Why Marrakech
Marrakech is a feast for the senses: a walled medina of labyrinthine souks, hidden palaces and courtyard riads, wrapped around the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Beyond the walls lie gardens, spas and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains.
01 Best time to visit
Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) bring warm, comfortable days. Summer is very hot; winter is mild by day and cool at night.
Agree a price before you buy or ride anything, and arrange a riad pickup on arrival — the medina’s lanes are almost impossible to navigate with luggage the first time.
02 Weather & climate
87°
64°
91°
64°
97°
67°
99°
73°
101°
76°
Marrakech is hot and dry with a big day-to-night temperature swing. Summers are very hot (often 38 °C+), winters mild by day and cool after dark; spring and autumn are the most pleasant for exploring.
| Season | Avg high | Avg low |
|---|---|---|
| Winter | 66°F 19°C | 43°F 6°C |
| Spring | 79°F 26°C | 54°F 12°C |
| Summer | 100°F 38°C | 70°F 21°C |
| Autumn | 82°F 28°C | 59°F 15°C |
03 Top 10 things to do in Marrakech
04 Plan your Marrakech trip by theme
Short on time, travelling with kids, counting the pennies or dodging the rain? These curated guides pull together the right things to do for how you travel.
05 How long to stay in Marrakech
Short on time? Dive straight into the medina — the souks, Ben Youssef Madrasa and Bahia Palace by day — then be on Jemaa el-Fnaa square as it comes alive with food stalls and music at dusk.
06 Where to stay
07 Food & drink
Moroccan cooking is rich and fragrant: slow-cooked tagines, couscous, harira soup and pastilla, with mint tea poured from a height. Eat on a rooftop over the square, or book a table in a restored riad for a proper feast.
08 Day trips
09 Getting into Marrakech from the airport
Marrakech Menara (RAK) is small and close to the city, with direct flights from several European hubs (usually one stop from the US).
| From the airport | Time | Cost (approx) |
|---|---|---|
| TaxiAgree the fare first, or use the official airport desk | ~15 min | ~$15–20 |
| Bus 19 (shuttle)To Jemaa el-Fnaa & Gueliz | ~30 min | ~$3 |
Book a riad pickup if you can — the medina’s lanes are impossible to find with luggage, and it avoids haggling on arrival.
10 Entry & visa for US citizens
- Passport
- Valid for at least 6 months is recommended.
- Visa
- No visa for tourism — visa-free entry up to 90 days.
- Cost
- Free.
- Good to know
- Keep the entry stamp; you may be asked for it on departure.
Last checked 2026-09-08. Entry rules change — always confirm with the official government source before you book.
11 Getting around Marrakech
Fly into Marrakech Menara (RAK), ~15 minutes from the medina by taxi. Inside the walls it’s walking only — arrange a riad pickup, as the lanes are hard to navigate on arrival.