Summer in Marrakech hits with long, dry days packed with intense sunshine and barely a hint of rain. Daytime highs usually climb into the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F), and July often stands out as the hottest and driest stretch of the year.
Nights cool off a bit, but the heat tends to stick around well after sunset. The city feels both alive and a bit relentless during these months.
Most days bring clear skies, low humidity, and almost no rain. The desert sun blazes overhead, and sometimes warm winds blow in, amping up that dry, arid vibe.
These patterns affect how comfortable you feel and really shape your plans, whether you’re wandering the medina or heading off to the Atlas Mountains.
Overview of Marrakech’s Summer Climate
Marrakech sits inland near the High Atlas Mountains. Its distance from the coast and moderate altitude combine to create a hot, dry summer.
You’ll notice long sunny days, barely any rain, and big swings in temperature from day to night.
Geographic and Climatic Context
Marrakech sits in central Morocco, about 150 kilometers from the Atlantic. Because it’s inland, you miss out on the cooling sea breezes that coastal cities get.
Instead, the climate feels semi-arid, sometimes even desert-like, with dry air dominating most of the year.
The city’s elevation—about 460 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level—helps nights cool off a little compared to true desert lowlands.
Still, without nearby water, daytime heat builds up fast, and it can feel pretty relentless.
Winds blowing down from the High Atlas Mountains sometimes sweep into the city. These southern winds can bring in hot, dry air and push temperatures up several degrees in just a few hours.
When the winds get strong, they can also kick up dust and sand, making things hazy.
So, Marrakech’s geography sets up a summer climate that’s intensely hot by day but noticeably cooler after sunset. The contrasts can be pretty dramatic within a single day.
Seasonal Climate Patterns
Summer in Marrakech runs from mid-June through mid-September. Daytime highs average 33–38 °C (91–100 °F), and July and August usually bring the most heat.
On extreme days, it’s not unusual for temperatures to go above 45 °C (113 °F).
Rain barely shows up in summer. Most months see less than 5 millimeters, and it’s common for weeks to pass without a drop.
If rain does fall, it usually comes as a quick thunderstorm, not a steady shower.
Nights cool down to 15–21 °C (59–70 °F), which feels much better than the daytime heat. The dry air and clear skies help temperatures drop off quickly after sunset.
Sunshine dominates, with up to 11 hours of sun per day in July. It’s bright, dry, and you’ll want to seek shade and drink plenty of water.
Humidity stays low, so while the heat isn’t sticky, it’s still pretty intense.
Average Summer Temperatures
In Marrakech, summer means hot days and warm nights with only slight changes as the weeks go by.
The heat is steady, and while it shifts a bit month to month, the overall pattern stays consistently high.
Typical Daytime and Nighttime Ranges
During summer, daytime highs usually land between 87°F (31°C) and 95°F (35°C). Sometimes, especially in late July, it’ll spike above 100°F (38°C).
The hottest stretch often falls in the last week of July, when daily highs average close to 100°F (37–38°C).
Nights stay warm too. Lows rise from about 62°F (17°C) in early summer to 69°F (21°C) by August.
Even after sunset, temperatures rarely dip below 57°F (14°C). Warm evenings are the norm, and true relief from the daytime heat is rare.
The difference between day and night stands out, but it’s not dramatic. You’ll want light clothing and to keep hydrated, no matter the time of day.
Monthly Temperature Variations
The heat ramps up from June into July, then backs off a bit by the end of August.
- June: Highs average 87–92°F (31–33°C), and nights hover near 62°F (17°C).
- July: This is the hottest month, with highs often 95–100°F (35–38°C) and lows around 69–71°F (20–22°C).
- August: Still hot, but a touch less brutal, with highs around 93–95°F (34–35°C) and lows near 68°F (20°C).
Weather records show July 24 as the hottest day of the year. By late August, things start to cool—slowly.
July brings the toughest conditions for outdoor plans, while June and late August feel a bit more manageable.
Precipitation and Rainfall Trends
Marrakech has a dry summer climate with barely any rainfall.
If it does rain, it’s quick, light, and much less frequent than in cooler months.
Average Summer Precipitation Levels
Historical weather data shows that summer rainfall in Marrakech is almost nothing.
From June through August, the city averages just 3–6 mm of rain per month, which is about as low as it gets all year.
July, the driest month, brings only about 1 rainy day and roughly 3 mm of precipitation.
June and August might see a touch more, but totals almost never go over 10 mm.
Here’s a quick look at the averages:
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~5 mm | 2 days |
| July | ~3 mm | 1 day |
| August | ~6 mm | 2 days |
These numbers put Marrakech firmly in the semi-arid category in summer. You can count on dry, hot weather with almost no chance of rain messing up your plans.
Rainfall Patterns and Frequency
Rain in Marrakech’s summer is not just rare—it’s unpredictable. When showers do arrive, they’re usually short bursts, not long steady rains.
Most days are bone dry, with clear skies and lots of sun. Weeks can pass without a single measurable drop.
Compared to spring or fall, the difference is huge. For instance, March averages around 50 mm of rain over several days, while July barely registers.
So, you get long stretches of dry weather in summer. Any rain that does fall isn’t likely to disrupt outdoor activities or sightseeing.
Humidity and Cloud Cover in Summer
Summer in Marrakech brings dry heat, moderate humidity, and very little cloud cover.
The air feels less sticky than in coastal cities, and skies usually stay clear.
