What to wear in Marrakech
Heading to Marrakech, but no idea what to wear? I was in exactly the same position, so thought I’d pull together my top tips on what to wear in Marrakech, as well as things to avoid and things to pack so you can make the most of your trip to this incredible, vibrant city.
Marrakech is one of my favourite destinations, partly because of its colours, incredible food, and friendly people. It’s on the hit list for most people visiting Morocco for the first time. Although a fantastic destination, for many first-timers, it’s not necessarily the easiest to pack for. I was incredibly excited about visiting this African city for the first time, although found myself feeling absolutely clueless about what to pack and what to wear – particularly as a girl. While hopping to a nearby European city, it’s much easier to fling whatever you like in your suitcase and not need to worry too much, you do need to be a little more careful in Marrakech. It’s important to dress for the heat, but also to respect the country’s culture. In this guide, I share my top tips on what to wear in Marrakech following my recent experiences.
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What to wear in Marrakech as a female
In this specific article, I share key things to avoid wearing, as well as items you should pack and wear while visiting Marrakech as a woman. I’ve also broken down key clothing items to take depending on the time of year you’re visiting, so you can be well equipped on what to wear all year round. I’ve also included some commonly asked questions that I myself had before visiting Marrakech which will hopefully reassure you!
What not to wear in Marrakech
Let’s keep it simple, shall we? I thought I’d start off by covering off the items that you should really try to avoid wearing or packing for your trip to Marrakech as a woman. While the story is a little different when you’re in your hotel or apartment, these tips are focused around being out as a woman in public.
Clothes to avoid in Morocco:
- Anything super tight that shows off your figure – think short cycling shorts, hot pants, gym wear, clingy material
- Anything revealing – low cut tops or dresses that expose cleavage, thigh high splits in skirts, backless clothing, or short dresses or shorts. Aim to be a little more conservative, and cover your skin where you can
- Anything sheer or opaque – you don’t want to be exposing your underwear or swimwear while walking around Morocco
You’ll want to focus on avoiding these clothes particularly in areas a little off the beaten track or off tourist zones. Your packing list for Marrakech may mean you have to leave some of your favourite clothes at home, but it will be worth avoiding unwanted attention! It does mean you are left scrambling trying to find clothes that will cover you appropriately while surviving the hot Moroccan heat, but thankfully now the shops sell plenty of gorgeous lightweight dresses and linen items that are perfect. So, what to wear in Marrakech as a woman – avoid anything clingy or revealing and you’ll be fine. I found it’s a completely different story for men choosing what to wear in Marrakech – my boyfriend could wear what he liked!
What to wear in Marrakech
Now we’ve ruled out most of the things I’d recommend not wearing in Morocco, let’s get to what you should pack in your suitcase. As a general rule, Moroccan women dress conservatively. It is a similar dress code to the Middle East, although women visiting Morocco do not need to cover their heads. You’ll probably see that local women wear more Western clothing, or traditional Moroccan robes (djellabas) or hijabs.
Clothes to pack for Marrakech
Here are some of the items of clothing I’d recommend adding to your Marrakech packing list. It’s essentially what I took with me, and it worked a treat:
- Maxi dresses – especially lightweight materials which offer coverage while not being too hot
- Long skirts – anything that falls below the knee is on-trend so you’ll look good for pictures but ensures you are covered up at the same time
- Wide-legged trousers – floaty trousers or palazzo pants are a dream in the hot heat and look great too
- Oversized shirts – as well as looking cute over a vest top or tank top, oversized shirts are incredibly practical for offering coverage in the Moroccan heat
- Scarf – this was honestly a lifesaver when I was in Marrakech, and I picked up a cute colourful silky one from the medina while I was there. As well as being a great accessory, you can use it to cover your shoulders if you’re feeling a little exposed. If you’re visiting the desert, it’s also ideal for using as a face mask or turban to keep sand at bay
- Sunglasses – a non-negotiable in the hot Moroccan sun. Even in the winter months, it’s super bright, so you’ll need a hat too
- Sun hat – given the unforgiving heat, a fashionable sun hat is perfect for the hot weather. It’ll keep you cool and looks great in photos too
- Comfortable shoes – there is plenty of walking to be done in Marrakech, so I highly recommend a few pairs of comfy shoes. I lived in my Birkenstocks as they’re comfy but also keep your feet cool. The streets in Marrakech are not the smoothest to walk along, so keep this in mind when packing
- A secure shoulder bag – you really need to be careful of pickpockets – particularly in crowded tourist hotspots – so I took a crossbody bag for storing my valuables which was super helpful. Make sure it can zip, and internal pockets are a godsend too
What to wear in Marrakech: a guide by month
The items I’ve listed above as a packing guide for Marrakech are some key staples I’d really recommend taking with you. That said, you may want to add some additional items depending when in the year you’re planning your trip. The summer months can be incredibly hot, while in winter you may find it cooler in the evenings. I’ve broken down what to wear in Marrakech by month to help with your packing list.
