"Travellers are spoiled for choice when it comes to destinations in Northern Morocco. There’s the ancient city of Fes, which holds proudly onto its roots as a thriving hub for artists and scholars; its quieter neighbour, Meknes, is home to some exquisite buildings; the old Roman city of Volubilis is Morocco’s best-preserved archaeological site (now a Unesco World Heritage Site); in Chefchaouen the stunning old town is all painted blue; and the tranquil, holy village of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun contains many significant sacred sites.”
- Narina Exelby
Fes and Northern Morocco
North Morocco is a region rich in history, traditions and colour – an absolute delight for those who revel in delving into the culture of a place. It’s beautiful, too: fringed by the Mediterranean on the coastline, North Morocco rises into the fertile Rif Mountains, where the slopes are cloaked in cedar, cork and oak forests. This region is an area fantastic for hiking, and there are some architectural gems tucked into many of the villages.
For centuries the ancient, grand city of Fes – the Arab capital of Morocco – has been a centre for religion, culture and learning. It holds proudly onto its roots as a thriving hub for artists, craftspeople and scholars, and boasts one of the oldest universities in the world. The lively old medina is one of the largest living medieval cities on the planet, and it’s within these city walls that you’ll find those picturesque old tanneries, where leather has been treated and coloured since the Middle Ages.
That city’s quieter neighbour, Meknes (one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, the others being Fes, Marrakesh and Rabat) is well worth a visit, particularly for those interested in architecture. Many of the Spanish-Moorish-style buildings, which were built in the 17th century, still stand, their high walls and great doors dominating the city.
Just 33km from Meknes, the impressive ruins of the old Roman city of Volubilis are a sight to behold. The mosaics, columns, foundations, palace, arches and facades – which date back to the second and third centuries – are surrounded by fertile mountains. It’s a magnificent destination. One way to reach the ruins is to hike from the tranquil, holy city of Moulay Idriss Zerhoun. This pretty, white-washed city is famously spread across two hilltops; it contains many sacred sites and is a place of pilgrimage for many Moroccans.
As white is to Moulay Idriss Zerhoun, so blue is to Chefchaouen. The entire old medina of this town in the Rif Mountains is washed in blue, and wandering through the cobbled
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
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A great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from crowds, allowing you to see Moroccans going about their daily life more authentically than during the hotter months. It is generally sunny and mild, but there is the chance of rain (good for wildflowers), and snow in the mountains. The desert is perfect for visiting now but gets very cold at night.
A great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from crowds, allowing you to see Moroccans going about their daily life more authentically than during the hotter months. It is generally sunny and mild, but there is the chance of rain (good for wildflowers), and snow in the mountains. The desert is perfect for visiting now but gets very cold at night.
The weather in March is much like the start of spring in any country. With flowers coming out and the sun shining, the weather is generally between 10°C and 20°C depending on the region, although it can become cooler. Snow and rain become rare at this time of year, but it would be best to pack clothing for all scenarios, as it can be unpredictable.
This is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. Labour Day is held on the 1st of May. This can lead to the closing of some shops, banks, and local schools, which can mean the main sites are busier with locals.
This is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. Labour Day is held on the 1st of May. This can lead to the closing of some shops, banks, and local schools, which can mean the main sites are busier with locals.
June is one of the hotter months in Morocco, however, different regions like Essaouira and Tangier still stay relatively cool because they’re situated on the coast. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, Morocco is great to visit in June because tourism is relatively low compared to some of the other months. This is the last month to visit the desert region before there's an influx of insects and snakes in July and August, as well as often unbearable heat.
July and August are the hottest months in Morocco so are not the ideal months to visit; however, they should not be ruled out. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summers then this is a great time to visit. Coinciding with the school holidays makes this a popular time for families; as such, many hotels and riads do get booked up in advance, particularly those with swimming pools.
Daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40°Cs, so exploring and sightseeing is best done in the morning or evening, making this is a good time to combine activities and relaxation. This is also a great time to visit the Atlantic coast, which at other times of year can feel on the chilly side.
Whether you are seeking water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, although still very hot. While summer is not ideal if you're wanting to do serious trekking, it is great for short morning walks and lying by a pool with panoramic mountain views.
July and August are the hottest months in Morocco so are not the ideal months to visit; however, they should not be ruled out. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summers then this is a great time to visit. Coinciding with the school holidays makes this a popular time for families; as such, many hotels and riads do get booked up in advance, particularly those with swimming pools.
Daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40°Cs, so exploring and sightseeing is best done in the morning or evening, making this is a good time to combine activities and relaxation. This is also a great time to visit the Atlantic coast, which at other times of year can feel on the chilly side.
Whether you are seeking water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, although still very hot. While summer is not ideal if you're wanting to do serious trekking, it is great for short morning walks and lying by a pool with panoramic mountain views.
Cooling down after the hot summer months, September is an ideal time to visit Morocco as you can enjoy the pleasantly warm weather and clear blue skies the country offers as it heads into autumn. The beaches are not as busy from local holidaymakers, the cities welcome gentle breezes, and exploring the desert becomes pleasant again.
October is one of the best months to visit Morocco, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. This is a great month for hiking in the mountains and visiting the Atlantic coast, with temperatures dropping in November and Essaouira becoming very windy. As such, October is a month that books up quickly, and trips for this time of year should be organised far in advance.
The latter months of the year are a great window to explore the imperial cities of Morocco. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colourful sights and sounds of Marrakesh and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains, are not to be missed either, but coastal winds and potential snow in the mountains will naturally bring colder weather; particularly in the evenings. One thing to bear in mind when considering travelling during the winter months is that not all riads — particularly not those in the north of the country — have adequate heating, so it's advisable to bring warm layers of clothing.
The latter months of the year are a great window to explore the imperial cities of Morocco. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colourful sights and sounds of Marrakesh and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains, are not to be missed either, but coastal winds and potential snow in the mountains will naturally bring colder weather; particularly in the evenings. One thing to bear in mind when considering travelling during the winter months is that not all riads — particularly not those in the north of the country — have adequate heating, so it's advisable to bring warm layers of clothing.
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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