The best time for a yoga retreat in Morocco
By Charlotte Schoeters · · 5 min read
Spring, summer, autumn or winter: what the weather is like in Essaouira and Marrakech each season, and when we plan our retreats.
Morocco is a destination for almost every season, but the difference between the coast and the interior is big. What feels perfect in Essaouira can be far too hot in Marrakech. Here is what to expect each season.
The short answer
For a yoga retreat, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons: warm days, cool evenings and pleasant temperatures for practising outdoors. Essaouira stays mild all year thanks to the sea breeze; Marrakech is better avoided in high summer.
Spring: March to May
Spring is the season when everything comes together. In Marrakech the days are warm without being hot, the gardens are in bloom and there can still be snow on the peaks of the Atlas. In Essaouira the temperatures are mild and the light is beautiful. Ideal for two classes a day and long afternoons outside.
Summer: June to August
In Marrakech summer is hot: temperatures often climb above 35 °C, which makes long days outside tiring. Essaouira is the exception. Thanks to the sea breeze it stays pleasant there, around the low to mid twenties, though July and August can be very windy. The Atlantic stays fresh even in summer.
Autumn: September to November
After the summer heat, autumn is a second high season. In Marrakech the days are warm again but bearable, in Essaouira the wind drops and the evenings stay mild. A good time to end the year with a reset before winter sets in at home.
Winter: December to February
Winter in Morocco is milder than in Belgium or the Netherlands, but not tropical. During the day it is often pleasant and sunny, the evenings and nights are cool, especially in Marrakech. Pack a warm jumper for the evening and you have a quiet, sunny escape from the grey.
Keep Ramadan in mind
During Ramadan many Moroccans fast from sunrise to sunset. Daily life carries on, but restaurants and shops may keep different hours. The dates move forward by about eleven days each year, so check them when you book. On our retreats the food is prepared for the group, so it makes little difference to your week.
When we plan our retreats
- Autumn in Essaouira: From Strength to Stillness took place in October 2026
- Spring in Marrakech: the 4-Day Luxury Reset, 17 to 21 March 2027
- Late spring in Essaouira: Spring Detox, mid-May 2027
Would you rather go at another time with your own group? A custom retreat in our riad or villa can be planned in any season.