August is the hottest month of the year in Morocco. Plan your trip strategically to beat the heat and make the most of the country's cooler destinations, including the beach, the mountains, and the north. Read on for more on what to see and do in Morocco in August.

Weather 

There's no way around it: August is really hot in Morocco. Marrakech is dry and sunny, with highs climbing past 100°F, and the Sahara gets even hotter—too hot to visit. It's quite warm in the Atlas Mountains, too, where the daily average clocks in at 84°.

At the beach, temperatures are cooler, thanks in part to ocean breezes. In Agadir, daily highs only hit 80°. In the country's north, Tangier weather usually hovers in the low eighties, and in Chefchaouen, the daily average is a really comfortable 79°.

Crowds & Costs

All factors considered, August may not be the best month to visit Morocco, but you wouldn't know it from the crowds of tourists that show up in summer. It's high season for tourism, with prices to match. In cities, you'll encounter tour groups nearly everywhere you go, though urban activity almost comes to a standstill during the hottest hours of the day. Be sure to reserve your accommodations well ahead of time, and make sure you have air conditioning—and ideally, a swimming pool. 

Where to Go

Head for the coast, where temperatures are cooler—just be sure to book ahead. Destinations like Agadir, Asilah, and Essaouira are appealing in August, but they fill up with tourists. Casablanca is an excellent option in August, as there's always a refreshing breeze keeping tourists cool as they explore the old medina.

August is a good time to plan a mountain trip in the Atlas Mountains. Just be aware that you'll want to take a break at midday: temperatures in the mountains can hit 100°F some days, and the sun's rays are powerful and direct. 

Marrakech is uncomfortably hot in August, and the Sahara is too scorching hot to consider visiting. As a general rule of thumb, plan your time in the northern part of the country (Tangier and Chefchaouen are comparatively cool) and along the coastlines.

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What to Do

Plan on activities near or on the water, whether you choose the Atlantic or Mediterranean coastlines, or in the mountains. If you're interested in hiking, consider the water factor there, too: in the High Atlas Mountains, you can combine a trek through the limestone river canyons of Todra Gorge with a dip in Todra River or Dades River. 

If your trip does include time in cities like Marrakech or Fes, take a hint from the locals and plan your day around the weather. Get an early start, drink a lot of water, and take a nice break in the middle of the day, when the sun beats down on the city and temperatures soar. After the sun goes down, you can get out and explore the city.

August Events

Moussem Moulay Abdellah Amghar – Every year in early August, this sacred Muslim celebration brings huge crowds of people (and their tents) to a quiet section of the Atlantic coast, just outside the coastal city of El Jadida. 

Imilchil  Marriage Festival — Sometimes starting in August (though the main events fall on the September calendar), this festival marks the time when young men and women seek partners for marriage. Traditional festivities including dance, music, and food happen in Imilchil, a village in the Atlas Mountains.

Setti Fatma Moussem — One of the most important religious festivals in Morocco, this mid-August event happens in the Ourika Valley and features agricultural displays, religious rituals, and plenty of traditional food.

Traveling to Morocco in August? Check out these great itineraries. 

Morocco Grand Tour from Rabat: Imperial Cities & Coastal Towns — Beat the heat in the northern imperial cities and coastal retreats with this 9-day version of the Grand Tour. Starting in Rabat, you'll make stops in the Rif Mountains, the blue city of Chefchaouen, historic Fes, and busy Marrakech, ending up in the beachfront city of Essaouira.

Northern Morocco: Tangier, Chefchaouen & Fes — You don't need much more than a long weekend for this four-day journey around Morocco's northern highlights. Starting in Tangier, the trip takes you to the historic centers of Meknes and Fes, the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and the Roman ruins at Volubilis.

More Helpful Information

Morocco in July
Morocco in September
Best Time to Visit Morocco 
Morocco Tour Ideas