Weather in Morocco in August: Complete Guide by Region

August is the heart of summer in Morocco. It is the month of long sunny days, busy beaches, family holidays and very hot afternoons inland. If you are planning a trip, the weather in Morocco in August can be your best friend or your biggest challenge. It all depends on where you go and how you plan your days.

The good news: Morocco is a big country with many climates. While Marrakech and the desert are very hot, the Atlantic coast stays fresh and breezy, the Mediterranean is warm and good for swimming, and the mountains are green and pleasant for hiking. We cover everything: temperatures by region, the desert in summer, beaches and sea temperatures, how to deal with the heat, what to pack, the holidays of the month, and the local tips we give our own travelers every summer.

Weather in Morocco in August at a Glance

Detail	Info
Overall feeling	Hot and dry inland, mild and breezy on the Atlantic, warm on the Mediterranean
Average daytime temperature	About 23°C on the coast to 37°C and more inland
Hottest areas	Merzouga, Zagora, Ouarzazate and Marrakech
Coolest areas	Essaouira, the Atlantic coast and the High Atlas villages
Rain	Almost none, except short storms in the mountains
Sea temperature	About 20°C to 23°C on the Atlantic, 23°C to 25°C on the Mediterranean
Sunshine	Very long days, often 11 to 13 hours of sun
Crowds	High on the beaches and in coastal towns, quieter in the south
Main risk	Heat and strong sun in the afternoon

Is August a Good Time to Visit Morocco?

August can be a great time to visit Morocco if you choose the right route. It works well for beach holidays, surfing, mountain hiking and long summer evenings. Many Moroccan families are on holiday, so the coastal towns are lively, with music, night markets and people walking on the promenades until late.

But it is not the best month for long sightseeing days in Marrakech and Fes, or for full-day activities in the desert. Afternoons inland can be over 38°C, and sometimes higher during heatwaves. With a smart plan, early mornings, siestas and evening visits, you can still enjoy everything. If you can choose any month, read our guide to the best time to visit Morocco.

Pros	Cons
Perfect beach weather on the Mediterranean	Very hot afternoons inland
Fresh, breezy Atlantic coast	Busy beaches and higher prices on the coast
Green and pleasant High Atlas	Desert days are very hot
Long days and lively summer evenings	Ferries and roads busy with holiday traffic
No rain in most of the country	Some days with hot, dusty wind (chergui)

August Weather by Region: Quick Table

These are typical average values. During heatwaves, inland temperatures can be several degrees higher.

Place	Average high	Average low	Sea	What to expect
Marrakech	37°C	21°C	–	Very hot afternoons, warm nights
Fes	35°C	19°C	–	Hot and dry
Casablanca	27°C	20°C	22°C	Warm and humid, pleasant
Rabat	28°C	18°C	22°C	Warm with sea breeze
Tangier	29°C	20°C	22°C	Warm, sometimes windy
Mediterranean coast	29°C	21°C	24°C	Best swimming in Morocco
Chefchaouen	31°C	18°C	–	Warm days, fresh nights
Essaouira	23°C	17°C	20°C	Cool and windy
Agadir	26°C	18°C	21°C	Sunny, sometimes morning fog
Ouarzazate	38°C	22°C	–	Very hot and dry
Merzouga	41°C	26°C	–	Extreme heat in the afternoon
Imlil (High Atlas)	28°C	14°C	–	Pleasant days, cool nights
Ifrane	31°C	13°C	–	Warm days, cool nights

Marrakech in August

Marrakech is hot in August. Afternoons are usually around 36°C to 38°C, and during heatwaves they can reach the low or mid 40s. The air is dry, which helps a little, but the sun is very strong. Nights stay warm, often above 20°C.

The secret is to live like the locals. Start early: visit gardens, palaces and the souks between 8 and 11 am. In the afternoon, rest in your riad by the pool or plunge pool, take a hammam or a long lunch in the shade. Go out again after 6 pm, when the medina wakes up and Jemaa el-Fnaa comes alive. Many visitors are surprised by how lively Marrakech is at 10 or 11 pm in summer. More details in our guide to the weather in Marrakech and what to see in Marrakech.

Fes, Meknes and the Imperial Cities

Fes is also hot in August, with afternoons around 34°C to 36°C. The good news is that the narrow streets of the Fes medina are often in the shade, and old houses stay cooler inside. The tanneries smell stronger in the heat, so visit them in the morning. Meknes and Volubilis have similar weather. At Volubilis, there is almost no shade, so go at opening time, wear a hat and bring plenty of water.

