Tangier Weather Guide: Climate & Seasonal Averages

Tangier occupies a unique geographical position where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea. This intersection creates a maritime climate that is significantly milder than much of Morocco's interior, characterized by temperate winters, warm summers, and a persistent coastal breeze.

Typical Weather Patterns

Tangier follows a Mediterranean cycle with distinct wet and dry periods. The city receives roughly 32 inches (800 mm) of rain annually, primarily between late October and early April. In contrast, the summer months are virtually rainless, dominated by subtropical high-pressure systems that bring clear skies and stable conditions.

Seasonal Characteristics

Summer (June – September)

Summers are warm and dry but rarely reach the oppressive heat found in southern cities like Marrakech.

• Averages: Daytime highs settle around 82°F (28°C), while nights remain a comfortable 68°F (20°C).
• Atmosphere: Humidity levels range between 65% and 75%. While the air is moist, the constant sea breeze (the Levante from the east or the Poniente from the west) prevents the heat from feeling stagnant.
• Sunlight: Expect up to 11 hours of daily sunshine, with almost zero chance of rain in July and August.

Autumn (October – November)

Autumn is a season of transition, often featuring the city's most significant rainfall.

• The Shift: November is statistically the wettest month. Storms often arrive with intensity, moving in from the Atlantic.
• Feel: The air becomes crisper, and the landscape turns from scorched brown to vibrant green in a matter of weeks.

Winter (December – February)

Winters in Tangier are cool, wet, and windy. While frost is exceedingly rare due to the marine influence, the humidity makes the air feel cooler than the thermometer suggests.

• Averages: Highs average 61°F (16°C), and lows drop to around 48°F (9°C).
• Experience: Winter is dominated by changeable skies—frequent light rain interspersed with periods of brilliant Atlantic sun.

Spring (March – May)

Spring offers a gradual warming and a decrease in wind speed.

• Trends: Rainfall tapers off significantly by May. This is a time of high visibility, as the winter dampness clears from the air, often allowing clear views of the Spanish coastline across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Local Phenomena: The Chergui Wind

A defining feature of the region's climate is the Chergui. This hot, dry easterly wind originates in the Sahara Desert. When the Chergui blows, typically in late spring or summer, it overrides the cooling maritime influence.

• The Sensation: Within hours, temperatures can spike above 95°F (35°C), and humidity drops to single digits. The air feels parched and may carry a fine dusting of Saharan sand. These events usually last only two to three days before the sea breeze returns.

Microclimates and Variations

Tangier’s topography creates subtle microclimates. The Medina and the Kasbah, built on hills overlooking the sea, are significantly windier than the inland neighborhoods. The hills of the Marchan and Cape Spartel often catch coastal mists in the early morning, which generally burn off by midday. Because Tangier sits in a "natural funnel" (the Strait of Gibraltar), wind speeds here are consistently higher than in the surrounding inland plains.

Historical Context and Local Adaptation

Historically, Tangier has served as a climatic refuge for Moroccans fleeing the inland heat. Local architecture reflects this: thick stone walls and narrow, shaded alleyways in the old city provide natural thermal mass, keeping interiors cool during the summer and retaining warmth during humid winters. Long-term climate data shows a warming trend, with recent years seeing fewer rainy days but more intense, concentrated storm events compared to the mid-20th century.