As temperatures climb in Morocco, so do tourist numbers and prices. But June is a great time to visit the coast, hike in the mountains, and catch a legendary music festival. Read on for our guide of what to see and do in June.
## Experiencing Morocco in June: A Comprehensive Guide
June in Morocco marks the transition into the hotter months, presenting both opportunities and challenges for travelers. Understanding the nuances of the weather, crowd levels, and regional variations will help you plan an unforgettable trip.
**The Weather in June**
As June arrives, Morocco begins its ascent into summer, and temperatures rise accordingly. In some regions, particularly inland, the heat can become quite intense. Marrakech, for example, often sees highs reaching the mid-nineties Fahrenheit. For visitors unaccustomed to such heat, it’s essential to take precautions against heat stroke, staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day. The desert regions experience even higher temperatures, making them less ideal for exploration during this time.
However, Morocco’s diverse geography offers respite from the heat. The Atlas Mountains provide a cooler alternative, with daytime averages hovering around a more comfortable 78°F. Coastal areas, blessed with ocean breezes, offer another escape. Cities along the northern coast, such as Fes, also experience milder temperatures, with averages in the seventies and highs in the mid-eighties. In Tangier, a charming city on the northern coast, the daily average in June is a pleasant 69°F, making it an attractive destination.
One significant advantage of traveling to Morocco in June is that it marks the beginning of the dry season. Rainfall is rare, allowing you to explore without the worry of getting caught in showers. However, the dry weather also means that dehydration is a concern. To combat this, ensure you drink plenty of bottled water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel particularly thirsty. Carrying a reusable water bottle and refilling it whenever possible is a good habit to adopt.
**Crowds and Costs in June**
The rising temperatures in Morocco coincide with the beginning of the high season, which brings increased prices and larger crowds. Popular destinations like Marrakech and Fes tend to be particularly busy, with fierce competition for rooms in the best riads and hotels. To secure your preferred accommodations and tours, it’s crucial to book well in advance. Planning ahead will not only save you money but also ensure you have a wider selection of options.
When choosing accommodation, consider staying somewhere with a swimming pool. After a long day of hiking or sightseeing, a refreshing dip in the pool can be a welcome relief from the heat. Many riads and hotels offer this amenity, so be sure to factor it into your decision-making process.
**Where to Go in June**
If you’re looking to avoid the worst of the heat and the crowds, consider venturing beyond the popular tourist hotspots. The Rif Mountains offer a refreshing escape, with cooler temperatures and stunning scenery. Hiking in the Rif Mountains can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to connect with nature and discover hidden villages.
Alternatively, you can head to the coast, where the Atlantic and Mediterranean beaches provide a welcome respite from the heat. Whether you prefer swimming, sunbathing, or simply strolling along the shore, the beaches of Morocco offer something for everyone.
June is not the ideal time to explore the Sahara Desert. The extreme heat can make it unbearable, so it’s best to postpone that particular adventure until the cooler months between October and May. Similarly, Marrakech and other southern cities can be uncomfortably hot in June, making the northern cities like Tangier and Rabat more appealing destinations.
**What to Do in June**
While the Sahara is off-limits, there are still plenty of activities to enjoy in Morocco during June. Hiking in the Atlas Mountains or catching a wave at the beach are both excellent options. Sightseeing in cities like Fes can be challenging due to the heat and crowds, but the temperatures are still relatively cool compared to the scorching heat of July and August. If you plan to visit Marrakech or Fes, try to do your sightseeing early in the morning, before the heat intensifies. In the afternoon, escape the city and head to the mountains or the coast for a more relaxed and cooler experience.
June marks the start of summer in Morocco, making it an ideal time to attend a local concert or music festival. These events offer a great opportunity to experience Moroccan culture and connect with locals.
**June Events**
* **Festival of World Sacred Music:** Held in Fes during the last week of June, this renowned festival celebrates the arts and spirituality. Despite its name, the Festival of World Sacred Music encompasses more than just music. It also features a film festival, educational workshops, and captivating open-air concerts.
* **Gnaoua World Music Festival:** Every June, the coastal city of Essaouira hosts a vibrant three-day festival dedicated to Gnaoua music and culture. The Gnaoua, also known as Gnawa, are an ethnic group indigenous to the Maghreb region. Essaouira has historically been a center for Gnaoua music, and the festival also showcases pop, jazz, rock, and other contemporary music forms. The beachfront setting of the Gnaoua World Music Festival adds to its appeal, making it one of the coolest places to be in June, both literally and figuratively.
**Itineraries for June Travel**
* **Moroccan Cities of the North:** Escape the Sahara’s heat with this six-day itinerary, which begins and ends in Casablanca. Explore Rabat, Chefchaouen, Meknes, Volubilis, and Fes, discovering the rich history and culture of northern Morocco.
* **Imperial Cities of Morocco:** Immerse yourself in Morocco’s history and culture with this weeklong itinerary. Visit the famed imperial cities of Meknes, Fes, Rabat, and Marrakech, as well as Tangier, Chefchaouen, and Casablanca.
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