What to Wear in Marrakech: Season-by-Season Advice

As for what to wear in Marrakech: choose light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees when you are in the medina, with comfortable closed shoes for uneven lanes. Summer (June–September) calls for breathable linen and a hat, as days often pass 38°C; winter (December–February) needs warm layers and a jacket, as nights drop to around 5°C. Swimwear is fine at pools and in the hammam, but not in the streets.

Is there a dress code in Marrakech?

There is no legal dress code for visitors, and you will see everything from jeans to kaftans. Marrakech is a relaxed, international city, especially in Gueliz and Hivernage. The medina, however, is a traditional residential neighbourhood where most people dress modestly. Covering shoulders and knees is a simple sign of respect and, honestly, it also means fewer comments and less attention. That applies to men too: we see many male visitors in vests and very short shorts, which stands out more than you might think.

Marrakech weather by season

Spring and autumn

These are the easiest seasons to pack for. Days are warm and sunny, evenings cool. Bring breathable trousers or a long skirt, T-shirts with sleeves, a scarf you can use for shade or cover, and a light jacket for rooftop dinners. If you plan a trip to the Atlas Mountains, add a fleece, as it can be 8–10°C cooler up there.

Summer: dressing for the heat

It sounds strange, but covering up actually helps. Loose long sleeves and wide trousers in linen or cotton protect you from the sun better than a vest top. Choose light colours, a wide-brimmed hat and high-SPF sunscreen. Carry a refillable bottle and plan outdoor sightseeing before 11:00 and after 17:00. Synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable fast.

Winter: the season people underpack for

Every winter we meet guests shivering in summer dresses. Marrakech has sunny, pleasant middays, but mornings and evenings are genuinely cold, and many riads have little insulation. Pack a warm jacket, a jumper, closed shoes and warm pyjamas. If you are heading into the desert or the mountains, add gloves and a hat, as nights can drop below zero.

Women: practical advice

Women can wear what they feel comfortable in, but in our experience these choices make days in the medina easier:

• Midi or maxi skirts and dresses, or wide-leg trousers.
• Tops that cover the shoulders; a light shirt over a vest works well.
• A large scarf for sun, cooler evenings, or covering up in a more traditional area.
• A cross-body bag with a zip, which is more practical in crowds.

You do not need to cover your hair. Tight or very short clothing is not forbidden, but it draws more stares and remarks in the souks.

Men: practical advice

Lightweight trousers or knee-length shorts and T-shirts are fine. Save sleeveless tops for the pool. A light shirt with a collar is useful for upmarket restaurants, and long trousers are the more respectful choice around mosques, shrines and sites like the Saadian Tombs.

Evenings out and rooftop dinners

Marrakech evenings are smart-casual. In Gueliz and Hivernage, restaurants and bars expect a little effort: clean trousers or a dress, and shoes rather than beach sandals. Rooftop terraces in the medina get breezy after sunset, even in May and October, so keep a light layer in your bag. If you are heading to Jemaa el-Fna for the food stalls, wear something you do not mind smelling of grill smoke and leave valuables at your riad.

Shoes for the medina

This is the most important item on the list. Lanes are uneven, occasionally wet and shared with scooters and donkey carts. Choose comfortable closed trainers or sturdy walking sandals with a good grip. Leave flimsy flip-flops and heels for the hotel. Expect to walk 10–15 km on a sightseeing day.

What to wear in a hammam

A hammam is a steam bath and scrub, a ritual at the heart of Moroccan life. In a spa hammam, you are usually given disposable underwear or can wear your own swimwear bottoms; women often go topless in women-only areas, but a bikini is always acceptable. In a public neighbourhood hammam, bring your own swimwear or underwear you do not mind getting wet, a towel, flip-flops and a change of clothes. Remove jewellery before the scrub.

Dressing during Ramadan

During the holy month, people tend to dress a little more conservatively, and it is considerate for visitors to do the same in the medina. Our guide to travelling in Morocco during Ramadan explains the other changes to expect.

A simple packing checklist

1. Two or three pairs of loose trousers, skirts or dresses.
2. Four or five tops with sleeves, in breathable fabrics.
3. One warm layer (two in winter).
4. A scarf or light shawl.
5. Comfortable closed shoes plus sandals.
6. Swimwear for pools and hammams.
7. Hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.

Quick FAQ

Can I wear shorts in Marrakech?

Yes, knee-length shorts are fine, especially in Gueliz and at hotels. In the medina, longer clothing will feel more comfortable socially and in the sun.

Do tourists have to cover their hair?

No. Women visitors do not need a headscarf anywhere in Marrakech that is open to non-Muslims.

Can I buy clothes in the souks?

Absolutely. Cotton djellabas, kaftans and linen shirts are easy to find; agree the price before you try things on.

Treat yourself to a hammam

Now that you know what to pack, bring a swimsuit for our traditional hammam and spa experience in Marrakech, about 2 hours from €35 per person, with free pickup. It is the perfect reset after walking the souks. Plan the rest of your stay with our one-day Marrakech itinerary or our family guide to Marrakech with kids, and see all our Marrakech city experiences. Book by WhatsApp or through the site, with nothing to pay online in advance.