Morocco in August: Travel Tips, Weather, and More
Planning a trip to Morocco in August means planning around heat. It’s the hottest month of the year, with inland cities like Marrakech and the Sahara often topping 100°F. But August is also full of upside: long sunny days, lively festivals, and a chance to combine cooler coastal towns, breezy northern cities, and the Atlas Mountains into one unforgettable itinerary — if you know where to go and when. Below, we break down the weather, crowds, best destinations, events, and packing list for visiting Morocco in August, plus the private tours our travelers book most for this time of year.
Morocco in August: Quick Facts
| Destination | Average August High | Good Fit for August? |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 100°F+ (38°C+) | Only early morning / evening |
| Sahara Desert (Merzouga) | 110°F+ (43°C+) | Not recommended |
| Atlas Mountains | ~84°F (29°C) | Yes, especially at altitude |
| Agadir | ~80°F (27°C) | Yes — ocean breeze |
| Tangier | Low 80s°F (~28°C) | Yes |
| Chefchaouen | ~79°F (26°C) | Yes — one of the coolest picks |
Morocco Weather in August
There’s no way around it: August is really hot in Morocco. Marrakech is dry and sunny, with highs climbing past 100°F, and the Sahara gets even hotter — too hot to visit comfortably. It’s quite warm in the Atlas Mountains too, where the daily average clocks in around 84°F, though nights cool down noticeably at altitude.
At the beach, temperatures are cooler, thanks in part to ocean breezes. In Agadir, daily highs only hit around 80°F. In the north, Tangier weather usually hovers in the low eighties, and in Chefchaouen, the daily average is a comfortable 79°F — making it one of the best places to visit Morocco in August if you want to escape the heat without giving up sightseeing.
Crowds and Costs in August
All factors considered, August may not be the coolest month to visit Morocco, but you wouldn’t know it from the crowds of tourists that show up every summer. It’s high season for tourism, with prices to match. In cities, you’ll encounter tour groups nearly everywhere you go, though urban activity almost comes to a standstill during the hottest hours of the day. Book your accommodations well ahead of time, and make sure your riad or hotel has air conditioning — and ideally, a swimming pool. Our Morocco Luxury Tours are built around exactly this: air-conditioned transport, pool-equipped riads, and a pace that avoids the midday heat.
Best Places to Visit in Morocco in August
Head for the coast, where temperatures are cooler — just be sure to book ahead. Destinations like Agadir, Asilah, and Essaouira are appealing in August, but they fill up fast with tourists. Casablanca is an excellent option too, with a refreshing Atlantic breeze keeping visitors cool as they explore the old medina; our Morocco Small Group Tour from Casablanca is a popular pick for this route.
August is also a good time for an Atlas Mountains trip. Just plan a midday break: temperatures in the mountains can hit 100°F on some days, and the sun’s rays are strong and direct at altitude. Cooler mountain nights make Morocco Glamping a particularly comfortable option this month.
Marrakech is uncomfortably hot in August, and the Sahara is too scorching to consider for most travelers. As a general rule, plan your time in the northern part of the country — Tangier and Chefchaouen are comparatively cool — and along the coastlines. Our Luxury Morocco: Tangier, Marrakech, Essaouira & the High Atlas Mountains – 10 Days tour is designed around this exact route, and the Morocco Small Group Tour from Tangier keeps you almost entirely in the country’s coolest region.
What to Do in Morocco in August
Plan on activities near or on the water, whether that’s the Atlantic or Mediterranean coastlines, or up in the mountains. If you’re interested in hiking, factor in the water there too: in the High Atlas Mountains, you can combine a trek through the limestone river canyons of Todra Gorge with a dip in the Todra River or Dades River.
If your trip does include time in cities like Marrakech or Fes, take a hint from the locals and plan your day around the weather. Get an early start, drink plenty of water, and take a proper break in the middle of the day when the sun beats down hardest. After sunset, the medinas come back to life. Our Morocco Cultural Day Tours are timed for exactly these cooler morning and evening hours, so you see the souks, palaces, and monuments without the midday heat.
Morocco Festivals and Events in August
Moussem Moulay Abdellah Amghar – Every year in early August, this sacred moussem brings huge crowds of people (and their tents) to a quiet section of the Atlantic coast, just outside the coastal city of El Jadida.
Imilchil Marriage Festival – Sometimes starting in August (though the main events fall in September), this festival marks the time when young men and women traditionally seek partners for marriage. Dance, music, and food fill the village of Imilchil in the Atlas Mountains.
Setti Fatma Moussem – One of the most important religious festivals in Morocco, this mid-August event takes place in the Ourika Valley and features agricultural displays, religious rituals, and plenty of traditional food. It pairs naturally with a day trip out of Marrakech on one of our cultural day tours.
What to Pack for Morocco in August
Light, breathable, loose-fitting clothing is essential — natural fabrics like cotton and linen handle the heat far better than synthetics. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, and sunglasses, and pack a light scarf or shawl for sun protection and for covering shoulders at religious sites. A reusable water bottle is a must; dehydration is the biggest risk of an August trip. If your itinerary includes the mountains, add a light layer for cooler evenings at altitude, and comfortable walking shoes for early-morning medina exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morocco too hot to visit in August?
Inland cities like Marrakech and the Sahara are extremely hot in August, often above 100°F. However, coastal cities (Agadir, Essaouira, Casablanca) and northern destinations (Tangier, Chefchaouen) stay much more comfortable, so August can still work well if you build your route around them.
What’s a better month than August if I want cooler weather?
September brings noticeably milder temperatures across the country while keeping the long, sunny days. See our full Morocco in September travel guide for a month-by-month comparison, or browse our Morocco Travel Guide to pick the best time for your trip.
Is August a good time for a Sahara Desert tour?
Not really — daytime desert temperatures regularly exceed 110°F in August, which is unsafe for most travelers. If the Sahara is on your list, we generally recommend planning that portion of your trip for October through April instead, and using August for the coast, the north, and the Atlas Mountains.
What should I wear in Morocco in August?
Loose, lightweight, breathable clothing in natural fabrics, plus a hat, sunglasses, and a scarf or shawl for both sun protection and modesty at mosques and other religious sites.
Plan Your Morocco Trip This August
August rewards travelers who plan around the heat: stick to the coast, the north, and the mountains, book your riad early, and pace your days around the sun. Our team designs private, fully customized itineraries around exactly these conditions, so you get the best of Morocco in August without the midday misery.