August - September

The heat of August gives way to milder temperatures in September which are enjoyable in most parts of the country, in particular the Northern coast around Tangier and the Rif Mountains in the north of the country. Expect sunny conditions and highs in the lower 80s Fahrenheit and lows in the mid-60s. Fes and Meknes are still dry and hot, with highs in the upper 80s and low 90s, and lows in the low to mid 60s. Dry conditions should keep in place for the rest of the country through the end of September. Rabat and Casablanca will enjoy mild conditions with highs around 80 and lows in the mid-60s. Marrakech will see highs in the 90s and lows near 70. Essaouira warms to its highest temperatures of the year, a daytime average of about 75 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows in the mid-60s. Rain chances will begin to rise in September for Tangier, the Rif Mountains, and Marrakech, to an average of one or two days of rain per month. September is the beginning of the second of the two `shoulder seasons` in Morocco, and hotel prices will begin to retreat from their summer peaks. By the end of September, lines at attractions should begin to shrink in size.

Holidays and Festivals:

Muharram 1 - Islamic New Year (Fatih Muharram / Le nouvel an musulman) The first day of the year on the Islamic calendar. The first month of the year is the holiest of all the months, even more than Ramadan. The celebrations correspond to the dates September 11-12 in 2018, August 31-September 1 in 2019, August 19-20 in 2020, and August 9-10 in 2021. National holiday in Morocco.

August 14 - Oued Ed-Dahab Day (Zikra Oued Ed-Dahab / La journée Oued Eddahab) Oued Ed-Dahab is the Arabic name for the province of Western Sahara, and this day commemorates the Moroccan military`s 1979 victory over the Spanish, which had colonized Western Sahara. National holiday in Morocco.

August 20 - Revolution of the King and the People (Thawrat al malik wa shâab / La journée de la révolution du roi et du peuple) On August 20, 1953, the French colonizers exiled King Mohammed V to Madagascar. His exile would eventually culminate in full independence for Morocco in 1956, coinciding with his return to the throne. National holiday in Morocco.

August 21 - Youth Day (Eid Al Chabab / La journée de la jeunesse) A holiday to celebrate the younger generations of Moroccans and King Mohammed VI, whose birthday falls on this day too. National holiday in Morocco.

Late August and early September - Imilchil Marriage Festival, Imilchil. Imilchil is a small village in the High Atlas Mountains, and many of the villages are difficult to access by car. The area is very conservative, and due to cultural norms and geography, it has traditionally been difficult for men and women to find spouses. A local legend tells the story of two star-crossed lovers from rival tribes who ended their lives tragically when their families and communities did not approve of their union. In response, as the legend goes, each year the tribes `allowed` marriages between tribes without complaint or strife. As many as 40 local couples are married in Imilchil each year at the festival.