Average weather, temperature, rainfall, sunshine hours
In Marrakech, the charming imperial city of Morocco, the climate is
subtropical semi-desert, with mild winters and very hot summers.
The city is located at 460 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level, an altitude sufficient to lower a bit the nighttime temperatures. On the other hand, owing to the distance from the sea,
temperature fluctuations between night and day are remarkable.
The southerly wind descends from the High Atlas Mountains, whose highest point is
Jebel Toubkal, 4,167 meters (13,671 feet) high, bringing sudden temperature increases. The wind can lift sand and dust from the desert, reducing visibility.
Rainfall is scarce, since it amounts to 250 millimeters (9.8 inches) per year, and occurs from October to May, while from June to September, it almost never rains. The rains, albeit rare, occur in the form of downpours or thunderstorms and can occasionally be intense.
Winter, from December to February, is mild in the daytime, but at night, it can get cold: the temperature quite often drops below 5 °C (41 °F) and sometimes reaches the freezing mark. There are several sunny periods, alternating with periods of cloudy and rainy weather. Towards the horizon, you can see the spectacular peaks of the Atlas Mountains, which are often snow-capped.
When the wind blows from the south, the temperature can approach 30 °C (86 °F) even in winter.
Spring, from March to mid-June, is pleasantly warm, and the rains become increasingly rarer. At night, it can still get cold in March and sometimes in April, while the south wind can bring the first hot days: the temperature can reach 35 °C (95 °F) in March and April and 40 °C (104 °F) in May.
Summer, from mid-June to mid-September, is very hot, dry and sunny. The temperatures vary according to the period: on certain days, they are acceptable, when highs are slightly above 30 °C (86 °F) and lows can drop to about 15/17 °C (59/63 °F), which means that it can even get a bit cool at night; this happens especially in June and September. Other periods are decidedly scorching, in fact, the maximum temperature can exceed 45 °C (113 °F) for several consecutive days; this happens especially in July and August, which stand out as the hottest months. In the hot summer of 2012, the temperature has reached 47 °C (117 °F) at the end of June, 49.5 °C (121 °F) in July, and 48.5 °C (119.5 °F) in August.
In
Autumn, from mid-September to November, the temperature gradually decreases. In October, hot days are still possible, with highs about 35/38 °C (95/100 °F), but the temperature is generally acceptable, warm during the day and cool at night. In the meantime, the first rains occur, which become more frequent in November.
The amount of
sunshine in Marrakech is good all year round, but especially in summer, when clear skies predominate.
Best Time
The
best times to visit Marrakech are spring and autumn, especially in March and April, and from late September to mid-November: in this way, you can avoid the period with the most intense heat, however, you must put into account some rain, and a bit of cold at night, especially in March and November. In May and early June, the temperatures are often acceptable, but you can not rule out some scorching days.
After all, even the winter is not bad, provided that you are equipped for the cold at night, and take into account some rainy days.
In summer, if you go from Marrakech to the sea (see
Essaouira), you will find a decidedly cooler climate.
Marrakesh - Climate data
In Marrakesh, the
average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 12.5 °C (54.6 °F), that of the warmest month (August) is of 29.2 °C (84.5 °F). Here are the average temperatures.
Marrakesh - Average temperatures (1991-2020) Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) | Min (°F) | Max (°F) | Mean (°F) |
---|
January | 5.9 | 19.2 | 12.5 | 43 | 66 | 54.6 |
---|
February | 7.7 | 20.8 | 14.3 | 46 | 70 | 57.7 |
---|
March | 10.4 | 23.7 | 17 | 51 | 75 | 62.7 |
---|
April | 12.4 | 25.8 | 19.1 | 54 | 78 | 66.4 |
---|
May | 15.1 | 29.5 | 22.3 | 59 | 85 | 72.2 |
---|
June | 18 | 33.7 | 25.8 | 64 | 93 | 78.5 |
---|
July | 20.6 | 37.7 | 29.2 | 69 | 100 | 84.5 |
---|
August | 21 | 37.4 | 29.2 | 70 | 99 | 84.5 |
---|
September | 18.1 | 32.4 | 25.2 | 65 | 90 | 77.4 |
---|
October | 15.3 | 28.4 | 21.8 | 59 | 83 | 71.3 |
---|
November | 10.5 | 23.3 | 16.9 | 51 | 74 | 62.4 |
---|
December | 7.4 | 20.2 | 13.8 | 45 | 68 | 56.8 |
---|
Year | 13.6 | 27.7 | 20.6 | 56.4 | 81.9 | 69 |
---|
Precipitation amounts to 280 millimeters (11 inches) per year: it is therefore scarce. It ranges from 1.2 mm (0 in) in the driest month (July) to 40 mm (1.6 in) in the wettest ones (February, March, April, November) Here is the average precipitation.
