Weather in Ouarzazate

Planning a trip to Ouarzazate? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date weather information, including detailed forecasts and climate charts for a comfortable journey.

The climate of Ouarzazate is characterised as desert and arid, which fully justifies the city's location on the doorstep of the Sahara. Sunny weather reigns here all year round, and rainfall is an extremely rare phenomenon. Even in the "wettest" months, rains pass quickly and are barely noticeable, so you can plan a trip with almost no fear of bad weather.

Summer in the region is hot and scorching: in July and August, daytime temperatures regularly exceed 35°C, urging tourists to seek coolness in shady oases or by pools. Winter, on the contrary, is distinguished by mildness and comfort during daylight hours (about 16-17°C), however, nights can be truly cold when the air cools down to 2-4°C. Travellers should take this contrast into account and bring warm things for evening walks.

Spring and early autumn are considered the ideal time for a visit, when the most comfortable temperature is established in the range of 20-25°C. The main feature of the weather in Ouarzazate remains its stability and dryness, which makes this city in Morocco an attractive destination for those looking for sun and clear skies at any time of the year.

The climate of Ouarzazate, located on the threshold of the Sahara Desert, is distinguished by pronounced seasonality and significant temperature contrasts throughout the year. The coldest month is traditionally January with an average temperature of about 8.8°C, while the peak heat falls on July, when average figures reach 28.5°C. This wide annual range makes travelling to the region a completely different experience depending on the chosen season.

Summer in Ouarzazate is hot and dry, which is typical for pre-desert territories. In July and August, daytime highs consistently exceed 35-36°C, however, thanks to low humidity, the heat is more bearable than on the coast. The winter period, on the contrary, is characterised by mild and pleasant weather during daylight hours: from December to February, the air warms up to a comfortable 16-17°C, which creates ideal conditions for sightseeing without exhausting heat.

Travellers should pay special attention to daily temperature fluctuations, which are quite perceptible here. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum is often about 15 degrees. If in summer nights bring long-awaited coolness (about 20°C), then in winter after sunset it becomes truly cold: in January the thermometer can drop to 1.7°C. Therefore, even when planning a trip to sunny Ouarzazate, it is definitely worth taking warm clothes with you for evening walks.

Ouarzazate, situated on the edge of the Sahara Desert, features an extremely arid climate where rainfall is a great rarity. Throughout the year, the weather here remains predominantly dry, making this city one of the sunniest places in Morocco. Even during periods when the probability of precipitation increases, it is usually short-lived and meagre.

The driest period lasts from mid-spring to mid-summer. According to statistics, from April to July, rainy days are completely absent. During these months, the sky remains cloudless, and air humidity is minimal. August also brings practically no precipitation, although on average one rainy day may occur.

A relative increase in the probability of precipitation is observed in the winter months and early autumn. The "wettest" months can conditionally be called February and September, when about 3 days with precipitation are recorded. In January, March, October, November, and December, the number of rainy days usually does not exceed two. However, even at this time, the total volume of rainfall remains negligible, often tending towards zero millimetres, so you will hardly need an umbrella.

Since Ouarzazate is located on the border with the desert, the sun is active here almost all year round. In the summer months (from June to August), when the daytime temperature often exceeds 30°C, light clothing made of natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton or linen, will be indispensable. Be sure to put a wide-brimmed hat, quality sunglasses, and high SPF cream in your suitcase, as the risk of sunburn is high even in spring and autumn.

A key feature of the local climate is sharp temperature changes. Even after a hot day, the evening can bring coolness, and in winter (from December to February), night temperatures drop almost to freezing (about 2-4°C). Therefore, the principle of layering is your best friend: take t-shirts with you, but do not forget a warm sweater, a fleece, and a windproof jacket. For walking around ancient kasbahs and film studios, you will need durable and comfortable closed shoes.

Precipitation falls extremely rarely in this region, so you will hardly need an umbrella, but a light scarf or shawl will be an excellent accessory to protect your face from possible wind and dust. Given the dry air, it is worth grabbing moisturising cream and a reusable water bottle to maintain water balance during excursions.