What to Wear in Morocco: Dress Code, Seasons and the Sahara

The simple rule: cover shoulders and knees

There is no law against shorts or sleeveless tops for tourists, and in resort areas and in the big hotels you will see a wide range of dress. Away from those places, especially in medinas, villages and the countryside, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees is the respectful default and tends to bring less unwanted attention. This applies to men as well as women.

Fabrics and fit

Light, loose cotton or linen works in most of the year, because it covers you and stays cool. Avoid anything you would not want to get dusty or stained, since souks and desert tracks are not clean. A thin scarf is the most useful single item: it shades your neck, covers your hair or shoulders when you want to, and keeps dust and sand out of your face.

Mosques and religious sites

Most mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the well-known exception, with guided visits for visitors, and there you should dress modestly. Even at places you can only view from outside, such as a medina's main mosque, dressing modestly is a sign of respect.

Shoes

Medina lanes are cobbled, uneven and often wet, so flat, closed, comfortable shoes beat sandals for long days. Walking shoes also help on the kasbah steps at Aït Ben Haddou. Bring something you can slip off easily for riads and for the desert camp, where sand gets everywhere.

By season and by place

• Summer in Marrakech and the south: very light, loose layers, a hat and sunglasses.
• Spring and autumn: light clothes by day, a warm layer for evenings.
• Winter: cold nights in the Atlas and the desert; see Morocco in winter.
• The Sahara at night: a fleece or jacket, even after a hot day; the full list is in what to pack for a Sahara tour.

If you travel alone or in a small group and want advice for your dates, message us and we will tell you what to bring.