Escape tip: From Fes, a half-day trip to Ifrane and the cedar forest of Azrou brings you to fresh mountain air, often 5°C cooler than the city.

Casablanca, Rabat and the Atlantic Coast

The Atlantic coast is much more comfortable than inland Morocco in August. Casablanca and Rabat usually have days around 26°C to 28°C, with humidity and a sea breeze. Mornings can be grey or misty, and the sun often comes out by midday. The ocean is around 21°C to 23°C, good for a refreshing swim.

The beaches around Rabat, Mohammedia and El Jadida are very busy on weekends, when Moroccan families come to escape the heat. Further north, Asilah and Larache are charming summer towns with whitewashed medinas and lively evenings.

Essaouira and Agadir

Essaouira is famous for staying cool in summer. Days are often only 22°C to 24°C, even when Marrakech is near 40°C, only about three hours away. The reason is the strong trade wind that blows from the ocean in summer. It works well for kitesurfing and windsurfing, but it can feel chilly in the evening, so bring a light jacket. See our guides where is Essaouira and the day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech.

Agadir is warm and sunny, around 25°C to 28°C, with a long sandy beach and a lively promenade. Mornings can start with fog, which usually clears before lunch. The sea is about 20°C to 21°C. Nearby, Taghazout is popular for beginner surf lessons in summer, when the waves are smaller.

Between Essaouira and Agadir, small surf villages like Imsouane, Tamraght and Aourir are also lovely in August. They are quieter than the big resorts, with fresh fish restaurants, sunset views over the ocean and comfortable temperatures day and night. It is a good place to finish a summer trip after the heat of the desert and the cities.

Did you know? A cold ocean current flows along the southern Atlantic coast. That is why the sea in Agadir and Essaouira is often colder than in Casablanca or Tangier, even though they are further south.

Tangier, Chefchaouen and the Mediterranean Coast

For swimming, the Mediterranean is the best choice in August. The water is around 23°C to 25°C, calmer and warmer than the Atlantic. Beaches near Tetouan, M’diq, Martil, Cabo Negro, Al Hoceima and Saidia are very popular with Moroccan families in summer, so they are lively and sometimes crowded.

Tangier is warm, around 28°C to 30°C, and can be windy when the east wind (the levante) blows through the Strait of Gibraltar. Chefchaouen, in the Rif Mountains, has warm days around 30°C but pleasant evenings, and its blue streets are full of visitors. Read more in our guides to the weather in Tangier and where Tangier is.

The Sahara Desert in August: Merzouga and Zagora

Let us be honest: August is the hottest month in the Sahara. In Merzouga and Zagora, afternoons are often 40°C to 45°C, and the sand can be too hot to walk on barefoot. Nights stay warm, often around 25°C. Still, many travelers visit the desert in summer, and with the right plan it can be a special experience.

How to Enjoy the Desert in August

• Ride camels at sunset, around 6:30 or 7 pm, when the heat drops.
• Watch the sunrise early in the morning, the best and coolest moment of the day.
• Rest in the shade or in an air-conditioned room between noon and 5 pm.
• Choose a camp with air conditioning or a well-ventilated tent. Some camps let you sleep outside under the stars.
• Drink a lot of water, more than you think you need.
• Cover your head and skin with a light scarf or chech, the traditional desert turban.

If you want a softer desert experience in summer, the stony Agafay Desert near Marrakech is a good alternative for an evening and dinner under the stars, without the long drive. For more details, see our Merzouga weather guide and our guide to the sunset in Merzouga.

The Atlas Mountains in August: Nature’s Air Conditioning

When the cities are hot, Moroccans go up to the mountains. The Atlas Mountains are green and fresh in August. In Imlil, at about 1,700 meters, days are warm and nights can be cool. It is the best season to climb Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa, without snow or special winter equipment.

• Imlil and Toubkal: good for trekking, with clear trails and long days.
• Ourika Valley: a favorite escape from Marrakech, with river-side cafés and small waterfalls.
• Ouzoud Waterfalls: the highest waterfalls in Morocco, with swimming spots and shade.
• Ifrane and Azrou: cool cedar forests and lakes in the Middle Atlas.
• Dades and Todra: hot at midday, but the gorges offer shade and fresh water.

