✅ Essentials Checklist
- Passport valid for 6+ months
- Travel insurance
- Conservative clothing for medinas and religious sites (shoulders and knees covered for both men and women)
- Sunscreen SPF50+ (UV is intense year-round)
- Insect repellent for desert camping
- Cash in Moroccan Dirham (MAD) — card acceptance is unreliable outside major hotels
- Comfortable walking shoes (medina streets are uneven cobblestones)
- Daypack for souks and day trips
- Reusable water bottle with filter (tap water not recommended)
- Headscarf for women (for mosques — not required everywhere but respectful)
- Power adapter (Type C/E)
👕 Clothing Checklist
- Lightweight but modest clothing — loose trousers and long sleeves for medina visits
- Swimwear for riad pools and beach resorts
- Comfortable flat shoes — heels are impossible on medina streets
- Warm layer for desert nights and Atlas Mountain trips (temperature drops sharply after sunset)
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Sandals for hot days
⭐ Nice to Have
- Dry bag or dust bag for Sahara camping (sand gets into everything)
- Scarf or pashmina (sun protection, mosque cover, cold nights)
- Small padlock for riad room
- Earplugs (medinas are noisy at night)
- Camera — Morocco is extraordinarily photogenic
- Small notebook for bargaining (writing down numbers avoids language barriers)
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets and rehydration sachets
Frequently Asked Questions
What should women wear in Morocco?
Morocco is more relaxed than many Muslim-majority countries but modest dress is strongly recommended, especially in medinas, rural areas and religious sites. Loose trousers or a maxi skirt with a top that covers the shoulders is practical and respectful. In tourist beach resorts, normal beach clothing is acceptable. Carrying a light scarf to cover up when needed is always useful.
Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Yes — Morocco is one of Africa's safest tourist destinations. The main issues are persistent touts and guides in major medinas (Marrakech, Fez) and occasional petty theft. Firm but polite refusals work well. Violent crime against tourists is rare. Solo female travellers should be aware of persistent unwanted attention in some cities.
What is the best time to visit Morocco?
March to May and September to November are the sweet spots — comfortable temperatures, lower crowds. Summer (June–August) is extremely hot inland (Marrakech regularly exceeds 40°C) but fine on the Atlantic coast. Winter is mild and good for the desert but cold in the mountains. Ramadan is a fascinating time to visit culturally but restaurant hours are reduced.