What to wear in Marrakech in January
As with most places in the Northern Hemisphere, Marrakech is at its coolest in January. That said, it is a great time of year to visit as flights are particularly cheap, and you can really dodge the crowds. Here are a few additional items of clothing I’d recommend taking with you to Marrakech in January:
- Some warmer layers like a cardigan, jumper, or lightweight coat for the cooler evenings
- An umbrella, as there’s an increased chance of rain in January
- Comfy shoes that are closed, like trainers or pumps
- A good SPF as the sun is strong all year round
- Layers as it can still get hot in the day
What to wear in Marrakech in February
Much like January, Marrakech can be cooler in the February, and there’s an increased risk of rain. Here are a few additional items of clothing I’d pack for February in Marrakech:
- Take some layers with you – while February is slightly warmer than January, it can still get cool
- A good SPF as the sun is strong all year round
- An umbrella or rain jacket as there’s an increased risk of rain in February
- Comfy closed toe shoes like trainers or pumps
- Layers for the day so you can take some off if it gets too warm
What to wear in Marrakech in March
March is the beginning of spring in Marrakech, and often the beginning of the tourist season. While the weather is beginning to get a little warmer, it’s still important to pack for changes in season. Here are a few additional items of clothing I’d pack for Marrakech in March:
- A longer top in case it gets cooler, but no layers as it will be warm
- A good SPF as the sun will be getting stronger in the spring
- An umbrella as there is a chance of rain in March
- Some open toed shoes to keep your feet cool
- A lightweight jacket for the evenings
What to wear in Marrakech in April
April continues to get warmer in Marrakech, and it is finally the end of the wetter season. I visited Marrakech in April and found it perfect – not too hot, not too cold, and much quieter than the summer months. Here are a few additional items of clothing I’d pack for Marrakech in April:
- Plenty of lightweight clothing, as the days will begin to feel very warm
- A good SPF to shield you from the strong sun
- An umbrella as there’s still a chance of rain in Marrakech in April
- Open toed shoes or sandals
- A lightweight jacket for warmth in the evenings
What to wear in Marrakech in May
Marrakech gets hot in May – in fact, it’s the perfect escape for an early summer holiday out of season. Here are a few additional items of clothing I’d pack for Marrakech in May:
- Plenty of lightweight clothing like linen trousers and shirts
- Floaty skirts and dresses
- A cardigan for the cooler evenings
- Plenty of sun protection to shield you from the strong sun
What to wear in Marrakech in June
And here we are – officially summer in Marrakech! Be prepared for the high temperatures and relentless sun. You’ll definitely want to find yourself a riad with a pool to cool off over the summer months. Here are a few additional things to pack for a holiday in Marrakech in June:
- Plenty of swimwear – swimsuits are more conservative and so preferable for Marrakech
- Lightweight cotton or linen clothing
- Floaty dresses and skirts
- A cardigan for the cooler evenings if needed
What to wear in Marrakech in July
In July in Marrakech, things are only getting hotter. Here are a few additional things to pack for a holiday in Marrakech in July:
- Super lightweight cotton and linen clothing – it will feel incredibly hot in July
- Floaty dresses and skirts
- A scarf for covering your shoulders from the sun and for modesty
What to wear in Marrakech in August
August is officially the hottest month of the year in Marrakech. In fact, temperatures will likely reach as high as the mid-40s, so it is not for the weak of heart! Much like what to wear in Marrakech in July, you’ll need plenty of lightweight clothing. I recommend booking a riad with a pool to cool off in, so take plenty of swimwear with you too.
What to wear in Marrakech in September
Once again, as Marrakech can be incredibly hot, I recommend packing in a similar way to July and August, ensuring to book a riad with a pool to cool off in.
What to wear in Marrakech in October
In October, Marrakech will begin to get cooler once again. Here are a few additional things to pack for a trip to Marrakech in October:
- Lightweight linen or cotton breathable clothing for the warm days
- Floaty maxi dresses or long skirts
- A lightweight jacket or cardigan for the cooler evenings
What to wear in Marrakech in November
November in Marrakech is naturally the beginning of winter. Temperatures will feel much cooler, and it’s important to bring additional clothing with you. Here are some additional items to pack for Marrakech in November:
- Plenty of layered clothing, including cardigans, lightweight jackets, and jumpers
- A good SPF, as the sun can still be strong in the winter months
- An umbrella or rain jacket as it can rain in November
- Comfortable shoes with a closed toe in case it’s cooler
- Cool layers for throughout the day when it is warm and sunny
What to wear in Marrakech in December
Similarly to what to wear in Marrakech in November, I’d recommend also packing a scarf in case it gets chilly in the evenings.
