Best Time to Visit Morocco for Cycling and Trekking: Month-by-Month Guide

Morocco has several climates in one country: the Atlantic coast, the high mountains of the Atlas and the Sahara Desert. That is great news for active travellers – there is almost always a region with good conditions. But choosing the best time to visit Morocco for your cycling or trekking trip still makes a big difference. Here is our local guide, season by season.

Quick Answer

• Cycling and gravel biking: March to November, with spring and autumn as the sweet spots.
• Sahara Desert treks: September to May.
• High-mountain treks (M’Goun, long Toubkal circuits): June to October.
• Classic Toubkal trek without snow: generally May to October.

Spring (March – May): The Best All-Round Season

Spring is the favourite season of many riders and hikers. Valleys are green, almond and fruit trees blossom and temperatures are pleasant almost everywhere. It is a perfect time for gravel biking through the oases on our Caravan Road Gravel Bike Tour or a ride from the Atlas to the dunes on the Morocco Cycling Tour. Higher summits may still have snow in early spring.

Summer (June – August): Head for the Mountains

Summer is hot in Marrakech and very hot in the desert, so this is the season for the high mountains. Snow has melted on the peaks and the high passes are open – ideal for the M’Goun summit trek or hiking in the cool Happy Valley (Ait Bouguemez). Bike tours in summer are adapted with early starts and mountain routes.

Autumn (September – November): Golden Light and Perfect Riding

Autumn brings back mild temperatures in the south and the desert, with warm days and cool nights. It is one of the best periods for cycling, for combined hike and bike trips like our Hike and Bike: Toubkal and the Agafay Desert, and for the start of the Sahara trekking season.

Winter (December – February): The Desert Season

Winter days are sunny and mild in the south, making it a great time for a Sahara Desert trek with camels – just bring warm clothes for the cold desert nights. The High Atlas is covered in snow, which creates beautiful scenery but requires winter equipment and experience for summits such as Toubkal.

Weather by Region

• Marrakech: mild winters, hot summers – spring and autumn are the most comfortable.
• High Atlas: cool summers, snowy winters; temperatures drop quickly with altitude.
• Draa Valley and Sahara: very hot in summer, pleasant from autumn to spring, cold nights in winter.
• Atlantic coast (Essaouira): mild all year thanks to ocean winds.

Not Sure When to Go?

Tell us your travel dates and what you would like to do, and our local team will recommend the best route for that season. Browse our cycling tours and trekking tours, or contact us – we reply within 24 hours.