Weather when traveling in Morocco

Our club most often organizes complex tours in Morocco (climbing Toubkal + excursion program) in late February and early March. Therefore, this article will discuss only about this time of year and only about the weather in the areas we visit Morocco: in the High Atlas Mountains, in the desert, in Marrakech and on the ocean (Agadir and Essaouira). And the emphasis, first of all, is not on deceptive thermometer readings, but on real sensations and personal experience. Plus, tips for choosing the right clothes.

In the Atlas Mountains

By and large, on this trip to Morocco you will encounter with two climate zones or two seasons. There will be in the mountains winter, with snow and frost. And then, on the excursion program, you you will find yourself in a warm spring. It’s better to start with the most difficult thing, so first I’ll tell you about the weather in the Atlas Mountains and Toubkal:

Imlil

The village of Imlil (Emlil, Imlil) is located in a mountain valley at an altitude of 1800 meters. Accordingly, the temperature here is 5-10 degrees lower than in Marrakesh. If you look at the weather forecast, you get the impression that in Imlil in February it is much warmer than it actually is. By According to statistics, the average daily temperature in February in this village is about 20 degrees. But in practice (it feels) it’s much cooler here. There will be It’s better if you start to focus on +10...+15 during the day, and 0...+5 at night.

By the way, hotel where we are staying in Imlile, has no central heating. The maximum you can do count on an electric heater in your bedroom, and even that often does not work due to wiring problems. Therefore it's better tune in to the fact that the bedroom will be +10 and most of the free time (in the evening, after trekking) we will spend much more a warm dining room with a gas heater. Near it you can dry damp shoes, wet towel or hair. Most tourists in Imlil sleep in their sleeping bags, additionally covered by locals blankets.

It can easily snow or rain here, so all walks and acclimatization radials, you need to take waterproof jackets or raincoats. Cold winds in the mountains are also not uncommon.

Shelter Toubkal

The transition from Imlil to the Toubkal shelter (altitude 3200 m) takes place during the day and at good weather, in the sun, the temperature there is very comfortable - still the same +15 or even warmer (up to +25). You can safely walk in thermal underwear and light windbreaker The only noticeable difference with Imlil is that it is much denser snow cover The surrounding slopes are covered with traces of freerider skiers. B At the end of February, despite the abundance of sun, winter here does not even think of giving up.

However, as soon as the sun hides behind the high peaks surrounding the valley (and this happens long before the official sunset), as the air temperature falls sharply. To begin with, to zero. The snow melted in the sun begins to quickly freeze back.

At the same time, the shelter building, on the contrary, is warming up. During the day, it was cooler there than outside. But by evening the shelter is filled with people, fireplaces are lit in the dining room, numerous fireplaces are turned on in the kitchen burners. The air temperature is rising, but humidity is also rising along with it. The ventilation system in the building does not work well, the walls are not insulated and therefore excess moisture actively condenses on them (as well as on the floor, ceiling, windows and other cold surfaces). Ended up in the dorms at night The shelter is quite warm and damp. In a densely populated room, where there are two tiers Sleeps about 30 people, it could easily be +18. But there are also colder ones rooms where it will be +10 at night and woolen ones will come in very handy blankets that you can ask from the receptionist to cover yourself with sleeping bag

Climbing Toubkal

We leave for the assault two hours before dawn. The next two to three hours the temperature will be significantly below zero: from -7 to -15. If this happens wind, then you can safely add another 5 degrees of frost. In such conditions The fingers and toes freeze the most, even during active walking. Two pairs of socks don't help much and an insole with a chemical solution would be useful here or an electric heating pad. Hands also require additional insulation - tops (on top of regular gloves) or a couple more chemical heating pads. To keep your nose from freezing and cold the air does not burn your throat, you need to use a windproof mask or at least normal buff. At rare stops on windy sections of the trail to standard set of clothes (in which you came to the shelter) is added a down jacket and an extra layer of trousers. 

Most likely, on the way back from the top you will be pestered directly the opposite problem - it will be too hot. Layer by layer you will take off your clothes (this is where a backpack comes in handy, where all this can be fold) and still continue to sweat and melt. Be careful with the mountain sun - the ultraviolet here is crazy and all exposed skin You need to carefully apply protective cream every 3-4 hours. Snow literally shines in the sun and is impossible to walk without sunglasses. At the same time, it's worth get into the shadow for a second (from a rock or a random cloud), as you You understand that summer is still far away.

In order to find out the weather forecast on the tops of the mountains (not only Toubkal) I usually use the site mountain-forecast.com. Its peculiarity is that you can see the temperature not only on the top, but also at other heights. For example, for Toubkal there are available forecasts for elevations of 1500, 2500, 3500 and 4167 meters above sea level.

During the excursion part

After the ascent is over and we get into the minibus, a large Some of the camping things can be hidden. The weather will be much better later softer. But this does not mean at all that it will be possible to go to the one T-shirt. And here's what it's all about:

Sahara Desert

At the end of February, the desert is not yet stiflingly hot. Daytime temperature very pleasant - about 25 degrees Celsius, a lot of sun, light breeze. While we will ride camels and snowboards (from the dunes) perfect clothing will be shorts, a T-shirt, a sun cap and light sneakers or sandals (so that the sand can fall out on its own). But already at sunset (the very a beautiful moment in the desert!) It’s better to come slightly dressed up. How At the very least, take a fleece with you. However, from an aesthetic point of view, the most Some loose robes would be appropriate. Girls, definitely Bring a couple of “romantic” dresses and sundresses for this trip. Sunset in the dunes is a great occasion for a small photo shoot.

Immediately after sunset, the sand cools down very quickly and begins to feel cold on your feet. The air rushes after him. To stay warm after dinner, when the "cultural program" begins and the Berbers play drums several proven methods. First, you can drink some wine and start dancing (beating the drums, calling on the spirits, etc.). Secondly, you can sit right by the fire, stretch out your arms and legs towards it and pretend that your back is not cold. Well, it will be most reliable pre-warm yourself (warm socks, long trousers, fleece, windbreaker, hat), wrap yourself in your own sleeping bag or local woolen blanket, sit by the fire with wine and start dancing here:)

It's not hot in the tents at night either. The temperature inside differs little from temperatures outside, and it could be +5, or maybe colder. Alone there won't be enough blankets here. So when you leave the car, don’t be lazy - Take your sleeping bag with you on the camel!

Continent: Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou

Everything is simple here - during the day it’s +20, you can wear a T-shirt and trousers. At night +15, I need a fleece. Precipitation is rare, but mornings can be cold fogs.

If it gets cold at night, turn on the air conditioner to heat or get your sleeping bag.

Ocean: Agadir, Essaouira, Legzira

On the Atlantic coast it is warm but windy. And this wind can significantly change your temperature sensations. The same +25 may seem this is not a sufficient reason for you to take off your clothes and get into the water, if you are constantly blown by a powerful ocean breeze. Especially strong this is felt in Essaouira, where even during the day without a fleece or windbreaker you feel uncomfortable.

In Legzira the weather is a little more conducive to swimming. There is less wind on the shore you can sunbathe in peace. But there are high waves and they hit you painfully. feet with stones. You must climb into the water carefully, it is better to do it under supervision comrades.

Agadir is the most bathing resort in Morocco. The wind here is moderate, waves small, sandy beaches. However, the water could have been hotter.

In the Paradise Valley (canyon near Agadir) it is very warm, there is no wind, but the water is the river is even colder than the ocean.

The ocean has quite high air humidity, which is why the bed can seem (or be) raw. A trusty sleeping bag will also help you out here.

Kirill Yasko, March 4, 2019