Morocco

Wander narrow streets and explore mosques, museums and medinas in the four imperial cities of Marrakech, Rabat, Fes and Meknes

Bargain for textiles, leatherwork and handicrafts in Morocco’s bustling souks

Unwind and soak up Berber culture in palm-fringed desert kasbahs

Trek among the stunning plains, plateaus and peaks of the Atlas Mountains

Marvel at the stark beauty and undulating sand dunes of the Sahara

Tackle a summit of Morocco’s highest peak, Mt Toubkal

Chill out in the charming white-washed fishing town of Essaouira

Enjoy the warm hospitality and relaxing pace of Morocco’s Berber villages

Make like a local and head to the hammam bathhouse for a relaxing soak

Try a Moroccan cooking class or simply sample dishes from one of the world’s great cuisines

Major factors influencing Morocco’s climate are its mountain ranges, desert and coastline.

Morocco’s prevailing climate is strongly influenced by elevation, with the Rif and High Atlas Mountains experiencing significantly higher precipitation and creating a noticeable rain shadow effect. Snow is common at elevations above 2,000 m (6,500 ft).

South of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, semiarid conditions give way to the true desert conditions of the Sahara. A hot, dry and dusty wind called the Chergui (or Sharqi) blows across the Sahara each year in late spring or summer, sweeping over the mountains and penetrating the lowlands and even coastal cities. Similar to the Sirocco wind that blows across the Sahara and over northeastern Africa and southern Europe, the powerful Chergui dramatically increases temperatures and can cause extensive damage to crops.

Coastal and northern Morocco experiences a typical Mediterranean climate of hot dry summers and wet mild winters. Rainfall is low, and gradually decreases moving north to south, although torrential downpours occasionally cause damaging flooding. Coastal breezes from the Mediterranean and Atlantic oceans effects temperatures in the coastal lowlands, resulting in noticeably cooler summers and warmer winters than further inland.

In Marrakech, average daily temperatures range from a minimum of 5.2°C (41°F) to a maximum of 17.4°C (63°F) in January, to a minimum of 20.1°C (68°F) to a maximum of 37.9°C (100°F) in July.

In Casablanca, average daily temperatures range from a minimum of 7.2°C (45°F) to a maximum of 17.1°C (63°F) in January, to a minimum of 20.1°C (68°F) to a maximum of 26.2°C (79°F) in July.

If you are visiting Morocco in December and January it is important to bring warm clothes, and be prepared for a variety of temperatures. Also, not all hotels and restaurants have heating and you’ll often find it’s colder inside than outside.

On Mt Toubkal, the weather is unpredictable, however is likely to be very cold and windy. It is important that you are prepared.

Morocco observes UTC/GMT

Morocco’s major languages are Arabic (official), Tamazight (official) and French

Arabic is the major national language and is spoken by two-thirds of the population. Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) is based on the classical 7th-century Arabic used in the Quran (Islam’s holy text), and is the formal language used in academia, religious texts, official government documents, in newspapers and in television news; but is very rarely used in spoken or informal contexts. Moroccan Arabic (known as Darija) is the colloquial language used in everyday speech, in arts and advertising, on social media and in other non-formal communications

Tamazight, the major language of the Amazigh (Berber) people, became an official language of Morocco in 2011 and is spoken by around one-third of the population. Tachelhit, Tarifit and various other Berber languages and dialects are also spoken. Hassaniya Arabic, which originated with the Beni Hassan Bedouin tribe, is spoken in Morocco’s extreme south, where it has almost completely replaced Tamazight and other Berber languages

Modern Standard Arabic and Tamazight are taught nationally in schools, as is French. French is an important secondary language and is used in legal proceedings, commerce, diplomacy and government settings. An estimated 20,000 in the north speak Spanish, and English is increasingly used as an alternative foreign language

Moroccan Dirham

EURO is the most widely accepted currency, although USD is also accepted.

Credit cards can be used in the major centres such as Casablanca, Fes and Marrakesh.

ATM machines are common in major centres and it is no problem obtaining money from these.

+212

Electricity in Morocco is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Electricity in Morocco is 230 Volts, at 50 hertz. The most common pin type is C. (2 round prong).

Your safety is our number one concern. Our safety track record is exemplary thanks to careful management and thorough consultation with local partners. Our industry leading risk management procedures have become a skill that we continue to refine. Our leaders in the field are highly trained and have safety as their number one priority. Expert leaders, risk assessments, quality inclusions and your financial security all come standard when you travel with us.

Please refer to our Travel Advisory page for updates on recent events, travel warnings and advice.

We strongly recommend that all clients take out travel insurance at the time of booking to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. Insurance information is enclosed with your pre-departure information. Please contact us if you would like to obtain a quote for your trip duration.

We suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.

Money and valuables should always be stored safely when travelling. Keep your passport with you at all times and do not leave it in your main luggage. You will need it to change money and check into hotels. Where safety deposit boxes are available, we recommend that you use them. Keep jewellery and valuables to a minimum.