Marrakech sits at 31.6N latitude at the foot of the Atlas Mountains at 466m elevation. The city has a hot semi-arid climate with long, extremely hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall is sparse and concentrated in the winter months. The inland location means wide temperature swings between day and night, especially in winter. This guide gives you exact monthly data to plan around the heat.
Marrakech Monthly Weather Data
The table shows average daily high temperatures, total monthly rainfall, relative humidity, and monthly sunshine hours for Marrakech.
| Month | High (°C) | High (°F) | Rain (mm) | Humidity | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18°C | 64°F | 32mm | 63% | 230 |
| February | 20°C | 68°F | 38mm | 60% | 215 |
| March | 23°C | 73°F | 38mm | 56% | 260 |
| April | 25°C | 77°F | 32mm | 53% | 285 |
| May | 29°C | 84°F | 16mm | 47% | 315 |
| June | 33°C | 91°F | 5mm | 42% | 330 |
| July | 37°C | 99°F | 1mm | 37% | 350 |
| August | 37°C | 99°F | 3mm | 39% | 325 |
| September | 33°C | 91°F | 8mm | 46% | 280 |
| October | 28°C | 82°F | 24mm | 54% | 255 |
| November | 22°C | 72°F | 32mm | 60% | 225 |
| December | 19°C | 66°F | 31mm | 63% | 220 |
Marrakech Weather Patterns Throughout the Year
Marrakech receives just 260mm of rain annually, making it one of the drier major tourist cities. Sunshine totals 3,290 hours per year, among the highest of any city on theweather.guide. The highest recorded temperature was 49.6°C (121°F) in July. The coldest was -2.0°C (28°F) in January. Marrakech’s location at the foot of the High Atlas means the mountains are visible from the city, and snow-capped peaks contrast with palm trees from November through April.
Winter in Marrakech: December Through February
December through February are mild and the most comfortable season for sightseeing. Highs average 18-20°C (64-68°F) but nighttime lows drop to 6-8°C (43-46°F). The diurnal range of 12-14°C means you need layers: a t-shirt at midday, a jacket after sunset.
Total winter rainfall is 101mm, concentrated in short showers. Sunshine averages 215-230 hours per month. January is the coldest month. Hotels and riads often have inadequate heating; check before booking. This is a popular season with European visitors escaping winter, so book riads 2-3 months ahead.
Spring in Marrakech: March Through May
Spring warms rapidly. March averages 23°C (73°F) with 38mm of rain. By May, highs reach 29°C (84°F) with just 16mm of rain. April (25°C/77°F, 32mm rain) is one of the best months: warm enough for pools, not yet scorching. Sunshine increases from 260 hours in March to 315 hours in May. The Atlas Mountains still have snow on their peaks in March and April, creating dramatic photo backdrops. This is peak tourist season alongside autumn.
Summer in Marrakech: June Through August
Summer is extremely hot. July and August both average 37°C (99°F) with some days exceeding 45°C (113°F). June reaches 33°C (91°F). Rainfall is near zero: 1-5mm per month. Humidity drops to 37-39%, so the dry heat is slightly more tolerable than humid heat, but it is still dangerous for midday outdoor activity.
Sunshine peaks at 350 hours in July. The medina streets act as heat traps. Schedule sightseeing for early morning (before 11 AM) and late afternoon (after 5 PM). Riads with pools or plunge pools are worth the premium in summer. This is low season with hotel rates 40-50% below peak.
Autumn in Marrakech: September Through November
September remains hot at 33°C (91°F) but begins cooling by month end. October is excellent: 28°C (82°F) with 24mm of rain and 255 hours of sunshine. November cools to 22°C (72°F) with 32mm of rain. October and November are, alongside April, the best months to visit. The best time to visit Marrakech guide covers seasonal strategy.