Rabat Climate Guide: Mediterranean Shores & Atlantic Breezes

The Atlantic Influence

Rabat is governed by a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa), but it is uniquely tempered by its position on the Atlantic coast. Unlike the scorching heat found in inland Moroccan cities like Marrakech, Rabat enjoys a maritime buffer. The prevailing ocean winds act as a natural air conditioner, keeping summer temperatures manageable and preventing winter from ever becoming truly freezing.

Daily Weather Rhythms

In Rabat, the day often begins with a soft coastal haze or marine layer that burns off by mid-morning to reveal clear, blue skies.

• Morning: Crisp and humid, with dew common on vegetation. Humidity levels typically hover around 80%.
• Afternoon: This is when the "feels like" temperature is at its peak. However, around 2:00 PM or 3:00 PM, the sea breeze (the Chergui counter-effect) usually kicks in, bringing a refreshing drop in perceived heat.
• Evening: Temperatures drop steadily after sunset. Even in the height of summer, evenings are cool enough to require a light layer, as the ocean air replaces the daytime warmth.

Seasonal Trends

Spring (March – May)

Widely considered the most beautiful season, spring sees the city in full bloom. The Andalusian Gardens and lush parklands are vibrant. Temperatures range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). Rainfall decreases significantly as the season progresses, providing mostly clear days with exceptionally fresh air.

Summer (June – August)

Summer is warm and dry but rarely extreme. Highs average around 28°C (82°F), though occasional heat waves from the Sahara can push temperatures above 35°C (95°F) for short bursts. During these spikes, the air feels remarkably arid. Under normal conditions, the humidity is moderate, and the sun is intense, requiring protection even if the wind feels cool.

Autumn (September – November)

September remains summer-like, but by late October, the "rainy season" begins. Autumn is a period of transition where the Atlantic begins to send more cloud cover. November is statistically one of the wettest months, characterized by short, heavy bursts of rain rather than long, gray drizzles.

Winter (December – February)

Winters are mild and damp. Daytime highs stay around 17°C (63°F). While it never snows, the humidity and lack of central heating in many traditional buildings can make it feel much colder than the thermometer suggests. This is the season of the "malignant chill"—a local term for a damp cold that seems to seep through walls and floor tiles.

Local Phenomena & Adaptation

• The Chergui: While the Atlantic cools the city, the Chergui is a hot, dry easterly wind from the desert that occasionally reaches the coast. When it blows, humidity drops instantly, and the temperature can spike by 10°C in a few hours. Locals typically close heavy shutters during the day to trap the previous night's cool air.
• Coastal Microclimates: There is a noticeable difference between the Medina and the Souissi district. The narrow, stone-walled alleys of the Medina retain coolness during the day and warmth at night. In contrast, the more open, vegetated areas of Souissi or the Agdal district feel several degrees cooler in the shade due to the abundance of trees and better air circulation.
• Atmospheric "Feel": Because of the ocean, the light in Rabat has a specific silvery quality, especially in the late afternoon. This is often accompanied by the smell of salt spray near the Kasbah of the Udayas, where the Bouregreg River meets the Atlantic.

Historical Context

Historically, Rabat’s climate made it a strategic choice for several dynasties—offering a more stable and temperate environment for year-round governance than the interior. However, climatologists note a warming trend; since the 1960s, the mean annual temperature has risen by nearly 1°C, leading to more frequent "hot days" in the shoulder seasons of April and October.