This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend excursions, products and tours that I have personally used and purchased myself. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a very small commission at no extra cost to you. All proceeds go to running this blog and your support is truly appreciated! All opinions are my own. Originally published: October 2nd, 2021 What do you think of when Morocco comes to mind? Perhaps, you think of mesmerizing architecture, colorful, eye catching decor and that really popular hair oil. You’ve seen Casablanca. You know all the quotable lines. But what is Morocco really like? What should you know beforehand? Well, glad you asked. Here are some important things to know before traveling to Marrakesh. First things first, what time of year should you plan to visit? Many believe the best time to visit Morocco is from March to May and September to November. These windows will provide the most favorable weather and affordable hotel rates. SPRING: Spring is considered to be one of the best times to visit Morocco, the weather is warm but pleasant. SUMMER: Prepare for scorching heat. July is their hottest month of the year. The further you are staying away from the coast, the more extreme the temperatures become. I, personally, would not even consider going in the summer. FALL: Fall is considered to be the ‘other’ best time to visit Morocco. I traveled there during October and the weather was perfect. It was tepid and cool, but not cold and still sunny. Also, a great climate for doing outdoorsy things. WINTER: Although this is the cheapest time to travel to Morocco, the average daily climate will be about 46 to 63 °F. In addition, you should anticipate rainy days, while certain regions occasionally dip below freezing and the mountainous areas often receive snow. Furthermore, January is the coldest month in Morocco. Thus, Morocco during the winter is a good idea if you’re seeking a winter landscape and the least crowded time of year to visit. Choosing your lodging accommodations will depend on the usual factors. Generally, budget, centrality, safety, value, travel style, comfort, service and amenity preferences. There are many reputable luxury hotels in Marrakesh, as well as budget travel options. A lodging choice that can really enhance your Moroccan experience is staying in a Riad. A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace that boasts an interior garden or courtyard; typically with a fountain. Basically, they kind of feel like mini mansions converted into hotels. Depending on the Riad you choose, your Riad Manager will be an excellent host. Beyond that, Riad Managers pride themselves on being a local travel resource and advisor. Therefore, the desirable and centrally located ones will book up quickly. When you finally commit to your travel dates, I encourage you to book a Riad immediately if you can. Whichever Riad you decide to book, I recommend choosing one that offers: Shuttle services Breakfast and dinner options (even if it is for extra fees) Having these services available to you are always an enormous convenience, but it is even more than usual here, due to the labyrinth-like streets and corridors you must navigate to come and go. Wondering if you’re spelling the city’s name correctly? Is it Marrakech or Marrakesh? The answer is both. Marrakesh is the English spelling and Marrakech is the French spelling, which is also widely used. The Custom of Moroccan Mint Tea One of the things at the heart of Moroccan culture is drinking Mint Tea. Mint Tea has a very important place in the life and social relations of Moroccans. For the locals, tea represents generosity, hospitality and tradition. In fact, Moroccans are well known for their hospitality, you will soon discover. It is Moroccan etiquette to offer tea to any visitors that may stop by. Due to this, you will likely find yourself being offered tea everywhere you go. We were welcomed with Moroccan Mint Tea at our Riad. We were warmly greeted in many shops and offered Mint Tea. The good news? It’s pretty darn tasty. Tip: Something to keep in mind due to the cultural significance of this practice, is that refusing the tea that is offered to you is considered both impolite and rude. One of the most important things to know before traveling to Morocco is what to wear. Morocco is a Muslim country and Islam is the religion of the state. In relation to your apparel, this means that modest attire is appropriate. Avoid strapless, sleeveless, short and skin baring attire. Pack or purchase tunics, long dresses or skirts, pants or wraps made with light weight fabrics. Generally, covering your shoulders and knees is sufficient. If you are ever unsure about your clothing, you can always buy clothing from the local merchants. The old city will be a non negotiable when you visit Marrakesh! Encompassing ‘the Old City’ is a 5.5 mile long wall… which was built in … 1027! The Medina of Marrakesh is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. What