Welcome to autumn in Morocco, easily one of the best times to visit. After several months of oppressive heat, Marrakesh has cooled down by October, making it a great place to visit at this time of year. With summer vacations over and students back in school, you'll encounter fewer tourists in October. The peak summer season always has the highest hotel room and tour prices, and you may notice slightly better deals in fall. You won't need to buy train tickets so far in advance, either.
October is a fine time to go pretty much anywhere in Morocco. In Morocco, October is a harvest month.
Here’s a detailed look at what you can expect:
Temperature in October
The average temperature in Marrakech in October for a typical day ranges from a high of 83°F (28°C) to a low of 58°F (15°C). Some would describe the temperature to be pleasantly warm. The general area may also feel breezy. Daily high temperatures decrease by 8°F, from 86°F to 78°F, rarely falling below 68°F or exceeding 96°F. Daily low temperatures decrease by 6°F, from 64°F to 57°F, rarely falling below 51°F or exceeding 69°F.
For reference, on July 24, the hottest day of the year, temperatures in Marrakesh typically range from 71°F to 100°F, while on January 13, the coldest day of the year, they range from 44°F to 65°F.
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In October in Marrakesh sees temperatures decline slightly from September and the rains start to come. The average daily temperature in the month of October lingers around 21C.
Marrakech Medina
Rainfall in October
In Marrakech in October, there's a 9% chance of rain on an average day. And on the average day it rains or snows, we get 0.29 in (7.3 mm) of precipitation. In more common terms of how much that is, some would describe it as light rain.
The wettest month in Marrakech is November where a typical day has a 17% chance of precipitation and gets 0.02 in (0.5 mm) of precipitation, while the dryest month in Marrakech is June where a typical day has a 2% chance of precipitation and gets 0.03 in (0.9 mm) of precipitation.
The average sliding 31-day rainfall during October in Marrakesh is increasing, starting the month at 0.4 inches, when it rarely exceeds 1.1 inches or falls below -0.0 inches, and ending the month at 1.1 inches, when it rarely exceeds 2.5 inches.
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Chance of rain or snow on an average Marrakech day by month
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
The average amount of time that the sky is clear or sunny (partly cloudy or less) in Marrakech during October is 13.6 hours (57% of the day). The month of October in Marrakesh experiences gradually increasing cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy increasing from 34% to 40%. The highest chance of overcast or mostly cloudy conditions is 40% on October 30. The clearest day of the month is October 1, with clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy conditions 66% of the time.
For comparison, the month with the most clear, sunny days in Marrakech is July with an average of 21.3 hours per day while October has the shortest amount of cloud-free hours with only 13.6 hours per day.
For reference, on October 30, the cloudiest day of the year, the chance of overcast or mostly cloudy conditions is 40%, while on July 18, the clearest day of the year, the chance of clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy skies is 96%.
Wind Speed
Historically, the wind in Marrakech during October blows at an average speed of 10.2 mph (16.4 kph). The average hourly wind speed in Marrakesh is essentially constant during October, remaining within 0.1 miles per hour of 6.8 miles per hour throughout.
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The windiest month is June with an average wind speed of 11.5 mph (18.5 kph), while the calmest month is September with an average wind speed of 10.0 mph (16.1 kph).
The lowest daily average wind speed during October is 6.7 miles per hour on October 15.
The wind direction in Marrakesh during October is predominantly out of the north from October 1 to October 23 and the south from October 23 to October 31.
Average monthly wind speed in Marrakech
Humidity
April has the highest relative humidity at 54% and is the least humid in August at 34%. The chance that a given day will be muggy in Marrakesh is essentially constant during October, remaining within 1% of 1% throughout.
For reference, on August 20, the muggiest day of the year, there are muggy conditions 5% of the time, while on January 1, the least muggy day of the year, there are muggy conditions 0% of the time.
Daylight Hours
Over the course of October in Marrakesh, the length of the day is decreasing. From the start to the end of the month, the length of the day decreases by 55 minutes, implying an average daily decrease of 1 minute, 50 seconds, and weekly decrease of 12 minutes, 49 seconds.
The shortest day of the month is October 31, with 10 hours, 56 minutes of daylight and the longest day is October 1, with 11 hours, 51 minutes of daylight.
The earliest sunrise of the month in Marrakesh is 7:25 AM on October 1 and the latest sunrise is 22 minutes later at 7:47 AM on October 31. The latest sunset is 7:16 PM on October 1 and the earliest sunset is 33 minutes earlier at 6:43 PM on October 31.
Daylight saving time is observed in Marrakesh during 2025, but it neither starts nor ends during October, so the entire month is in daylight saving time.
What to Wear
With an average high of 83°F (28°C) and a low of 58°F (15°C), it generally feels pleasantly warm and breezy.
October Activities and Events
October is an excellent time to plan a hike or a trek through the nearby regions, as you'll have the chance to witness the rituals around the harvest-and to taste the fruit, of course. If you're interested in scaling Mount Toubkal, the tallest mountain in North Africa, this is a good time to do it, thanks to the moderate temperatures. Surfing is a popular activity along the coasts at this time of year. Of course, temperatures are warmer and friendlier to beginners in the south.
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Here are some specific events and festivals to consider:
- Erfoud Date Festival: This three-day festival happens in Erfoud, the center of date production and home to nearly a million date palms. The Erfoud Date Festival is held in the beginning of October when the date crop is harvested.
- Taragalte Festival, Zagora: For three days at the end of October (check online for exact dates, as they change each year), the Taragalte Festival is centered around peace and music.
- MOGA Electronic Music Festival, Essaouira: This electronic music and digital arts festival, which takes place in mid-October (dates vary each year), highlights talents from Morocco and the Maghreb.
- Eid al-Fitr: A high point for many Marrakesh residents during October is the festival of Eid al-Fitr. This marks the end of the month long festival of Ramadan, during which faithful Muslims fast during the day. Marrakesh is usually known for its early nights and early mornings, however this all changes during Eid al-Fitr as at night the city really comes to life!
- Eid ul-Adha: Typically falling in October, the important Eid ul-Adha or Festival of Sacrifice is the second most significant in the Muslim calendar. Traditionally, locals will sacrifice an animal, a sheep or goat and the meat is given away to others to represent Ibrahim's actions.
- Tissa Horse Festival: There are also cultural or secular festivals observed in October including the Tissa Horse Festival. This includes jumping, dressage and skills as horse riders.
Additional Tips for Visiting Marrakech
- For traditional Moroccan cuisine, the Restaurant of La Maison Arabe, a local hotel, is a wonderful choice. Considered one of the best restaurants in the city, it is well-regarded for business, romantic or family meals.
- For a lovely cafe with traditional food, visit Atay Cafe Food in the heart of the medina. Sit comfortably on the rooftop and you will get a great view from here.
- Considered some of the finest shopping in the city, the 33 Rue Majorelle offers a wide range of shops and boutiques.
- Another unique experience in Marrakesh is Mellah. This historic area was and still is the city's Jewish neighbourhood. Unlike the Jewish Quarters in Europe, this neighbourhood is is still brimming with life and has a synagogue that cannot be missed.
- If you are traveling with children, a stop to the Oasiria Water Park is a must. This water park has extensive pools and water rides for children of all ages to enjoy. After spending time in the busy city streets of Marrakesh, a trip to this water park will be a welcomed reprieve from the heat and noise of the city.
Take advantage of the lower October temperatures and spend some time in Marrakesh and the Sahara.
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