Safety tip: Summer afternoons in the mountains can bring sudden thunderstorms. In narrow valleys like Ourika, heavy rain can cause rivers to rise very quickly. Always check the weather, listen to local advice, and never stay near a riverbed during a storm. Plan day trips like the Ourika Valley or the Ouzoud Waterfalls in the morning.

Ouarzazate, Aït Ben Haddou and the South

Ouarzazate and the valleys of the south are very hot and dry in August, often around 37°C to 40°C. Aït Ben Haddou is best visited early in the morning or at sunset, when the light makes the mud walls glow. Film studio visits are a good option in the hot hours, as some areas are indoors. Skoura’s palm grove offers shade and cooler air between the trees.

Sunrise, Sunset and Daylight in August

Days are long in August, with about 13 hours of daylight at the start of the month. In Marrakech, the sun usually rises between 7:00 and 7:30 am and sets between 8:00 and 8:45 pm, a little earlier each week. This gives you long, warm evenings, good for dinner on a terrace or a walk by the sea.

Time of day	What to expect	Best activity
6:30 to 10 am	The coolest and most pleasant hours	Sightseeing, gardens, hikes, camel rides at sunrise
10 am to 1 pm	Getting hot quickly	Museums, shaded medina walks
1 to 5 pm	The hottest part of the day	Pool, siesta, long lunch, hammam later
5 to 8 pm	Golden light, heat slowly drops	Sunset terraces, beach walks, desert sunset
After 8 pm	Warm evenings, lively streets	Night markets, dinner, music, stargazing

Rain and Storms in August

August is one of the driest months in Morocco. In most cities, it almost never rains, and you can expect blue skies day after day. The exception is the mountains. In the High Atlas and sometimes in the Middle Atlas, hot afternoons can build big clouds and short, strong thunderstorms with heavy rain, hail and wind. They usually pass in an hour or two, but they can be dangerous in narrow valleys and gorges.

On the Atlantic coast, mornings can be grey or foggy, especially around Agadir and Essaouira. This is not rain: it is a sea mist caused by the cold ocean current, and it usually disappears before lunch. In the desert, rare summer storms can bring wind and sand, so always follow your guide’s advice.

The Chergui: Morocco’s Hot Desert Wind

Here is something many travel guides forget. On some summer days, a hot and dry wind called the chergui blows from the Sahara towards the west. When it arrives, temperatures can jump by several degrees in a few hours, even on the coast. The sky can look hazy or yellow because of dust.

• Chergui days usually last one to three days.
• Even Casablanca and Rabat can feel very hot during the chergui.
• Stay inside during the hottest hours and keep windows closed in the afternoon.
• Drink more water than usual and protect your eyes from dust.
• Essaouira and the mountains are the best places to escape it.

Public Holidays and Events in August

August has several national holidays. Banks, offices and some museums may close, while shops, restaurants and tours usually stay open.

Date	Holiday	What to expect
14 August	Oued Ed-Dahab Allegiance Day	Public holiday, offices closed
20 August	Revolution of the King and the People	Public holiday, national celebrations
21 August	Youth Day	Public holiday, linked to the King’s birthday

The Big Summer Return of Moroccans Abroad

Every summer, more than a million Moroccans living in Europe come back home for the holidays. Ferries between Spain and Tangier are full, and the roads from the north are busy, especially at the start and end of August. Weddings are everywhere, with music and celebrations late into the night. It is a joyful time, but book ferries, flights and coastal hotels early.

Summer Festivals and Moussems

Summer is also the season of festivals, concerts and moussems, traditional gatherings around a saint’s shrine, often with fantasia horse shows. Dates change every year, so check local news before you travel. Coastal cities like Tangier, Asilah, Agadir and Al Hoceima organize many summer events.

What to Pack for Morocco in August

Item	Why you need it
Light, loose clothes in cotton or linen	Keep you cool and respect local culture
Wide hat or cap	Strong sun all day
Sunglasses	Bright light and desert sand
High SPF sunscreen	The UV level is very high
Light scarf	Protects your head, neck and shoulders
Reusable water bottle	Drink all day long
Swimsuit	Beaches, riad pools, waterfalls
Light jacket	Windy Essaouira and mountain nights
Comfortable sandals and walking shoes	Medinas and hiking trails
Rehydration salts	Useful if you feel weak from the heat

Tip: Long, loose clothes are actually cooler than shorts in the strong sun. This is why Moroccans in the south wear long djellabas and scarves in summer.

