Is May a Good Time to Visit Morocco? A Solo Traveller’s Guide
If you’re wondering whether May is a good time to visit Morocco as a solo traveller, this guide is for you! It details everything from weather to crowds and the best places to visit in Morocco in May to help you decide if it’s right for you.
May in Morocco is hinting at summer, but without the intense heat that the season brings. It offers blissfully warm temperatures and perfect conditions for exploring Morocco’s cities, coastlines and mountains independently. So why wouldn’t you plan a visit to Morocco in May?
It’s busy! May is a really popular time to visit Morocco, with people trying to get their holidays in before the scorching summer months. Crowds are to be expected in places like Marrakech and Fes.
But the tradeoff is idyllic weather across the board and a handful of fantastic cultural festivals that are worth planning your solo itinerary around. Personally, May is one of my favourite times to be in Morocco!
This solo traveller’s guide to visiting Morocco in May covers everything you need to know, from packing tips to the best places to visit and Morocco’s weather in May. It’s designed to help you decide if a spring vacation in Morocco is right for you and craft the perfect itinerary.
For more seasonal recommendations, check out my solo traveller’s guides to visiting Morocco in March and April.
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!
Why Visit Morocco in May?
✔Ideal temperatures
One of the best things about visiting Morocco in May is that the weather is ideal. Daytime highs are pleasant for sightseeing in the cities and it’s warm enough to enjoy some beach time along the coast. Evenings are still cool in the Atlas and Sahara, but nothing that a few layers can’t fix.
✔Perfect for Outdoor Adventures
Solo travellers wanting to explore Morocco’s great outdoors should seriously consider a May trip. The mild to warm temperatures offer up endless opportunities for everything from hiking and mountain biking to surfing along the Atlantic coast.
In May, you can still expect a dusting of snow near the summit of Mount Toubkal, but most of the Atlas hiking trails will be snow-free.
✔Blooming Landscapes
With spring in full swing, you can expect flower-filled scenes across Morocco’s diverse landscapes. Many of Marrakech’s gardens are at their best in May, while the valleys of the Atlas Mountains are particularly scenic. Most of the almond and fruit trees blossom earlier in the year, but May is an ideal time to see the Damascus roses in bloom.
✔Longer Daylight Hours
A big advantage for solo travellers visiting Morocco in May is the fact that daylight hours are on the increase. This means less need to be walking around in the dark if that’s something you’re not comfortable doing. In Marrakech, the sun sets around 7:30 in May. So you can easily have dinner out and be back at your riad before nightfall.
May Weather in Morocco
May is the tail end of spring in Morocco and the temperatures are most definitely hinting at summer.
- Daytime temperatures: 18–28°C (64–82°F) in most cities
- Evenings: Cooler, especially inland and in the mountains
- Rain: Occasional showers, mainly in the north
- Desert regions: Warm days, cool nights – ideal for Sahara trips
For solo travellers, May’s idyllic weather means perfect sightseeing temperatures and endless opportunities for outdoor exploration.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect when visiting Morocco in May:
Marrakech
- Day: 29–31°C
- Night: 14–16°C
- Cool mornings, hot afternoons
You can learn more about visiting Marrakech in May in my detailed article here.
Fes
- Day: 26–28°C
- Night: 11–13°C
- Cool mornings, warm afternoons
You can learn more about visiting Fes in May in my detailed article here.
Chefchaouen
- Day: 22–25°C
- Night: 10–13°C
- Chilly mornings, warm days
Agadir
- Day: 22–26°C
- Night: 14–16°C
- Breezy and mild
You can learn more about visiting Agadir in May in my detailed article here.
Sahara Desert
- Day: 25–31°C
- Night: 10–15°C
- Warm-to-hot days, mild nights
Atlas Mountains
- Temperatures vary depending on elevation – expect a dusting of snow on the highest summits.
