Morocco in October
Last updated on February 4th, 2026.
Morocco in October is a perfect time to visit.
The weather remains pleasantly warm to see its historic cities, bustling food markets and coastal towns.
Traveling to Morocco in October has many advantages, 5 of which I’ll outline here. If it’s warm weather, fragrant food and luxury desert experiences you’re looking for, Morocco is worth considering.
Why fall is the perfect time to travel
My favorite time of year to travel is usually from September to mid-November.
It's a time of year when the kids are back in school and the weather is still decent too. Add to this the reasonable cost of flights, it opens up a plethora of travel opportunities.
You only need to look at past travels for proof of my preference to travel during fall. Iceland, New York City, Ljubljana and the Philippines are just a few places to name.
Why you should visit Morocco in October
1. Great weather in Morocco in October
I don’t know about you, but I’m that person who checks the weather before even booking a trip. It may sound extra, but we’ve been caught out on travels before where we were totally unprepared.
Because of its geographic location, the weather in Morocco sways towards a tropical climate. The further south you travel, the hotter and drier it is.
To give you an example, average temperatures in Marrakech and Agadir are around 21°C (70°F) in the winter.
In general, temperatures can range from highs of 35°C (95°F) to below zero Celsius (32°F). You’d experience such freezing temperatures in regions such as the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
Book: Atlas Mountains day trip from Marrakech with camel ride (8 hours)
Perfect weather conditions
During our road trip around Morocco in October, we were extremely blessed with fine weather.
It didn’t rain once, and the temperature was a pleasant 73°F (23°C) during the day. I kept a light shawl with me, not because I felt cold, but more to respect the modest dress culture (see 'What women should pack for Morocco in October').
In the coastal town of Essaouira, we were surprised by the amount of people we saw heading to the beach.
While we didn’t swim or sunbathe ourselves, October is still warm enough to do so.
Map: places to visit in Morocco in October
2. Fewer tourists around
Another advantage of traveling to Morocco during fall is that you encounter fewer visitors. Morocco’s fourth largest city, Marrakech, is untamed, constantly moving, and incredible to explore.
While visiting in October, our hotel manager told us that we’d come at a good time.
The city was less busier than usual, and exploring the streets and the markets only reinforced his point.
Not what I expected
One place I really wanted to visit was the Jemaa el-Fnna market. The market and square are a popular attraction in Marrakech, and my ongoing fascination with markets peaked my interest.
Before going, I’d read plenty online about how busy and lively the market was. To give some context, we visited on a weekday at around 2pm. Braced and ready for some animated scenes, we went in.
However, to my surprise, the Jemaa el-Fnna market was nothing like I’d read about online.
There weren’t many people — locals or tourists — browsing the stalls, nor many sellers trying to sell us their goods.
Exploring the market turned out to be nothing like I’d expected. What’s more, without the tourists, we could actually better see the goods on display.
3. Better deals on riads
When in Morocco, I urge you to book a few nights in a traditional Moroccan riad.
These glorious buildings are traditional Moroccan homes, or if staying in the grander ones, former palaces. Inside, is usually a courtyard or an open-air garden with the building surrounding its core.
We were lucky to stay in a few boutique riads like Madada Mogador during our trip to Morocco in October. Riad Farnatchi is one of the best riads in Marrakech and lived up to its luxury tag. Riad Anata in Fes also made our stay more memorable.
Grab a riad deal
Like many destinations in the low season, you’re more likely to find great deals in Morocco too.
Before arriving at Riad Anata, we’d spent a night at Palais Medina & SPA Fès in the city center. We paid about 25% less than the usual rate and got a huge room with a poolside view.
While searching Booking.com, Expedia and Hotels.com is useful, I also suggest checking directly with the hotel or riad themselves.
You may just find some special offers on their homepage that they don’t advertise anywhere else.
4. The place is just for you
Traveling to Morocco in October means really getting to enjoy certain places without anyone around.
