Morocco Climate

Climate of Morocco

Morocco's climate is largely determined by the diversity of terrain and the action of sea currents. The northern regions are under the influence of a subtropical Mediterranean climate. In the center and south the climate changes to a dry tropical, there are semi-desert and desert areas. The mountainous areas (Atlas Mountains) have a different climate, not found anywhere else in the country.

Considering the weather, we can distinguish four seasons: a hot and dry summer (June-August), a mild but rainy winter (November-February), and a sunny with passing rains spring (March-May) and autumn (September-October).

In different regions of the country, the seasons may develop slightly differently. We can single out several areas with slightly different meteorological conditions.

The Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts (including Agadir) and northern areas are characterized by a milder and slightly cooler climate than that found in the central and southern parts of the country. The weather is mainly influenced by the cold Canary Current, which makes the temperature in summer about 23°C - 28°C, while in winter it oscillates between 12°C - 15°C. The water temperature on the coasts is moderate. In June, it reaches 20°C in the Atlantic, while the Mediterranean warms up to this temperature only in July, a state that lasts until October. Throughout the year you can count on plenty of sunshine. Summers are mostly rainless, precipitation usually occurs in autumn and winter, fluctuating between 400 mm and 500 mm. Frequent morning fogs are characteristic for the Atlantic coast.

The center and south of the country (plain, semi-desert, desert areas) are the hottest and driest areas in Morocco. Temperatures reach 28°C to 35°C in summer, however, under the influence of dry and hot winds (chamsin, sirocco) the temperature can exceed 40°C. In winter it drops to about 10°C, and frosts can occur at night. Rainfall occurs irregularly and is not abundant, 60 mm - 100 mm per year.

Mountainous areas (Atlas Mountains) are the coolest areas in the country. As the altitude increases, temperatures also drop. In summer it is warmest - above 0°C, in winter in the higher parts of the mountains thermometers can indicate up to -20°C. Rainfall is year-round and oscillates around 1,000 mm. At altitudes above 1,000 meters above sea level, it snows in winter, and on the peaks of the Atlas Mountains it can linger all year round.