Morocco’s climate is highly varied, shaped by its unique geography at the intersection of the Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea, and the vast Sahara Desert. The nation is situated in the northwest corner of Africa, exposed to both temperate northern air masses and tropical influences from the south. This diverse landscape, featuring coastlines, mountain ranges, and arid plains, creates distinct microclimates ranging from mild and wet to extremely hot and dry.
Geographic Features Shaping Moroccan Climate
The physical geography of Morocco provides the primary controls for its climatic diversity. The Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Mediterranean Sea to the north introduce a strong moderating influence. The cold Canary Current flows along the Atlantic coast, particularly affecting southern regions, lowering sea and air temperatures compared to inland areas. This cool current also promotes sea fog and increases humidity in the immediate coastal areas, even near the desert.
The Atlas Mountains, running from the northeast to the southwest, act as a significant climatic barrier. These ranges intercept moisture-laden air from the Atlantic, causing high rainfall on the western slopes. This creates a pronounced rain shadow effect to the east, responsible for the abrupt transition from the fertile northern regions to the arid landscapes of the southeast.
The proximity of the Sahara Desert to the south and southeast fundamentally dictates conditions in the interior. This landform is the source of hot, dry air masses that routinely push northward, leading to high temperatures and extremely low humidity east of the Atlas range. The Sahara’s influence causes the country’s climate to transition from temperate in the north to arid desert conditions in the south.
Climate Zones of Morocco
Morocco can be divided into four main climatic zones, each determined by its geographical position. The Coastal Zone, including cities like Casablanca and Rabat, features a Mediterranean climate with a strong oceanic influence. This area experiences mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, with average summer highs ranging from 22°C to 28°C due to the Atlantic’s moderating effect.
Moving inland to the Central Plains and Plateaus, the Interior/Continental Zone (Marrakesh and Fez) shows greater temperature extremes. Summers are significantly hotter, often exceeding 35°C, due to the absence of the ocean’s moderating effect. Winters are cold, with temperatures frequently dropping near or below freezing, and annual precipitation varies between 400 and 800 millimeters.
The Mountain/Alpine Zone encompasses the Atlas and Rif ranges, characterized by colder temperatures year-round. These high elevations receive substantial precipitation, with significant snowfall in winter, which is a crucial source for water resources. Even in summer, temperatures remain comfortable, averaging around 25°C, making them cooler retreats than the surrounding lowlands.
The Saharan/Arid Zone in the south and southeast is defined by extremely low annual rainfall, often less than 100 millimeters. This desert climate, seen in areas like Ouarzazate, is marked by intensely hot summers where temperatures can exceed 45°C. A wide diurnal temperature variation is typical, meaning hot days are often followed by cold nights, with winter lows near 0°C.
Seasonal Changes and Weather Extremes
Morocco experiences a clear annual weather cycle, with the majority of rainfall occurring between October and May, and a distinct dry period from June to September. Summer months are defined by heat and dryness across nearly the entire country, with inland cities often reaching maximum temperatures over 40°C. This period is prone to intense heat waves, which are becoming more frequent and severe, sometimes pushing coastal temperatures above seasonal norms.
The winter season brings mild conditions to the Atlantic coast, with average temperatures remaining between 8°C and 18°C. However, the mountains experience significant cold, with abundant snow and temperatures often falling below freezing. The shoulder seasons of spring and autumn generally offer the most stable and moderate weather, creating ideal conditions for travel.
A notable weather phenomenon is the Chergui (or Sharqi), a hot, dry, and dusty wind that blows from the Sahara Desert. This wind is a rain shadow effect, descending the leeward side of the Atlas Mountains as extremely hot air with relative humidity often below 15%. When the Chergui sweeps over the lowlands, it causes sudden temperature spikes, sometimes exceeding 40°C even in coastal cities, and significantly increases the risk of wildfires.