As mentioned in the second point, we visited several places around the country and with hardly any visitors around.
In the middle of nowhere
The fortified village of Aït Benhaddou, is approximately 3.5 hours’ drive from Marrakech. Also known as a ksar, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great example of Moroccan earthen clay architecture.
As magnificent as the structure is, the surrounding landscape of Ouarzazate is equally enchanting. A remote and barren vista filled with orange clay buildings dotted around the dusty winding roads.
In certain lights, the orange turns into more reddish hues, making the scene even more striking.
Arrive early at Aït Benhaddou
Though visitor numbers aren’t as high as in Marrakech, we did see a coach parked up.
Saying that, arriving early at Aït Benhaddou is a must. We arrived about 8.30am and it was the right kind of busy. Just a few sightings of visitors, but nothing overwhelming.
I’ve also to add that the temperatures hadn’t yet reached their sweltering sweaty peak.
The magical moment hits when you reach the top of Aït Benhaddou. Quiet, unspoiled and spectacular, it’s easy to find a secluded spot to take it all in.
Without hardly anyone else around, we really felt like the scene was just for us.
5. Some things cost a little less
Let’s face it, we all like to bag a bargain, and in Morocco in October, it’s possible to save on travel experiences.
In Marrakech, I tried my first ever private hammam treatment. A classic Moroccan wellness ritual, the treatment consists of a full body cleanse and a scrub.
After this was a 1-hour massage (including the head), which sent me straight into a peaceful slumber. I received a generous discount for the hammam given it was the low season.
Depending on where you go, prices can range from MAD 220 ($22 / €20 / £18) to MAD 450 ($46 / €41 / £37*).
Fine dining without the hefty price tag
From trying the fluffiest couscous to indulging in a flaky and buttery chicken pastilla, our tastebuds were more than satisfied.
On our last night in the country’s capital, (see 'visiting Rabat in one day') we enjoyed a Moroccan feast at a top restaurant, Le Ziryab.
An abundant night in Rabat
While the restaurant only serves a set menu, the number of dishes we received was extremely generous.
For the amount of food for 2 people (about MAD 550 ($56/€51/£45)), the cost was reasonable.
It included an assortment of Moroccan salads, savory pastries, lamb or chicken tagine, 7-vegetable couscous and a milk pastilla. For dessert, they served Moroccan pastries followed by tea or coffee.
Suffice it to say, our clothes felt a little tighter after our night of Moroccan feasting.
However, surrounded by Moroccan elegance and incredible food, Le Ziryab was the perfect way to celebrate our last night.
What are your thoughts on visiting Morocco in October? Does it sound like a destination you'd like to see in the fall? Let me know in the comments below.
*source: The Culture Trip
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We were very sad that on our last cruise our stop in Morocco got cancelled. We were looking to get a small taste test before we planned a longer visit. So it was good to see Morocco through your eyes. And to see that October is a good time to visit. Lower tourist numbers is definitely something we would want. Good tip about visiting Aït Benhaddou early. The sight of the big tour buses are always a signal that I was too late.
I hope you do return one day. It's a fascinating country and so vibrant in culture!
I also had the opportunity to visit Morocco at the end of October and November, and it was a great time to visit. The weather was perfect because there was no heat, and it was great to see without straining the body too much temperature. I enjoyed the fortified village of Aït Benhaddou. The scenery is incredible. It's a pity that I hadn't opportunity to try a traditional private hammam.
You need to try it next time, I would do it every week if I could 😀
I have always wanted to visit Morocco. It's so colourful. Based on your invaluable advice, if we ever visit, it will be in October.
Thank you! I know you will really love Morocco
Great post, Lisa. Brought back lots of fond memories. You were lucky that the market in Marrakech was not very busy.
Hi Stefan, thank you for commenting! We were lucky, we heard so many (not so great) stories
It is my dream to visit Morocco! I will definitely follow your tips!