Marrakesh - Average precipitationMonth | Millimeters | Inches | Days |
---|
January | 30 | 1.2 | 8 |
---|
February | 40 | 1.6 | 8 |
---|
March | 40 | 1.6 | 8 |
---|
April | 40 | 1.6 | 7 |
---|
May | 25 | 1 | 5 |
---|
June | 4 | 0.2 | 1 |
---|
July | 1 | 0 | 1 |
---|
August | 3 | 0.1 | 1 |
---|
September | 6 | 0.2 | 3 |
---|
October | 25 | 1 | 6 |
---|
November | 40 | 1.6 | 7 |
---|
December | 30 | 1.2 | 6 |
---|
Year | 280 | 11 | 59 |
---|
There are on average around 3130
sunshine hours per year. Here are the average hours of sunshine per day.
Marrakesh - Sunshine hoursMonth | Average | Total |
---|
January | 7 | 220 | February | 7.5 | 210 | March | 8 | 250 | April | 8.5 | 255 | May | 9.5 | 285 | June | 10.5 | 315 | July | 11 | 335 | August | 10 | 315 | September | 9 | 265 | October | 8 | 245 | November | 7 | 215 | December | 7 | 220 | Year | 8.6 | 3130 |
Marrakesh - Weather by month
Based on the period 1991-2020
January, the coldest month of the year, is generally a mild month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 12.5 °C (55 °F), with a minimum of 5.9 °C (42.7 °F) and a maximum of 19.2 °C (66.5 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 2 °C (35.5 °F). However, it dropped to -3 °C (26.6 °F) in January 2005.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25.5 °C (77.5 °F). However, it reached 30.1 °C (86.2 °F) in January 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 30 mm (1.2 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 68% of the time.
The average humidity is 62%.
The average wind speed is 6 kph (4 mph).
February is generally a mild month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 14.3 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 7.7 °C (45.8 °F) and a maximum of 20.8 °C (69.5 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3.5 °C (38.5 °F). However, it dropped to -1.5 °C (29.3 °F) in February 2012.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27 °C (80.5 °F). However, it reached 33.1 °C (91.6 °F) in February 2010.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 5 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 67% of the time.
The average humidity is 59%.
The average wind speed is 7 kph (5 mph).
March is generally a very mild month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 17 °C (63 °F), with a minimum of 10.4 °C (50.6 °F) and a maximum of 23.7 °C (74.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5.5 °C (42.5 °F). However, it dropped to 1 °C (33.8 °F) in March 2016.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (89 °F). However, it reached 36.2 °C (97.2 °F) in March 2005.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 8 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 67% of the time.
The average humidity is 55%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
April is generally a warm month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 19.1 °C (66 °F), with a minimum of 12.4 °C (54.4 °F) and a maximum of 25.8 °C (78.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 8.5 °C (47 °F). However, it dropped to 5.7 °C (42.3 °F) in April 2005.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 34.5 °C (94 °F). However, it reached 38 °C (100.4 °F) in April 2013.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 65% of the time.
The average humidity is 54%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
May is generally a warm month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 22.3 °C (72 °F), with a minimum of 15.1 °C (59.2 °F) and a maximum of 29.5 °C (85.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 11 °C (51.5 °F). However, it dropped to 7.9 °C (46.2 °F) in May 2001.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 38.5 °C (101 °F). However, it reached 42.6 °C (108.7 °F) in May 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 25 mm (1 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 9.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 67% of the time.
