What to wear in Morocco

With extreme heat, snow-capped mountains and a conservative religious culture, there’s one word you should keep in mind for dressing in Morocco – layers.The heat in Morocco can be oppressive, with temperatures often cracking the 30°C mark by May and climbing up to 40°C in July and August. While linen and cotton are good options for the heat, cotton does not dry well in high humidity. Athletic wear designed to absorb sweat and stay dry is a better option for humid days. Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate attire in Morocco.

Evenings can be cooler than you might expect in late spring, autumn and winter. Be sure to pack a jacket or fleece for chillier evenings if you plan to travel during these periods.

Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential for travel in Morocco, even if you don’t plan to do any hiking. Paths can be uneven, dusty and covered in debris, so worn-in walking shoes with good grip are recommended. If you are heading into the High Atlas Mountains, keep in mind it can get quite cool in the evenings (even in spring and autumn). Packing a light fleece or jacket suitable for temperatures of around 10°C is a good idea.

What should female travellers wear in Morocco?

While female travelers aren’t expected to dress as conservatively as local women, it’s still a good idea to pack clothing options that will allow you to cover up.In the main cities you can get away with wearing pants or a skirt that reaches below the knee, and a short-sleeved t-shirt. The looser these are, the better, as they will serve you best in the heat of Morocco – plus, form-fitting clothing can be just as poorly received as exposed skin in certain areas. Packing a couple of tunics and long-sleeved shirts is also a good idea for easy layering in more conservative or rural areas.

When visiting mosques, female travellers should wear clothing that covers from ankle to elbow, as well as covering décolletage. It’s also important to cover your hair with a scarf. Don’t worry if it’s not expertly wrapped – a few stray strands hanging out from beneath the scarf won’t bother anyone. Visibly making an effort is what counts in this case.

While navigating a different dress code can feel like a minefield as a female traveler, keep in mind that Moroccans are used to foreigners and are generally forgiving of their fashion faux pas. The most important thing to remember is to dress in a way that enables you to feel comfortable while travelling so you can focus on soaking up the culture and not holding your hemline.

Packing list for Morocco

• Loose, breathable clothing that covers your knees and shoulders
• Athletic wear that covers knees and shoulders
• Bathing suit
• Scarves to cover hair and/or shoulders
• Light jacket or fleece if travelling outside of summer or to the High Atlas Mountains
• Sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes