World Guide

Morocco

Country · Africa, Northern Africa

Morocco
Photo: Subhros, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Morocco is located in Northern Africa, bordering Algeria, Spain, and Western Sahara. The capital is Rabat, and the country covers an area of 446,550 square kilometers with a population of about 38 million. It offers travelers a variety of landscapes ranging from mountain ranges to desert areas, alongside numerous historical sites.

Highlights

This guide covers 19 major sights across the country. In cities like Marrakech, Rabat, and Tangier, travelers can visit sites such as the Hassan II Mosque, the Royal Palace of Rabat, the Kasbah of the Udayas, and the American Legation. Historical and religious landmarks include Fes el Bali, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Mausoleum of Mohammed V, the Kutubiyya Mosque, and the Chellah. Cultural and natural destinations include the Atlas Mountains, the desert landscape of Erg Chebbi, the Caves of Hercules, and UNESCO sites like Aït Benhaddou, Volubilis, and the Menara Gardens.

Food and drink

Local cuisine includes Harira, Pastilla, Briouat, Sellou, Mrouzia, Taktouka, Zaazaa, Mahia, Qrashel, Ahriche, and Tfaya. Snails are also eaten.

When to go

The climate at the capital, Rabat, is generally mild. June through September are the warmest months, with daily highs ranging from 25 °C to 28 °C and very little rainfall. The cooler months of November, December, and January bring the most rain, with monthly precipitation totals between 73 mm and 91 mm.

Practical notes

The currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Official languages are Arabic and Standard Moroccan Tamazight. The country operates on UTC+01:00, and driving is on the right. Electrical outlets are type C and E, with a voltage of 127 V.

Cities

Food and drink to try in Morocco

  • Harira
  • Snails as food
  • Pastilla
  • Briouat
  • Sellou
  • Mrouzia
  • Taktouka
  • Zaazaa
  • Mahia
  • Qrashel
  • Ahriche
  • Tfaya

Top sights in Morocco

  1. Atlas MountainsAtlas Mountains
  2. Aït BenhaddouUNESCOAït BenhaddouAït-Benhaddou
  3. Hassan II MosqueHassan II MosqueCasablanca
  4. VolubilisUNESCOVolubilis
  5. Majorelle GardenMajorelle GardenMarrakech
  6. Kutubiyya MosqueKutubiyya MosqueMarrakech
  7. Jemaa el-FnaaJemaa el-FnaaMarrakech
  8. Bahia PalaceBahia PalaceMarrakech
  9. Royal Palace of FezRoyal Palace of FezFez
  10. Kasbah of the UdayasKasbah of the UdayasRabat
  11. Ben Youssef MadrasaBen Youssef MadrasaMarrakech
  12. Royal Palace of RabatRoyal Palace of RabatRabat
  1. Mausoleum of Mohammed V · Rabat
  2. Chellah · Rabat
  3. Caves of Hercules · Tangier
  4. Erg Chebbi
  5. American Legation, Tangier · Tangier
  6. Fes el Bali · FezUNESCO
  7. Heri es-Swani · Meknes
  8. Menara Gardens · MarrakechUNESCO
  9. Bou Inania Madrasa · Fez
  10. Al-Attarine Madrasa · Fez
  11. Grand Mosque of Tangier · Tangier
  12. Zawiya of Moulay Idris II · Fez
  13. Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail · Meknes
  14. Qara Prison · Meknes
  15. Mahkamat al-Pasha · Casablanca

UNESCO sites in Morocco →

Weather by month

The warmest month is August, with an average high of 28 °C. The wettest is December, with about 91 mm of rain.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C161719202225272826242018
Average low, °C101112131518202020171412
Rainfall, mm736247412051213438691
Rainy days879540112777

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Rabat (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

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