Marrakech Weather & Climate Guide: Seasons & Daily Patterns

Marrakech is defined by a subtropical semi-desert climate, characterized by a profound thermal contrast and the dramatic influence of the nearby High Atlas Mountains. Located approximately 466 meters above sea level, the city experiences a “continental” version of Moroccan weather, far removed from the cooling ocean breezes of the coast.

Daily Thermal Rhythms

The most striking feature of the Marrakech climate is its diurnal range—the temperature difference between day and night.

• Daytime: Even in winter, the sun is potent. The city often feels like an oven by mid-afternoon as heat radiates off the red-ochre walls of the Medina.
• Nighttime: Once the sun sets, the desert air loses heat rapidly. In winter, temperatures can plummet from a pleasant 20°C (68°F) at noon to near-freezing by dawn. In summer, while nights remain warm, they still offer a significant 15–20 degree drop from the afternoon peak, providing the necessary respite for the city to come alive.

Seasonal Trends

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a period of transition and blooming gardens. March and April can still see brief, intense thunderstorms that turn the dust into mud, but the air is exceptionally clear. Temperatures are generally comfortable, ranging from 23°C to 30°C (73°F–86°F). This is the season where the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains provide a stark, cooling visual contrast against the warming city.

Summer (June to August)

Summer is defined by intense, dry heat. Highs consistently exceed 38°C (100°F), and heatwaves can push the mercury past 45°C (113°F). Humidity remains very low, which makes the heat "dry" and sear-like rather than muggy. Rain is almost non-existent. This is the quietest time for the city during the day, as the sun dominates the landscape.

Autumn (September to November)

September retains much of the summer heat, but by October, the air becomes crisper. November is historically one of the wettest months, though "wet" by Marrakech standards still only means a handful of rainy days. The landscape begins to green again after the scorched summer, and evening temperatures become noticeably chilly.

Winter (December to February)

Winters are mild and sunny during the day, with temperatures often hovering around 18°C–20°C (64°F–68°F). However, the sky is more prone to cloud cover. The city feels damp if it rains, as the traditional architecture is designed for heat rather than insulation. Nighttime is the biggest surprise for travelers, as it frequently hits 5°C (41°F) or lower.

Local Phenomena & Microclimates

• The Chergui: This is a hot, dusty Saharan wind that blows from the southeast. When the Chergui arrives, temperatures can spike by 10°C in a matter of hours, and the sky takes on a hazy, orange hue as fine sand is suspended in the air.
• Urban Heat Islands: The modern districts like Gueliz, with wide asphalt roads, often feel several degrees hotter than the shaded, narrow alleyways of the Medina.
• Riad Microclimates: Traditional Moroccan Riads are climate-control masterpieces. Their thick walls and central courtyards (often with fountains) create a microclimate that can be 10°C cooler than the street outside through evaporative cooling and natural shade.

Historical Context & Local Adaptation

Historically, Marrakech has always been a gateway between the desert and the mountains. Locals adapt to the weather through a practice called "the second day." During the summer, business and social life pause between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The city effectively goes to sleep, only to reawaken after sunset when the Square of Jemaa el-Fna fills with people, food, and music, staying vibrant until the early hours of the morning.

Traditional clothing, like the wool or cotton djellaba, serves as natural insulation—protecting the skin from the sun’s UV rays in summer and trapping body heat during the surprisingly cold winter nights.