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Things to Do in Morocco in September

Good for the coast, the mountains and the desert from mid-month – still hot inland at first. Updated October 2026 · by our local team

The list of things to do in Morocco in September grows week by week. The summer heat slowly lets go, the Sahara comes back into season and the Atlantic is at its warmest. Early in the month it is still hot in Marrakech and the desert, so our guides plan activities for the morning and the evening. By the end of September, days are warm rather than hot almost everywhere.

September is also a quieter month: European summer holidays are over and the autumn high season has not yet started. That means easier bookings for desert camps and balloon flights, and calmer trails in the mountains. It is a good month to mix the coast, the High Atlas and a first night in the dunes in one trip.

In short

The best things to do in Morocco in September are a camel trek and a night in the dunes of Merzouga once the heat drops, surfing and paddling on a warm Atlantic at Taghazout, hikes in the High Atlas villages and a sunrise balloon flight over Marrakech. Early September still feels like summer inland; the second half of the month is much easier.

Things to Do in Morocco in September: Two hikers with backpacks look down on green terraced fields and an earth-built Berber village in the High Atlas

Morocco weather in September

WhereTemperaturesWhat to expect
Marrakechabout 32°C by day, 19°C at nightsunny and hot, cooler from mid-month
Sahara (Merzouga)about 35°C by day, 21°C at nighthot and dry, best at sunrise and sunset
High Atlasabout 24°C by day, 12°C at night (Imlil)pleasant for hiking, cold on the summits
Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir)about 23–27°C by day, 18°C at nightsunny, sea at its warmest (about 21°C)

Typical values – the weather changes from year to year.

Where to go in Morocco in September

Merzouga

The Erg Chebbi dunes come back into season, especially in the second half of the month.

Things to do in Merzouga →

High Atlas

Warm days, quiet trails and a snow-free Toubkal – one of the best months for trekking.

Agadir & Taghazout

The warmest sea of the year and the first autumn surf.

Essaouira

A fresh sea breeze when the inland cities are still hot.

Festivals & events in Morocco in September

Imilchil marriage festival

usually September

A gathering of Amazigh tribes in the eastern High Atlas, famous for its engagement ceremonies, music and market. Dates change every year – check before you travel.

What to pack for Morocco in September

  • Wide-brimmed sun hat
  • High-SPF sunscreen
  • Light long-sleeved shirts for sun and medinas
  • A fleece for Atlas and desert evenings
  • Swimwear and a shorty wetsuit for the coast
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • A light scarf against sun and sand
  • Reusable water bottle

Plan your trip in September

Tell us your dates and what you love – our local team plans the route, the stays and the activities for this time of year.

Ask us on WhatsApp →

Morocco in September: your questions

Is September a good time to visit Morocco?

Yes, especially from mid-month. The coast and the mountains are at their best, and the desert becomes comfortable again as the heat drops. Early September is still hot inland, so plan desert and city visits for the morning and evening.

What are the best things to do in Morocco in September?

A camel trek and a night in the dunes of Merzouga, surfing at Taghazout, hiking in the High Atlas or climbing Toubkal, and a sunrise balloon flight over Marrakech. Canyoning is often still possible early in the month.

Is Morocco warm in September?

Yes. Marrakech is often about 30°C by day and the desert hotter, while the Atlantic coast stays in the mid-20s. Nights in the High Atlas are cool, so bring a warm layer.

Is it too hot to visit the Sahara in Morocco in September?

Early September can still be very hot in Merzouga, but the second half of the month is much more pleasant. We plan camel rides at sunset and sunrise and keep the middle of the day for shade and rest.

What should I wear in Morocco in September?

Light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees, a sun hat and good sunscreen. Add a fleece for evenings in the mountains and the desert, and swimwear for the coast.

Are there good things to do in Morocco in September for surfers?

Yes. The sea is at its warmest and the first autumn swells arrive at Taghazout and Tamraght. Beginners still find gentle waves in the bays, while experienced surfers start to see bigger days later in the month.

