Is July a good time to visit Fes? Visiting Fes in July can be a mixed bag, as the intense heat of mid-summer may prove challenging for some travellers. Daily high temperatures regularly soar above 35°C (95°F) and the arid climate means there is little respite from the heat. However, with some smart planning and a willingness to adapt your schedule, it's still possible to have a rewarding experience in this mesmerising medieval city.
Early mornings are the ideal time to head out and explore the labyrinthine medina before the alleyways become an oven. You can return to your accommodation for a leisurely lunch and a siesta during the early afternoon hours when the temperatures usually reach their peak before emerging again in the late afternoon to experience Fes as it comes to life in the evenings.
With many tourists opting to avoid July because of its notoriously hot weather, the month often sees a slight dip in visitor numbers compared to May and June. In response, some riads and hotels drop their prices accordingly. This means you can often find great deals on accommodation (if you book in advance) or stay somewhere slightly fancier than you might during the peak tourist season.
With a slower pace and some flexibility, July in Fes offers a chance to immerse yourself in the timeless rhythms of this culturally rich city at an affordable price.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Fes in July, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Fes in July to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in July here.
For more information about visiting this ancient, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
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Fes weather in July
At the height of summer, the ancient city of Fes bakes under the intense July sun. Daytime temperatures soar to sweltering highs averaging around 35°C (95°F), with the dry heat radiating off the walls of the medina. Venturing outside at midday can be like stepping into a furnace - I’d recommend you head out early for sightseeing, then retreat the air conditioning of your riad or hotel once the heat gets unbearable.
Evenings bring a welcome reprieve as the sun dips below the horizon, allowing temperatures to slide to a more comfortable low of around 18°C (64°F). Packing for Fes in July means bringing loose, breathable clothing with ample coverage, as the city still adheres to a conservative dress code despite the stifling heat.
Fes experiences extremely low levels of rainfall in July, with an average precipitation of just 1 mm throughout the month - you can definitely leave the waterproofs at home! What you do need to bring, however, is a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen as the UV rating can be high at this time of the year.
Visiting Fes in July
Is July a busy time in Fes?
Even though July brings the heat, it's still a busy month in Fes, with the summer travel season in full swing. Tourists from Europe and North America are enjoying their long vacations while those from the Southern Hemisphere are flocking north to escape the chill back home. This influx of visitors gives Fes a real energy and there’s definitely a lively atmosphere in the air.
However, July is not quite as crowded in Fes as the shoulder months of May and September, which enjoy ideal weather conditions for exploring the city. As a result, you can find lower accommodation rates at some riads and hotels due to the slightly reduced demand. I’d still recommend booking early as the best places to stay in Fes will get snapped up! Ideally, find a Fes riad with a pool so you have somewhere to cool off in the afternoons.
Best things to do in Fes in July
What’s on in Fes in July
Feast of the Throne
Each year on July 30, the Feast of the Throne commemorates the anniversary of King Mohammed VI's ascension to the throne. On this special day, government offices, banks and some businesses close, allowing people to enjoy quality time with family and friends in honour of their king. The primary celebrations occur at the Royal Palace in Rabat, where the king delivers a speech to the nation, and you can also look forward to military parades and air shows happening throughout the country.
Best things to do in Fes in July
Best things to do in Fes in July
Even though the daytime heat can be intense in July, no trip to Fes is truly complete without wandering through the medina of Fes el-Bali. This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts stunning architecture, artisan workshops and traditional souks, along with one of Morocco’s most famous tanneries. There are also some gorgeous madrasas (Islamic schools) to explore, many of which have shady spots where you can escape the July sun.
To beat the heat, set out early in the morning, then take a break in your air-conditioned riad during the hottest part of the day to simply relax or enjoy a siesta. Booking a Fes riad or hotel with a pool is highly recommended if you’re visiting in July, with both indoor and outdoor pool options available.
Another great way to stay cool is by exploring one of Fes’ fascinating museums. The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts showcases beautifully crafted doors and mashrabiya screens while Dar Batha is well-known for its impressive ceramics collection. Also of note is the Museum of Arms at Borj Nord, which displays a wide range of weaponry, some of which was produced in Fes.
In my view, Fes is one of the best places in Morocco to do a cooking class and this is another great way to avoid the heat while still having a culturally immersive experience. You’ll find everything from structured courses to relaxed family-style sessions that are as much about socialising as cooking. Palais Amani is especially famous for its cooking school and the views from the alfresco kitchen are breathtaking! There are also plenty of food tours and experiences in Fes that allow you to discover Fassi cuisine, some of which are possible in the cooler evening hours.
I don’t think that July is necessarily the best time to make a day trip from Fes to the imperial city of Meknes or the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis, as the temperatures will already be hot by the time you arrive. But if you do have your heart set on venturing to these fascinating destinations, just make sure you drink lots of water and cover up against the sun - Volubilis in particular is really exposed with very few shady spots to retreat to.
Is July a good time to visit Fes?
Is July a good time to visit Fes?
Generally speaking, the ideal times to visit Fes are from March to May and September to November, when the weather is comfortably mild in both spring and autumn. Although July can be incredibly hot in Fes, you can still have an enjoyable experience by scheduling your sightseeing to avoid being out in the exposed sun during the heat of the day.
In my opinion, it’s best to be out and about walking the medina in the early morning hours, before the mercury has risen too high. Then after lunch, when things are really hot, plan to be inside an air-conditioned museum, doing a cooking class or relaxing back at your riad (perhaps drinking tea in a shaded courtyard or lounging beside the pool).
I would say that visiting Fes in July is not a good idea for travellers who like to be constantly on the go or want to see everything within a day or two. It requires a slower pace of travel that allows for plenty of “downtime” and is the perfect opportunity to embrace the art of the afternoon siesta!
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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.