How to Beat the Heat: Local Tips

• Wake up early. The best hours for visits are from 7 to 11 am.
• Take a siesta. Many shops in the south close between 1 and 4 pm. Rest like the locals.
• Choose a riad with a pool or at least air conditioning.
• Eat light at lunch and enjoy a big dinner in the cool evening.
• Drink mint tea. Hot tea in hot weather sounds strange, but it helps you sweat and cool down.
• Eat fresh fruit: watermelon, figs, grapes and prickly pears are in season.
• Go to the hammam in the evening, not at midday.

Summer Food and Drinks to Try in August

Summer in Morocco is the season of fresh fruit, cold juices and light dishes. These are the flavors that help locals stay cool in August:

• Fresh orange and avocado juice: sold at juice stands everywhere. Avocado juice with milk and a little sugar or dates is a Moroccan favorite.
• Watermelon and melon: cheap, sweet and sold in huge piles at markets and on roadsides.
• Figs and grapes: August is fig season. Try fresh figs from the mountain villages.
• Prickly pears (hendiya): cactus fruit sold peeled from street carts, sweet and refreshing.
• Grilled sardines: at the port of Essaouira, choose your fish and eat it grilled with bread and salad.
• Moroccan salads: zaalouk (eggplant) and taktouka (peppers and tomatoes), served cool as starters.
• Ice cream and granita: many cafés in coastal towns are busy until midnight in summer.

Heat Safety: Know the Warning Signs

Most travelers handle the summer heat well with good planning. But it is important to know the signs of heat exhaustion: headache, dizziness, nausea, strong tiredness, heavy sweating or, on the other hand, hot and dry skin. If you or someone in your group feels this way:

• Move to the shade or an air-conditioned place right away.
• Drink water slowly, ideally with rehydration salts.
• Cool the body with wet cloths on the neck, face and wrists.
• Rest and stop all activities for the day.
• If symptoms do not improve, or the person is confused, call for medical help (15 for ambulance in Morocco) or ask your hotel or guide.

Best Places to Visit in Morocco in August

Place	Why go in August
Essaouira	Cool, breezy and relaxed, perfect escape from the heat
Mediterranean beaches	The warmest sea in Morocco
Agadir and Taghazout	Sunny beach days and beginner surf
Imlil and Toubkal	The best season for trekking
Chefchaouen	Fresh evenings in the Rif Mountains
Asilah	Charming summer town by the sea
Ifrane and Azrou	Cool cedar forests and lakes

Sample 7-Day Morocco Itinerary for August

Day	Route	Heat tip
Day 1	Arrive in Marrakech, evening in Jemaa el-Fnaa	Rest in the afternoon
Day 2	Early visits in Marrakech, afternoon by the pool	Gardens at opening time
Day 3	Day trip to Imlil or the Ourika Valley	Fresh mountain air
Day 4	Drive to Essaouira	Bring a light jacket for the wind
Day 5	Essaouira: medina, port, beach	The coolest day of the trip
Day 6	Back via an argan cooperative to Marrakech or Agadir	Travel in the morning
Day 7	Relax and departure	Last mint tea on a rooftop at sunset

Want the desert too? We can add a 2 or 3-day Sahara trip with sunset camel rides and an air-conditioned camp. See our Morocco itineraries.

Morocco in August for Families

August is the main holiday month for families, and Morocco can be a great summer destination for children if you choose the right places. Kids usually love the beaches of Agadir and the Mediterranean, the waterfalls of Ouzoud, swimming pools in riads and the fun atmosphere of summer evenings. Camel rides at sunset and a night in the desert are often the highlight of the trip.

Plan short visits in the morning, a long break with a pool in the afternoon, and evening walks. Keep children well protected from the sun with hats, light long sleeves and sunscreen, and carry water and snacks at all times. For long drives, travel early in the morning in an air-conditioned vehicle with regular stops.

August vs July vs September in Morocco

Month	Inland heat	Coast	Crowds	Best for
July	Very hot	Warm, busy	High on the coast	Beaches, mountains
August	Very hot, the peak of summer	Warmest sea of the year	Very high on the coast	Swimming, trekking, summer festivals
September	Hot, slowly cooling	Still warm sea	Medium	Beaches and cities, fewer crowds

If you can move your dates, late September is a great compromise: the sea is still warm, the crowds go home, and the inland heat starts to drop. You can also read about the weather in Morocco in October, one of the most pleasant months of the year.

