Summer in Fez hits with long, bright days and a lot of heat. It’s honestly one of the most intense seasons you’ll find in Morocco. Daytime highs often climb above 35 °C (95 °F), and sometimes heat waves push temperatures past 40 °C (104 °F). Nights cool down a bit, but they still stay warm, so you really notice the difference between day and evening.
Rain basically doesn’t show up in summer. Dry air and strong sunshine give Fez its arid summer vibe. Skies stay mostly clear, and you get long daylight hours that light up Fez’s historic streets and hills. Humidity stays low, so the heat feels dry instead of sticky, though afternoons can still be tough.
This mix of hot afternoons, cooler evenings, and endless sunshine shapes how you plan your time in Fez. If you know what’s coming, you can pace your days—maybe you’ll wander the medina, take day trips, or just slow down and soak up the summer rhythm in northern Morocco.
Overview of Fez’s Mediterranean Climate
Fez has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters. Its inland spot and elevation mean you’ll notice bigger swings between day and night temperatures than in Morocco’s coastal cities.
Climate Classification and Seasonal Patterns
Fez falls into the Interior Mediterranean climate type. Summers last long, stay hot and dry, with average highs in July and August around 35 °C (95 °F). Nights feel milder, dropping to about 18 °C (65 °F), which offers a bit of a break from the daytime heat.
Winters cool down and get wetter. January averages about 10 °C (50 °F), and nighttime lows dip to around 4 °C (40 °F). Snow doesn’t happen often, but it has shown up in some colder years. Most rain falls from late autumn to early spring, with November and December getting the most.
Fez picks up about 490 mm (19 in) of rain each year. July and August are nearly bone-dry, with just a few millimeters of rain. Sunshine is plentiful all year, with over 3,000 hours annually, peaking in summer when skies barely cloud over.
You’ll notice sharp differences between the hot, dry summer and the mild, damp winter, which is pretty typical for Mediterranean interiors.
Influence of Geography on Weather
Fez sits in northern Morocco, about 420 meters (1,380 feet) above sea level. The airport is even higher at 580 meters (1,900 feet). This elevation takes the edge off summer heat compared to the lower desert, but days still get very warm.
The city lies north of the Middle Atlas Mountains. The mountains block some desert winds, but they can also funnel hot, dry air into Fez during summer heat waves. When that happens, daytime highs can soar above 40 °C (104 °F).
Fez’s inland position means it misses out on any cooling breezes from the Atlantic Ocean. That’s why you get bigger temperature swings between day and night here than in coastal cities like Casablanca or Rabat.
Geography also affects rainfall. Moist Atlantic air loses steam before it reaches Fez, so the city gets less rain. Summers stay dry, while winters bring most of the rain.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Fez
Fez summers get seriously hot and dry, with long stretches of clear weather. Expect high daytime heat, cooler nights, and the occasional spike that sends temperatures way above average.
Average Highs and Lows by Month
Summer in Fez runs from June through August. Daytime highs keep climbing, often hitting 31 °C (88 °F) in June, 34–35 °C (93–95 °F) in July, and peaking at 36 °C (97 °F) in August.
Nights offer some relief, dropping to around 18 °C (64 °F) in June, 20 °C (68 °F) in July, and 21 °C (70 °F) in August. These cooler evenings make it possible to enjoy the city after dark.
The big contrast between day and night temperatures is classic for this region’s Mediterranean climate. Rain barely shows up in summer, so you’ll get mostly dry, sunny days.
Daytime Versus Nighttime Temperatures
The hottest stretch usually lands between 2 PM and 5 PM, when the sun beats down. Streets and stone buildings soak up heat, so the city often feels hotter than what the thermometer says.
By late evening, things cool off noticeably. Nights are usually comfortable enough for a stroll, though rooms without ventilation can still feel stuffy.
This daily swing is pretty big—about 12–15 °C (22–27 °F) separates afternoon highs from early morning lows. If you want to get out and explore, mornings and evenings are definitely the best times to be outside.
Heat Waves and Temperature Extremes
While averages tell part of the story, Fez sometimes gets hit by heat waves, sending temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F). These usually show up in late July or August when hot air rolls in from the Sahara.
During these spells, even nighttime lows might not drop below 25 °C (77 °F), so it can feel relentless. These extremes don’t happen every day, but they pop up often enough that you should be ready for them.
If you’re visiting in peak summer, expect the possibility of scorching days. Drink lots of water, avoid midday outings, and find shade when you can—it makes a real difference.
Rainfall and Humidity During Summer
Fez has hot, dry summers with barely any rain. Humidity stays moderate, but it can still affect how you feel outside, even when the air seems dry.
Rainfall Patterns and Dry Spells
Summer in Fez means long dry stretches. From June to August, rain is minimal—usually less than 5–15 mm per month. Some years, July might only see rain once.
This dry spell is typical for inland Moroccan cities with a Mediterranean climate. The real wet season falls in autumn and winter. Fez sits north of the Atlas Mountains, so summer storms rarely make it over, and when they do, they’re usually weak.
