Is November a Good Time to Visit Morocco? A Solo Traveller’s Guide
If you’re considering a solo trip to Morocco in November, you’re looking at one of the country’s most underrated months. In my opinion at least!
There’s usually a bit of a lull in tourist numbers following the idyllic weather of early autumn and before the influx of people who arrive at the end of December.
And while the temperatures are definitely cooling and it’s not ideal beach weather, there aren’t many places in Morocco you shouldn’t go in November!
The Sahara Desert is starting to experience its best stargazing as the clear skies of winter set in. Meanwhile, the Atlantic is delivering bigger swells, heralding in the Moroccan surf season.
Personally, I think November is a great time to visit Morocco if you love slow travel experiences. There’s less demand for accommodation, transport and tours, which means a reduced need to have everything planned to a tee!
But just because I think November is a great time to visit Morocco, it might not be the perfect month for you.
In this article, I’ll share what you can expect if you’re travelling solo to Morocco in November, from weather and crowds to safety and the best places to visit. It’s designed to help you decide if a late autumn vacation in Morocco is right for you and plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
For more seasonal recommendations, check out my solo traveller’s guides to visiting Morocco in September and October.
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 November?
✔ Cool But Comfortable Weather
As someone who prefers milder temperatures, I think November is ideal for city sightseeing in Morocco. Daytime temperatures are usually pretty perfect for wandering the medinas. I’ll take low 20s°C over high 30s°C (or low 40s°C) any day!
That being said, there is a higher chance of rain in northern Morocco and the nighttime temps in the Atlas Mountains and Sahara can get chilly. But it’s nothing a few layers and a light waterproof can’t fix!
✔ Fewer Crowds
November really is off-peak season, which means fewer people in the medinas and a more relaxed feel overall. Finding availability at riads and hotels tends to be easier, and you can sometimes score slightly reduced rates due to the decrease in demand.
As a solo traveller, it all just feels more manageable and less overwhelming. You don’t have to book everything weeks in advance and can make last-minute decisions regarding tours.
✔ Ideal for Slow Travel
If you’re someone who prefers to travel “slow”, it’s much harder to do so during peak season (when accommodation, tours and experiences are in such high demand). Off-season, however, presents far more opportunities to plan a relaxed itinerary…or do no planning at all!
In November, you can make spontaneous decisions far more readily, rather than having everything set in stone ahead of time. If you wake up and realise you’re ready to move to a new town or city, the chances of finding a bus or train ticket is much more likely.
November Weather in Morocco
November in Morocco means mild temperatures across the country and some rainfall, primarily in the north. Due to the country’s size and varying elevations, conditions and temperatures differ, depending on which region you visit.
- Inland cities (Marrakech, Fes, Meknes): Expect mild days and cool-to-chilly evenings
- Coastal areas (Essaouira, Rabat, Tangier, Agadir): Mild days and cool evenings
- Atlas Mountains: Mild during the day, chilly at night
- Sahara Desert: Warm during the day and chilly at night.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect when visiting Morocco in November:
Marrakech
- Day: 20-23°C
- Night: 11-12°C
- Mild days, cool nights
You can learn more about visiting Marrakech in November in my detailed article here.
Fes
- Day: 19-23°C
- Night: 8-9°C
- Mild days, cool nights
You can learn more about visiting Fes in November in my detailed article here.
Chefchaouen
- Day: 17-21°C
- Night: 6–8°C
- Mild days, chilly nights
You can learn more about visiting Chefchaouen in my solo traveller’s guide here.
Agadir
- Day: 20–25°C
- Night: 13–16°C
- Warm days, mild nights
You can learn more about visiting Agadir in November in my detailed article here.
Sahara Desert
- Day: 20–27°C
- Night: 5–10°C
- Warm days, chilly nights
Discover everything you need to know about travelling solo to the Sahara Desert in my detailed guide here.
Atlas Mountains
- Temperatures vary depending on elevation – lower valleys are 15-17°C and higher peaks are 8–15°C.
Best Places to Visit in Morocco in November
1. Marrakech
If you want to explore Marrakech without the heat, November is a great time to visit.
Daytime temperatures (around 20–25°C) are perfectly comfortable for sightseeing from morning to evening. However, they can get a little chilly at night, so pack some warm layers!
If I’m visiting Marrakech in November, I usually try to find a riad with a fireplace. You can find some of my top picks here.