Travel to Morocco in September

Private trips on your dates, planned by a local team who knows what each month brings.

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Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes
Things to do in Morocco in September · Land adventure

Ride camels into the Erg Chebbi dunes

In the second half of September the desert near Merzouga becomes comfortable again, with warm evenings and soft light on the dunes. We ride at sunset and sunrise and rest in the shade during the hottest hours.

Number 1 of the best things to do in Morocco in September.

Where
Merzouga (Erg Chebbi)
Time needed
3–4 days from Marrakech
In September
Hot days, warm nights
Tip
Late September is cooler than early September
Surf a warm Atlantic at Taghazout
Things to do in Morocco in September · Water adventure

Surf a warm Atlantic at Taghazout

The water is at its warmest in September and the first autumn swells start to reach the coast north of Agadir. Beginners still find small, friendly waves in the bays, so it is a good month for a first surf week.

Number 2 of the best things to do in Morocco in September.

Where
Taghazout & Tamraght, near Agadir
Time needed
2–5 days
In September
Warm water, mixed swells
Tip
A shorty wetsuit is usually enough
Hike between High Atlas villages
Things to do in Morocco in September · Land adventure

Hike between High Atlas villages

September is one of the best months to walk in the High Atlas: the summer crowds have left and the valleys around Imlil are still warm. Our guides choose routes between Berber villages, with tea and lunch in a family house.

Number 3 of the best things to do in Morocco in September.

Where
Imlil and the Toubkal valleys
Time needed
1 day to a week
In September
Warm days, cool nights
Tip
Bring a fleece for the evenings
Climb Toubkal before the cold
Things to do in Morocco in September

Climb Toubkal before the cold

The summit of Toubkal is usually free of snow in September, so the climb needs good fitness but no winter equipment. Nights at the refuge are cold, but the days are steady and clear.

Number 4 of the best things to do in Morocco in September.

Where
High Atlas, from Imlil
Time needed
2–5 days
In September
Snow-free trail
Tip
Warm sleeping layers for the refuge
Sleep in a desert camp under the stars
Things to do in Morocco in September · Land adventure

Sleep in a desert camp under the stars

September nights in the dunes are warm, so you can stay by the fire, listen to the drums and watch the Milky Way without a heavy coat. Many guests drag a mattress outside to sleep under the sky.

Number 5 of the best things to do in Morocco in September.

Where
Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga
Time needed
1–2 nights
In September
Warm, clear nights
Tip
Check the moon phase for the darkest skies
Fly over Marrakech at sunrise
Things to do in Morocco in September · Air adventure

Fly over Marrakech at sunrise

The balloon takes off at dawn, the coolest and calmest moment of a September day. You float over villages and palm groves with the Atlas on the horizon, then land for breakfast in a tent.

Number 6 of the best things to do in Morocco in September.

Where
Near Marrakech
Time needed
Early morning, about 4–5 hours with transfers
In September
Warm mornings, steady weather
Tip
Book a few days ahead
Hikers in a wide High Atlas valley below rocky cliffs, on the way to the canyons
Things to do in Morocco in September · Water adventure

Go canyoning in the Atlas

Canyoning is a summer activity and September is often the end of its season, with warm air and pools that are pleasant to jump into. Water levels depend on the year, so we check each canyon before we go.

Number 7 of the best things to do in Morocco in September.

Where
High Atlas canyons
Time needed
A full day
In September
End of the season
Tip
Ask us early in the month
A family in front of the golden doors of the Royal Palace in Fes
Things to do in Morocco in September · Moroccan experience

Explore Marrakech in the early morning

In early September Marrakech is still hot in the afternoon, so our guides start medina walks early and leave the evening for Jemaa el-Fna square. From mid-month it becomes easier to spend the whole day outside.

Number 8 of the best things to do in Morocco in September.

Where
Marrakech medina
Time needed
1–2 days
In September
Hot afternoons
Tip
Rest in your riad after lunch
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