RAK Temperature | 12 - 28 °C |
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If weather is an important factor for your trip to Marrakech, use this chart to help with planning. For those seeking warmer temperatures, July is the ideal time of year to visit, when temperatures reach an average of 28.0 C. Travelers hoping to avoid the cold should look outside of January, when temperatures are typically at their lowest (around 12.0 C).
The popularMoroccan city of Marrakech, set against a backdrop of mountains and filled with the sights and sounds of centuries past, is full of drama, excitement and a little mystery.
Often referred to as the “The Rose City,” or “The Jewel of the South,” Marrakech is a country built on symbolism. The jewel symbolizes Marrakech’s importance as Morocco’s trading place. The rose references the city’s pink-painted buildings and landscape. With Berber, Arab, and African influence present in Marrakech, it’s no wonder the country is known as the heartbeat of Morocco.
Saving money on acheap flight to Marrakech with one of the low-cost airlines that now fly to the city allows travelers to spend extra cash in the many souks. Start in the old city and let your nose guide you. The scents and aromas that fill the air will lead you through open shops and markets throughout the city. Watch the human spectacle take place at the famous Djemaa el-Fna square, perhaps the greatest open-air market in the world, where businessmen walk alongside magicians and snake charmers perform. Tour the historic monuments and mosques before resting while watching the colourful Moroccan sunset.
Marrakech is very hot in summer with 37-degree (Celsius) days in July made even hotter by the chergui, a desert wind. Ocean winds often keep the temperature in the high 20s in August. The heat is so intense that it is best to plan your excursions for early morning and return to your hotel by midday, then head out again in early evening.Winter is from November to March and the average daytime temperature is 21 degrees. Even though the rainy season, the annual rainfall is about 23cm (9 inches), and there are usually only six or eight rainy days a month.
After your Marrakech flight arrives, you’ll want to take a cab into the city’s centre. There are two kinds of taxis in Marrakech: Grands and Petits. Grands taxis use set fares based on the route and can be found waiting outside the airport terminals. Petit taxis have metered rates and are all beige-coloured. They can accommodate up to three people, plus luggage. At night, make sure you negotiate your fare before departing, as rates tend to shoot up.
If you’re walking through the city, an easy way to keep your bearings is by noting the names and sizes of the streets. Streets in the Medina are narrow and Arabic-named, while Gueliz streets are French and wide enough for two cars. The nearby parks are easily navigated with available maps, though you can hire an available guide if you’d prefer.
For longer travels, the public bus system is a great way to get around. It’s safe, inexpensive and runs on a regular schedule from dawn to dusk. Night buses continue to run after dark on the most popular routes. Buses will be very crowded during rush hour, so keep calm and go with the flow. The City Sightseeing Bus also offers multilingual tours in English, French, Italian and Japanese on red, double-decker buses. Embrace the tourist in you and hop on or off at the designated spots to explore many of the city’s sites. If you prefer to be your own tour guide, you can rent a bike to enjoy the Marrakech scenery.
Avoid renting a car though, as many of the streets are unmarked, one-way and difficult to get around.