Things to Do in Morocco in August
Good for the ocean, the mountains and canyons – very hot inland, and busy with summer holidays. Updated October 2026 · by our local team
The best things to do in Morocco in August are the same as in July: follow the ocean and the mountains. Inland it is very hot – Marrakech is often around 37°C in the afternoon and the Sahara above 40°C. On the Atlantic coast and up in the High Atlas, summer is pleasant, the sea is at its warmest and the mountain nights are fresh.
August is also holiday time for Moroccan families and for many visitors from Europe, so the coast and the mountain villages are lively and rooms fill up early. Book ahead, start your days early and keep afternoons slow. For the desert, one night in the Merzouga dunes or an evening in Agafay gives you the magic without the worst of the heat.
The best things to do in Morocco in August are surfing, paddle and beach days on the Atlantic, treks and mule rides in the High Atlas, and canyoning in cool mountain water. Marrakech and the Sahara are very hot in August, so plan desert visits for the early morning and the evening only.
Morocco weather in August
| Where | Temperatures | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | about 37°C by day, 20°C at night | very hot afternoons, heatwaves above 40°C are possible |
| Sahara (Merzouga) | about 41°C by day, 26°C at night | extreme midday heat, rare storms, dust winds possible |
| High Atlas | about 28°C by day in the valleys, 15°C at night | sunny, cooler higher up, afternoon thunderstorms possible |
| Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir) | about 23-27°C by day, 19°C at night | sunny, windy in Essaouira, the warmest sea of the year |
Typical values – the weather changes from year to year.
Best things to do in Morocco in August
Click any idea to see the details.
Spend beach and surf days near AgadirThe warmest sea of the year and easy summer waves.Details +
Go canyoning in the High AtlasSlide, jump and swim through cool canyons.Details +
Ride mules to a Berber villageMountain paths, mint tea and fresh air above Imlil.Details +- Trek to the summit of ToubkalLong summer days on North Africa’s highest peak.Details +
- Kitesurf or windsurf in EssaouiraStrong summer wind and a cool, relaxed town.Details +
Ride camels at sunset, sleep in the dunesMerzouga at the edges of the day only.Details +
Watch shooting stars in the desertWarm nights and summer meteors.Details +- Paddle, boat and swim on the south coastCalm bays and boat trips from Agadir.Details +
Where to go in Morocco in August
Agadir & Taghazout
The warmest sea of the year, easy surf and calm bays – the best family base in August.
Essaouira
Cool, windy and full of life – great for kitesurfing and a break from the heat.
High Atlas
Mule rides, village walks, Toubkal and canyoning, with fresh mountain nights.
Merzouga
For one night in the dunes only, with camel rides at sunset and sunrise.
Festivals & events in Morocco in August
Perseid meteor shower
usually mid-August
Not a festival, but a yearly sky show – the desert, far from city lights, is a wonderful place to watch it. The peak night changes slightly each year.
What to pack for Morocco in August
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
- High-factor sunscreen and after-sun
- Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees
- Refillable water bottle and rehydration salts
- Swimsuit and quick-dry towel
- Old trainers for canyoning
- Rain shell and warm layer for the mountains
- Sweater for Essaouira evenings
Plan your trip in August
Tell us your dates and what you love – our local team plans the route, the stays and the activities for this time of year.
Morocco in August: your questions
Is August a good time to visit Morocco?
Yes, for the coast and the mountains. August is great for beaches, surf lessons, kitesurfing, Toubkal treks and canyoning. It is very hot in Marrakech and the Sahara, and busy with summer holidays, so book early and plan inland visits for the morning and evening.
What are the best things to do in Morocco in August?
Surf and swim near Agadir, kitesurf in Essaouira, ride mules or trek in the High Atlas, go canyoning, and spend one night in the Merzouga dunes with a sunset camel ride and the Perseid shooting stars.
Is Morocco too hot in August?
Inland, it is very hot in the afternoon: about 37°C in Marrakech and above 40°C in the Sahara. The Atlantic coast stays around 23-27°C and the mountains are pleasant, so plan most of your trip there.
What is the weather like in Morocco in August?
Dry, sunny and hot inland, mild and windy on the Atlantic coast, and warm in the High Atlas with fresh nights and possible afternoon thunderstorms. Rain is rare almost everywhere.
What can you do in Marrakech in August?
See the medina and the gardens early in the morning, rest at a riad pool or in a hammam in the afternoon, and go out again after sunset. A day trip to the cooler Atlas villages or an evening in the Agafay desert is a great escape.
Is Morocco in August good with kids?
Yes, if you stay at the coast and in the mountains. Beach days, surf lessons, mule rides in the Atlas and pools keep children happy. Avoid long drives and midday activities inland, and give them plenty of water.
Travel to Morocco in August
Private trips on your dates, planned by a local team who knows what each month brings.
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