Things to Do in Morocco in October
Great month for almost everything – desert, mountains, cities and the coast. Updated October 2026 · by our local team
There are more things to do in Morocco in October than in almost any other month. The heat of summer is gone, the days are warm and sunny, and the nights are cool enough to sleep well. The Sahara, the High Atlas, the gorges and the imperial cities are all in season at the same time, so you can combine them in one trip without compromise.
October is also a popular month, especially during the autumn school holidays in Europe. Desert camps, balloon flights and good riads fill up early, so we recommend sending us your dates a few weeks ahead. Families like it too: the weather is gentle enough for children in the desert and the mountains.
The best things to do in Morocco in October are a camel trek and a night in a desert camp at Merzouga, hiking in the High Atlas, walks in the Dades and Todra gorges, a sunrise balloon flight over Marrakech and the medina of Fes. Warm days and cooler nights make October one of the best months of the year for active travel.
Morocco weather in October
| Where | Temperatures | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | about 27°C by day, 15°C at night | sunny and warm, fresh evenings |
| Sahara (Merzouga) | about 28°C by day, 15°C at night | warm days, cool clear nights |
| High Atlas | about 19°C by day, 8°C at night (Imlil) | clear and fresh, cold on the summits |
| Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir) | about 22–26°C by day, 16°C at night | sunny, sea still about 20°C |
Typical values – the weather changes from year to year.
Best things to do in Morocco in October
Click any idea to see the details.
Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunesWarm golden afternoons and cool nights in the Sahara.Details +
Sleep in a desert camp and watch the starsClear, dry skies over the dunes.Details +
Hike in the High AtlasGolden walnut trees and long views from the passes.Details +
Fly over Marrakech in a hot air balloonCrisp, calm mornings and wide views.Details +- Walk and climb in the Dades and Todra gorgesRed canyons on the road to the desert.Details +
- Explore the medina of FesThe best weather for long walks in the old city.Details +
- Visit the date harvest around ErfoudPalm groves full of fresh dates on the way to the dunes.Details +
Mountain bike in the Atlas foothillsComfortable temperatures for long rides.Details +
Festivals & events in Morocco in October
Erfoud date festival
usually October
A celebration of the date harvest in the oasis town of Erfoud, on the road to Merzouga, with music and local markets. Dates change every year – check before you travel.
Morocco itineraries for October
Private trips that are at their best this month.
What to pack for Morocco in October
- Layers for warm days and cool nights
- A warm jacket for desert nights and balloon take-off
- Sun hat and sunscreen
- Good walking or hiking shoes
- A scarf against sun and sand
- A head torch for the desert camp
- Swimwear if you add the coast
- Reusable water bottle
Plan your trip in October
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 October: your questions
Is October a good time to visit Morocco?
Yes – it is one of the best months of the year. The desert, the mountains, the cities and the coast are all pleasant at the same time. It is also a busy month, so book desert camps and balloon flights early.
What are the best things to do in Morocco in October?
A camel trek and a night in a desert camp at Merzouga, hiking in the High Atlas, the Dades and Todra gorges, a balloon flight over Marrakech and the medina of Fes. Surfers also find good autumn waves at Taghazout.
What is the weather like in Morocco in October?
Mostly sunny and warm: about 27°C by day in Marrakech and the desert, cooler in the mountains and mild on the coast. Nights get cool, especially in the Sahara and the High Atlas.
What should I wear in Morocco in October?
Light layers that cover shoulders and knees, comfortable shoes and a sun hat by day. Bring a warm jacket or fleece for desert nights, early balloon flights and the mountains.
What are the best things to do in Morocco in October with kids?
A camel ride and a night in the desert, sandboarding on the dunes, a mule ride in the Atlas and a cooking class are family favourites. The gentle October weather is easy for children; keep drives short and plan one big activity a day.
Is Morocco good for October half term?
Yes. A week is enough for Marrakech, the Atlas and a desert trip to Merzouga, or for a shorter taste in the Agafay desert. Half term is popular, so send us your dates early.
Travel to Morocco in October
Private trips on your dates, planned by a local team who knows what each month brings.
Send us your trip details
Your request comes straight to our team’s inbox and we reply by email or WhatsApp, as you prefer – usually the same day.
- No payment to send a request
- Private trips on your dates
- Your programme in writing before you pay