can you find within these walls? A better question is … what can’t you find? Firstly, the Medina feels like journeying back in time. Secondly, inside awaits a vibrant, dizzying maze of shops. You’ll see delicate decor, oil lamps, handmade shoes and sandals, harem pants, carpets, jewelry and a plethora of leather goods. If you are interested in doing some shopping, allow ample time to explore the Medina. In addition. Tip: Keep in mind the Medina is a place where bargaining or negotiating the price is not only expected, but welcomed. Before dining anywhere in the Medina, always clarify the price and the currency the price is in. A nice meal in a pretty good restaurant should only set you back 100 – 200 Dirhams or $10 – $15 USD per person. A place worth checking out is Kafe Merstan. Here, you can dine on the rooftop, sit on giant cushions amongst dozens of colorful, plush pillows while listening to the Islamic ‘Call to Prayer.’ Hearing the bells ring during your meal is really a special moment to experience while in Marrakesh. This restaurant offers great value, combining great food at a good price with a memorable ambiance. Snake Charmers? Fortune Tellers? Delicious street food? Welcome to an evening at Jemaa el Fna. Jemaa el Fan is a large, historical public square that is often associated with its abundance of merchants, hawkers and entertainers. While you can visit Jemaa el Fna furing the day, spending time here at night takes on a much different, mystical ambiance. As the darkness sets in, atmospheric lanterns light up, smoke from the grills fill the air. Crowds pour in, live music enchants locals and tourists alike. Here, you can listen to storytellers recant the heritage of ancient Berber tribes while munching on local delicacies. After walking around a bit, my husband and I enjoyed the rest of our evening here by having some Moroccan Mint Tea at a Cafe overlooking the entire area. As you can imagine, this is a place where incredible people watching can be had. We felt very safe during our time in Morocco. But I was warned before arriving and by our Riad host of a scam that is common in Marrakesh. We experienced this scam being attempted several times first hand, so take precaution. Boys or men will provide unsolicited advice to tourists. They’ll Inform you that you are “going the wrong way” or “headed down a dead end” or “will get terribly lost if you continue down the path you’re on.” Unfortunately, if you engage them, they will “help you find your way” only to actually get you horribly lost. They aren’t out to harm you. This is about money! At that point, they will charge you a large sum of money to safely lead you back to where you want to be. While you are in Morocco, you must experience the magic of a camel caravan through the desert, on your way to go camp under the stars. There are tours available ranging from 2 – 4 days, depending on your time constraints. This is truly something you would not want to miss experiencing while in Marrakesh. You can read about our exuberant camel and camping adventure here. Marrakesh, Morocco is a vibrant city, full of color, culture and excitement. However, keep in mind the things you need to know before traveling to Morocco. Oh, and make sure you don’t leave the country without trying tagine! Have you been to Marrakesh? Overall, what was your experience like? Let me know what you thought about it below. Have any questions? Ask away in the comments! Check these out: Want to know how I travel so frequently? By booking jaw-dropping flight deals that are often so low you’d have to see ’em to believe it. The best part? They’re sent right to my inbox. You can try it out for free: here. I exclusively use this site to book all my stays. I get 20% off on all my stays plus additional perks from their loyalty program. Check it out! Get reliable travel medical insurance for your trip, for just $2 a day – here Looking for a flight on a specific date? Use this search engine and start earning rewards! Need to book your excursions and tours? This company is my favorite. This is another marketplace for tours, that is especially great for Europe. Renting a car for your adventure? Discover the right car for your journey: here. Do you love train travel as much as I do? Get your train tickets here! Want to travel in comfort and have lounge access around the world? Get that right here. You know what I love to do when I visit a new city? This!Things to know about Marrakesh, Morocco
What time of year should you visit?
Staying in a Riad
What is a Riad?
Is it Marrakech or Marrakesh?
Customs and Culture
What to wear?
Exploring the Old City Medina of Marrakesh
Dining in the Old City Medina of Marrakesh
Jemaa el Fna
Personal Safety and Scams
Desert Camel Caravaning
Headed to Morocco?
Here’s How to Camel Caravan in the Desert of Morocco
Staying in a Luxury Riad Marrakech – Dar Akal
Travel resources for YOU to plan an epic trip!
You have a knack for making even the most complex subjects accessible and interesting.