For travelers, this means clear skies and almost no chance of rain messing up your plans. If you’re staying for a few weeks, you probably won’t see a real shower.
Humidity Levels and Their Effects
Humidity in Fez during summer usually sits at 40–50%. It’s not as dry as the desert, but when you mix high temperatures with moderate humidity, afternoons can feel pretty uncomfortable.
At night, humidity ticks up a bit as temperatures drop. Sometimes evenings feel warmer than you’d expect just by looking at the thermometer.
Moderate humidity can slow down how fast sweat evaporates, making it harder for your body to cool off. Staying hydrated and taking breaks in the shade definitely helps you deal with the heat.
Rooms without air conditioning can feel stuffy, especially in July and August. Picking a place with good ventilation or some kind of cooling system can really improve your comfort.
Sunshine, Daylight Hours, and Cloud Cover
Fez gets long, bright summer days with loads of sun and hardly any clouds. Clear skies dominate, which makes planning outdoor activities pretty straightforward.
Average Daily Sunshine
Summer brings some of the highest sunshine totals in Morocco. In July, you get about 11 hours of sunshine per day, and September actually peaks a bit higher at 12.8 hours. Daylight’s basically guaranteed.
Fez racks up about 3,205 hours of sunshine a year, which is miles ahead of many European spots. Just for comparison:
- Barcelona, Spain: ~2,530 hours
- Adelaide, Australia: ~2,770 hours
- ReykjavÃk, Iceland: ~1,330 hours
So, Fez stays bright year-round, with summer as the sunniest stretch. All those daylight hours mean there’s no rush to see the sights or hit the markets.
Cloud Cover Trends in Summer
Clouds barely show up in Fez during summer. June, July, and August are mostly clear, with just the odd thin cloud here or there. Rain is almost nonexistent, so you rarely have to change plans because of storms or heavy overcast.
The city’s Mediterranean climate keeps the air stable and dry, which stops clouds from building up. By late September, you might spot a little more variety as autumn creeps in.
You can expect mostly sunny days with only rare interruptions. The strong sun and lack of shade make sun protection a must, especially around midday.
Other Summer Weather Factors in Fez
Summer in Fez isn’t just about high temps. Wind patterns and intense sunlight also shape how the season feels and how you should prep for outdoor activities.
Wind Speeds and Breezes
Fez sits in a valley at about 420 meters up, so it doesn’t get the cooling winds you’d find on the coast. Summer winds stay light to moderate, averaging 8–12 km/h (5–7 mph). Strong gusts don’t happen much, but sometimes dry winds from inland kick up dust and make the heat feel worse.
Evening breezes offer some relief after sunset, especially outside the medina. Inside the old city’s narrow streets, heat can get trapped and airflow drops, so it’s less comfortable there.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, expect calmer mornings and a bit more breeze in the late afternoon. Wind isn’t usually a hazard in Fez during summer, but it can affect how comfortable you feel and how fast heat builds up in the shade versus out in the open.
Air Quality and UV Index
Air quality in Fez during summer is usually decent, but heat, traffic, and dust can make things hazy. The city’s inland location means there’s less natural ventilation, so pollutants can hang around on still days. People with sensitivities might notice dust or exhaust, especially in busy areas.
The UV index is high in June, July, and August, often hitting 8–10 at midday. At that level, you can get sunburned in under 20 minutes without protection. Sunscreen, a hat, and avoiding the sun at peak hours are all good ideas.
Sunshine averages 11–12 hours per day in summer, so shade and hydration are crucial. Even when evenings feel cooler, UV can stay strong until late afternoon.
Travel Tips for Visiting Fez in Summer
Fez summers mean really hot days, tons of sunshine, and hardly any rain. Staying comfortable and safe is all about timing your activities and prepping for the heat.
Best Times of Day to Explore
Daytime highs in July and August often soar above 35 °C (95 °F). Wandering the old medina or climbing up to viewpoints at midday can be brutal.
Try to explore outdoors in the early morning (7–10 a.m.) or late afternoon (after 5 p.m.) when it’s more manageable. These times also give you softer light for photos and usually fewer crowds.
Use the hottest part of the day for indoor stops—museums, mosques (if you’re allowed), or shaded cafés. Lots of riads and hotels have courtyards or pools that offer a cool break.
Summer sunsets in Fez are late, so you’ll have plenty of daylight left to explore once the worst of the heat has faded.
Recommended Clothing and Precautions
Go for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Loose-fitting clothes let air move around and help you stay cooler.
A wide-brimmed hat works wonders, and sunglasses shield your eyes from that intense sun.
Bring a reusable water bottle, and remember to refill it often. People visiting in summer often struggle with dehydration.
Pack small salty snacks—maybe olives or nuts—to help replace minerals you lose when you sweat.
Put on sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) before heading outside, and don’t forget to reapply every few hours. Even a quick walk in the sun can leave you burned.
Locals appreciate it when you cover your shoulders and knees, especially in religious or traditional spots. Plus, it gives you a bit more sun protection.
If you feel dizzy, weak, or just plain worn out, get to some shade or step inside where it’s cool. Fez’s summers can bring on heat exhaustion fast.