Morocco outfit ideas
If you are unsure on what to wear in Marrakech as a female, but still want to look good, I’ve popped some Marrakech outfit ideas below. These items are the same – or similar – to what I took with me, and were perfect. Comfy sandals, and lots of lightweight fabrics that offer coverage while keeping you cool. I’d 100% recommend packing these with you. Just click the image to shop the look.
What to wear in Marrakech: FAQs
Hopefully my advice above has been helpful in making it clearer what you should pack for your trip to Marrakech. Generally speaking, dress conservatively with lightweight fabrics. I’ve covered some answers to questions I’m commonly asked about the dress code in Morocco below.
Can you wear shorts in Marrakech?
Absolutely – as long as they are not super short or hot pants. Longer shorts (just above the knee) are a great option and will keep you cool, especially in linen or cooler cargo pant style material. When packing, just be sure to consider the more conservative values of Morocco, and choose clothing accordingly.
Can you wear a bikini in Marrakech?
While Marrakech is a long way from the ocean, it’s likely you’ll have booked a riad or a hotel with a pool. In these environments, you should be fine to wear a bikini. Just make sure to take a kaftan or a coverup for any areas outside of the pool to show respect to other guests. It’s definitely not a good idea to wear a bikini top while exploring the rest of the city – you’ll only get stares and the odd catcall, so make sure to cover up. If you’re planning a trip to the Moroccan seaside town of Essaouira, near Marrakech, you may be wondering what to wear on the beach. Locals will not show their bodies off. Although as a tourist, you do not need to do the same, you will probably want to choose something with more coverage, like a swimsuit with a coverup.
What should you wear at night in Marrakech?
If you’re planning a night out or some cocktails and dinner, you probably what to know what’s acceptable to wear at night in Marrakech. My advice is always to choose light and natural materials like linen, cotton, or silk. They will keep you cool, especially when it’s hot in the summer. You can incorporate colour to blend into the vibrant city. Why not pick a few bits of clothing up from one of the souks while you’re there? As a general rule, be sure not to wear anything revealing.
What should you wear inside a mosque in Morocco?
While most mosques in Morocco are only accessible to Muslims, there are a few that you can visit as part of a tour at specific times of day. If you’re interested in visiting a mosque, the dress code for women is to have your shoulders, knees, and torso covered. If the dress code isn’t followed, you may not be able to enter.
What to wear in Marrakech as a man?
Men are much luckier than men when it comes to what to wear in Marrakech. There aren’t really any rules! It’s much more difficult to find what to wear in Marrakech as a men, but it’s much simpler. A cool shirt, shorts, Birkenstocks or Converse and sunglasses will do the job nicely. Dress for the heat and avoid anything too ‘out there’ that may attract attention. In the evening, linen trousers or chinos with closed shoes work well, as well as a jacket or blazer for the cooler weather. Make sure to pack a few jumpers if you’re visiting Marrakech in the cooler seasons. Comfy shoes are a must for all the walking you’ll do, too.
Helpful items to take with you to Marrakech
There are a few key items I always add to my packing list. Hopefully these will help you too:
- A secure day bag for storing essentials like your passport, cash, and cards. I love this Crossbody Bag from Amazon. As well as being really reasonably priced, I use it for most of my trips as it’s super convenient for storing your phone etc while exploring a city
- An underseat cabin bag. If you’re like me and love scoring a bargain on Ryanair or Easyjet, you’ll want one of these bags. I recently purchased one for travelling across the Balkans and it was genuinely a lifesaver. It packs in much more than you’d ever think, and is airline approved so you can save the pennies you’d splash out on taking a suitcase on cocktails at the hotel bar instead.
- Local currency – in Morocco, this is the Dirham. I usually take it out via my Monzo card at a local ATM and have some good to go in case it’s needed for cafes or taxis
- A Morocco plug adaptor. Morocco uses two different types of plug, C and E. This adaptor is a godsend – it’s compatible with most European countries so I keep it stored in my suitcase for every trip
- Medication and first aid. No one wants their trip to Marrakech ruined by sickness, so I usually keep a few key items packed. Paracetamol, suncream, plasters, mosquito repellant, diarrhoea medication, and rehydration sachets literally come with me everywhere
- A liquids bag for airport security. I take this bag every time as it’s airline approved – it saves so much time from emptying your liquids into those flimsy airport bags. In fact, I bought a few to give to my friends so it speeds up security for us all while travelling
- Luggage locks. Pickpockets are certainly something to be wary of in Marrakech, so I highly recommend adding luggage locks to your suitcases for peace of mind, especially if you’re travelling around Morocco
Hopefully this article answers what to wear in Marrakech, and the key things to pack with you. Marrakech is a wonderful city and you’ll have the best time exploring. I can’t wait to go back to Morocco! Are there any other tips you’d share? Let me know in the comments below.
