Weather
July in Morocco is characterized by long and hot days: in the Atlas mountains, you'll have 11 hours of daylight and a daily average of 84°F (29°C), while in Marrakesh, high temperatures climb past 100°F (38°C).
On the northern coast, in Tangier, temperatures are much more comfortable, with a daily average of 75°F (24°C). You'll also find cooler temperatures at the beach. In Essaouira, the daily average hovers in the mid- to upper-70s (Fahrenheit). Generally speaking, it's drier in the north at this time of year, while in a city like Marrakesh, you might have a rainy afternoon or thunderstorms during your stay.
Crowds & Costs
Despite the heat, July is a very popular time to visit Morocco, so you'll have crowds to contend with nearly everywhere you go. Along the coasts, beach towns fill up with locals and international travelers—if you plan to spend a couple of days in a popular destination like Essaouira, you'll need to book well in advance. The same goes for hotels, train tickets, and tours around the country.
Not all accommodations feature air conditioning, so be sure to read the fine print before reserving a room.
Where to Go
Since a trip to the Sahara is out of the question in July, consider a coastal getaway like Agadir or Asilah, or focus your energy on cooler northern destinations like Tangier, Chefchaouen, or Tétouan. This is also a great time to plan an adventure in the Atlas mountains, where the temperatures are cooler (though you still might prefer to seek shade or shelter during the hottest hours of the day). This 15-day itinerary takes you along the country's Mediterranean coastline, and is perfect for the hot season.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Go trekking in the mountains, relax under a beach umbrella on the coast, or explore one of Morocco's northern cities. If your itinerary includes stops in cities like Marrakesh or Fes, prepare yourself for the heat and the crowds, and plan on spending more time inside museums and other air-conditioned indoor spaces. After dark, when the city has cooled off, you can wander the medina.
Note that July brings a busy cultural calendar: it's an ideal time to join a Moroccan crowd at a festival devoted to art or music, or to celebrate a major national holiday with a friendly local crowd. See below for more details.
Events in July
International Cultural Festival, Asilah. This two-week event brings artists from all over the world to temporarily transform public spaces into large-scale art installations. A bonus: Asilah is on the coast, where the weather is pleasant in July.
Festival of Alegria, Chefchaouen. A two-day festival in the blue city celebrating cultural diversity in North Africa and the Mediterranean. Check ahead: future editions may be scheduled in August instead of July.
Timitar Music Festival, Agadir. This four-day music festival pays homage to Berber culture. Hundreds of thousands of Moroccans and international travelers plan to attend each year, so get your tickets early.
Feast of the Throne, Nationwide (July 30). The national holiday marks the anniversary of King Mohammed VI's ascendance to the throne. Expect fireworks, food, and street parades, but only after dark if the Feast of the Throne falls during Ramadan.
Traveling to Morocco in July? Check out these great itineraries
Moroccan Cities of the North - 5 Days. When it's too hot to enjoy the Sahara, stick to the country's north with this trip that takes you to Casablanca, Rabat, "the blue city" of Chefchaouen, Meknes, the Roman ruins at Volubilis, and Fes.
Northern Morocco Loop from Tangier - 4 Days. With just four days, you can see a lot of Morocco's north, including the 11th-century medinas of Tangier and Fes, plus the capital city of Rabat and the Roman ruins at Volubilis.
More Helpful Information
Morocco in June
Morocco in August
Best Time to Visit Morocco
How Many Days to Spend in Morocco