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18 Jul 2023

Morocco

When is the best time to go trekking in Morocco?

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Asked by: A traveller

Stephen Lioy
Answered by: Stephen Lioy

The High Atlas is most accessible from late spring into early autumn, though notably hikers do climb Toubkal year-round.

Overall, I recommend trekking in either spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). In spring, the weather is generally mild, and the mountains are beautifully adorned with blooming wildflowers. The snow from winter has usually melted at lower altitudes, making the trails more accessible. In autumn, the weather is similarly mild and stable, making for comfortable trekking conditions. The autumn colours can also make the landscapes particularly scenic.

The summer months (July and August) can be very hot, especially in the lower valleys, but it's still a good time for high-altitude treks like Mount Toubkal, where temperatures are cooler.

Winter (December to February) brings snow and cold weather, which can make high-altitude treks more challenging due to the need for winter gear and experience in snowy conditions. However, for experienced winter trekkers, this can provide a different kind of adventure.

As you’d expect, the Sahara is brutal in summer, and while a sunrise or sunset camel rise can be fun you won’t want to be out in the dunes all day long unless you’re in the shoulder or colder months.

Morocco’s lower mountains, the Mid-Atlas and the Rif, are accessible year-round however the weather in winter can swing wildly from sunshine and shorts to winter snows within just a few days.

Stephen Lioy

Stephen Lioy

Stephen is a travel photographer and writer who specialises in trekking and hiking in Kyrgyzstan, Morocco and destinations beyond in Central Asia, the Middle East and North Africa. He writes for Lonely Planet, BBC Travel, Slate, amongst many others.

Stephen Lioy Rory Sheldon

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