When And Where To Go

There are mountains, cities, beaches and, of course, the Saharan desert in Morocco. You can pick one or do them all if you have the time.

- Chris Scott

BEST TIME TO GO

With a climate influenced by ocean, desert and mountains rising over 13,000 feet, Moroccan weather predictions are tricky, but avoid summertime (May to September). It just gets too hot down south where the best riding is, especially for any sort of lone off-roading. No responsible tour operator runs off-road tours beyond May, or road tours in mid-summer when most days in Ouarzazate hit 40°C. Some rental agencies won’t even supply certain models at this time due to vapour lock issues.

Conversely, mid-winter isn’t so bad, especially if you fly in and rent. Once over the 7000ft High Atlas road passes, things warm up, but days will be short and mornings chilly. That leaves autumn or spring: the Goldilocks period ideally suited to exploring Morocco on two wheels. Days aren’t too short, temperatures aren’t extreme and cloud-free autumn days can run on for weeks.

THRILLING ROUTES