Tangier sits where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, which gives it a unique climate that really shapes the vibe of every visit. You’ll notice mild winters, warm summers, and a mix of sunshine and rain that shifts with the seasons.
Honestly, spring and fall are the best times to visit Tangier. The temperatures feel just right, and the weather usually cooperates for exploring the city.
March through May brings pleasant warmth without that heavy summer heat. Fall—especially September to November—offers the same comfort, but you’ll dodge the bigger crowds and get more clear days for wandering the old medina or hanging out by the coast.
These shoulder seasons also give you plenty of daylight for sightseeing, and you won’t have to worry much about humidity or downpours.
Summer draws travelers with its long, sunny days. Still, temperatures can get pretty high, which makes afternoons a bit much for outdoor adventures.
Winter stays mild compared to a lot of places, though you’ll see more rain. If you know what each season feels like, you can plan your trip to fit exactly the experience you want in Tangier.
Overview of Tangier’s Climate
Tangier gets a Mediterranean climate thanks to its spot on the Strait of Gibraltar. Winters stay mild and wet, while summers bring warmth, long days, and lots of sunshine.
Rain, humidity, and sea temperatures change with the seasons, so weather really matters when you’re planning your visit.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Tangier’s climate mixes Atlantic and Mediterranean influences. This combo gives the city milder summers than Morocco’s interior and wetter winters than the south.
You’ll get mild, rainy winters with highs around 16–18 °C, and warm, sunny summers with highs near 28–30 °C. The sea keeps things from getting too hot, so Tangier almost never hits those scorching 40 °C days you find inland.
Winds matter here, too. The Levante (east wind) brings damp, cloudy weather, while the Poniente (west wind) clears things up and drops humidity.
With almost 3,000 hours of sunshine each year, Tangier stays bright for most of the year, especially from late spring through early fall.
Year-Round Temperature Patterns
Tangier’s temperatures stay moderate compared to most of Morocco. Winters are cool but not harsh, with January averaging about 12 °C. Nights sometimes drop to 3–5 °C, but frost is rare.
Summer feels warm, but sea breezes help. July and August average 24–25 °C, and highs reach about 29 °C. Nights are comfortable, usually above 18 °C.
Spring and autumn are super stable. April and May see highs of 20–24 °C, while September and October average 22–23 °C. If you like mild warmth and not much heat, these seasons are perfect.
The sea temperature goes from 16 °C in winter up to about 23 °C in August. Swimming feels best from late June through September.
Rainfall and Humidity Trends
Tangier gets most of its rain in the cooler months. December is the wettest, with about 135 mm falling. July and August? Just 1–2 mm, so summer is basically dry.
On average, Tangier sees 710 mm of rain a year, spread over roughly 78 days. Most of it comes between November and March, often as short, heavy bursts.
Humidity stays pretty high all year due to the sea. Winter averages 75–80%, and summer drops a bit to around 65–70%. The air feels damp in cool months, but in summer, it’s just comfortable.
Winds average 16–20 kph, which adds a fresh touch even during the hotter months. This mix of rain, humidity, and breezes really defines Tangier’s seasons.
Best Months to Visit Tangier for Ideal Weather
Tangier’s weather changes a lot through the year. You’ll get mild winters, warm springs, hot summers, and pleasant autumns. Picking the right time depends on whether you’re after cool sightseeing or warm beach days.
Top Recommended Months
The best times to visit Tangier are March to May and September to November. Daytime temps usually land between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F). The air feels nice, humidity isn’t too high, and you get little rain.
Spring brings longer days, blooming gardens, and perfect weather for wandering the Medina or taking a day trip to Chefchaouen. Autumn feels similar, plus fewer tourists and warm seas for swimming.
If you’re all about the beach, late May through early October is when the sea feels best. July and August can get hot, especially away from the coast, with highs around 30°C (86°F). September is especially good if you want warmth but not too much heat.
Weather Highlights by Month
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January–February: Mild but cool, 10°C–18°C (50°F–64°F), with some rain. Good for cultural sightseeing.
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March–May: 15°C–24°C (59°F–75°F), sunny, low rainfall. Excellent for outdoor exploring.
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June–August: 18°C–30°C (64°F–86°F), hot and dry. Best for beaches, less ideal for long city walks.
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September–October: 20°C–28°C (68°F–82°F), warm and comfy. Great for both beaches and city tours.
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November–December: 12°C–20°C (54°F–68°F), cooler with some rain. Good for relaxed visits.
You can really plan your trip around what you want to do—whether it’s culture, hiking, or just chilling by the coast.
How Weather Influences Visiting Tangier
Weather shapes almost everything about your trip. In cooler months, you can stroll the Kasbah’s narrow streets, check out museums, and take day trips without worrying about heat.