Excellent, I hope you visit one day 🙂
Morocco is such a great place! I would love to go there someday!
You really must, it's quite a country 🙂
I was really hoping to visit Morocco this year and October is the perfect time for it I reckon too! Fingers crossed for next year, or maybe a last-minute deal - we'll have to see how it goes.
Aw I hope so too Rebecca. We went in October, and it was really incredible. I hope you visit soon x
October looks like the perfect weather for Morocco. I had plans to go but for now everything is shelved. Fewer tourists season is actually a good time. I want that night in Rabat. Moroccan food is delish. Aït Benhaddou would be on my list.
We ate so well in Morocco! Definitely visit when you get the chance, and preferably in October 🙂
Morroco is always in my travel wish list, and I visualize that it will be an epic vacation with my partner. Hopefully it will be push through after two years when aviation industry is back to the way it used to be. Definitely we would love to try the traditional private hammam.
It's an awesome experience and so unique too. I hope you get to visit.
I actually have Morocco booked for October and I can't wait to visit now after reading your post. I'm so pleased that the temperatures are perfect for October. I can't wait to have a traditional hammam. I had one in Turkey and it was divine.
Oh yay! You'll have the best time. The hammam is exquisite 😀
Good to know that Morocco is worth visiting in October as I always that this is off peak season. It is good that during this time, there are fewer tourists and so less crowded, as I don't like overcrowded tourist areas. To stay in boutique riads must be really a unique experience here and I love such authentic glorious antique style of palatial stays.
The riads in Morocco are sublime! We had the best time during our stay there
I have only done a day trip into Morocco and would love to spend time in the country. Great to know October is ideal. Shoulder season is my favorite. You just can’t beat the weather, prices and fewer crowds. I would love to experience a hammam at a discounted price. Aït Benhaddou is gorgeous! I hadn’t heard of the area, must see for sure
It's spectacular and really worth a visit 🙂
Well you have me sold! I much prefer going to places that are less touristy and Morocco in October sounds perfect!
It's really a great time of year to go, so glad I've sold it to you 🙂
I'd love to visit Morocco when it's safe. I'm dying for a sunny holiday!
It's a perfect and sunny destination!
We love Morocco and it is a lovely place to visit. Need this, as we will not be travelling now until 2021 x
I totally understand, I hope you get to re-visit again one day 🙂
Morocco is in my bucket list and it was good to know that October is a great time to visit the place. I was pleasantly surprised reading about your experience in the Jemaa el-Fnna market. It was great that you found the market uncrowded and got a good look at the stuffs being displayed. The private hammam treatment sounds like an interesting thing to try in Morocco. With fine weather in October, I am contemplating visiting Morocco during this months.
I think we were lucky the day we went, it just wasn't that busy! And the hammam was the best 😀
This is so beautiful! Omg Looks so peaceful here!
It's very beautiful
Morocco is such an amazing country! One of my favorite all time vacations for sure, went for a week while studying abroad in Germany during college, my parents came over and we took one of those lame tours but it was still a great experience. Marrakech was my favorite! I'd love to go back and bring my own family this time!
I'm so glad you had a great time there, and I hope you can bring the family over too one day 🙂
I actually visited Morocco in August, 2016. And the weather did not suit me. But I loved the culture and people there. I had never visit there in october but next time I plan a trip I'll make sure to visit in Octor.
I bet it was insanely hot too! October is perfect!
Wow..these places in Morocco looks much amazing and lovely to visit...especially the market and courtyard looks much unique type and fabulous..loved it..Thanks for sharing the review...Wanna visit soon...
You must, it's a great country!
I have Morocco on my bucket list for such a long time and this just makes me want to go there even more now. Let's see what I can do to bring this forward and get there even sooner.
It's really bucket list material! I hope you get to visit very soon
I was in Morocco about 1.5 decades ago. I was travelling with a group of friends. We went in October as well and enjoyed ourselves immensely.
