When to go to get active in Morocco

There are some fantastic opportunities for getting active in Morocco, such as hiking in the Rif or High Atlas mountains, or going for wind and kite surfing on the coast. For trekking, spring and autumn are, again, the optimum times to travel, although if you plan to climb one of the peaks, remember that snow can linger on the higher slopes until July in some places.

For water sports, like wind and kite surfing, the peak season is in the summer months and into autumn, typically between June and October, when the winds are consistent and the sea is a pleasant temperature. If your holiday in Morocco will involve a lot of sightseeing, it's advisable to pick spring or autumn - although the former is generally considered to be more picturesque as the landscape is lush after the winter rains. Both these seasons are mild, without being too hot, and there's a low chance of rain, so you can enjoy wandering around the streets of Casablanca or Marrakech, or even head into the desert, without getting uncomfortably warm.

Ramadan in Morocco

One other thing worth bearing in mind - aside from the weather - when you're planning a break in Morocco is when Ramadan falls each year. As Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, many businesses will modify their opening hours during this holy month of fasting.

This may mean cafes and restaurants are closed during the day, only opening after Iftar (the evening "breakfast") when the sun has gone down, or that attractions and shops close for a few hours around breakfast time each day and possibly open later, as many people stay up well into the night to eat and drink.