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Morocco (Coast)
The Atlantic coast mixes fresh ocean breezes with historic, whitewashed port towns. You can surf great, rolling waves or wander through narrow, salty-air streets to eat amazing fresh seafood.
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Summary
Did you know?
Tree-Climbing Goats – Along the southern coastal plains, clever goats climb high up into thorny argan trees to munch on bitter fruit.
Overview
Months
January, February, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Surfing
Expenses
<100€, <150€, <200€, 0-50€, Over 200€
Temperature
10-20°C, 20-25°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm
Safety
Medium
Continent
Africa
Currency
Moroccan dirham
Languages
Arabic, Tamazight
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to visit the Moroccan coast is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is warm, sunny, and very comfortable. You avoid the extreme inland heat of the summer and the chilly, damp winds of the winter.
Summer (July to August) is the absolute peak season for domestic tourism. Locals flock to the Atlantic coast—especially Agadir, Tangier, and Essaouira—to cool off. The ocean breezes keep the coast in the pleasant mid-20s°C (70s°F), but beaches and hotels get very crowded.
Winter (December to March) is the best time for surfers heading to Taghazout, as the Atlantic swells are at their largest, though the ocean water becomes too cold for casual swimming.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season: July to August (Summer) & April (Spring Holidays)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 9 to 11 hours.
Rain Frequency: 0 to 2 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 0 hours.
Intensity: Almost completely dry.
Duration: Endless blue skies and strong coastal trade winds (the "Alizés"), which are famous in Essaouira for keeping the city cool.
Off-Peak Season: November to February (Winter)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 5 to 7 hours.
Rain Frequency: 6 to 10 days per month (mostly in the north around Tangier).
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 to 3 hours.
Intensity: Light to moderate rain showers.
Duration: Rain usually passes quickly, but the coastal wind can make the air feel much colder than the actual temperature.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: April to August
Budget Vacation ($30-60/day)
Accommodation: $12-25/night (surf hostel dorms in Taghazout, budget riads deep in the medina).
Food: $10-15/day (street-side grilled sardines, chicken shawarma, fresh bread).
Activities: $5-10/day (public beach access, wandering historic sea walls, exploring local souks).
Transportation: $3-10/day (local city buses, shared grand taxis between coastal towns).
Other Costs: $3/day (bottled water, sweet mint tea).
Mid-Range Vacation ($80-160/day)
Accommodation: $50-100/night (restored traditional riads with courtyards, modern 3-star beach hotels).
Food: $20-40/day (seafood restaurants by the port, traditional tajines, fresh juices).
Activities: $15-35/day (surfboard and wetsuit rentals, guided walking tours, entrance to historic forts).
Transportation: $15-25/day (first-class tickets on CTM or Supratours buses, high-speed train tickets).
Other Costs: $5/day (cafe stops, tipping).
Luxury Vacation ($250-600+/day)
Accommodation: $150-400+/night (5-star international beach resorts in Agadir, luxury boutique riads in Essaouira).
Food: $60-120/day (high-end Moroccan fusion dining, fresh oysters in Oualidia, imported wines).
Activities: $80-150+/day (private kitesurfing lessons in Dakhla, private guided shopping tours, luxury hammam spa days).
Transportation: $50-100/day (private chauffeur transfers between cities).
Other Costs: $20+/day (argan oil purchases, artisan souvenirs).
Off-Peak Season: November to March (Winter)
Budget Vacation ($22-45/day)
Accommodation: $10-18/night (discounted surf camp beds in Taghazout, quiet medina guesthouses).
Food: $8-14/day (local sandwich shops, market fruit, hearty winter bean soups like loubia).
Activities: $3-8/day (free coastal walks, cheap public museum tickets).
Transportation: $3-8/day (local grand taxis, standard city buses).
Other Costs: $2/day (hot mint tea, bottled water).
Mid-Range Vacation ($60-120/day)
Accommodation: $35-70/night (comfortable riads with heating, beachfront hotels at low-season rates).