The average humidity is 49%.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
June is generally a warm to hot month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 25.8 °C (79 °F), with a minimum of 18 °C (64.3 °F) and a maximum of 33.7 °C (92.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 14 °C (57.5 °F). However, it dropped to 12 °C (53.6 °F) in June 1992.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 41 °C (105.5 °F). However, it reached 46.9 °C (116.4 °F) in June 2012.
Precipitation amounts to only 4.5 mm (0.2 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 10 minutes. So the days are long. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 10.5 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 74% of the time.
The average humidity is 46%.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
July is generally a very hot month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 29.2 °C (85 °F), with a minimum of 20.6 °C (69.1 °F) and a maximum of 37.7 °C (99.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 16.5 °C (62 °F). However, it dropped to 14.2 °C (57.6 °F) in July 1997.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 44.5 °C (112 °F). However, it reached 49.6 °C (121.3 °F) in July 2012.
Precipitation amounts to only 1.2 mm (0 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 11 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 77% of the time.
The average humidity is 40%.
The average wind speed is 10 kph (6 mph).
August, the hottest month of the year, is generally a very hot month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 29.2 °C (85 °F), with a minimum of 21 °C (69.7 °F) and a maximum of 37.4 °C (99.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 16 °C (61 °F). However, it dropped to 14.8 °C (58.6 °F) in August 2004.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 43.5 °C (110.5 °F). However, it reached 48.6 °C (119.5 °F) in August 2012.
Precipitation amounts to only 3.4 mm (0.1 in), and all occurs in one day.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 10 minutes.
There are on average 10 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 77% of the time.
The average humidity is 42%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (6 mph).
September is generally a warm to hot month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 25.2 °C (77 °F), with a minimum of 18.1 °C (64.5 °F) and a maximum of 32.4 °C (90.4 °F).
On the coldest nights, the temperature usually drops to around 14.5 °C (58.5 °F). However, it dropped to 12.6 °C (54.7 °F) in September 1994.
On the warmest days, the temperature usually reaches around 39.5 °C (103 °F). However, it reached 43.8 °C (110.8 °F) in September 2006.
Precipitation amounts to only 5.9 mm (0.2 in), distributed over 3 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 20 minutes.
There are on average 9 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 71% of the time.
The average humidity is 50%.
The average wind speed is 9 kph (5 mph).
October is generally a warm month. However, there are remarkable differences between night and day. The average temperature is of 21.8 °C (71 °F), with a minimum of 15.3 °C (59.5 °F) and a maximum of 28.4 °C (83.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10.5 °C (51 °F). However, it dropped to 7.8 °C (46 °F) in October 2018.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35.5 °C (95.5 °F). However, it reached 40 °C (104 °F) in October 2006.
Precipitation amounts to 25 mm (1 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 8 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 69% of the time.
The average humidity is 55%.
The average wind speed is 8 kph (5 mph).
November is generally a very mild month. The average temperature is of 16.9 °C (62 °F), with a minimum of 10.5 °C (51 °F) and a maximum of 23.3 °C (73.9 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 6 °C (42.5 °F). However, it dropped to 2.4 °C (36.3 °F) in November 2001.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 30.5 °C (86.5 °F). However, it reached 34 °C (93.2 °F) in November 2007.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 7 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 68% of the time.
The average humidity is 59%.
The average wind speed is 7 kph (4 mph).
December is generally a mild month. The average temperature is of 13.8 °C (57 °F), with a minimum of 7.4 °C (45.3 °F) and a maximum of 20.2 °C (68.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 3.5 °C (38 °F). However, it dropped to -1.5 °C (29.3 °F) in December 1999.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25.5 °C (77.5 °F). However, it reached 31 °C (87.8 °F) in December 2010.
Precipitation amounts to 30 mm (1.2 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 5 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 71% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 6 kph (4 mph).