Morocco in April 2026: The Insider Survival Guide (Weather & Prices)

A lot of tourists land in Marrakech expecting scorching heat. They pack nothing but tank tops and end up shivering in the Medina at 9 PM. Don't make that mistake.

April is spring. In the north, around Tangier and Chefchaouen, the hills are neon green. It looks more like Ireland than the desert. In the south, the sun has a punch to it, but the air stays crisp.

Here is the 2026 Cheat Sheet:

• Marrakech: The days are perfect (23°C - 28°C). You can sit on a rooftop terrace without sweating through your shirt. But nights drop to 12°C. You will need a jacket.
• The Atlas Mountains: The snow is melting on Mount Toubkal, which fills the rivers. The Ouzoud Falls are roaring in April. It’s loud and beautiful. However, rain storms can pop up out of nowhere.
• The Desert: This is your final warning. April is the last comfortable month to visit Merzouga before it turns into an oven. By May, the sand burns your feet.
• The Coast (Essaouira): It’s windy. The "Alizés" trade winds don't mess around. It’s sunny, but you won't be sunbathing on the beach unless you hide behind a windbreak.

This is a big deal. In previous years, April fell during Ramadan, which slows everything down (read our Ramadan Guide if you’re curious).

But in 2026, Ramadan ends in March. This means April is party time. Moroccans love to celebrate after the holy month. You will see weddings, loud ones with Ghaita horns 🎷 and drums—processions in the streets, and lots of food.

Look for specific post-Ramadan treats. Bakeries will still have piles of Chebakia (sesame cookies soaked in honey) and Briouat (almond pastries). The energy is high. If you want to see Morocco loud, happy, and full of sugar, this is the time.

Everyone goes to Marrakech. I get it. It’s iconic. But in April, the Jemaa el-Fna square is a zoo. You will be shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands of people. If that sounds stressful, you have options.

My Top Picks for April:

1. The Valley of Roses (Kelaat M'Gouna): This is a hidden gem. In late April, the Damask roses start to bloom. The whole valley smells pink. Farmers begin the harvest to make rose water. It’s stunning and much quieter than the cities.
2. Fez: It is cooler than Marrakech. The medieval streets of the Medina are narrow, which provides shade. Walk through the Bab Bou Jeloud (Blue Gate) and get lost. Check out our City Comparison if you can't decide.
3. The Desert (With a Caveat): April is often when the Marathon des Sables happens. It’s a crazy 250km race across the Sahara. The desert fills up with support crews and runners. It’s a cool vibe, but it means camps get booked out. Read my guide on Authentic Experiences so you don't end up in a tourist trap.

Where to Stay: Riads are small. Most have only 5 or 6 rooms. In April, because of Easter holidays in Europe, they sell out fast. Prices jump too—expect to pay 1,200 MAD ($120) for a room that usually costs 800 MAD.

Do not wing it. I recommend looking on Booking.com for the best cancellation policies, or Airbnb if you want a whole Dar (house) to yourself.

April is the absolute best month for a road trip. The days are long enough to drive safely, but not so hot that your car AC dies.

Rent a car and drive the Tizi n'Tichka pass over the Atlas Mountains. The views are insane. Just watch out for the trucks. Gas prices hover around 14-15 MAD per liter ($1.50), so budget for that.

If you aren't confident driving (Moroccan traffic is... creative), use the trains (ONCF) between major cities like Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech. They are solid, clean, and cheap. A first-class ticket from Casablanca to Marrakech is under 200 MAD ($20). For everything else, read our Getting Around Guide.

Pro Tip: If you need a transfer from the airport, the taxi drivers will try to charge you 300 MAD for a 100 MAD ride. Save the argument. Book a Welcome Pickups ride beforehand. The driver waits with a sign, and you pay a fixed price. It’s worth the extra few dirhams for peace of mind.

I see tourists in the Medina wearing heavy winter coats next to guys in shorts. April is tricky. The key is layers.

• Daytime: T-shirts, light linen pants, sunglasses. You want loose fabric.
• Nighttime: A fleece or a denim jacket. When the sun goes down, the temperature drops fast. If you forget a jacket, you can buy a warm wool Jellaba in the souk for about 400 MAD (after haggling).
• Shoes: You will walk miles. Bring sneakers. Leave the high heels at home unless you want to break an ankle on the cobblestones.

For a full list, check out our Packing List.

With high tourist numbers come the hustlers. In April, the main squares are busy, which is prime time for pickpockets and "guides."

• The 'Free' Tour: Nothing is free. If someone offers to show you the way to the tanneries, they expect payment. They might even hand you a sprig of mint to block the smell and then demand 50 MAD for it. Read about the Free Tour Trap.
• Female Travelers: Morocco is generally safe, but catcalling happens. It’s annoying, but rarely dangerous. For a deep dive, read our Solo Female Travel Guide.
• Connectivity: Keep your phone secure and your data on. Again, grab an eSIM from Saily so you are never offline in a confusing Medina maze.

Absolutely. It is arguably the most beautiful month of the year here. The landscape is green, the strawberries are cheap and sweet (15 MAD/kg), and the post-Ramadan mood is joyful.

Yes, you will pay a bit more for flights and Riads. Yes, you will see other tourists. But the trade-off is perfect weather and a country in full bloom. You get the snow on the peaks and the sun in the valley.

Just book your things early. Don't wait until March. See you in the Medina.