What to Wear in Morocco in October: A Comprehensive Guide for Women

Planning a trip to Morocco in October? Knowing what to pack is essential to ensure you're comfortable, respectful of local customs, and prepared for the varied climate. Morocco has a reputation for being a “cold country with a hot sun”, and when Autumn begins, you really experience this.

Part of our travel ethos involves respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments. 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.

Here’s a detailed guide to help you pack the right clothes for your Moroccan adventure.

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Understanding the Moroccan Dress Code

Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, and accordingly, women dress very conservatively. 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. Visibly making an effort is what counts in this case.

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.

Read also: Discover Essaouira, Morocco

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.

During the trip there was a wide range of destinations from the coastal town of Essaouira, to the bustling city of Marrakech, to the small town of Chefchaouen and then the Sahara Desert. Throughout the trip I found myself wearing a few things on repeat like loose pants and blouses, and long dresses.

October Weather in Morocco

The hardest part about being prepared for an October vacation in Morocco is being ready to experience all the seasons in one week! There’s no specific month which is best to visit Morocco, but it is good that in October the high temperatures start cooling down and make it more bearable to walk around during the day. Earlier months of September and October can still feel quite summer like while later in November the weather turns and rain becomes more likely. Also, keep in mind daytime and nighttime temperatures vary - sometimes a lot.

The weather this time of year can really vary depending on where you will be and so you may need to pack enough clothes to be prepared for a variety of temperatures and climates. By adding in an extra layer, you should have all bases covered. Even though we are throwing in warmer layers in the fall for the evenings, the days can still be warm.

Essential Clothing Items for Morocco in October

Like the traditional capsule wardrobes we created for what to pack for Morocco, lightweight and loose-fitting clothes are still the best options to be able to layer both up and down. Here's a breakdown of essential clothing items to include in your suitcase:

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  • Light Trousers and Loose Jeans: Perfect for hot days while providing modesty. A good pair of lightweight jeans are really good to pack for fall in Morocco. They’re perfect for touring around and pair with a blazer at night for dinner.
  • Short-Sleeved Shirts: Choose shirts that cover your shoulders and bottom.
  • Long Sleeve Tunic T-shirt: This long sleeve tunic tshirt can be worn as is or dressed up with a few accessories. It’s lightweight meaning you can still be modest when the temperatures are high without being uncomfortable.
  • Soft Knit Cardigan: This soft knit cardigan is perfect for cooler mornings and also in evenings as you explore Morocco in the fall weather. Simply fold neatly and pack it in your luggage or if needed, wear on the airplane in case you get a chill.
  • Knit Sweater: Cover up and look chic in this adorable knit sweater that is good for anytime of the day or night.
  • Joggers: Every travelers wardrobe needs at least one pair of joggers for their ease and comfort for travel days! You can dress them up a little with a cute jacket over the top.
  • Boyfriend Jeans: I love the comfort of boyfriend jeans because they have a little give in the waist and thigh area for extra roominess. These go with everything and their ankle length adds an additional flair of fashion and style.

In addition to clothing, consider these accessories and footwear:

  • Waterproof Jacket: The biggest change we’d make to the staple Morocco capsule wardrobes would be swapping in a waterproof, as showers are sometimes frequent when heading into autumn months.
  • Sandals: While I still think a pair of sandals will serve you well you could also swap these out especially if you’ll be in mountain areas. These sandals are designed to go wherever you go.
  • Mules: You can wear sandals into fall, but for a more comfortable shoe to get around in try these mules!
  • Sneakers: These versatile sneakers are perfect for a day of shopping in the beautiful city of Morocco in the fall weather.
  • Bootie Shoe: This is a great bootie shoe with a stacked heel for added comfort and looks great with cropped pants and jeans.
  • Plaid Scarf: You can’t go wrong with this plaid scarf because it looks good and feels good too. Not to mention it does double duty as a wrap or blanket should you get cold.
  • Watch: Who doesn’t love a cute watch as a fabulous accessory? This piece has it all with it’s sleek style you will always know the time and when to get to your next adventure in Morocco.
  • Sunglasses: Timeless and never out of style, the classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer will not only look amazing on you, but will protect your eyes from the sun as you venture around the streets of Morocco.

Remember Morocco is full of color so embrace it on your vacation!

Additional Tips:

  • Long pants were my best friend during the time in Morocco.
  • The streets of Morocco can often be a bit grimy, so I liked to have my feet covered.

Here's a handy table summarizing what to pack for Morocco in October:

Clothing Item Purpose
Light Trousers Modesty and comfort in hot weather
Loose Jeans Versatile for touring and evenings
Short-Sleeved Shirts Covering shoulders, suitable for warm days
Long Sleeve Tunic T-shirt Modest and comfortable in high temperatures
Soft Knit Cardigan Cooler mornings and evenings
Knit Sweater Cover-up for any time of day
Joggers Comfortable for travel days
Boyfriend Jeans Stylish and roomy for extra comfort
Waterproof Jacket Protection against frequent autumn showers
Sandals Suitable for warmer days
Mules Comfortable for getting around
Sneakers Ideal for shopping and walking
Bootie Shoe Stylish and comfortable with cropped pants
Plaid Scarf Wrap or blanket for cold weather
Watch Stylish accessory and timekeeping
Sunglasses Eye protection from the sun

By packing these essential items, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your Moroccan adventure in October, respecting local customs while staying comfortable and stylish.

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PS - Are You Booking a Trip Soon? These are the sites I use most to book my own trips.

  1. I use Skyscanner to find the best flights.
  2. I use Booking.com for hotels and guest houses.
  3. Self-driving is the best way to explore most destinations.
  4. I use Viator or Get Your Guide to find the best tours and experiences. They are my favorite tour search engines.
  5. I use Priority Pass to gain access to 1,400+ VIP lounges and airport experiences worldwide. The Priority Pass app is the first thing I check when I have a layover.
  6. I never leave the country without travel insurance. It provides comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong (ie. illness, injury, theft, and cancelations, etc.).

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Packing for Morocco

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