- Trekking options increase throughout the month as the snow melts
Solo tip:
As temperatures rise and snow begins to melt, hiking in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains becomes increasingly accessible in May. That being said, you still need to be adequately prepared, particularly if you’re hiking to high-altitude summits, like Toubkal. I always recommend hiking with a local guide – this is mandatory on the Mount Toubkal trail.
Best Places to Visit in Morocco in May
1. Valley of Roses
With the Damascus roses coming into bloom, May is an incredible time to visit the Valley of Roses, renowned for its ochre rock formations and kasbah ruins.
Located en route between Marrakech and Merzouga (the gateway to the Sahara Desert), this picturesque region can be accessed from the town of Kalaat M’Gouna.
It’s here that the Rose Festival is held each May, with cultural performances, traditional cuisine and, of course, lots of rose products for sale. I particularly adore the love hearts created using rose petals! You’ll usually find people selling them on the side of the road.
2. Taroudant
If the May crowds in Marrakech are too much, consider heading south to Taroudant, which has been nicknamed the “Mini Marrakech”. This historic trading town (a short drive inland from Agadir) is encircled by well-preserved walls studded with centuries-old gates. Inside, you’ll find laid-back souks and tanneries where leather goods are produced.
If you’re an art enthusiast, don’t miss a visit to the Palais Musee Claudio Bravo, which houses a collection of the Chilean artist’s work surrounded by gorgeous gardens. Taroudant also serves as a base for visiting the Tioute Oasis with its stately palms and ancient irrigation systems.
Taroudant can easily be reached by bus from Agadir or you can explore on a guided tour from Agadir/Taghazout.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Taroudant in my detailed travel guide.
3. Agadir & Taghazout
If you’re heading to Taroudant, you’ll likely pass through Agadir, a modern coastal city that’s worth exploring. It’s renowned for its sun-drenched beaches and surrounding surf, with the Amazigh village of Taghazout at the centre of the wave-chasing action.
By May, the winter swells have well and truly subsided, making this a great time for beginners to learn to surf. If you’re more of a swimmer and sunbather, the long stretch of sand at Plage d’Agadir beckons with beach umbrellas and loungers for rent.
In Agadir itself, you’ll find a handful of cultural museums to explore, as well as one of Morocco’s biggest undercover markets, Souk El Had. And for sweeping views across the coastline, you can ride the cable car to the hilltop ruins of Agadir Oufella.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Agadir in my solo traveller’s guide.
4. Fes
While Fes is a must-visit Morocco destination throughout the year, it shines particularly brightly in May while hosting the Festival of World Sacred Music. It draws artists from around the globe, with performances that include everything from Sufi chants to Quranic recitations and gospel hymns.
Fes itself is home to some magnificent madrasas (Islamic schools) and one of the oldest universities in the world, Al Quaraouiyine.
When you’re not shopping for handicrafts in the souks or watching leather goods being produced at the tanneries, be sure to visit some of the city’s incredible museums. My favourites include the Dar Batha Museum of Islamic Arts and the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Fes in my solo traveller’s guide.
5. Atlas Mountains
Spring is magnificent in the Atlas Mountains, with the winter rains and snowmelt leaving the landscapes green and in bloom. It’s also a great time to get out hiking before the heat of summer sets in.
Even if you’re not into hiking, there are lots of wonderful hotels and ecolodges in the Atlas Mountains where you can kick back beside a pool or on a rooftop terrace and drink in the views. If you want inspiration, I’ve highlighted some of my favourites here.
Solo travellers will find plenty of guided tours to the Atlas Mountains that are affordable and provide a great shared experience.
6. Sahara Desert
If a night in the Sahara Desert is high on your list of things to do in Morocco, May is a great time to experience it. Yes, the daytime temperatures are on the hot side. But the nighttimes aren’t anywhere near as chilly as they are earlier in the year.
Plus, the longer light means more hours for quad biking, camel riding and sandboarding.
The only drawback? May is a busy time in the Sahara. The quieter dunes of Erg Chigaga (accessed via M’Hamid) might be more appealing for some travellers than Erg Chebbi (accessed via Merzouga).
