When to visit Spain and Morocco: a season-by-season guide
Beach days, a city trip or a night in the desert? The best time to travel depends on what you want to do. Here's what to expect in every season.
Spain and Morocco are only a short flight apart, but the weather can be very different depending on where you go and when. Whether you're dreaming of beach days on the Costa del Sol, exploring the souks of Marrakech or a night in the Sahara, timing makes a big difference. Here's what to expect in every season.
Spring (March to May)
For many travellers this is the best time of year for both countries. Days are warm and sunny, nature is green and the summer crowds haven't arrived yet.
- Morocco: perfect for Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains and a trip to the desert, with pleasant days and cool evenings.
- Spain: great for city trips to Seville, Granada and Málaga. Andalusia is full of festivals, from Easter week (Semana Santa) to the Seville spring fair. The sea is still cool for swimming.
Summer (June to August)
High season on the coast, with sunshine almost every day and warm sea water.
- Spain: ideal for a beach holiday on the Costa del Sol, where the sea breeze keeps things comfortable. Inland cities like Seville and Córdoba can get extremely hot, often over 40°C.
- Morocco: Marrakech and the desert are very hot in summer. The Atlantic coast, with Agadir and Essaouira, stays much cooler and is a good alternative.
HomeMate tip: travelling in summer? Choose a stay with a pool or air conditioning, and book early. The most popular villas are often booked well in advance.
Autumn (September to November)
A great time to travel if you like it warm but not hot. The summer crowds are gone, but the weather is still lovely.
- Spain: the sea is at its warmest in September and stays pleasant well into October. Perfect for a late beach holiday, golf or a city trip.
- Morocco: temperatures drop to comfortable levels again, which makes it a great time for Marrakech, walks in the Atlas and desert trips.
Winter (December to February)
Looking for winter sun? The south of Spain and Morocco are some of the closest places to find it.
- Spain: the Costa del Sol has one of the mildest winters in Europe, with plenty of sunny days around 15 to 18°C. Too cold to swim for most people, but perfect for walks, sunny terraces and golf.
- Morocco: Agadir offers mild winter sun by the sea. Marrakech has sunny days but cold nights, and there's often snow on the Atlas peaks, a beautiful sight from the city. In the desert, nights can get close to freezing.
Good to know: Ramadan
During Ramadan, many Moroccans fast from sunrise to sunset. You can still travel as normal: most hotels, riads and restaurants for visitors stay open. Some local cafés and shops keep different hours, and the evenings are lively once the fast is broken. Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier every year, so check the dates when you plan your trip.
In short
- Beach holiday in Spain: June to October
- City trip in Andalusia: March to May, or October and November
- Marrakech and the desert: March to May, or September to November
- Winter sun: the Costa del Sol or Agadir, December to February
Know when you want to go? Find your stay or book a free call with one of our advisors.
