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Ouarzazate has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh) at 1,151m (3,776 ft) in Morocco’s Drâa-Tafilalet region. You can expect around 300 sunny days and 3,900 sunshine hours a year, annual rainfall of only 112mm, and day-night temperature swings of 15 to 18°C (27 to 32°F). July averages 38°C (100°F) while January nights drop to 3°C (37°F), so pack for both heat and cold. Use this guide to plan what to wear each month.
Ouarzazate Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
December brings daytime highs of 17°C (63°F) and nights of 4°C (39°F) with 8mm of rain. January is the coldest month, averaging 17°C (63°F) by day and 3°C (37°F) at night, with 8mm of rain. February warms slightly to 19°C (66°F) high and 5°C (41°F) low with 7mm. Frost is common on clear winter nights, and snow dusts the High Atlas peaks you see from town, though it rarely settles in the city itself. The things to do in Ouarzazate list has indoor stops like the Cinema Museum for colder days.
Ouarzazate Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
March averages 23°C (73°F) by day and 8°C (46°F) at night with 8mm of rain, a good month for the Atlas Studios and the Ait Ben Haddou ksar. April reaches 26°C (79°F) high and 11°C (52°F) low with 6mm. May climbs to 30°C (86°F) by day and 15°C (59°F) at night with 4mm. Spring afternoons are warm enough for short sleeves, but evenings still need a jacket. Check the Ouarzazate events and festivals calendar if you’re here in March or April, when the nomad festival and Marathon des Sables move through the region.
Ouarzazate Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
June averages 35°C (95°F) by day and 19°C (66°F) at night with just 2mm of rain. July is the hottest month at 38°C (100°F) high and 22°C (72°F) low with 1mm, the driest month of the year. August stays at 37°C (99°F) by day and 21°C (70°F) at night with 3mm. The midday sun is intense between 11am and 4pm, so sightseeing works best early morning or late afternoon. A pool helps; Ouarzazate neighborhoods flags the districts with the most.
Ouarzazate Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September cools to 33°C (91°F) by day and 18°C (64°F) at night with 7mm. October is the wettest month at 14mm, with highs of 27°C (81°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F), though rain still only falls on 2 to 3 days. November drops to 21°C (70°F) by day and 8°C (46°F) at night with 11mm. Autumn’s shorter rain showers briefly green the Draa Valley palm groves. Compare hotel areas with where to stay in Ouarzazate, and read Ouarzazate travel tips for transport and money specifics.
Ouarzazate Weather by Month: Temperatures, Rainfall and Sunshine
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Sunshine |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17°C / 63°F | 3°C / 37°F | 8mm | 7 hrs |
| February | 19°C / 66°F | 5°C / 41°F | 7mm | 8 hrs |
| March | 23°C / 73°F | 8°C / 46°F | 8mm | 9 hrs |
| April | 26°C / 79°F | 11°C / 52°F | 6mm | 10 hrs |
| May | 30°C / 86°F | 15°C / 59°F | 4mm | 11 hrs |
| June | 35°C / 95°F | 19°C / 66°F | 2mm | 12 hrs |
| July | 38°C / 100°F | 22°C / 72°F | 1mm | 12 hrs |
| August | 37°C / 99°F | 21°C / 70°F | 3mm | 11 hrs |
| September | 33°C / 91°F | 18°C / 64°F | 7mm | 10 hrs |
| October | 27°C / 81°F | 13°C / 55°F | 14mm | 9 hrs |
| November | 21°C / 70°F | 8°C / 46°F | 11mm | 8 hrs |
| December | 17°C / 63°F | 4°C / 39°F | 8mm | 7 hrs |
Because the city is inland with no coast, there’s no sea temperature to track, but the El Mansour Eddahbi reservoir north of town reflects the same summer heat. For the cheapest and most comfortable visiting window, see our best time to visit Ouarzazate guide, and check the Ouarzazate city guide for a full overview of the region.