Discover everything you need to know about travelling solo to the Sahara in my detailed guide here.
One of the simplest ways to reach (and explore) the Sahara Desert as a solo traveller is by joining a guided tour (search for small-group experiences). They’re relatively budget-friendly and most stop at other intriguing destinations along the way, such as the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and the dramatic gorges of Dades and Todra.
7. Tangier
Serving as a meeting point between Africa and Europe, Tangier is a storied city that many travellers miss. It’s one of those places that I think is most enchanting while drenched in sunshine, but not with the heat that the summer months bring. May is that sweet spot, with daytime highs in the low to mid 20s C.
In Tangier, you’ll find fantastic art museums and colourful souks, as well as sweeping views across the Strait of Gibraltar. If things get warm enough, you can hit one of the many beaches – take your pick between the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
Tangier also serves as a gateway to the UNESCO-listed medina of Tetouan and blue-hued Chefchaouen is just over two hours away.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Tangier in my solo traveller’s guide.
Solo Travel Safety in May
Based on my 10+ years of experience, I think Morocco is generally safe for solo travellers (you’ll find more safety advice here). But as with any travel destination, it’s essential that you take basic safety precautions and don’t put yourself in any knowingly dangerous situations.
✔Pickpocketing
As tourist crowds pick up in May, so too do the opportunities for pickpockets. Crowded tourist hotspots (like Djemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech) are the most likely places where this occurs. Store your valuables in a hotel safe or keep them in a money belt worn against your body.
✔Mountain temperatures
Nights in the High Atlas Mountains can still be chilly – be sure to pack enough warm clothing if you’re doing overnight treks. Solo travellers should avoid trekking alone in these remote areas, unless they have significant experience.
What to Pack for Morocco in May
Wondering what to pack for Morocco in May? While it will be relatively warm during the daytime, you might still encounter a few cool nights, particularly at higher elevations. Focus on layers and you’ll cover all bases.
Essential things to pack for a May trip to Morocco
- Lightweight layers
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light jacket or scarf
- Modest clothing (long skirts, loose trousers, covered shoulders)
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
Top Things to Do in Morocco in May That are Solo-Friendly
- Experience the Rose Festival in Kalaat M’Gouna
- Spend a night at a desert camp in the Sahara
- Discover the galleries and street art of Asilah
- Explore the hiking trails of the Atlas Mountains
- Admire the seasonal blooms in the gardens of Marrakech
- Learn new skills during an artisan workshop in Fes
- Wander the blue-hued streets of Chefchaouen
- Discover the ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis
Pros and Cons of Visiting Morocco in May
✔ Pros
- Idyllic temperatures for outdoor activities and city sightseeing
- Cultural festivals across the country
- Damascus roses are in flower in the Valley of Roses
- Desert regions are hot (but not scorching)
✘ Cons
- Crowds – May is the peak tourist season in Morocco
- Higher prices for hotels/riads
- Rain in some regions (north)
Is May a Good Time to Visit Morocco as a Solo Traveller?
If you want to explore Morocco’s most popular tourist destinations and don’t like crowds, then May might not be for you. It’s one of the busiest months to visit the country, with many attracted by the wonderful spring weather and mild temperatures.
But I definitely think it’s a great time to visit for an off-the-beaten-path itinerary – conditions are ripe for exploration across much of the country.
Personally, I love May in Morocco! The temperatures are warm enough that you can enjoy the beach and hotel/riad pools, but it’s not yet hot enough to build up a sweat sightseeing in the medinas.
Due to the increased demand, I would highly recommend booking your accommodation and tours as far in advance as possible. May in Morocco might be busy, but it also has a lot for solo travellers to love!
PLAN YOUR TRIP WITH MY FAVOURITE RESOURCES:
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Book tours and attractions via Viator or GetYourGuide
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Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
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I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home.
Over the last 10 years, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and solo.
