What to wear in Morocco

Home to the stunning Atlas Mountains, Morocco is an enchanting Muslim country that is drenched in rich, interesting heritage. From its iconic architecture to its breathtaking natural beauty, Morocco is a desired holiday destination for many. The creator of couscous and delicious tagines, Morocco, with its unique flavour and culture, is a North African haven that shouldn’t be missed. However, If you’re planning on visiting this bucket list destination or have already booked, you need to start thinking about what to take wear whilst you’re there. 

Need some help packing your Moroccan wardrobe? Goodtrip is here to help. We’ve pulled together an expert-led guide on what to wear during your trip. Let’s kit you out with some threads that will Moroccan your world… 

Be considerate 

Is Morocco's dress code strict, you ask? Well, there is no official dress code - local Moroccans have an extremely varied wardrobe and do not expect visitors to dress exactly how they do. As you travel through Morocco, the style does tend to differ. In high tourist areas, such as Marrakech or Casablanca, you’ll find that the locals are far more accepting of skin-showing garments, as opposed to the more rural areas in the countryside. Everything from skinny jeans and dresses to traditional jellabas fill the streets! 

However, for the majority of tourists holidaying in Morocco, we would suggest that you scale your wardrobe back a bit and keep it more on the conservative side. Even in the cities, it’s important to show respect - particularly in the more provincial areas.

What to wear during the warmer months 

During spring and summer, Morocco can get really hot, especially if you’re used to a British climate! With the summers average high temperatures ranging between 29ºC and 32ºC, it’s vital that you pack appropriate clothing - both for the heat and the culture. Finding a balance between covering up and staying cool can be difficult, but compromises can be made with light, breathable fabrics such as linen.

For example, for women we’d recommend avoiding revealing V-neck tops and opt for floaty, long sleeve dresses that cover your shoulders. Here are some other things to consider for your summer holiday wardrobe:

Scarves

Though it isn’t mandatory to wear a head scarf, we’d still suggest having one with you if you’re a woman - they’re incredibly versatile and handy to have. Not only can you use them to cover up your shoulders, but you can also use them as a blanket during the colder nights, a sun cover, or as a sarong to wear around the pool. If you forget to pack one, don’t stress - there’ll be a whole host of beautiful ones available in the local shops. 

Maxi dresses and skirts

Not only will a maxi length dress or skirt avoid any unwanted attention, they’ll also protect you from sun exposure - after all, tanning should be the last thing on your mind when on a tourist day out in Morocco. Though sleeveless dresses are acceptable if you have a scarf on hand, we would recommend avoiding thin spaghetti straps and halternecks. 

Breathable tops and trousers

When it comes to trousers, opt for wide-legged bottoms, such as culottes and genie pants. Hiking trousers and baggy jumpsuits could also work - as long as they’re easy to move in and not too thick in material. For your top half, we’d suggest light cotton long sleeve tops and t shirts. As with the dresses, we’d steer away from spaghetti straps and reveal necklines. 

A light jacket 

Even during the spring and summer months, it’s still a smart idea to bring a lightweight jacket with you - as there may be unexpected showers or chilly evenings. Make sure you go for something waterproof that isn’t too heavy! 

A sunhat

The rays can be really strong in Morocco during the warmer seasons, so pack a wide-rimmed sun hat with you to protect your face from skin damage and sun exposure. If you forget to bring one with you, you can always opt for one of the locally made ‘sheshia’ hats - these iconic hats are made from colorful  Moroccan reed and are sold all over the country. 

Shoes

Comfort is key - especially when it comes to footwear. As you’ll most likely be doing a lot of sightseeing and hiking, we’d suggest you pack a comfortable pair of walking shoes, as well as a decent pair of sandals. With all of the sand and dust around, closed-toe sandals and shoes are the best option. Don’t forget a pair of flip flops for the beach!

What to wear during the colder months 

Unlike the UK, the weather is still mild during autumn - with the odd chilly breeze and shower. However, in winter, in can be extremely damp and cold, especially when up in the mountains or along the coastline. Here are a few things we’d pop in your suitcase if you choose to visit Morocco during the colder months:

A warm hat 

A cosy knitted cap is perfect for the windier winter days in Morocco - it also won’t take up too much room in your suitcase! Pick a fun colour so that it adds something to your outfits and be sure to opt for a hat made from warm, insulating materials, such as wool. 

Jeans and trousers

Though they are definitely a no-go during the summer months, denim jeans make for a versatile wardrobe addition whilst travelling Morocco. Not only will they keep you warm, but they’ll also cover you up well for village visits and so on. If you opt for skinny jeans, just to be sure to wear a tunic or a longer top that covers up your backside. 

Layers

From long-sleeve tops to coats, it’s important to layer during the autumn and winter. If you feel too warm, you can simple take off a few layers or vice versa! Pack a few undershirts, some button up shirts, a few sweatshirts and a thick, warm coat. 

Shoes

When it comes to footwear, it’s vital that you take some waterproof treads with you - preferably hiking boots. You’ll need to keep your feet dry from the impromptu rain showers, as well as comfortable on hikes and trips out. 

What to pack…

We’re almost there! Now that you know exactly what garments and materials to kit your Moroccan wardrobe out with, it’s time to get your packing list of essentials penned down. Here’s a list of everything you’ll need to make your experience in Morocco one to remember: 

  • A secure backpack
  • Sunglasses
  • Leggings or joggers
  • Camera
  • Sun cream
  • A sunhat
  • A warm hat (if visiting during the winter)
  • Sweatshirts
  • Layers
  • A scarf 
  • Hiking boots/shoes
  • Flip flops
  • Sandals (closed-toe)

What to wear in Morocco - a summary…

Morocco is effortlessly beautiful and enchanting from every angle - all the way from the top of the Atlas mountains and down again. From camel rides to heart-racing hikes, there’s no shortage of sights to see and enjoy in this amazing part of the world. When it comes to what to wear, it’s all about finding a balance: between the weather and the culture. If you stay respectful and responsible with your wardrobe choices, there’s no reason for you not to have the trip of a lifetime. 

And if you are wondering when is a good time to travel to Morocco then have a read of our blog Best Time to visit Morocco.