Food: $18-32/day (casual seafood taverns, sit-down tagines, indoor cafes).
Activities: $12-25/day (discounted off-season surfboard rentals, private hammam visits).
Transportation: $10-18/day (CTM bus tickets, standard city petit taxis).
Other Costs: $4/day (coffee, tips).
Luxury Vacation ($180-420+/day)
Accommodation: $120-280+/night (5-star beach resorts in Agadir and high-end riads in Essaouira at promotional rates).
Food: $45-90/day (hotel dining rooms, fresh fish dinners with wine).
Activities: $50-100/day (private surf coaching, luxury spa treatments).
Transportation: $35-70/day (private transfers between coastal towns).
Other Costs: $15/day (artisan rugs, argan oil shopping).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Casablanca
- The economic heart of Morocco. It is a massive, modern, and busy coastal metropolis, most famous for its stunning seaside mosque and French-colonial architecture.
2. Rabat
- Morocco’s elegant coastal capital offers a relaxed, unhurried alternative to the country's bustling tourist hubs. It seamlessly blends grand French-colonial boulevards with ancient Islamic heritage, highlighted by the striking Kasbah of the Udayas and the iconic Hassan Tower.
3. Essaouira
- A relaxed, windy, and highly artistic port city. It is surrounded by ancient stone walls, filled with blue wooden fishing boats, and famously lacks the chaotic hustle of bigger cities.
4. Tangier
- The northern gateway connecting Africa to Europe. It sits right on the Strait of Gibraltar and has a unique, international history that attracted famous writers and artists for decades.
5. Agadir & Taghazout
- Agadir is a modern resort city rebuilt after a 1960 earthquake, offering wide sandy beaches. Just up the road, Taghazout is a bohemian, world-famous surf village.
Casablanca
Did you know?
Blue Pearl Town – Chefchaouen is a mountain-adjacent coastal town where every single house, wall, and street is painted in bright shades of powder blue.
Islands
Morocco’s coast is defined by its mainland beaches and cliffs. While there are a few tiny rocky outcrops, the country does not have populated tourist islands. (The nearby Canary Islands belong to Spain).
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Agadir
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. Legzira Beach
- Located south of Mirleft, this beach is famous for its massive, natural red sandstone arches that step directly into the crashing ocean waves.
2. Souss-Massa National Park
- A coastal nature reserve south of Agadir where the river meets the sea. It is a critical habitat for flamingos and the highly endangered Northern Bald Ibis.
3. Oualidia Lagoon
- A calm, protected coastal lagoon located between Casablanca and Essaouira, famous for its oyster farms and safe, flat swimming waters.
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. Hassan II Mosque (Casablanca)
- One of the largest mosques in the world, featuring a towering 210-meter minaret. It was built directly over the Atlantic Ocean and is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims.
2. Skala de la Ville (Essaouira)
- An impressive 18th-century seafront rampart lined with antique brass cannons facing the ocean. It was famously used as a filming location for Game of Thrones.
3. Caves of Hercules (Tangier)
- An ancient archaeological cave complex facing the sea. The cave's ocean-facing entrance is naturally shaped like the map of Africa.
Unique Experiences
1. Eating at the Essaouira Fish Market
- Walking directly up to the blue wooden boats as they unload their morning catch, picking out fresh sea bass, shrimp, or squid, and having it grilled on a charcoal fire right in front of you.
2. Surfing the Atlantic Swell
- Taking a surf lesson in Taghazout, where the waves are perfectly suited for both absolute beginners and seasoned professionals.
3. Desert Meets Ocean
- Driving down to Dakhla to see towering white sand dunes dropping straight into crystal-clear turquoise ocean water.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Legzira Beach
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
La Mamounia
Location: Avenue Bab Jdid, Marrakech
A sprawling luxury coastal resort stretching along the Atlantic Ocean, featuring Moorish architecture, expansive golf greens, and breezy terraces overlooking miles of pristine sandy beaches.
