Traveling to Morocco in Autumn has
excellent perks to offer a traveler or tourist. Morocco is home to the
magnificent Atlas Mountain and the world's most immense Sahara Desert, with a
few areas falling at the coast. With a dynamic weather pattern, Morocco feels
different from September through November. It experiences light showers with
intermediate weather patterns between Summer and Winter. Temperature ranges
between 60°F to 82°F in areas near the Sahara Desert and an average of 71°F in
areas next to the mountains. So, why travel to Morocco in Autumn? To have you
answered, here are the destinations and things you should do when you travel to
Morocco in Autumn.
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| Credit Photo : Pixabay |
Where to visit.
Morocco has a huge selection of
towns with colorful and impressive cultures. The best places to visit Morocco
in Autumn are endless, here are our favorite picks.
·
Erfoud :
Erfoud is located on the Eastern
side of Morocco. At times known as the oasis town, it has its proximity to
Merzouga and the desert village. Erfoud is home to the unique cultural
festival- Erfoud Date Festival. The Erfoud Date festival is a three-day event
that occurs in Autumn. The festival celebrates the harvesting of the many palm
dates that are planted in the region. Visit Erfoud in Autumn to taste the fresh
dates with the local cuisine, music, and dance, all from the Erfoud Date
Festival. Erfoud has many hotels and restaurants worth resting in within
Merzouga and the desert village.
Apart from the festivals and the
beautiful hotels and restaurants, Erfoud has a rich history. Brahim Museum of
Fossils and Minerals has incredible fossil materials that share ancient
Moroccan history. As you pass by the attractive Erfoud houses, grab a souvenir
in one of the many souks in the town.
·
Asilah :
Second onto our list, Asilah is located
Northwest of the Atlantic Coast. The Moroccan coastal city exhibits a
temperature range of 14°C to 20°C. Asilah has mural art at its heart, painted
on the beautiful ancient walls. Art exhibitions or street art festivals occur
during August, and local artists get to paint the medinas with incredible
murals that are freshly seen when one visits in Autumn. (Especially in
September) Asilah has warm, beautiful sunsets that are perfect for watching
while taking an evening stroll.
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| Credit Photo : Pixabay |
·
Essaouira :
The port city is located along the
Atlantic coast and has beautiful medinas (One of the UNESCO World Heritage
Sites), just like Marrakech. It is an excellent coastal destination in Autumn,
especially for those who want to try out windsurfing and the delicious seafood it
offers. Essaouira also offers an intriguing history of Kasbah and Mellah that
is still reflective in the present. During Autumn, an excellent visit to the
art galleries in the town is worth trying.
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| Credit Photo : Pixabay |
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Marrakech :
Marrakech is another excellent
option with ancient Medinas, at times referred to as the "Red city"
due to its medinas having an ochre color. Marrakech is located west of Atlas
Mountain and receives a favorable temperature. Marrakech has the unique
Koutoubia Mosque and Bahia palace. These essential attractions help explain
Morocco's history while showcasing the fantastic Muslim architecture. Djemaa El
Fna, Marrakech's main square, is worth including as a stop-over when visiting
Marrakech. Djemaa El Fna is a center of epic entertainment and food stalls with
tasty Moroccan cuisines.
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| Credit Photo : Pixabay |
·
Tetouan :
Located in the Northern parts of Morocco, Tetouan has a reasonably sunny vibe with which one can comfortably explore the beautiful sceneries like the Rif mountains. Tetouan exhibits the great Andalusian style designs across the town that are an amazement feature designs. While perusing through the fortress town, use the opportunity to visit a souk and grab a souvenir. These markets have beautiful jewelry and pottery at affordable pricing.
·
Ouarzazate :
Last on our list, Ouarzazate is
located in the South of the Atlas Mountains. Ouarzazate has been featured in
some Holywood films due to its laid-back and cinematic feel. Visit the Cinema
of the Museum of Quarzazate and Atlas Film Studies to witness the great film
featured displays. The TV series "Game of Thrones" is among the films
shot in parts of Ouarzazate, hence the name "Hollywood of Morocco."
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| Credit Photo: Pixabay |
What to do :
Now that we have explored the
Morocco towns to visit in Autumn, getting to know the events and activities
aligned with these destinations is essential. Remember that some activities and
events change their occurrence dates by a minor fluctuation. A rule of thumb is
to confirm the dates for these events or activities before departing for the
destination. Here are our choices that are worth trying while in Morocco.
Surfing is one of the activities
that can be done during the weather friendlier-Autumn in the Southern Moroccan
parts (City of Dakhla). If you are not into surfing, hiking is a considerable
alternative. The Atlas Mountains and Mount Toubkal offer a breath-taking
climbing experience with manageable weather. This climbing activity can be done
from Ouarzazate. A camel ride into the Sahara Desert is also a lifetime choice.
Apart from these activities, Morocco is home to famous events that tie in
culture, music, and history.
Erfoud Date Festival is our top pick
for an Autumn event. This festival happens for three days and revolves around
the harvesting of dates(The end of the harvesting season). It includes music,
camel racing, and the coronation of the "Date Queen." Moving on to a
pure music festival, the MOGA Electronic Music Festival takes place in
mid-October each year. This event also occurs during the Autumn and includes
Moroccan musical talents and other digital-related disciplines. The Taragalte
Festival is a three-day festival focusing on culture, peace, music, heritage,
and history. Musicians come into the Sahara Desert to perform during the
festival.
Conclusion
When you travel to Morocco in
Autumn, you not only escape the hot Moroccan Summer sun but also enjoy culture
and history and learn about the heritage through unique festivals and
activities that date back centuries. Since it is done after the high tourism
season, fewer travelers will be around.