November is an excellent time to explore the souks and stroll through Marrakech’s beautifully restored palaces and madrasas. The “Red City” also boasts some fantastic museums for when the weather isn’t ideal. Check out some of my favourites here.
Film buffs could coincide their visit with the Marrakech International Film Festival, which usually takes place near the end of November. Screenings of new works take place at venues throughout the city, together with panel discussions featuring industry professionals.
If you want to explore beyond the “Red City” (but not too far away), November is also perfect for a range of day trips. You can head into the Atlas Mountains for a day of hiking and village visits or embark on an overnight adventure to Agafay to stay at one of its luxurious desert camps.
You can learn more about visiting Marrakech in my solo traveller’s guide here. Alternatively, check out this recommend one-day Marrakech itinerary.
2. Sahara Desert
If you have more time in your Morocco itinerary, I would recommend heading to the Sahara (instead of Agafay).
Daytime temperatures can be extremely high in the desert during the summer months. But by November, the weather becomes much more pleasant.
That being said, nighttime temperatures are on the decline – you definitely need some warm clothing.
All the usual activities – quad biking, camel riding and sandboarding – are on offer in November and the nights are usually clear, making them ideal for stargazing.
Whether you opt for the ever-popular dunes near Merzouga (Erg Chebbi) or the more secluded Erg Chigaga (close to M’Hamid), the desert conditions in November are ideal!
For solo travellers, one of the simplest ways to explore the Sahara Desert is by joining a guided tour (be sure to look for “small-group” options when searching online).
These tours are generally budget-friendly and often include stops at other interesting sites along the way, such as the photogenic ksar of Ait Benhaddou.
Discover everything you need to know about travelling solo to the Sahara in my detailed guide here.
3. Dades and Todra
Some multi-day tours to the Sahara also include a stop in Dades and Todra – two stunning gorges located en route from Marrakech. This is one of my favourite parts of Morocco and I would recommend visiting even if you’re not going all the way to the desert.
The weather in November is ideal for leisurely hikes through the gorges’ date palm oases and riverside fields, along with picturesque drives to admire the impressive rock formations.
In the evening, you can settle in at one of the incredible kasbah hotels scattered throughout both valleys – be sure to check out some of my top picks here.
If you have the opportunity, consider spending an additional night at one of the ecolodges in Skoura – an oasis town famous for its bird-filled palm grove. One of my favourite spots to stay in Skoura is L’Ma Lodge. It’s a bit of a splurge, but absolutely worth it!
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Dades, Todra and Skoura in my detailed travel guide.
4. Atlas Mountains
The Atlas Mountains are magnificent in November! A scattering of snow is usually dusting the peaks and there are fewer trekking groups compared to earlier in the autumn season.
Daytime temperatures tend to be mild and ideal for being out on the trails, whether you’re doing a short hike or embarking on a multi-day adventure. It’s worth noting that nights can get really chilly, particularly in high-altitude villages (if you’re doing a homestay experience).
If hiking isn’t your thing, there are lots of other ways to enjoy the Atlas Mountains. You might consider taking a day trip to Ourika Valley, famous for its riverside restaurants, or you could spend a few nights enjoying the stunning views from one of the area’s atmospheric hotels.
For solo travellers, there are heaps of small-group guided tours that let you explore the Atlas Mountains without renting a car. Some include short hikes while others are more focused on connecting with local communities.
Discover some of my favourite adventures in the Atlas Mountains here.
5. Chefchaouen
Tucked away in the Rif Mountains of northern Morocco, Chefchaouen is a wonderful destination to explore during the cooler months.
I love being here when the temperatures are a little chilly. There’s something about getting rugged up to go outdoors, then relaxing beside an open fireplace at night that I find really appealing!
During the day, you can stroll through the medina and hike up to the Spanish Mosque for stunning views over Chefchaouen. If you’re up for more adventure, you can venture further on one of the scenic hiking trails that wind their way through the Rif Mountains.
For a shorter trek, you might want to take the well-trodden path that leads to the Cascades d’Akchour in Talassemtane National Park. There are lots of guided tours to get you to the start of the trail or you can take a grand taxi there and back.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Chefchaouen in my solo traveller’s guide.
6. Essaouira
By November, things are getting a little too cool for a classic beach vacation in Morocco. But I still think Essaouira is a great option for a coastal escape.
And if you’re feeling brave (or in need of some ocean therapy), a quick dip in the Atlantic is definitely possible!
