Plan your trip
What to Pack for Marrakech (Season by Season)
Packing for Marrakech is about three things: sun, modesty and comfortable feet. Get those right and the rest is detail. Here's a practical list that flexes with the season and the kind of trip you're planning — city only, or city plus mountains and desert.
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- Updated
- 20 July 2026
At a glance
- Pack light, breathable, covering clothes — shoulders and knees covered draws less attention.
- Comfortable closed shoes beat sandals on the medina's uneven, dusty lanes.
- Add warm layers for winter nights, mountains and the desert — it gets genuinely cold after dark.
- Bring a scarf (shade, dust, mosques) and sunscreen year-round.
The year-round essentials
Whatever the month, these earn their place in the bag:
- Lightweight, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees — linen and cotton beat synthetics in the heat.
- Comfortable closed walking shoes — the medina is cobbled, dusty and busy with scooters; save the sandals for the riad.
- A scarf or light shawl — for sun, dust, chilly evenings and covering up at religious sites.
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat — the sun is strong even in winter.
- A small day bag that closes securely, plus a refillable water bottle.
- Basic medications and any prescriptions, hand sanitiser, and tissues (handy for stalls and toilets).
- A power adapter — Morocco uses European-style Type C/E plugs, 220V.
Summer (June–September)
Summer is fierce — daytime highs of 38–42°C are normal. Pack the lightest, palest, loosest clothes you own, plenty of sun protection, and plan your days around a long midday break in the shade or by a pool. Even so, evenings can turn breezy, so throw in one light layer.
If you're heading to the desert or mountains in summer, the temperature swing is real: blazing days, cooler nights. A single warm layer covers it.
Winter (November–February)
Winter days are pleasantly mild (often 18–20°C and sunny) but nights get cold — down to single digits — and many riads are stone-built and under-heated. Pack a proper warm layer, a jacket for the evening, and something cosy for the roof terrace at night.
Heading to the High Atlas or a desert camp in winter? Bring a hat, gloves and a real coat. Snow on the peaks is common, and desert nights are bitter after sunset.
For day trips and the desert
If your trip includes the mountains, waterfalls or the Sahara, add:
- Layers you can add and shed — mountain and desert temperatures swing wildly across a day.
- Grippy shoes for waterfall walks and rocky trails; swimwear for valley pools and hotel pools.
- A warm hat and fleece for desert nights, even in summer.
- Cash in small notes for lunches, guides, tips and roadside stops.
- A dust-proof bag for your camera or phone on quad, buggy and camel excursions.
Frequently asked questions
What should women wear in Marrakech?
Comfortable, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees is ideal — maxi dresses, loose trousers, tunics and a scarf. There's no requirement to cover your hair except inside active mosques, but modest dress means less unwanted attention and a warmer welcome.
Can you wear shorts in Marrakech?
You can, and some tourists do, but knee-length or longer is more comfortable and respectful in the medina. Very short shorts and beachwear draw stares and hustle. Save them for the pool or a coastal day in Essaouira.
Do I need warm clothes in Marrakech?
Yes, from roughly November to March, and any time you head to the mountains or desert. Days are mild but nights get cold, and stone riads hold the chill. A jacket and one warm layer are essential in winter.