Cool! It's the best time (IMO) to visit 🙂
I want to travel as soon as the travel restrictions are removed. I would love to travel in October during the school half-term holidays. Pictures of Morrocco look great.
That would be a great time to visit. And, thank you!
We went in November and it was perfect too. When I go back I’ll be travelling late in the season as well. It’s perfect at that time. Plus I’ll be doing a lot of what you did on my next trip.
Yay! So great to meet another like-minded traveler 🙂 I'd like to return someday too
Sounds like an amazing place to visit! Looks like there are so many things to do and places to explore.
It's an incredible country to see!
I went to Morocco years ago and would love to visit again. October does sound like great temperatures. The markets were busy when we went
You really should give October a go, it's the best time to visit 🙂
I agree that October would be good. Not just for the weather but for the fact that you say there is lesser crowd in certain places like Aït Benhaddou. That city intrigued me enough to click through and get to the post. I have had Marrakech on my list - almost like forever. Hoping that things improve and I can start ticking it off.
I hope so too Ami, it's a fascinating country to visit 🙂
I'm not sure we will be traveling yet in October, but I would absolutely love to visit Morocco one day!
I hear you 🙂 Let's see what happens when fall comes
I've not visited since I was a teen and that was in August. Octobver looks a much nicer time alround.
I'd definitely consider re-visiting in October, it was an ideal time
Morocco is definitely on our travel wish list. Not likely this year. But maybe next in the fall! We too love to travel at that time of year. We are not big buyers. But we do love to stroll in the markets. And would love to do that with fewer crowds. I can see why you loved the view from Aït Benhaddou so much. Stunning!
It was truly memorable, and the views were superb
I like that the weather is at 73. That is a perfect temperature for travel
I think so too
Thanks for recommendation, I would love to visit Morocco.
Great to hear your experiences on hamman and market.
The hammam was amazing; I'd definitely do it (private) again
What a gorgeous spot. I'd love to get here one day. At this point, I'm aching to travel anywhere.
I totally understand!
I feel Moroccan cuisine and the way they cook in clay pot is something not to be missed definitely. Morocco flavours and spices are amazing. Morocco is high on my list too. Also, good to know that Ksar is a UNESCO world heritage site
The food's really good. Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO site, a ksar is another name for a fortified village 🙂
Morocco is certainly beautiful. I like the idea of traveling with less tourist even with me being one. Ha ha. Hubby and I are looking into our next trip and this is one of the places we are considering.
Amazing Serena, I guarantee you'll both enjoy it 🙂
Going to Morocco is on my bucket list - it looks absolutely spectacular! I was just watching Somebody Feed Phil yesterday and he was there, and after reading this I am feeling like it is a sign I should be booking a trip for the fall!
Oh wow, that definitely sounds like a sign! I urge you to visit, it's a beautiful country
Morocco is such a historical and mystical place. I've always heard beautiful things about that place.
It really is, plus it's very colourful too 🙂
October in monaco sounds amazing. I have never been there but I hope we can go in October this year.
Thank you. I think you mean Morocco 😉 and yes, October is a great time to visit
Morocco is such a lovely country and one I've always wanted to visit. I loved this journey you took us on with this post, it felt like a virtual visit.
Glad you enjoyed it Ashlee; we had an incredible time
Outstanding post & photos for visiting Morocco. We always like to travel when crowds are less. Morocco is such a hot spot for travel, October seems ideal now. We were planning a trip to Africa this season, but will have to wait for a bit yet. Have Pinned your post for future reference. Robert 🙂
Thank you so much Robert, I'm glad you enjoyed reading it! October's really a great time to travel; thank you for stopping by 🙂
Oh my goodness yes! Anytime we can visit another culture and immerse ourselves without the distraction of crowds of other tourists is the time to go!! Maybe we will visit Morocco one day!
Ah you really must visit, there's plenty great places to visit
Morroco is one of the place on my places to go trave list. Its good to know the best time to visit.
I highly recommend visiting; it's a fascinating country