The strong winds that Essaouira experiences in summer have usually died down and the days are still warm enough for medina sightseeing without having to get rugged up.
You can wander between the various art galleries, shop for handicrafts in the souks and enjoy some people-watching from Essaouira’s laid-back cafes.
If you want to learn to surf, November is a great time to do it, with the winter swells starting to kick in. Serious surfers might want to head three hours south to the village of Taghazout, which has Morocco’s strongest surf culture.
Alternatively, you can also find waves around the atmospheric village of Sidi Kaouki, which is just 30 minutes from Essaouira.
For more inspiration, discover some of the best things to do in Essaouira for solo travellers.
7. Fes
Although northern Morocco is cooling down significantly in November and some rain is to be expected, I still think it’s a great time to visit Fes. It tends to be a quieter month for tourism, with most people holding off travel until the Christmas/New Year’s break.
This means more room to move in the medina of Fes el-Bali, which is renowned for its magnificent madrasas, tanneries and artisan workshops.
And if the weather isn’t delivering the goods, you can always retreat into one of the city’s excellent museums. Two of my favourites are Dar Batha and the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts & Crafts.
If you’re a history buff, Fes also makes an excellent base for visiting the ancient ruins of Volubilis, one of Morocco’s best archaeological sites.
Small-group guided tours to Volubilis usually include a stop in the former imperial city of Meknes and in the holy town of Moulay Idriss.
Solo Travel Safety in November
In general, Morocco is considered a safe destination for travellers.
Nonetheless, some solo travellers, especially women, have reported experiencing unwanted attention from local men in certain areas, with Marrakech being one of the most notable. I’ve provided some advice for dealing with it here.
No matter when you choose to visit, it’s crucial to adhere to basic safety precautions. Steer clear of dimly lit areas after dark and dress modestly, particularly when you’re away from the beach.
One of the safety benefits of visiting Morocco in November is the reduced crowds. For me, this just makes it easier to stay aware of my surroundings and keep my valuables safe (pick pocketing does occasionally occur in heavily tourist spots such as Djemaa el-Fnaa). That being said, it has never happened to me!
What to Pack for Morocco in November
Wondering what to pack for Morocco in November? While it’s usually pleasantly warm during the daytime, temperatures can be chilly at night, particularly in the Atlas Mountains and northern Morocco.
Essential things to pack for a November trip to Morocco
- Layers!!
- Light sweaters
- A warm jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A scarf
- Warm sleepwear (for desert trips)
- A compact umbrella (for northern cities)
Top Things to Do in Morocco in November That are Solo-Friendly
- Explore the palaces and souks of Marrakech
- Hit the Atlas Mountains hiking trails
- Spend a night in the Sahara Desert or Agafay
- Hop between the museums of Rabat
- Discover the artisan workshops of Fes
- Wander the blue-hued streets of Chefchaouen
Pros and Cons of Visiting Morocco in November
✔ Pros
- Mild weather for medina explorations
- Better value for money (off-season)
- Fewer crowds at major tourist sights
✘ Cons
- Some rain (mainly in northern Morocco)
- Not ideal beach weather
- Shorter daylight hours
Is November a Good Time to Visit Morocco as a Solo Traveller?
If you’re someone who embraces off-season travel and prefers fewer crowds over perfect weather, then a November trip to Morocco might be for you.
While things are definitely cooling off as winter approaches, daytime temps are still usually comfortable for medina explorations. And you can still hit the Atlas Mountains hiking trails without having to worry about excessive snow cover.
It’s just the chilly nights that you need to prepare for…and perhaps a little rain in the north.
The main drawback of a solo trip to Morocco in November is that it isn’t ideal beach weather. But does that mean people aren’t at the beaches or enjoying the coast? Not at all!
Morocco has a strong surf culture. And with the winter swells starting to arrive, it’s a great time to be out surfing…or watching the locals surfers in action.
If you’re considering a classic Morocco itinerary, including Marrakech, Fes and the Sahara Desert, November is a great time to do it. These destinations are all in high demand during the peak travel season!
But in November, accommodation tends to be a little more affordable and you can be more flexible with your itinerary. Honestly, I think it’s a great time for solo travellers who don’t like to plan and book everything ahead of time!
I’m willing to admit that November may not offer peak beach weather or warm evenings for alfresco dining. But it provides something different: fewer crowds, milder weather and a more relaxed, local experience.
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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.