Restaurants / Bars
El Restaurant Sardi
Location: Casablanca, Morocco Coast
A historic coastal dining venue overlooking the Atlantic swells, celebrated for serving exquisite French-Moroccan seafood, fresh catches, and refined regional hospitality.
Tours to do
1. The Northern Coastal Express
- Start in Tangier to explore the medina and Caves of Hercules, take the high-speed train down to the painted walls of Asilah, and finish in Casablanca to tour the Hassan II Mosque.
Best Time: April to June.
Average Cost: $300 – $600 per person.
2. The Atlantic Surf and Art Route
- Spend a few days wandering the art galleries of Essaouira, before taking a bus south to Taghazout for surfing, yoga, and beachside tagines.
Best Time: September to November.
Average Cost: $350 – $700 per person.
Tangier
How to get around
1. Al Boraq High-Speed Train
- Morocco operates the only high-speed rail line in Africa. It connects Tangier to Casablanca (via Kenitra and Rabat) in just over two hours, reaching speeds of 320 km/h. It is clean, cheap, and highly efficient.
2. Long-Distance Buses
- For cities without train stations (like Essaouira and Agadir), companies like CTM and Supratours offer modern, air-conditioned buses with reserved seating. Avoid unbranded local buses for long trips.
3. Grand Taxis
- Shared Mercedes or Dacia minivans that run fixed routes between neighboring towns. They only leave when all seats are full. You can buy all the seats if you want a private ride.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
Cannon Beach – Asilah's ancient sea walls are flanked by rusting Portuguese cannons pointing out over the Atlantic surf.
What to eat
1. Tagine
- A slow-cooked stew made with meat (often lamb or chicken) and vegetables, seasoned with spices.
2. Couscous
- Steamed semolina served with vegetables and meat, a staple dish in Moroccan cuisine.
3. Harira
- A hearty soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and spices, often enjoyed during Ramadan.
4. Pastilla
- A savory pastry filled with pigeon or chicken, nuts, and spices, topped with powdered sugar.
5. Mint Tea
- A sweetened green tea with fresh mint, served as a traditional drink.
Tagine
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airport: Mohammed V International Airport (CMN)
Flight Prices and Seasons:
From Europe
- Average Round-Trip Cost: €50 to €200.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: Summer (June to August) and December holidays.
From North America
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $500 to $800.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
From Asia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $400 to $700.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months.
From Australia
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $900 to $1,300.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September.
- Peak Prices: December holidays and summer months.
From Africa
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $100 to $300.
- Cheapest Months: January to March and September to November.
- Peak Prices: Summer and December holidays.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Many travelers, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia, do not need a visa for short visits.
2. Visa-Free Entry
- Citizens from several countries can enter visa-free for stays of up to 90 days.
3. Visa Application
- Travelers from countries that require a visa must apply for a Moroccan visa at a Moroccan embassy or consulate before traveling.
4. Types of Visa
- Common visa types include a Tourist Visa: Typically valid for short stays, usually up to 90 days.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing can take from 5 to 10 business days, so it’s advisable to apply well in advance if required.
6. Duration of Stay
- Visa-free visitors can stay for up to 90 days; visa holders should refer to their specific visa for duration.
7. Health Requirements
- No specific vaccinations are generally required for entry, but travel insurance is recommended.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in urban areas.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 220V, and plug types C and E (two round pins) are used. An adapter may be needed for devices from other regions.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is customary, usually around 10%.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Maroc Telecom and Inwi. They can be purchased at stores.
6. Driving Side
- In Morocco, people drive on the right side of the road.
Souveniers
1. Moroccan Leather Goods
- From handcrafted bags and shoes to intricate poufs and jackets, Moroccan leather goods are prized for their quality and craftsmanship.
2. Argan Oil
- Used for skincare, haircare, and even cooking, Argan oil is native to Morocco and is considered one of the best in the world.
3. Berber Rugs
- Woven by Berber women, these unique, colorful rugs have distinctive patterns and are perfect for adding an exotic touch to any home.
Berber Rugs
Location
Reviews
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