Is May a good time to visit Marrakech? Travelling to Marrakech in May can be a really magical experience, with the city having a palpable energy and vibrancy in its streets. The heat in the air creates that classic Moroccan ambiance, without being too overwhelming. In fact, the weather in Marrakech in May can be blissful - warm, sunny days with clear blue skies that stretch endlessly above the red clay buildings.
With the high season kicking in, Marrakech really feels alive but without the overwhelming crowds that can descend later in the summer. It's a bit of a sweet spot that allows you to really feel Marrakech's buzz without being stifled by throngs of tourists. And if the crowds do get too much, there are lots of day trips you can do from the city to find a slice of peace and quiet.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Marrakech in May, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Marrakech in May to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan vacation? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in May here.
For more information about exploring the "Red City", check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
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Marrakech weather in May
Marrakech in May offers warm, sunny weather that’s ideal for sightseeing in the morning before becoming quite hot in the middle of the day. You can expect average daily temperatures ranging from around 18°C (64°F) up to 30°C (86°F), although it can feel warmer surrounded by the ochre walls of the medina. Occasionally, midday temperatures can reach up to 35°C (95°F), so finding a hotel or riad with a swimming pool is highly recommended if you’re visiting Marrakech in May.
As the sun sets, the evenings become cooler, with temperatures dropping to a still-pleasant 15°C (59°F), ideal for alfresco dining and experiencing the buzz of Djemaa el-Fnaa. Rainfall is rare in Marrakech in May, with an average of only 5mm throughout the month, so you can probably get away without bringing a waterproof jacket or umbrella.
Is May a good time to visit Marrakech?
Is May a busy time in Marrakech?
May is definitely a busy time to visit Marrakech as it marks the start of the summer high season, which continues through to late August. Many of the city’s most famous attractions will have crowds and you may need to make dinner reservations at some of Marrakech’s most popular restaurants.
Hotel and riad rates tend to be higher than in April and March, reflecting the increase in demand, and the most sought-after will book out well in advance (it pays to be organised if you’re planning a vacation to Marrakech in May). But if you’re undeterred by the slightly larger crowds and lock in your dates early, the blissful weather makes it a great time to visit.
Is May a good time to visit Marrakech?
What’s on in Marrakech in May
Festival of Roses
Held across three days in May, this fragrant festival celebrates the annual harvest of the Damascus rosebuds in the picturesque Valley of the Roses. It takes place in the gateway town of Kalaat M’Gouna, which is around five hours drive from Marrakech and well worth an overnight trip. The festival features market stalls, musical performances and Amazigh cultural activities, all set against the backdrop of dramatic desert scenery. If possible, take a few days to explore not only the Valley of the Roses but also Dades and Todra gorges.
Visiting Marrakech in May
Best things to do in Marrakech in May
With warm-to-hot (but not scorching) temperatures, May is an ideal time to explore the medina and admire some of Marrakech’s architectural gems, such as the Bahia Palace and Madrasa Ben Youssef. You can stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens of Le Jardin Secret or learn about Yves Saint-Laurent’s links to Marrakech at Jardin Majorelle. If you want to avoid the crowds, I’d recommend visiting early in the morning, just after they open.
During the heat of the day, you can return to your riad to swim in the pool or purchase a day pool pass for Le Jardin at the Royal Mansour, one of the most luxurious hotels in Marrakech. As evening falls, head to the famous Djemaa el-Fnaa square where snake charmers, henna artists and musicians entertain the crowds, alongside food stalls serving up tagines and grilled meats. If you want to watch all the action from a distance, settle in with a mint tea at Le Grand Balcon du Cafe Glacier, which arguably offers the best views of the square.
As Marrakech can get quite busy in May, it’s an ideal time to take a break from the city and explore some nearby attractions on day trips. You can discover the lush landscapes of the Ourika Valley on a guided day tour or venture further afield on a 5 Valleys Tour from Marrakech, which takes in traditional Amazigh villages and incredible scenery. Alternatively, head to the awe-inspiring Ouzoud Waterfalls, which plunge more than 100 metres in an area of the Atlas Mountains that is home to Barbary macaques.
May is also a fantastic time to explore the Agafay Desert, with its rocky landscapes providing a complete contrast to the desert scenery of the Sahara. In addition to going on camel rides and quad biking adventures, you can stay the night at a luxury camp to experience incredible stargazing after dark. This is a great option for those who don’t have time to go all the way to the Sahara but still want a Moroccan desert experience.
If you prefer a coastal escape, Essaouira is also beautiful in May and will usually be a bit cooler than Marrakech due to the ocean breezes. You can spend a day strolling through its whitewashed medina (it's far more relaxed than Marrakech's historic district), browse the art galleries and handicraft stores or feast on fresh sardines at the port.
Is May a good time to visit Marrakech?
Is May a good time to visit Marrakech?
In my opinion, May is a fantastic time to visit Marrakech if you want warm weather, without it being too hot. The temperatures are ideal for sightseeing in the medina and exploring the nearby Atlas Mountains, as well as being hot enough to take advantage of the hotel or riad pool.
While May is considered the start of peak tourist season, the crowds tend to be more manageable than during the scorching summer months of July and August. If you need a respite from the sensory overload, you can escape to the serene oases of Jardin Majorelle or Le Jardin Secret, both of which are at their best following the spring rains.
Overall, May offers a perfect balance of good weather and manageable crowds, as well as that intoxicating magic that makes Marrakech such a captivating destination.
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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.