During summer, everyone heads to the coast. Beaches like Achakar and Sidi Kacem become the hot spots, and warm evenings are perfect for outdoor dining.
Spring and autumn give you the best of both worlds. You can hike the Rif Mountains, tour the Medina, and still hit the beach. These in-between seasons let you do the most, with hardly any discomfort from heat or rain.
Seasonal Weather Guide for Tangier
Tangier’s mild Mediterranean climate comes from both the Atlantic and Mediterranean. Temperatures rarely go to extremes, but rain and seasonal changes definitely affect what you can do outside.
Spring: March to May
Spring is one of the best times to be in Tangier. Temperatures usually sit between 12°C (54°F) and 24°C (75°F). March starts cooler, and things warm up by May.
Rain drops off as spring goes on, so you get more dry days for exploring.
Expect mild mornings and warm afternoons. Light layers are your friend, since evenings can still feel chilly, especially in March.
It’s a great season for walking tours of the Medina, checking out the Kasbah, or taking day trips to Chefchaouen or Tetouan. Gardens and coastal viewpoints really pop with fresh greenery and clear skies.
Summer: June to August
Summer brings dry, sunny weather with highs between 18°C (64°F) and 30°C (86°F). July and August are the hottest, but Tangier’s spot by the sea keeps things more moderate than Morocco’s interior.
Nights stay comfortable, rarely dropping below 19°C (66°F).
Rain barely shows up, so you can count on long sunny stretches. Beach days are big, with Plage Achakar and Sidi Kacem offering sandy spaces and cool breezes.
Pack light clothes, sunscreen, and a hat. If it gets too hot, try a quick trip up to the Rif Mountains for cooler air and shaded trails.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn brings warm but less intense weather. In September, temperatures average 20°C (68°F) to 28°C (82°F). By November, it cools to around 14°C (57°F) to 22°C (72°F).
The sea stays warm enough for swimming into early October.
Rain starts to pick up, especially in November, but most days stay dry and pleasant. It’s a good season for cultural stuff, museum visits, and slow walks around the city.
With fewer tourists than summer, you get quieter visits at the Grand Socco, American Legation Museum, and towns like Asilah. Early autumn is still nice for hiking before the winter rains move in.
Winter: December to February
Tangier’s winters feel mild compared to much of Europe or North America. Daytime highs usually sit between 10°C (50°F) and 18°C (64°F). Nights can get chilly.
Rain is more frequent, with December and January seeing the most wet days.
Even with rain, you still get plenty of sunny breaks. Bring a light jacket or sweater, and expect the occasional shower.
This season works well for travelers who like fewer crowds and cooler air. You can check out indoor spots like the Kasbah Museum, sip tea in cozy cafés, or take quick day trips when the weather clears up.
Weather-Related Travel Tips for Visiting Tangier
Tangier’s weather can flip quickly between breezes, rain, and hot sun. If you prepare for these shifts, you’ll stay comfortable and make your trip way easier.
Packing Essentials by Season
Spring and fall in Tangier bring mild temps, so pack light layers. A breathable jacket, long sleeves, and comfy walking shoes are good for city exploring.
Rain can happen, so a small umbrella or light waterproof jacket helps.
Summer is hot, especially in July and August. You’ll want light cotton clothing, sunglasses, and a hat for the sun. Sandals work for short walks, but sturdy shoes are better if you’re heading up hills or out of town.
Winter is cooler and wetter, with highs around 16–18°C. Bring a warm sweater, waterproof shoes, and a medium-weight coat. A scarf or shawl is handy for chilly evenings and windy days by the water.
Dealing with Rain and Wind
Tangier gets most of its rain from November through February, with a few showers into March and April. Streets can get slippery, so wear shoes with good grip.
A small umbrella is useful, but honestly, a hooded rain jacket is easier in crowds.
Wind shows up a lot, especially in spring. Tangier’s spot at the Strait of Gibraltar means you’ll get steady breezes or sudden gusts. Wear layers that won’t flap around or feel heavy if they get damp. A windbreaker is a smart idea.
If you’re planning to visit coastal viewpoints or catch a ferry, check the weather first. Strong winds can make sea crossings rough or outdoor sightseeing less fun.
Staying Comfortable During Heatwaves
Heatwaves usually hit in July, August, and early September, with highs reaching 30°C or more. To stay safe, avoid long walks in the midday sun. Plan your sightseeing for mornings or evenings when it’s cooler.
Drink water—seriously, a refillable bottle is a must, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Go for lightweight, loose clothes in light colors to help your body stay cool.
Pick indoor attractions, shaded cafés, or coastal areas during the hottest hours. Locals often rest in the afternoon, and you can too—no need to push through the heat. If your hotel or rental has air conditioning, use it to cool off before heading back out.
