Packing for Morocco is more nuanced than for many destinations. You need to balance comfort in heat, respect for local customs, practicality for medina cobblestones and desert sand, and the occasional cooler evening in the mountains. Here’s how to do it.
The Core Principle: Modesty in Medinas
In traditional medina areas and religious sites, covering shoulders and knees is both respectful and practically advisable — it significantly reduces unsolicited attention, particularly for women travelling alone. This doesn’t mean heavy clothing; a light linen shirt and loose trousers are perfectly comfortable even in summer heat.
What to Pack by Season
Spring and Autumn (Oct–Nov, Mar–May): Light layers work best. Days reach 22–28°C; evenings cool quickly, especially at altitude. A light jacket for evenings in Chefchaouen or Fès is essential. Summer (Jun–Aug): Loose, breathable fabrics only. Linen and cotton are ideal. Avoid synthetics. Winter (Dec–Feb): Warm layers for the desert — Sahara nights drop to near freezing. A proper warm layer is non-negotiable.
Shoes Matter Enormously
Morocco’s medinas are paved with uneven cobblestones. Flip-flops are a recipe for a twisted ankle. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals with proper straps are essential. For the Sahara, closed shoes (trainers or hiking shoes) protect feet from hot sand and scorpions.
The Moroccan Accessory You Need
A lightweight scarf or shawl is the single most useful item you can pack. It functions as sun protection, modesty cover in mosques and medinas, warmth on cool evenings, a beach wrap and a camel-trek dust barrier. Buy a beautiful Moroccan one when you arrive — they’re available everywhere for 50–100 MAD.
What to Buy There
Leave room in your luggage. Morocco’s leather babouche slippers, handwoven blankets, argan beauty products and silver jewellery are among the world’s best craft souvenirs — and far cheaper bought in Morocco than anywhere else.