Prices and Crowds in August

August is high season on the coast and for Moroccan domestic tourism. Hotels in Tangier, Tetouan, Agadir and Saidia can be expensive and fully booked. On the other hand, Marrakech and the desert are in low season because of the heat, so you may find good deals on riads and camps there. Flights from Europe are usually more expensive because of school holidays.

12 Smart Tips to Beat the Heat in Morocco in August

Here are the 12 tips we share with all our summer travelers. Follow them and the heat will become part of the adventure, not a problem.

1. Plan your day in three parts: active mornings, quiet afternoons and lively evenings.
2. Book air-conditioned transport for all long drives, especially to the desert.
3. Choose riads with a pool or a cool courtyard, and ask if every room has air conditioning.
4. Drink before you feel thirsty. Aim for 2 to 3 liters a day, more in the desert.
5. Mix hot and cool places. After two days in Marrakech, spend time in Essaouira or the mountains.
6. Visit outdoor sites at opening time, like Volubilis, Aït Ben Haddou and the gardens of Marrakech.
7. Keep museums for the afternoon. Many are cooler inside and less crowded at that time.
8. Watch the weather for chergui days and plan a relaxing day if the hot wind arrives.
9. Respect the mountain storms. Do afternoon hikes only after checking the forecast.
10. Book coastal hotels and ferries early, because August is peak season for domestic travel.
11. Carry cash for the evening souks, when markets are busiest in summer.
12. Slow down. In August, doing less is the secret to enjoying Morocco more.

Common Mistakes When Traveling to Morocco in August

Mistake	Fix
Sightseeing at midday in Marrakech	Visit early morning and evening
Not drinking enough water	Drink 2 to 3 liters a day, more in the desert
Wearing shorts and tank tops in the medina	Choose loose, light, long clothes
Forgetting a jacket for Essaouira	The wind makes evenings cool
Booking coastal hotels late	Book early, August is very busy
Staying near rivers during mountain storms	Move to high ground and follow local advice
Walking barefoot on the dunes at noon	Sand can be very hot, wear sandals

Quick Cheat Sheet: Weather in Morocco in August

• Inland: 35°C to 40°C in the afternoon
• Coast: 23°C to 29°C
• Desert: 40°C and more, warm nights
• Coolest: Essaouira and the High Atlas
• Best swimming: Mediterranean (23°C to 25°C)
• Rain: almost none, some mountain storms
• Holidays: 14, 20 and 21 August
• Plan: early mornings, siesta, evenings out

Frequently Asked Questions About the Weather in Morocco in August

Final Thoughts

The weather in Morocco in August is hot, sunny and full of summer energy. The key is to follow the right rhythm: early mornings, quiet afternoons in the shade, and long evenings outside. Mix the cities with the cool Atlantic coast, the warm Mediterranean and the fresh mountains, and you will enjoy the best of Moroccan summer without suffering from the heat.

Planning a summer trip? Contact us and we will design an August route with air-conditioned transport, cool stops and the best times for every visit.

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Explore our Morocco trips:

Tours from Marrakech: Escape the summer heat of Marrakech with an air-conditioned trip over the green High Atlas, early visits to the kasbahs and a sunset camel ride when the desert cools down.

Morocco Desert Tours: In August, we plan the desert around the sun: camel rides at sunset, breakfast at sunrise and quiet afternoons in the shade, with camps that offer air-conditioned tents.

Tours from Fes: Leave the hot imperial city for the cool cedar forests of Ifrane and Azrou, then continue to the Sahara for an unforgettable summer night under the stars.

Tours from Ouarzazate: Start early to see Aït Ben Haddou in the soft morning light, find shade and fresh water in the Dades and Todra gorges, and reach the dunes for sunset.

Tours from Tangier: Enjoy the warm Mediterranean beaches of the north, the fresh evenings of Chefchaouen, then continue to Fes and the desert at your own rhythm.

Tours from Casablanca: Begin on the breezy Atlantic coast, visit the Hassan II Mosque by the ocean, then let us plan a summer route with cool stops in Essaouira and the mountains.

Contact us