Crowds, Prices, and Local Events by Season
When you start planning a trip to Tangier, the season does more than just change the weather. Tourist crowds, hotel prices, and cultural events all shift as the months roll by, so knowing what’s coming can help you balance comfort, budget, and experience in a way that feels right for you.
Peak and Off-Peak Travel Periods
Tourism in Tangier really ramps up in spring (March–May) and summer (June–August). Spring brings in a lot of visitors because the weather feels just about perfect, while summer attracts both international and Moroccan travelers on holiday.
You’ll notice busier streets, longer lines at attractions, and a big jump in demand for tours during these months.
On the flip side, late fall (November) and winter (December–February) see far fewer tourists. Markets feel quieter, you can get into popular sites with less hassle, and ferries to Spain aren’t packed.
If you like a slower pace and don’t mind cooler days, these off-peak months might suit you best.
Tourism by season in Tangier:
- High: April, May, July
- Moderate: June, August, September
- Low: November, December, January
Impact of Holidays and Festivals
Local events really shape Tangier’s vibe. During Ramadan, daily life slows down, and a lot of restaurants close during daylight.
But after sunset, the city wakes up with special meals and lively gatherings, giving you a unique look at local culture.
In summer, music and arts festivals pop up, bringing bigger crowds and a lot more energy to the city. You’ll want to book your accommodation early if you’re visiting during festival time, since rooms fill up fast.
National holidays like Independence Day in November come with parades or public celebrations. These moments add something special to your visit, but they also mean shops and museums might close or change hours.
If you keep your plans flexible, you can soak up the atmosphere without too much frustration.
Accommodation and Flight Price Trends
Hotel and flight prices in Tangier move with the seasons. Spring and summer almost always bring the highest rates, especially in April and July.
If you’re set on traveling then, you’ll need to book early for better deals.
Fall and winter usually offer more affordable stays. December often has the lowest prices, though it gets cooler and rain isn’t rare.
Here’s a rough guide for your budget:
- April–July: highest costs
- September–October: moderate costs
- November–February: lowest costs
If you time your visit right, you can balance comfort, cultural access, and spending pretty well.
Weather Considerations for Outdoor Activities in Tangier
Tangier’s climate shifts from mild, rainy winters to warm, dry summers. These changes really affect how you’ll feel outdoors, whether you’re relaxing on the beach, wandering the city, or taking day trips to nearby towns.
Best Months for Beach Visits
The best stretch for beach weather in Tangier runs from late May through September. Daytime highs usually sit between 24°C and 30°C (75°F to 86°F), and rain barely shows up.
The Mediterranean waters actually get warm enough for swimming, especially in July and August.
Popular beaches like Plage Achakar, Plage Merkala, and Sidi Kacem each have their own vibe. You’ll find both lively spots and quieter corners, depending on what you’re after.
If you’d rather avoid crowds, early June and September are solid picks. The weather stays warm, but the big summer rush has faded, so you can enjoy the coast without the chaos.
Bring plenty of sun protection, since UV levels get intense in summer. A light Atlantic breeze usually keeps things comfortable, but there’s not much shade on most beaches.
Sightseeing and Walking Tours
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–October) work best for walking tours. Temperatures usually land between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F), so you can explore for hours without overheating.
The Medina, Kasbah, and Grand Socco really shine on foot. These places have narrow lanes, stairs, and wide plazas, so mild weather makes a huge difference.
Rain doesn’t show up often in these seasons, so you’re less likely to have your plans interrupted.
You can still sightsee in winter, but you’ll need to be ready for wet days. January and February average around 15°C (59°F), and rain showers do happen. A light waterproof jacket usually does the trick.
Try to avoid city walks in the middle of summer. The heat and crowded streets can make sightseeing exhausting, especially in the afternoons.
Planning Day Trips Around Weather
People love taking day trips from Tangier, especially to spots like Chefchaouen, Asilah, and the Rif Mountains. Honestly, the weather can make or break these little adventures.
Spring and autumn usually work best for longer trips. You get mild temperatures and clearer skies, which just makes everything—from mountain hikes to city strolls—a lot more comfortable.
You’ll probably notice the views and photos turn out better too. That extra bit of visibility goes a long way.
During summer, lots of folks head to coastal towns like Asilah to escape Tangier’s heat. Sea breezes do a decent job of cooling things off, so walking tours feel more enjoyable.
Still, hiking in the mountains under a blazing sun? That can get exhausting pretty quickly.
Winter brings the most rain, so you might want to have a backup plan for indoor activities. Tangier’s museums, historic sites, and cozy cafes can save the day if wet weather messes with your trip.