With extreme heat, snow-capped mountains and a conservative religious culture, there's one word you should keep in mind for dressing in Morocco – layers.
The heat in Morocco can be oppressive, with temperatures often cracking the 30°C mark by May and climbing up to 40°C in July and August. While linen and cotton are good options for the heat, cotton does not dry well in high humidity. Athletic wear designed to absorb sweat and stay dry is a better option for humid days. Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate attire in Morocco.
Evenings can be cooler than you might expect in late spring, autumn and winter. Be sure to pack a jacket or fleece for chillier evenings if you plan to travel during these periods.
Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential for travel in Morocco, even if you don’t plan to do any hiking. Paths can be uneven, dusty and covered in debris, so worn-in walking shoes with good grip are recommended.
If you are heading into the High Atlas Mountains, keep in mind it can get quite cool in the evenings (even in spring and autumn). Packing a light fleece or jacket suitable for temperatures of around 10°C is a good idea.
What should female travellers wear in Morocco?
Part of Intrepid’s travel ethos involves respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments.
While female travellers aren't expected to dress as conservatively as local women, it’s still a good idea to pack clothing options that will allow you to cover up.
In the main cities you can get away with wearing pants or a skirt that reaches below the knee, and a short-sleeved t-shirt. The looser these are, the better, as they will serve you best in the heat of Morocco – plus, form-fitting clothing can be just as poorly received as exposed skin in certain areas. Packing a couple of tunics and long-sleeved shirts is also a good idea for easy layering in more conservative or rural areas.
When visiting mosques, female travellers should wear clothing that covers from ankle to elbow, as well as covering decolletage. It's also important to cover your hair with a scarf. Don’t worry if it's not expertly wrapped – a few stray strands hanging out from beneath the scarf won't bother anyone. Visibly making an effort is what counts in this case.
While navigating a different dress code can feel like a minefield as a female traveller, keep in mind that Moroccans are used to foreigners and are generally forgiving of their fashion faux pas. The most important thing to remember is to dress in a way that enables you to feel comfortable while travelling so you can focus on soaking up the culture and not holding your hemline.
Packing list for Morocco
-
Loose, breathable clothing that covers your knees and shoulders
-
Athletic wear that covers knees and shoulders
-
Bathing suit
-
Scarves to cover hair and/or shoulders
-
Light jacket or fleece if travelling outside of summer or to the High Atlas Mountains
-
Sunglasses
-
Comfortable walking shoes
See our ultimate packing list for a more comprehensive list of items you should bring on your trip to Morocco.
Click here to return to Morocco FAQs
Our tours in Morocco
4 Days
From
450
Experience the serenity of the High Atlas foothills on this four-day Intrepid Retreats...
4 Days
From
445
Experience the serenity of the High Atlas foothills with the family on this four-day...
13 Days
From
1635
Journey into Morocco’s heart, from Casablanca to Marrakech, taking in the like of Fes,...
18 Days
From
1650
Explore Morocco on this in-depth tour with Intrepid. Spend 18 days exploring Marrakech,...
15 Days
From
1175
See the best of Morocco from Casablanca to Marrakech. Admire the city of Fes, see the...
11 Days
From
797
Check out the best bits of Morocco, in Casablanca, Fes, Merzouga and Marrakech on a...
9 Days
From
855
From Casablanca beach and the mosaics at Volubilis to the souqs of Marrakech, this...
Tailor-Made trips
Take two or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
10 Days
From
845
Discover Morocco's southern highlights on this ten-day tour with Intrepid, including...
15 Days
From
2795
Travel from Madrid to Marrakech on a sangria, sun and spice infused tour across Spain,...
24 Days
From
3490
Jump on a 24-day cultural adventure full of colourful characters and cuisine, through...
12 Days
From
1475
Feast your eyes and stomach on the treasures of Morocco’s souqs and uncover the...
14 Days
From
1700
Discover the beauty of Morocco from the saddle on this 14-day cycling adventure that...
7 Days
From
625
Discover Marrakech and trek Mt Toubkal with Lonely Planet and Intrepid on this seven...
8 Days
From
655
Travel to Morocco and embark on a family adventure. Take a tour of Marrakech, relax on...
15 Days
From
3110
Travel from Marrakech to Barcelona on a tour through Morocco and Spain. Visit Marrakech...
8 Days
From
612
Hawaii can wait – take a surf (and mountain!) trip to Taghazout and hang out in...
10 Days
From
1115
Take your family on a Moroccan adventure through Casablanca, Fes, Midelt, Merzouga, Ait...
8 Days
From
1125
Travel to Morocco and join Intrepid’s first female-only hiking adventure. This off-the...
10 Days
From
1000
Travel from Casablanca to Marrakech with stops in Meknes, Fes, Midelt, Merzouga and Ait...
