Is September a good time to visit Marrakech? As the scorching heat of summer begins to subside, September is a great time to visit Marrakech. The month ushers in pleasant autumn temperatures that are much more comfortable for sightseeing and exploring, although you may not experience this respite in heat until the end of the month.
While daytime temperatures are still high (high 20s to low 30s Celsius/low 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit), the evenings are delightfully mild, allowing you to dine alfresco on restaurant terraces and enjoy the lively atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fnaa square late into the night. September also tends to be slightly less crowded compared to the peak summer months of July and August, although I wouldn’t say it’s “quiet”.
While I struggle in Marrakech’s summer heat, I find conditions much more bearable in September, particularly towards the end of the month. If you’re someone who loves the warmth and wants to experience Morocco at its most quintessential, this is an ideal month to visit for so many reasons.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Marrakech in September, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Marrakech in September to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan summer escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in September here.
For more information about exploring the "Red City", check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
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Marrakech weather in September
Marrakech in September is hot…but not as scorching as it is in August. Over the course of the month, daytime temperatures begin to drop, reaching average highs of 33°C (91°F) and lows of around 19°C (66°F). If you’re visiting Marrakech in September, you’ll still get to experience that distinctly North African dry desert heart, although it won’t be as intense as it is during the summertime. That being said, I’d still recommend heading out in the early morning and late afternoon for the most comfortable sightseeing.
Rainfall is almost non-existent in Marrakech in September, so you can leave the waterproofs and umbrellas at home! In their place, pack your swimsuit and book a riad with a swimming pool - it’s the perfect way to cool off during the middle of the day during a September vacation in Marrakech!
Is September a good time to visit Marrakech?
Is September a busy time in Marrakech?
September tends to be a relatively busy time in Marrakech, as the scorching summer heat starts to subside and more pleasant temperatures arrive. In an attempt to avoid the heat and the summer crowds, many people will wait for August to be over before visiting Marrakech. This means that the high season tends to spill over into early autumn - in short, you can expect crowds!
September is a popular time for Europeans to visit, with many vacationers and tour groups arriving as schools go back into session. So while you probably won’t find lots of families and kids in the medina, there will still be a lot of people around. Flights and accommodations can fill up quickly and prices may still be high due to the significant demand. So yes, it pays to be organised and book early!
What’s on in Marrakech 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, it's a unique chance to connect with potential partners and start their family life together. Participants don their most beautiful traditional clothing, often accompanied by attentive parents who are integral to the search for love. While Imilchil is around six hours’ drive from Marrakech, it’s still worth adding this unique cultural event to your travel itinerary.
Visiting Marrakech in September
Best things to do in Marrakech in September
To escape the heat of Marrakech in September, it's important to plan your sightseeing wisely and steer clear of outdoor activities during the middle of the day. I’d suggest starting your explorations early in the morning to discover some of the city's stunning architectural sites, like the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs and Madrasa Ben Youssef.
As the day heats up, you might want to find refuge in Le Jardin Secret or Jardin Majorelle, where the greenery offers a cool retreat. Alternatively, you can enjoy the comfortable indoor settings of Dar Si Said or Dar El Bacha, both of which are excellent museums in Marrakech. Towards the end of September, temperatures will start to drop as autumn sets in and you probably won’t be seeking out air conditioning quite as much!
If the lively atmosphere of the medina becomes overwhelming, consider taking a day trip to the Ourika Valley or joining a 5 Valleys Tour from Marrakech. These excursions allow you to visit traditional Amazigh villages and take in spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains, all while enjoying more pleasant temperatures. I’d say that the Sahara Desert will still be too hot in September to provide a really enjoyable experience.
Another fantastic way to beat the heat is to head to the coast and discover the lovely city of Essaouira. Spend a relaxing day meandering through its whitewashed medina, which enjoys refreshing ocean breezes and a more laid-back atmosphere compared to Marrakech. You can explore the numerous art galleries and savour fresh sardines at the port or even take a dip in the Atlantic Ocean.
For those who prefer a slower travel pace, I recommend spending your afternoons at your riad or hotel, lounging by the pool or taking a refreshing nap in an air-conditioned room. Marrakech boasts some incredible riads with swimming pools, either nestled in their courtyards or perched on rooftop terraces. Scheduling in time for relaxation will help you recharge and prepare for evening outings when the temperatures drop.
In September, Marrakech truly comes to life after sunset, with both residents and visitors filling the medina's streets once more. Aside from enjoying the sights, sounds and aromas of Djemaa el-Fnaa after dark, many souks stay open later in the evening to cater to the increased foot traffic. It's late night shopping Moroccan style!
Is September a good time to visit Marrakech?
Is September a good time to visit Marrakech?
September is an excellent time to visit Marrakech as the intense heat of the summer months gradually gives way to more pleasant and comfortable temperatures. While the daytime temperatures can still reach the high 20s to low 30s Celsius (low 80s to low 90s Fahrenheit), especially in the early part of the month, the evenings are wonderfully mild.
Compared to the peak summer months of July and August, September tends to be slightly less crowded, although the city still remains lively and bustling with activity. This means you can enjoy a more relaxed pace of sightseeing while still experiencing the buzz of Marrakech.
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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.