Average Humidity Levels
Humidity during summer stays pretty low. July has the lowest average relative humidity at about 47%, making the hot weather feel a bit less suffocating.
June and August are close behind, generally sitting around 50%.
This means sweat dries off faster, so you might actually feel a little more comfortable than in muggy places—even when it’s 36–37°C (96–98°F).
Mornings and evenings feel driest, while mid-afternoon can bring a slight bump in moisture.
If you’re sensitive to dry air, you might notice dry skin or mild dehydration. Bring water and maybe some moisturizer to help.
Unlike Morocco’s coast, Marrakech’s summer air never gets heavy or sticky.
| Month | Avg. Humidity (%) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~52% | Moderate |
| July | ~47% | Lowest |
| August | ~50% | Moderate |
Cloud Cover Variability
Clouds barely show up in summer. On average, skies are clear or mostly clear about 70–80% of the time.
Maybe you’ll see a bit more haze or thin clouds in June, but by July and August, it’s mostly blue skies.
The percentage of overcast or mostly cloudy days drops to around 17% at the peak of summer.
That means loads of bright, direct sun, which pushes up daytime temperatures. At night, the open sky helps things cool off a bit faster.
With so little cloud cover, you’ll want sun protection—hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, all of it. On the upside, if you’re into stargazing, summer nights here are fantastic.
Wind Conditions During Summer
Summer winds in Marrakech usually stay light to moderate. Their strength shifts a bit depending on the month and time of day.
Wind patterns here depend on both the local terrain and bigger regional influences.
Typical Wind Speeds
In summer, average wind speeds in Marrakech hover between 2 to 3 meters per second (m/s), or about 7 to 11 kilometers per hour (km/h).
That’s enough for a steady breeze, but it’s rarely disruptive.
The calmest spells tend to show up in June and September, with speeds closer to 2 m/s. July and August get a bit breezier, averaging around 3 m/s.
Even at their windiest, Marrakech’s summer breezes are mild compared to the coast.
You’ll notice the wind picks up most in the afternoons, when the sun heats things up and air movement increases.
After dark, things usually calm down, making evenings nice for walking or eating outside.
For travelers, wind rarely interferes with outdoor plans. Activities like cycling or sightseeing go on as usual, and you won’t find much kitesurfing or sailing since the winds aren’t strong enough.
Prevailing Wind Directions
In summer, the prevailing winds in Marrakech mostly come from the north and northwest.
These breezes bring in dry air from inland Morocco, which keeps the arid summer climate going strong.
Sometimes, winds shift and pull in hotter air from the southeast, straight from the desert. When that happens, you’ll feel a sharp jump in temperature and even drier conditions.
These desert winds don’t show up often, but when they do, afternoons can feel especially harsh.
Because Marrakech sits inland, you won’t get the cooling sea breezes that coastal spots enjoy.
Instead, the Atlas Mountains to the south and east shape the wind, sometimes blocking or redirecting it.
Knowing these wind patterns helps you figure out just what kind of heat you’ll get. Northern winds feel a bit cooler and more comfortable, while southern ones can turn the city into an oven.
Comparing Summer Weather to Other Seasons
Summer in Marrakech means the hottest, driest weather of the year. Other seasons bring milder temperatures and more rain.
Knowing the differences helps you plan for comfort, activities, and the kind of climate you’ll actually enjoy.
Differences with Spring and Autumn
Spring in Marrakech, from March to May, feels much milder than the summer months. Average highs sit between 22°C (72°F) and 27°C (81°F), and you’ll notice moderate rainfall between 24–38 mm.
You still get plenty of sunshine, but the UV index jumps up fast, so you’ll want to keep sunscreen handy.
In summer, temperatures climb up to 36–38°C (97–100°F) and rain basically disappears.
The air gets really dry, and with daylight lasting up to 14 hours in June, the heat can feel relentless.
Autumn, from September to November, brings a welcome cooldown after the summer’s intensity.
Highs drop from about 32°C (90°F) in September down to 22°C (72°F) in November.
Rainfall picks up too, hitting its yearly high in November at around 41 mm.
| Season | Avg. High Temp | Rainfall | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 22–27°C | 24–38 mm | 11–13 hrs |
| Summer | 31–38°C | 1–2 mm | 13–14 hrs |
| Autumn | 22–32°C | 20–41 mm | 10–12 hrs |
So, if you’re planning walking tours, day trips, or just want to wander through Morocco’s markets, spring and autumn feel way more comfortable than the peak summer heat.
Contrast with Winter Climate
Winter runs from December to February, and honestly, it’s the coolest part of the year. At night, temperatures can drop to around 6°C (43°F), while daytime highs usually hover near 15–19°C (59–66°F).
Rain shows up more often, especially in December, which tends to be one of the wettest months.
When you compare it to summer, the difference really stands out. Instead of those long, blazing hot, dry days, you get shorter days with just 10 hours of daylight and a much lower UV index.
Sunshine only sticks around for about 7 hours per day, which is a lot less than the 10–11 hours you see in summer.
Humidity climbs in winter, so the air feels even cooler. Marrakech doesn’t really get frost, but if you look toward the nearby Atlas Mountains, you’ll often spot snow—it’s a dramatic shift in the landscape.
Travelers get mild conditions for exploring during the day, but evenings definitely feel cooler. If you want to skip the heat and don’t mind a bit of rain, winter in Marrakech gives you a whole different vibe from those dry, scorching summer months.