September is the great reopening — the heat breaks, the desert becomes possible again, the crowds thin, and the country feels like it is coming back to life. Early September is still hot inland, but by the second half the dunes are back in play and the light turns golden. Along with October, it is the month I point most desert-bound travellers toward.
September weather across Morocco
| Region | Day | Night | The feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 33–36°C | 19°C | Hot early, easing late month |
| High Atlas | 23–27°C | 11°C | Beautiful, stable trekking |
| Sahara (Merzouga) | 36°C | 20°C | Reopening — great by late month |
| Coast (Essaouira) | 23°C | 18°C | Warm, calm, crowds gone |
What is on
September is harvest time in the countryside — dates ripening in the Tafilalt palm groves, the last figs, the fields turning gold. It is quiet on the big-festival front, and that is part of the charm: the summer crowds have gone home and the country feels unhurried and local again.
Crowds and prices
A sweet spot. The coast empties as European holidays end, prices drop back from their August peak, and the desert reopens without yet drawing the October rush. Book a few days ahead for the dunes and you will travel well for less.
Who September suits
Desert travellers (especially from mid-month), trekkers, and anyone who wants warm weather without the crowds or the peak prices. If you are heat-sensitive, favour the second half of the month for the interior and the Sahara.
The dunes are back — line up a route with the Marrakech to Merzouga guide and read the how in the complete Sahara guide.
Is September a good time for the Sahara?
By the second half of the month, excellent — the extreme heat has broken and Merzouga settles into warm days and mild nights, with far fewer people than October. Early September can still be hot, so lean late.
Is Morocco crowded in September?
Much less than the spring and October peaks. Summer visitors leave as their holidays end, so you get warm weather, reopening desert and thinner crowds — one of the year’s best-value combinations.
What is the weather like in Morocco in September?
Warm to hot inland early on, easing through the month; comfortable in the mountains and on the coast throughout. It is a transition month — late September feels like a gentler version of October.
For how September stacks up against the other eleven, see Morocco month by month.