Travel for real
The climate and the seasons
Beaches or mountains: it is important to know what temperatures and weather conditions to expect at different times of the year.
Visiting in spring
Morocco offers the guaranty of excellent quality sunshine for most of the year. The spring is particularly warm and pleasant. In spring temperatures are around 23-26 °C in Agadir and Marrakech. The trees are in bloom and the mountain peaks still have snow on them… making for fantastic photos.
Visiting in summer
The hot summer temperatures are kept in check on the coast by the sea breeze. On the far side of the upper Atlas mountains, the south of the country experiences high temperatures (38 °C on average). Take advantage of the cool and the exquisite climate of the mountains in summer. For example, as in the Ifrane valley (at 1 650m altitude) with its pastures, woodlands and waterfalls. In Morocco, a suitable climate is never far away, no matter the season!
Visit in winter
The Atlantic and Mediterranean climate provides mild temperatures all year round on the coasts. On the uplands, winter is cold and damp. That is why you can go skiing in the mid-range Atlas mountains which are covered in snow, at the same time that others are swimming in Agadir!
Visit in fall/autumn
This is the season for rest: nights are longer and temperatures fall inland. The winter rains have not yet arrived and it is still pleasant to swim in the sea.
To remember
The temperate Moroccan climate makes it possible to enjoy the richness and diversity of the country all year round. Come and enjoy it!
Getting around
Morocco is well served by airline companies and has numerous airports. By boat is one solution, which is slower but more romantic.
Proximity and speed
In just a few hours, you are at the foot of the High Atlas mountains or at the seaside. Casablanca is only one hour's flight from Madrid, three hours from Milan and Paris and three hours 20 minutes from London. Marrakech is hardly any further: two hours from Madrid, three hours from Paris, four hours 45 minutes from London.
Come by plane
There are 15 airports so you can land as close as possible to your final destination: Agadir, Al Hoceima, Casablanca, Dakhla, Essaouira, Errachidia, Fez, Laâyoune, Marrakech, Nador, Ouarzazate, Oujda, Rabat-Salé, Tangier and Tétouan. Royal Air Maroc and European airlines run regular services and there are many charter flights for easy access to tourist destinations.
Travel by boat
The shortest journeys of course leave from Spain, run by Transmediterranea which provides daily links between Algesiras-Ceuta in 35 minutes and Algesiras-Tangier in two hours 30 minutes. Malaga has a link to the enclave of Melilla (8hrs) and Almería (10hrs). Two other operators, Euro Ferrys and FRS offer similar routes.
Cruise atmosphere
The Compagnie Marocaine de Navigation (Comanav) represented in France by the SNCM, links Sète to Tangier in 36 hours et Gênes to Tangier in 48 hours.
To remember
Come when you want. There will always be a plane or a boat, to being you very quickly to as close as possible to your Moroccan destination.
Money, exchanging currency and banks
The national currency in Morocco is the dirham. It cannot be converted outside the Kingdom's borders, so don't forget to exchange money or bring other means of payment.
Currency exchange
The importation and exportation of Moroccan currency is strictly forbidden. However there is no limit on the importation of foreign currency. On presentation of your exchange permit, you can exchange the international currency of your choice for dirhams.
Where can you change money?
There are bureaux de change in airports, certain hotels and most banks. Some counters require your passport for the transaction. Remember to change the dirhams you have left before leaving. You cannot do this for more than 50% of the amount exchanged for your vacation.
Advantage of credit/charge cards
Find out from your bank where you can withdraw cash with your credit/charge card. Banking establishments in large Moroccan cities are often equipped with ATMs. Exchange money as you need it. The vast majority of purchases or services are paid for in cash, after the usual negotiation…
To remember
Check the exchange rate for your currency and whether your bank is in the Moroccan banking network.
Passports, visas and embassies
Being in possession of a valid passport is compulsory. Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Embassies and consulates can direct you before and during your journey.
Documents
To avoid any misunderstandings during your stay in Morocco, check that you have a valid passport in your possession.
Visa
No visa is required for European Union nationals or those from Switzerland and Canada. For all nationalities, the maximum length of a tourist visit is 90 days.
Embassies and consulates
When preparing for your departure, note the contact details for your embassy and the regional consulates. You can renew your papers there in the event of loss and obtain all sorts of advice (health, safety, etc.). In general, all diplomatic offices have an emergency number to be called in emergencies. Most of the time an administrative department will be able to help you, even in the event of an emergency.
To remember
Check the validity of your passport and find out about your diplomatic contacts.
My travel Notes
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