How To Prepare For Your Adventure To Marrakech And Morocco
When packing for a trip to Marrakech, it’s important to keep in mind the city’s climate and culture. Marrakech is located in a desert climate, so pack light, loose-fitting clothing that will keep you cool in the heat. It’s also important to pack items that will protect you from the sun, such as a hat or sunglasses. In terms of footwear, comfortable shoes are a must, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking. When it comes to cultural considerations, it’s important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites or other places of worship. This means avoiding shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops.
The city is located in a desert climate, so it experiences hot days and cool nights. Pack items that you can layer, such as light sweaters or shawls for the evenings. It’s also a good idea to pack comfortable walking shoes, since you’ll likely be doing a lot of exploring. If you’re planning on visiting any of the city’s mosques, make sure to pack appropriate clothing that covers your arms and legs. And don’t forget to pack sunscreen! Even though it’s not beach weather, the sun can be quite strong in Marrakech. By following these guidelines, you’ll be prepared for anything the city has to offer.
Marrakesh is a busy city, probably one of the busiest in the entire country. It’s also one of the most popular among us tourists. If you’re in Marrakesh, odds are you might be moving onto other destinations in Morocco too. Remember that Morocco is a big country, and the temperatures can vary quite a bit. So, don’t think that a packing list for Marrakech will be transferrable to all the other stops of your trip. Do your research accordingly!
Here are some practical tips / suggestions on what to wear in Marrakesh, also if you want to explore more of Morocco.
The weather varies a lot depending on the time of year
A lot of people believe that Morocco is always sweltering hot. Marrakech can actually get quite chilly, especially during the winter months, so, be sure to check the weather for your trip and don’t just assume that it’ll be balmy hot all the time. Overnight trips to the Sahara can also be quite chilly.
There is no legal dress code, but it is best to dress appropriately
Often people will ask if there’s a Marrakech dress code in place. The answer is no, not a formal one at least. There’s a difference between what you’re legally allowed to do and what you should do, for both respect and safety reasons. A good rule of thumb for ladies is to cover up your arms, legs and cleavage.
Keep in mind dressing for comfort while covering up our arms, legs and curves. The ‘what NOT to wear in Marrakech’ includes:
Spaghetti straps or tube tops
Unless you cover up with additional layers or a scarf, these items will do you no good.
Crop tops
Marrakesh is not the place to flaunt your abs. Keep the tummy hidden for this one, ladies.
(Booty) Shorts
Wearing shorts in Marrakech isn’t illegal or anything – in fact, during the hot summer months, you’ll be seeing some local women wear shorts too, BUT you will get a lot of unwanted attention if you show too much leg. If you don’t like getting stared at, leave the shorty shorts at home.
Short dresses
Legs = stares, so go for maxi dresses or bring some leggings to cover up.
High heels
Comfortable shoes are essential.
Anything too expensive or flashy
Flaunting your riches in Morocco runs the risk of making you a walking target, not necessarily just for theft but for scams too. If you want to minimize yourself as a target, don’t look rich.
Consider bringing a backpack vs. a rolling suitcase
This of course depends on where you’re staying and how you intend to get around, but especially around the “old town” (medina), the streets can be rough and bumpy, and generally speaking just not ideal for rolling a suitcase around. Also, don’t pack it too full – you’ll certainly be doing some shopping while you’re there.
What to Wear in Marrakesh Instead
What should women wear in Marrakech instead? As a general rules of thumb: nothing too revealing, nothing too tight-fitting. Things that can be mixed and matched:
What to Wear in Marrakech in December (and Other Winter Months)
While their winters are definitely a lot less harsh in some other places, still plan to bringneed a thin jacket during the day and some additional layers for night-time.
Riad Linda Rooms
View the accommodation within our Riad to make your stay an enjoyable and relaxing.
Temperatures can vary dramatically in Morocco. While Marrakech will be mild, heading up to the Atlas Mountains or going to the dessert will be much colder… even for a day trip to places like Essaouira on the Atlantic coast, especially as it is known for its strong winds!
Pack for layering, not for absolute warmth.
While Marrakech can get chilly in the winter, this totally depends on the day to day. Plan to bring different layers rather than heavy sweaters. That way you can be more versatile with your clothing.
What Else To Bring?
Here are some further suggestions.
- Imodium/Gastro Stop
Let’s be honest, traveller’s diarrhoea is a real concern in Morocco and when every single person on the trip falls ill, Imodium is passed around like Skittles. Lesson here? Bring Imodium to Morocco.
- Water, plenty of water
It goes without saying that drinking plenty of water in Morocco is necessary. If there is ever a time to be worried about hydration, it’s when you’re in the Sahara Desert!
3. Electrolyte tablets
If you should unfortunately get a dodgy tummy while travelling, these handy tablets are crucial for keeping you hydrated and giving your body the necessary vitamins needed to avoid dehydration.
4. Sunscreen
You’re in Africa.
5. Hat
Protect your face and head from the blazing sun (and early aging) with a hat. Ain’t nobody got time for sunstroke.
6. Insect Repellent
Some rely on the local method of ‘amber stones’ which Moroccans seem to swear by. But if that doesn’t work: the good old tried and tested insect repellant is a must.
7. Head wraps & scarves
Both out of respect to local customs and to protect from the heat, scarves are the best travel accessory in Morocco. Whether I wrapped them around me when I was cold, wrapped my head when I was hot or covered my hair in a mosque, scarves are necessary.
8. Loose fitting pants
Likewise, loose fitting pants are key when you pack for Morocco. Forget the jeans, the hot weather will just make you feel like you’re walking around in a sausage casing.
9. Long skirts & maxi dresses for the ladies
Similar to the head scarves, it’s out of respect for ladies to bring long dresses and skirts to Morocco to cover up.
10. Appropriate footwear
Sneakers in the High Atlas, sandals in Marrakech, flip flops at the Sahara camp – bring suitable shoes for wherever you’re going. Trust us.
11. Swimsuit
I didn’t think I would need a swimsuit in Morocco, but when we arrived in the Sahara and had time to kill by a hotel pool it was incredible to cool off and evade the heat.
12. A light sweater
The High Atlas Mountains can be cold, so having a light sweater proved surprisingly necessary (not to mention it was great to have on the always freezing international flights). Pack for Morocco – pack for all kinds of weather!
13. Sunglasses
Sunglasses are an obvious necessity in Marrakech to protect your eyes, but also for walking through the medina to browse without a vendor catching your gaze and hawking their products for the next 15 minutes.
14. Backpack
A day pack is necessary for the Sahara as you’ll ditch your suitcase for a night and just take what you absolutely need.
15. Travel-size toilet paper or bathroom wipes
Just bring it. There are some questionable bathroom situations to be had in Morocco (particularly in the smaller villages) and when you’re confronted with either paying for toilet paper or doing without, you’ll be happy you brought your own.
16. Hand sanitiser
A super-handy way to keep your hands clean, particularly as you’ll be eating with them often.
