 date harvest with an array of cultural traditions and festivities. Lively parades wind through town and vendors hawk an endless array of date-based delicacies, from sticky date pastries to date-infused tagines.
MOGA Electronic Music Festival
Held in the enchanting coastal city of Essaouira, this annual celebration of electronic music and digital arts showcases an array of talented artists from Morocco and the broader Maghreb region. Festivalgoers 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 2024, the MOGA festival is set for October 2 to 6, featuring artists like Damian Lazarus, Âme Live and Dixon. The festivities will start with cultural and wellness activities on the first two days, along with outdoor parties and events focused on art, food and water sports. From October 4 to 6, the Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa will host four exciting stages, presenting a lineup of over 70 international artists.
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, as well as 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 ancient Kasbah of the Oudaias, a fortress-like neighbourhood known for its Moorish architecture and views overlooking the Bou Regreg River. For several days, the charming alleyways and plazas of the kasbah come alive with the soulful sounds of jazz, as 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. Visitors can look forward to an array of 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, including flamenco ballets that blend Moroccan and Spanish cultural elements.
Visiting Morocco in October
Where to go in Morocco in October
Generally speaking, October is an excellent time to explore the diverse landscapes and cities of Morocco, with mild temperatures across the board. The southern Atlantic coastline usually enjoys pleasant weather, making places like Agadir, Mirleft and Sidi Ifni ideal for a beach getaway. That being said, some coastal regions can be a bit cloudy and windy during this transitional season. October marks the start of Morocco’s surf season, with the breaks around Taghazout starting to fire up.
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, as the oppressive summer heat has finally subsided. This allows travellers to wander the ancient medina and enjoy the atmosphere of Djemma el-Fnaa square, without being overwhelmed by stifling temperatures.
The nearby Atlas Mountains also beckon during this time as the moderate climate makes hiking and trekking beneath the rugged peaks a true delight. If you’re heading to Imlil, just be sure to pack some warm layers, as the mountain nights can get quite chilly. For those seeking a rigorous outdoor experience, October presents an ideal window to tackle North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal.
After the heat of the summer months, the Sahara Desert is once again inviting, with the date palm groves along the edge of the dunes 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 around Ouarzazate, as well as visiting 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.
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