August weather: the heart of summer
| Normal (1991-2020) | August in Marrakech |
|---|---|
| Average high | 37.4°C |
| Average low | 21.1°C |
| Rainfall | 5 mm, 1 rainy day |
| Sunshine | about 370 hours |
Sources: NOAA normals for the Marrakech-Menara station for temperatures and rain; sunshine from the weather-and-climate.com averages. A few isolated storms can break over the mountains, but fine weather is the rule. As in July, a spell of chergui, the hot Saharan wind, can push temperatures above 40°C for several days: cut back on outings between 11 am and 6 pm.
Crowds and prices in August
Medina riads remain among the most affordable of the year and discounts are common. Hotels with a large pool, on the other hand, are full during the school holidays. The return of Moroccans living abroad, welcomed by Operation Marhaba (until 15 September in 2026), and the Moroccan school holidays fill trains, buses and roads: book your trip to Essaouira in advance. Leisure spots such as Oasiria or the Ourika Valley are best avoided on weekends. To pick an air-conditioned place to stay, see where to stay in Marrakech.
Public holidays and dates to know in August
August has no major festival in Marrakech, but several national public holidays:
- 14 August: Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day.
- 20 August: Revolution of the King and the People.
- 21 August: Youth Day.
- Around 15 August 2027: Mawlid, the anniversary of the Prophet's birth, celebrated in mosques and zawiyas and with family. The date is confirmed the day before.
Banks and government offices close on these days; monuments and souks generally stay open, but traffic and trains are busy on long weekends. Our calendar of events in Marrakech lists all the dates of the year.
What to wear in August
- Loose, light-colored, lightweight clothes that cover shoulders and knees.
- A hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen.
- Breathable shoes, and pool sandals for the swimming pool.
- A scarf or thin shirt for entering places of worship and shading from the sun.
- A light jacket for evenings in the mountains or in Essaouira. See what to wear in Marrakech.
The best things to do in August
- A morning in the gardens: the Majorelle Garden opens at 8 am, and the guide to the gardens of Marrakech shows which are the shadiest.
- An afternoon in the water: Oasiria (300 DH per adult, open 10 am to 6 pm until early November) or a hotel pool with a day pass; see pools and day passes in Marrakech.
- An evening on the square: Jemaa el-Fna comes alive at sunset, around 8 pm.
- With kids: our guide Marrakech with children suggests activities suited to the heat.
Our guide to Marrakech in summer details the daily rhythm.
Cooler escapes
- Essaouira: about 190 km away, 3 hours by bus for 100 to 140 MAD one way, with average highs of 22.4°C in August. The wind blows hard: the beach suits walking and kitesurfing better than swimming. Book your tickets, buses often leave full.
- The Ourika Valley: waterfalls and riverside restaurants, about 60 km away; if a storm breaks over the mountain, move away from the riverbed.
- Oukaïmeden: alpine pastures above 2,600 m, for a cool walk.
- Lake Lalla Takerkoust: kayaking, paddleboarding and lunch facing the Atlas, about 45 minutes away.
To compare day outings, see day trips from Marrakech.
August in Marrakech at a glance
| Dates | Event | Place | Info |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 August | Oued Eddahab Allegiance Day (public holiday) | Whole city | Banks closed |
| Around 15 August 2027 | Mawlid (forecast date) | Mosques, zawiyas | Family celebration |
| 20 August | Revolution of the King and the People (public holiday) | Whole city | Banks closed |
| 21 August | Youth Day (public holiday) | Whole city | Banks closed |
| All month | Average 37.4°C, almost no rain | Whole city | Moderate riad prices |
Going further
August follows what to do in Marrakech in July and comes before what to do in Marrakech in September. To compare all the seasons, read our guide to the best time to visit Marrakech.
