TRAVELING IN MOROCCO, WHAT TO PACK? Every time we go on vacation, we are always in doubt about what to wear, in addition to the equipment and appropriate clothing for riding our motorcycle. To make this decision if your destination is Morocco, you will need to consider not only the wide range of temperatures you may encounter in each season but also the cultural aspect. Let’s delve into this topic together.
TRAVELING IN MOROCCO, WHAT TO PACK?
HOW TO DRESS IN MOROCCO
The Muslim religion is the most widespread in Morocco and clearly marks a difference in the way of dressing, especially in the female gender. As tourists, it is not necessary to dress in specific Muslim garments; what we have at home will surely suffice, but it is advisable to avoid being too flashy or libertine so as not to attract disapproving looks and help create a welcoming atmosphere.
The Moroccan people are accustomed to contact with the West and are quite open-minded, but it should be noted that some rural villages have a more closed mindset, and there are places like the “mosque” that are considered sacred, so it is respectful to wear long pants and not present oneself with bare arms. In more rural areas, we may find many people dressed in traditional long attire, and some even wearing the “hiyab”, the famous turban that covers the head, while in larger cities like Marrakech, Rabat, or Tangier, we can find a mix of styles, from the most Western to super traditional, and even those who blend the two, dressing in more Western clothes with a hiyab on their heads.
Western clothing is not excluded; we just recommend considering that it might attract attention or make you feel center of attention, so it is useful to consider the place you are visiting to choose your outfit. An important time to be more modest is during Ramadan; in fact, this period is not only a time of fasting but also a time of purification from impure thoughts, so it is advisable to be discreet and dress soberly to avoid causing discomfort among locals.
SEASONS AND DIFFERENT CLIMATES
A fundamental aspect to consider when deciding what to pack is when you want to go. The temperature difference between winter and summer is significant, as well as the temperature difference between one region and another in Morocco. Therefore, identifying exactly where you want to go and at what time of year is the first step in making good decisions.
The months of June, July, and August are the hottest months, with high temperatures, so it’s best to prefer coastal areas and bring a good swimsuit or if you’re heading to the city, consider wearing light clothing but with long sleeves to avoid direct sun exposure for many hours and getting sunburned. Remember that we are in North Africa, where the sun’s rays may be much stronger than in your place of origin. Some accessories could also be very useful; such as sunglasses, hats, or you could consider, if visiting desert areas, buying a turban to protect yourself from the sunlight, which could also be a great souvenir.
During the autumn months, the temperature slightly decreases. However, the sun is still strong, so don’t forget sun protection to avoid sunburns, as well as a jacket in case it’s windy. During winter, it is necessary to wear heavier clothing because even though it may reach 20 degrees during the day, the sea breeze is cool, and the temperature difference between day and night is sharp, which most tourists find surprising. Also, it should be noted that in areas like the Atlas mountain range, there may even be snowfalls; so if you plan on crossing it, don’t forget a good insulating jacket. Rain is also not uncommon during winter, so if you want to be 100% prepared, bring an umbrella.