Marrakesh in November
7 October 2026, 3 min read
November is an excellent month to visit Marrakesh. The weather is comfortable enough for sightseeing without the extreme heat of summer, and the city is past its busiest period, making it well suited to travellers who prefer quieter conditions.
The Weather in November
November sees daytime highs of 21°C (70°F) in Marrakesh, with night temperatures dropping to 9°C (48°F). The city sits at an elevation of 465 metres, which contributes to the cooler evenings compared to the coast. Rainfall of 54mm is expected across the month, and humidity sits at 55%, making the air feel drier than it would at sea level.
By comparison, the hottest months are July and August, reaching 38°C (100°F) and 37°C (99°F) respectively. January is the coldest month at 17°C (63°F). November therefore falls midway between the extremes, offering warm afternoons and a genuine chill after dark.
Daylight hours are 10.4 per day, shorter than in spring and autumn. This means mornings start later and evenings arrive sooner than in the high season. Planning around natural light becomes more relevant than in the longer days of April or May.
What the Month Feels Like
The city has a different rhythm in November compared to the peak autumn period. The influx of visitors that defines October has eased, and the streets of the medina feel less crowded. Restaurants and rooftop terraces are easier to access, and hotel availability improves.
Two public holidays fall in November: Green March on 6 November and Independence Day on 18 November. During these dates, some government offices, banks, and post offices may be closed. Markets and tourist-facing businesses generally remain open, though hours can shift unexpectedly. Checking individual venue schedules ahead of time is advisable.
The cooler air changes how the city smells and sounds. Orange and lemon trees are still present in gardens and street corners. The call to prayer carries differently in the evening chill, and Jemaa el-Fnaa square shifts its evening food stalls into more enclosed arrangements as the temperature drops.
What to See
The Koutoubia Mosque was built in 1147 and is a recognisable landmark in the city. Its minaret is visible from many points in the medina. Non-Muslim visitors cannot enter the mosque itself, but the surrounding gardens and the mosque's exterior are accessible throughout November. The cooler weather makes walking around the mosque's precincts more comfortable than in the hotter months.
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the vast square at the heart of the medina. In November, the food stalls set up as evening falls, and the cooler air makes lingering on the square more pleasant than in summer. The performers, snake charmers, and musicians maintain their schedules. The square is open every day with no admission charge.
Both locations are best visited in the late afternoon or early evening. November daylight ends by around 17:30, so the transition from afternoon to evening at Jemaa el-Fnaa happens earlier than in October. The square's lighting and the smoke from the food stalls create a particular atmosphere that November evenings suit well.
Planning the Days
Mornings in November start cool, particularly in the medina's narrow streets where direct sunlight is limited. Saving outdoor sightseeing for mid-morning onwards works well, when temperatures have climbed to a comfortable level. By late morning, walking around the souks and between landmarks is pleasant.
Afternoons offer the warmest part of the day, with temperatures around 21°C. This is the window for visiting open-air sites, including the city walls and their gates, or exploring the newer Gueliz district on foot. The shorter days mean this window closes earlier than in spring.
Evenings require a layer. At 9°C, standing on a rooftop terrace or walking through the souks after dark is noticeably cold. Indoor attractions such as the city's museums provide shelter if rain arrives. With 54mm of rain spread across the month, carrying a compact umbrella is sensible. Indoor and outdoor plans on the same day prevent weather disrupting the itinerary entirely.
Practical Notes
The local currency is the Moroccan dirham. Cash is widely used in the medina, particularly in smaller shops and with market vendors. Cards are accepted in larger hotels and some restaurants in Gueliz, but it is useful to carry small denominations for everyday purchases.
The official language is Arabic. French is commonly spoken in tourist-facing businesses. A phrasebook or translation app on a phone can help in more local situations where English is less prevalent.
For November conditions, pack layers: a light jacket or warm fleece for mornings and evenings when temperatures reach 9°C, breathable tops for daytime at 21°C, comfortable walking shoes, a compact umbrella or rain layer, and sun protection. Even in November, Marrakesh receives 10.4 hours of daylight and the sun is strong.
What to pack
- Light jacket or warm layer for evenings at 9°C
- Breathable daywear for afternoon highs of 21°C
- Compact umbrella or rain layer given 54mm of rain
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven medina ground
- Sun protection despite the moderate November humidity
Questions
Is November a rainy month in Marrakesh?
November receives around 54mm of rain over the month, which is moderate. Showers tend to be short rather than prolonged, and many days remain dry.
Will the public holidays in November affect my visit?
Green March on 6 November and Independence Day on 18 November may cause some government offices and banks to close. Markets and most tourist sites stay open, though hours can vary.
What should I wear in Marrakesh in November?
Layered clothing works best, with a jacket or fleece for cool mornings and evenings around 9°C, and lighter layers for daytime highs of 21°C.
