Let us help you clarify the mystery of "What To Pack?" for your upcoming vacation to Morocco with a few things to consider and helpful hints for your journey!
Once you've contemplated several factors listed below, you'll have your suitcase packed faster than you can say Fez!
1. Annual Weather Patterns and Recent Forecast
Morocco is often associated with very hot weather, which is not an exaggeration, as summer temperatures easily go above 100 Fahrenheit / 38 Celsius. Morocco has a subtropical climate where the desert heats are cooled by breezes off the Atlantic and Mediterranean - a combination that often results in hot summer days and chilly nights.
The temperatures in the interior of the country are more extreme, and during the winter months it can be fairly cold and the summers are very hot. It is a general expectation that the further you are from the ocean, the more extreme winter and summer weather is compared to the coastline.
Packing for a trip to Morocco based solely on weather is almost impossible because if you are planning a journey to several regions of the country you could go from sweating in Marrakesh to shivering in the Atlas mountains.
With that taken into consideration, here are some essentials based on season alone:
Summer - Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, light and airy clothing (avoid dark colors) that will keep you cool but bring a light jacket for after dark.
Spring/Fall - Windbreaker or light jacket, loose-fitting pants, long skirts, and light t-shirts.
Winter - Layers, layers, layers! If your traveling in winter your suitcase should be filled with clothes for every season. Bring a jacket, a windbreaker, warm clothes but also bring a swimsuit.
For a general idea of annual weather patterns in Morocco, you can always visit a website such as: www.weatherspark.com
2. Consider Your Destinations and Activities Planned
Are you visiting modernized cities like Marrakesh and Casablanca, or do you want to explore rural villages? Are you going to the coastal regions or are you visiting the interior deserts and mountains? Perhaps you're planning to visit all of the above!
Take the questions listed above into consideration when organizing your packing list. Listed below in the next section are some suggestions for each region you're exploring.
Taking into consideration the activities you will partake in for any vacation should help guide you on appropriate items to bring. Morocco offers such a wide variety of activities, so it is very helpful to plan your itinerary beforehand get a better grasp on what you may need for your upcoming adventures.
Here is a breakdown of some destinations in Morocco and items to consider for those adventures:
High Atlas Mountains:
Appropriate hiking shoes
Backpack
Durable water bottle
Hydration salts for long hikes
For spring and summer months: Sunscreen, sunglasses & sun hat
For autumn and winter months: Shoes/boots for potential mud and snowfall on trails, jacket, warm scarf, hat & gloves.
If you don't have room in your luggage for large boots, some Berber villages have shops that offer boot/shoe rental at affordable prices - just keep in mind they may be very well-worn by previous tourists and not a perfect fit. You can also try your luck at a local mall in one of the major cities after you arrive for something suitable.
Deserts of Morocco:
Light, airy clothing that offers cover from the sun but breathable in the heat
Comfortable ankle boots or tennis shoes you don't mind getting sand in *keep in mind that the sand dunes can reach high temperatures and you may not want to wear sandals that have your feet exposed to the heat and sun on these journeys
Headscarf or sun hat
Sunglasses
Insulated water bottle
Hydration salts
Beach activities:
Water-resistant shoes
Bathing suit
Sunscreen, sunglasses & sun hat
Favored water sports gear *most coastal cities have some form of snorkel/scuba/surf/kite surfing equipment storefronts, though at peak seasons the options may be quite limited - if you love taking your trusted surf board or perfectly fitted snorkel gear with you around the globe, then go for it!
Modern Cities and Souks:
Comfortable walking shoes
Water bottle
Reusable shopping bags
Secured bag for money and valuables (backpack, zipped purse, side sling bag)
3. Cultural Differences
The most important thing to know before packing for Morocco is that there is no specific dress code you must follow and that the locals don’t expect you to dress like them.
Compared to other Muslim countries, Morocco is quite accepting of how female tourists dress and rarely will you be required to cover your head. Still, it’s highly advisable to show respect to their norms and avoid provocative clothes or displaying too much skin. Do keep in mind that restaurants are usually the only locations that enforce a dress code so be sure your outfit is appropriate for your fantastic dinner plans before leaving the hotel! In addition, most mosques are not open to visitors that are not practicing Muslims. In rural areas of the country, it’s advisable to dress more conservatively.
Packing for a Morocco trip should be customized and personalized to your specific plans. However, here is a checklist of essentials that you should bring when visiting Morocco. Make sure you leave room for all of your goodies and souvenirs, or you may have to purchase a whole extra suitcase on your return home!
Photo credits:
Beach photo: https://epic.travel/remote-beaches-morocco/
All other photos: Shutterstock
Author: @karine.monet