Morocco is blue streets in Chefchaouen, the maze of the Fes medina, a night in the Sahara and the chaos of Marrakech. It’s also long drives, steep alleys and a desert that gets surprisingly cold at night.
So this is a pack-modest-and-layered trip: loose clothes that cover, shoes for cobblestones and something warm for the desert.
We built this list for our Morocco trip, but it works for any trip to Morocco.
Morocco weather: what to expect
Spring and fall are the best times to go. Days are usually warm and sunny, in the 70s to 80s °F (20s °C), and the desert and mountains cool off fast at night.
Winter is cooler, with days in the 60s °F (around 15 °C) and cold nights, especially in the Sahara and the mountains, where it can get close to freezing.
Translation: breathable clothes for the day, a real warm layer for the night and a scarf for sun and sand.
What to wear
For medinas and cities
Morocco is conservative, especially outside Marrakech. Loose clothes that cover your shoulders and knees help you blend in and get less attention in the souks.
- Loose pants or wide-leg trousers
- Midi or maxi skirts and dresses with sleeves
- Tops that cover your shoulders
- A lightweight button-down shirt to throw over anything
- A big scarf
For the Sahara
The camel ride and the night at camp are a highlight. Wear long pants for the camel (skirts and camels don’t mix), and bring a warm layer for the evening. Wrap your scarf around your face if the wind picks up the sand.
- Comfortable long pants
- A warm fleece or sweater
- A warm jacket (desert nights get cold)
- Sunglasses and a scarf for sand
For long drives
We cover a lot of ground between Fes, the desert and Marrakech. Comfy pants or leggings with a long top and a layer for the air-conditioning.
For evenings
Relaxed. One or two outfits you feel good in for dinners in riads, plus a wrap or light jacket.
Shoes: bring two or three pairs
- Everyday: comfortable sneakers or walking shoes with grip. Medina streets are uneven and Chefchaouen is steep.
- Desert: closed shoes for the sand (sandals fill up fast).
- Evening: sandals or flats for riads and dinners.
Make sure everything is broken in before you go.
Health and toiletries
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
- Moisturizer and eye drops (dry air and dust)
- Stomach meds and rehydration salts
- Pain relievers, band-aids and blister care
- Hand sanitizer, wet wipes and tissues
- Your preferred period products
- Prescription meds in their original packaging, plus extra days
Travel insurance is required for this trip.
Electronics, documents and money
- Universal adapter (Morocco uses European Type C and E plugs, 220V)
- A power bank for long drives and the desert camp
- Extra storage for photos
Bring your passport with at least six months of validity and check entry requirements for your nationality before you go.
Morocco runs on cash. You can only get dirhams in Morocco, so bring a debit card for ATMs and a backup card stored separately. Small bills and coins are handy for tips, bathrooms and the souks.
What to leave at home
- Shorts, tank tops and anything tight or short
- Heels
- Too many outfits (you will want to shop)
- A hair dryer (riads usually have them)
FAQ: packing for Morocco
How modest do I need to dress?
Cover your shoulders and knees and keep things loose. You don’t need to cover your hair, except in the few mosques non-Muslims can visit.
Can I wear leggings?
Yes, with a long top that covers your hips. They’re great for drives and the camel ride.
How cold does the Sahara get?
Colder than you’d think. Nights can drop to the 40s °F (single digits °C), and colder in winter. Bring a warm jacket.
Do I need hiking boots?
No. Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes are perfect.
What luggage should I bring?
A rolling suitcase or a soft duffel both work, plus a daypack. Medina alleys are narrow and riads have stairs, so keep it to one bag you can manage yourself.
Is laundry available?
Yes, at most riads and hotels. Plan it for places where you stay two nights.
The bottom line
Pack loose layers that cover, a big scarf and something warm for the desert. Morocco will do the rest.
Want to go? See our Morocco trip, or browse all our upcoming trips.
