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Visiting Marrakech in April: Weather + Festivals + Things to Do

Is April a good time to visit Marrakech? With the weather warming considerably, April is a really popular time to visit Marrakech and there’s a noticeable uptick in visitor numbers. The city has a real buzz about it, with the restaurants and bars full as tourists flock to Marrakech before the scorching heat of summer sets in. 


April 2025 in Marrakech will see local businesses returning to normal operating hours following the holy month of Ramadan and you can expect an influx of visitors around Easter when many Europeans are on a short break. This is peak season in Marrakech! Higher accommodation prices can be expected due to the increased demand and advance bookings are highly recommended. 


That being said, April is still a great time to visit Marrakech as the temperatures are blissfully warm and almost hinting at “hot”. Yes, there will be more people at the city’s major attractions. But if you’re willing to discover some of Marrakech’s hidden gems or venture outside the city limits on day trips, you can still enjoy a crowd-free experience. 


In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Marrakech in April, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Marrakech in April to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary. 


Planning a longer Moroccan spring escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in April here.


For more information about exploring the "Red City", check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.


A busy market in Marrakech

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!


Marrakech weather in April


The weather in Marrakech in April is really sublime, with warm temperatures that aren’t yet hot enough to make sightseeing unpleasant. During the day, the mercury typically climbs to between 23°C and 28°C (73°F and 82°F), allowing you to comfortably wear T-shirts and dresses. Rainfall is quite low in April, with just 10 mm falling across the month, so you can get away without having to bring any waterproof gear. 


Evening temperatures drop to between 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), so while it’s definitely not freezing, it’s wise to bring some warm layers for evening outings.


Is April a good time to visit Marrakech?

Colourful tilework in a Marrakech courtyard

Is April a busy time in Marrakech?


April can be a busy time in Marrakech, especially if the Easter holiday falls within this month (as it will in 2025). Many tourists from Europe and other parts of the world flock to the city during their Easter break to enjoy the warm spring weather and unique cultural experiences. I think April 2025 will be particularly busy in Marrakech as many visitors may wait until the end of Ramadan (around 27 February to 29 March) to book their trip.


The influx of visitors during this peak travel period can lead to higher prices for accommodations compared to March and it’s wise to book well in advance to secure your preferred property. Popular attractions in the city may be more crowded and tours are likely to fill up fast - if you’re travelling to Marrakech in April, it pays to be organised!


However, the lively atmosphere also makes April an exciting time to explore Marrakech - the restaurants and bars have a buzz about them and the gardens are looking gorgeous after the spring rain. If you’re planning a trip to Marrakech in April, it may just mean contending with more tourists and slightly higher prices.


Is April a good time to visit Marrakech?

Sunrise over the wind-sculpted dunes of the Sahara Desert

What’s on in Marrakech in April


Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc


Since its inception in 1990, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc has been attracting women from around the globe to this exclusively female road rally. Using only traditional navigation methods, competitors steer their vehicles along off-road routes with the aim of covering the shortest distance possible, aligning with the rally's commitment to environmental awareness. In 2025, this thrilling event is scheduled to occur from April 11 to 26 in the Moroccan Sahara. You can learn more here.


International Nomads Festival


Set in the remote Saharan village of M'Hamid El Ghizlane, this enchanting festival is a tribute to the area's nomadic heritage. Scheduled for April 10 to 13 in 2025, it attracts visitors from all over who come to experience the talents of local musicians, dancers, writers and artisans. The festival features a variety of educational workshops and talks that delve into the history, beliefs and everyday lives of the Saharan nomads, promoting a greater understanding of their distinctive lifestyle. You can learn more here.


Combine your visit to the International Nomads Festival with a night in a desert camp in the dunes of Erg Chigaga.


GITEX Africa


In 2024, Marrakech hosted the first African edition of Dubai’s annual tech show, GITEX, and it’s set to return in 2025 from April 14 to 16. It’s an opportunity for tech companies, startups and global innovation hubs to come together and is expected to be the largest gathering of African startups under the one roof. In addition to speeches by leading entrepreneurs, the event will include masterclasses and workshops focused on cutting-edge technology. You can pre-register to visit here


Visiting Marrakech in April

An ornately decorated door on a Marrakech building

Best things to do in Marrakech in April


April is a wonderful time to visit Marrakech, with blissfully warm temperatures perfect for exploring the city's sights and attractions. You can comfortably shop in the souks and admire the exquisite architecture of landmarks like Palais Bahia, Madrasa Ben Youssef and Koutoubia Mosque. Due to the crowds that can be expected at Marrakech’s most popular sights in April, I’d recommend heading to lesser-known gems, such as the Dar Si Said Museum, the House of Photography and the Musée de la Femme, which celebrates the role of women in Moroccan society. 


One of the best things to do in Marrakech in April is wander through the Jardin Majorelle, a stunning botanical garden created by the French Orientalist artist, Jacques Majorelle, in 1924. It boasts approximately 300 diverse plant species from various parts of the world and really is at its best following the spring rains. In the 1980s, Yves Saint-Laurent acquired the garden, which now includes a museum honouring the iconic fashion designer. To avoid the April crowds, I’d highly recommend visiting the Jardin Majorelle in the early morning.


With Marrakech so busy during April, it's a great opportunity to escape the city to discover some of the nearby highlights on day trips. For example, the Ourika Valley is enchanting in April and makes for a perfect day trip from Marrakech. Located in the Atlas Mountains, it is dotted with traditional Amazigh villages and the scenery here is really something! One of my favourite things to do in Ourika is dining at the riverside eateries where you can dip your feet in the water while feasting on tagines! For those looking to venture beyond Ourika, this 5 Valleys Tour from Marrakech comes highly recommended and has earned the Viator Experience Award for its outstanding 5-star ratings.


"Authentic, unrushed and highly recommended." - Shaunak (read more reviews here)


Essaouira also makes for an ideal day trip in April, with this whitewashed port city located around 2.5 hours’ drive from Marrakech. It’s one of my favourite places in Morocco and centres around a UNESCO-listed medina ringed by impressive 18th-century fortifications. The medina is clustered with artisan workshops, eclectic cafes and enchanting art galleries - Essaouira really is a creative city! Additionally, there’s a lively port where you can feast on grilled sardines and a long beachfront promenade - even if it may be not warm enough for swimming in April, you can still go horseback riding on the sand or test your skills at kitesurfing


 

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About the author


Photo of the author - Malika in Morocco

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. 

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