CMN Temperature | 12 - 22 °C |
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If weather is an important factor for your trip to Morocco, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 22.0 C. Travellers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 12.0 C).
Morocco is a beguiling country of bustling, colourful souks and serene mountain landscapes, towering minarets and Berber villages. Just a short ferry ride from Spain, it’s a popular spot with Europeans who take cheap flights to Morocco to bask on the beaches of Essaouira and Agadir – cheaper than several European holiday destinations – and take short breaks in the legendary, imperial cities of Rabat, Fes, Marrakech and Meknes.
Morocco is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to the west, Algeria and Mauritania to the east. The Atlas Mountains dominate the centre and south of Morocco, the Rif Mountains in the north.
Rabat is the modern capital, a city with stunning architecture, while Fes is the ancient capital, boasting the world’s largest medieval Islamic settlement. It is considered by many to be the cultural heart of Morocco.
Marrakech is beautiful, famous for its central square, the Djemaa el Fna, and for its hustle and bustle. Everything is on sale in the souks, or so it seems.
Tangiers has a slightly raffish reputation, based on its fairly recent past. It was a magnet for rich Europeans and Americans looking for a permissive society. Tangiers has long captivated writers and artists, such as William S. Burroughs and the Rolling Stones and its mix of North African cultures is no less appealing today.
There are three types of climate in Morocco. The north and Rif mountains have a Mediterranean climate. To the south (the Sahara), the climate is described as arid. Atlantic breezes moderate the high temperatures along the coast.
Royal Air Maroc, the flag carrier, has an extensive domestic network. It’s the quickest, if priciest, way of getting around Morocco.
The train network takes in the major cities – Tangier to Marrakech for example – and are comfortable and fast. While the train network is not extensive, ONCF, the rail operator, provides the coaches of its SUPRATOURS subsidiary to continue the journey.
Taxis – “petit” (in towns) or “grand” (between towns). The “petit” taxis should be metered, but if it’s not try to settle on a fare before you set off. The “grand” taxis are shared taxis and this is a great way to experience the country.
Buses are cheaper than the shared taxis and operate more regular routes.
Renting a car is a good idea if you want to see more out-of-the-way parts of Morocco. Select a local agency, rather than an international chain, for the best prices and be careful driving at night as many fellow road-users – such as donkeys, bicycles and mopeds – may not have lights.