Is September a good time to visit Fes? While the summer holidays are officially over, September is still a busy time in Fes and the heat of August is only starting to dissipate. In the past, September was considered part of the “shoulder season” but this is probably no longer accurate, considering the number of travellers who visit Fes during the month. It’s a good time to explore this ancient city if you like the heat, but not so much if you’re craving mild temperatures and fewer crowds.
Although September might not be the perfect month to be in Fes, you can still have an incredible time with some careful planning. My suggestion would be to start your day early to make the most of your sightseeing in the cooler morning hours, then take a break in the afternoon at a museum or your riad/hotel Many locals take a siesta during the hottest part of the day (I’d recommend following suit), before reemerging in the cool of evening.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Fes in September, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Fes in September to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in September here.
For more information about visiting this ancient, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
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Fes weather in September
In September, Fes remains warm-to-hot, with daytime temperatures averaging around 32°C (89°F). The dry heat radiating from the medina's walls can make it feel even hotter, especially during the peak afternoon hours. To make the most of your visit, I’d recommend exploring in the early morning and then seeking refuge in the refreshing comfort of your riad or hotel when the heat intensifies.
As night approaches, the temperatures cool down to a more enjoyable 17°C (62°F), making it ideal for outdoor dining and evening walks. If you're planning a trip to Fes in September, I suggest packing loose, breathable clothing that provides adequate coverage, as the city adheres to a conservative dress code, despite the warm weather.
If you’re visiting Fes in September, you can expect minimal rainfall, although precipitation does pick up slightly compared to the drier summer months. That being said, you can probably get away without bringing any wet weather gear, such as rain jackets and umbrellas, if you’re trying to pack lightly.
Visiting Fes in September
Is September a busy time in Fes?
September is generally a busy month in Fes as the peak summer tourism season extends into early autumn. With many people trying to escape the heat and crowds of August, September becomes a more appealing alternative. As a result, you can expect a lot of other tourists while exploring the city's ancient medina, historical sites and souks - so be prepared!
If you’re visiting Fes in September, I’d highly recommend booking your accommodation well in advance to secure your preferred hotel or riad. Many of the most sought-after properties will get snapped up early! You may also need to make dinner reservations at popular Fes restaurants, rather than just turning up.
What’s on in Fes in September
Imilchil Marriage Festival
The Imilchil Marriage Festival is a matchmaking event that attracts young singles to a small village in the Atlas Mountains during late August and early September. For many attendees, this festival represents a unique chance to connect with potential partners and start a family together. Participants don their most beautiful traditional clothing, often accompanied by their parents, who are key players in the quest for love. While Imilchil is around five hours’ drive from Fes, it’s worth the journey to experience this unique cultural celebration.
Best things to do in Fes in September
Best things to do in Fes in September
No trip to Fes would be complete without wandering through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed streets of Fes el-Bali. This centuries-old medina is filled with artisan workshops and traditional souks, as well as magnificent architectural treasures like mosques and madrasas. Be sure to explore the Bou Inania Madrasa and Al Attarine Madrasa, both adorned with intricate tilework and beautifully carved cedar wood, as well as observe the age-old craft of leather tanning at the Choura Tannery.
As the heat intensifies during the day, I’d suggest retreating to your Fes riad or hotel to relax, whether that means lounging by the pool or treating yourself to a siesta. If unwinding on vacation is a challenge for you, consider checking out one of Fes’ intriguing museums, where the air conditioning offers a welcome break from the heat outside. The Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Crafts showcases beautifully crafted doors and mashrabiya screens, while Dar Batha is renowned for its impressive ceramics collection.
Another activity to consider on a hot afternoon in September is a traditional Moroccan cooking class, most of which are held indoors (sometimes in air conditioning). While there are lots of cities in the country where you can do this, Fes is a standout due to its unique Fassi cuisine. You can choose a laid-back, family-run experience, which is a wonderful way to engage with the locals, or you can enrol in one of the professionally led cooking classes at Palais Amani. If you’re a food enthusiast eager to explore Fassi cuisine without getting your hands dirty, there are numerous food tours and experiences also available.
Is September a good time to visit Fes?
Is September a good time to visit Fes?
If you don’t mind the heat and want to avoid the worst of the summer crowds, then visiting September in Fes can be a good alternative to August or July. It’s worth keeping in mind that the medina certainly won’t be empty and you will need to plan ahead when making hotel/riad bookings and restaurant reservations.
To avoid being out in the hottest part of the day, I recommend wandering the medina in the cooler morning hours to check out some of the city's architectural gems and explore the colourful souks. After lunch, when the heat peaks, consider joining a cooking class, visiting one of Fes’ cultural museums or simply relaxing at your riad. September isn't an ideal time to be go, go, go all day, but it can definitely be enjoyable with a "slow travel" approach.
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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.