Between the intensifying heatwaves or the hordes of tourists surging, choosing a destination in southern Europe for summer vacation is anything but obvious, and Morocco which experienced exceptional heat waves in 2023 accompanied of forest fires in the north, is no exception to the rule. Especially since summer is also a high season period (25% of border arrivals per year), particularly for French travelers. This is demonstrated by the figures from Misterfly, which is experiencing
“two peaks in annual departures”
, indicates Frédéric Pilloud, marketing and E-commerce director of the online travel agency, July with 16% of annual ticket sales. plane in 2023 and August with 13%.
But if spring and autumn remain the ideal seasons to travel through the Shereef kingdom, summer also reserves its share of (good) surprises. As long as you choose your destination carefully! Here's how to enjoy your Moroccan summer according to your desires.
If you like hiking
Unless you can tolerate torrid climates well, you should avoid venturing into the dunes of the Sahara during the summer months and even at the end of spring: French specialists in walking on foot have also suspended circuits in the desert between late April and October.
On the other hand, with milder temperatures at altitude, the Atlas can lend itself to summer treks, but you should preferably aim for the peaks of the High Atlas, with the ascent of Toubkal (4167m), or less frequented, the Atlas oriental in the region of Imlilchil or the central Atlas with beautiful hikes around M'Goun (4071 m), including a fabulous aquatic course in the gorges when climatic conditions permit (impractical in the event of floods or storms ).
If you like cities and heritage
In the city, the soaring mercury can discourage travelers as in Fez, where the medina built in a basin often turns out to be stifling in the summer. This is far from being the case in Marrakech, whose success cannot be denied even at the height of the summer period when temperatures are at their peak, due to the semi-desert climate.
“About fifteen years ago, establishments closed completely in the summer. Today has become the very high season!”
, rejoices Mustapha Amalik, secretary general of the Regional Association of the Hotel Industry of Marrakech Safi (ARIH), highlighting the strong contribution of MREs (Moroccans Residing Abroad) to this dynamic.
While the Marrakchis retreat to the coast, the fifteen club hotels are full, the dry heat being more bearable in a garden by the swimming pool. Club Med La Palmeraie thus experienced a peak of 94% occupancy rate in August 2023 compared to an annual average of 87%.
“Marrakech sells very well in the summer
,” notes Raouf Benslimane, CEO of Ô Voyages for whom July and August represent 17% of Morocco sales for the year.
“The heat is not a hindrance, it is not hotter in Morocco than in Greece or Italy. »
If you like the sea
With kilometers of coastline with a milder and sometimes windy climate, the Moroccan coast nevertheless remains a good alternative even if spikes panicked the thermometers last summer in Agadir, where the mist often tempers the sun!
On the Mediterranean coast, the sea is at a good temperature (up to 24°) which also attracts summer visitors, the high season being very concentrated. On the Atlantic side, where the water is cooler (18.5° to 22° maximum), you also have to take into account the influx of swimmers, especially in August, except when the trade winds blow like in Dakhla or Essaouira, ideal for enjoying the the ocean in complete tranquility and learn kitesurfing.
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