Weather in Morocco in August By Morocco Family Vacation

When I first planned our summer trip to Morocco in August, I had mixed feelings. I knew Morocco was hot in the summer, but I wasn’t sure how my kids would handle the heat. Traveling with two children my 7-year-old and 10-year-old means considering naps, hydration, sun protection, and activity pacing more than anything else. I wanted an adventure, but I also wanted it to be safe and enjoyable for them.

What I learned over two weeks of traveling through Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains, and the Sahara Desert is that August in Morocco is hot, yes, but with a little planning, it can be a wonderful time for families.

First Impressions: Stepping Into Moroccan Heat

Our first stop was Marrakech. The moment we stepped out of the riad, the sun hit us full force. It was noticeably hotter than our hometown back in the U.S., and my kids’ initial excitement turned into a bit of lethargy. I quickly realized that timing would be everything.

We started shifting our sightseeing to early mornings and late afternoons, leaving the hottest hours for indoor activities, rest, and pool time. It’s a rhythm I hadn’t planned for before, but it made a huge difference. By respecting the heat, we actually enjoyed more of the city not less.

City Life: Hot, But Manageable

Marrakech in August is vibrant and alive. The souks are bustling, the colors are brilliant, and the aromas of spices fill the air. But the daytime sun is intense.

I quickly learned to:

Keep everyone hydrated

Wear wide-brimmed hats and lightweight, breathable clothing

Apply sunscreen frequently

Even with these precautions, the midday heat is best avoided. We found that small, air-conditioned cafés, museums, and shaded gardens became our saviors during the peak sun hours. My kids could play quietly, have a snack, and regain energy before our next adventure.

Atlas Mountains: A Refreshing Escape

After a few days in Marrakech, we headed to the Atlas Mountains. The contrast was immediate. While Marrakech felt like an oven, the mountains offered relief with cooler mornings and pleasant evenings.

August here is perfect for families who want to enjoy hiking, scenic drives, and small villages without the harsh city heat. The kids loved exploring waterfalls, spotting wildlife, and wandering the little markets along the way.

Evenings in the mountains were cooler than I expected — a welcome reprieve after hot days in Marrakech. My children slept soundly, and I enjoyed sipping mint tea while watching the sun set over rolling hills.

Sahara Desert: Heat With a Twist

Visiting the Sahara Desert in August requires careful planning, especially with children. Daytime temperatures often soar above 40°C (104°F), while nights are significantly cooler, sometimes dropping to 20°C (68°F).

Our strategy:

Camel rides and dune exploration early in the morning

Midday rest in our desert camp with air-conditioned tents or shaded areas

Evening walks and stargazing after the sun went down

Despite the intense daytime heat, the kids were fascinated by the vast dunes, the changing colors of the sand, and the quiet desert nights. They even tried sandboarding for the first time — a highlight they still talk about months later.

Tips for Families Traveling in August

Through experience, I learned a few essential strategies for handling Moroccan heat in August:

Plan for early mornings and late afternoons – Beat the sun for sightseeing.

Stay hydrated – Always carry water bottles for the kids.

Layer appropriately – Light, breathable clothing for daytime; a light sweater or jacket for desert nights or mountains.

Take breaks – Pools, indoor activities, or shaded gardens are lifesavers.

Protect skin and eyes – Hats, sunglasses, and frequent sunscreen application are non-negotiable.

Adjust expectations – Kids can’t do back-to-back sightseeing in extreme heat. Flexibility is key.

I also recommend booking accommodations with pools or shaded courtyards, which became the best mid-day retreat for our family.

Surprising Discoveries About August Weather

I was surprised by a few things:

Coastal towns like Essaouira and Agadir were much cooler than inland cities, making them ideal stops for families. The ocean breeze makes beach walks and light swimming comfortable.

Even in the desert, evenings are magical — the drop in temperature makes the Sahara surprisingly pleasant at night.

Marrakech streets are livelier in the evening — we discovered that exploring the medina after 6 p.m. was both fun and bearable for the kids.

By observing these patterns, our trip became more enjoyable than I ever expected.

Final Thoughts: Embracing August in Morocco

Traveling to Morocco in August with kids is not without its challenges. The heat is real, and pacing is crucial. But when you plan around the weather, focus on hydration, and build in downtime, August can be a beautiful, rewarding time to experience Morocco’s culture, landscapes, and family-friendly adventures.

From the bustling streets of Marrakech to the cool Atlas Mountains and the magical Sahara dunes, my kids discovered a world they will remember forever. And I, as a mom, learned that with careful planning and flexibility, summer in Morocco is not something to fear it’s something to embrace.

Source & Experience Reference

Morocco Family Vacation - Weather in Morocco in August