Quick answer: In Morocco, wear loose, breathable clothes that cover shoulders and knees, especially in medinas, villages and religious sites. Pack layers, because a desert trip can mean 30 °C afternoons and near-freezing nights, plus a scarf, sun hat, sunglasses and closed comfortable shoes. Beachwear and very short or tight clothes are best kept for pools and beach resorts.
We get this question from nearly every guest, and it makes sense. A typical Morocco itinerary crosses city medinas, a 2,000-metre mountain pass and the Sahara, sometimes all within three days. The good news is that one sensible bag of clothes handles all of it. Here is what we suggest, based on what works for travellers we meet every week in Merzouga.
Understanding the dress code
Morocco is a Muslim country, but it is also relaxed and used to visitors. There is no legal dress code for tourists, and you will see everything from jeans to djellabas in Marrakech. Still, dressing modestly is a sign of respect, and it makes daily life easier, particularly for women, as it tends to reduce unwanted attention. As a rule:
- Cities and medinas: shoulders and knees covered for everyone; avoid low necklines and see-through fabrics.
- Rural villages and the south: slightly more conservative; long, loose clothes are ideal.
- Beaches, pools and resort hotels: swimwear is fine, but cover up when walking through town.
- Mosques: most are closed to non-Muslims, with the notable exception of the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, where modest dress is required and women are asked to cover their hair.
What to wear in Morocco as a woman
Loose, long clothing is both respectful and comfortable in the heat. Outfits that work well:
- Maxi skirts or wide-leg trousers in linen or cotton.
- T-shirts or blouses with at least short sleeves, or a light shirt over a vest top.
- A long cardigan or kimono to throw over anything more revealing.
- A large scarf: it covers shoulders, protects from sun and sand, and can cover your hair if you visit a religious site.
Leggings are fine under a longer top or tunic. You do not need to cover your hair unless you want to. Many visitors buy a light djellaba or kaftan in the souk, which is practical and a lovely souvenir.
What to wear in Morocco as a man
Men have it simpler, but the same principle applies. Long trousers or knee-length shorts are fine in cities; very short shorts and sleeveless vests stand out and are best avoided outside the pool. Light cotton shirts, chinos or travel trousers and a cap or hat cover most situations. In the desert, many men happily wrap a cheche, the long cotton turban, which we are always glad to show you how to tie.
What to wear in the Sahara
The desert is where clothing really matters, and it is not only about heat. Here is our advice from living beside Erg Chebbi:
- Cover up against the sun. Long, loose, light-coloured sleeves and trousers keep you cooler than bare skin.
- A scarf or cheche protects face, neck and mouth from sun and wind-blown sand.
- Warm layers for the night. Even after a hot day, temperatures drop fast after sunset. From November to February they can fall close to 0 °C; bring a fleece, a warm jacket, a hat and socks.
- Comfortable trousers for the camel ride. Soft, stretchy trousers are best; skirts and dresses are not practical on a camel.
- Sunglasses and a hat with a strap, as the wind on the dunes can be strong.
For a complete list including toiletries and electronics, see our dedicated guide on what to pack for the Sahara desert.
Shoes: what actually works
- City walking: closed trainers or sturdy walking sandals. Medina lanes are uneven and can be slippery.
- Mountains and gorges: trainers with good grip for walks in the Todra Gorge or around Ait Benhaddou.
- Dunes: sand gets everywhere. Many guests walk the dunes barefoot in the cool of the evening, but in the midday heat sand can burn. Sandals or light shoes you can empty easily are ideal.
- Camp at night: flip-flops or slides for the walk to the bathroom tent, and a torch.
What to wear in Morocco by season
| Season | Cities (Marrakech, Fes) | Sahara (Merzouga) |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Light layers, a jacket for evenings | Light clothes by day, fleece at night; scarf for sand |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Very light, loose cotton and linen | Covering but breathable clothes; nights are warm |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Summer clothes plus a light jacket | T-shirt days, warm layers at night from November |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Jumper and warm jacket; houses can be cold | Mild sunny days, very cold nights: hat, gloves, down jacket |
Remember that the High Atlas passes can be much colder than the valleys on either side, and in winter snow on the Tizi n'Tichka pass is not unusual. Keep a warm layer in the car.
A simple capsule packing list
- 2 pairs of long, loose trousers or skirts.
- 3 to 4 breathable tops with sleeves.
- 1 long-sleeved light shirt for sun protection.
- 1 fleece or warm jumper and 1 packable jacket.
- 1 large scarf or cheche.
- Sun hat and sunglasses.
- Walking shoes plus sandals or slides.
- Warm socks and a beanie for desert nights (autumn to spring).
- Swimwear for hotel pools.
This fits easily in a carry-on, and a small bag works best for the night in the desert, as you only need the essentials at camp.
Buying clothes in Morocco
If you forget something, the souks of Marrakech and Fes and the market in Rissani sell scarves, cheches, djellabas and sandals at every price. Prices are negotiable; a simple cotton scarf might cost around 50 to 100 MAD depending on quality and your bargaining. Buying a local scarf on your first day is a practical, cheap solution for both sun and modesty.
For more practical advice for your first visit, read our honest answer to whether Morocco is safe for tourists, or check our month-by-month guide to Morocco's weather before you pack.
Ready to plan your trip?
Once your bag is sorted, the rest is up to us. Our 3-day journey from Fes to Marrakech via the Merzouga desert takes you through cities, mountains and dunes, so you will use every item on the list above. Questions about what to bring in a particular month? Message our team and we will tell you exactly what the weather is doing here.
