What to Wear in Morocco
One of the most common questions travelers ask before visiting Morocco is what to wear in Morocco. Morocco is a diverse country with a mix of modern cities, traditional villages, desert landscapes, mountains, and coastal towns, and understanding how to dress appropriately will help you feel comfortable, respectful, and confident during your trip. While Morocco is used to tourists, it is still a culturally conservative country, so clothing choices matter especially outside resorts and major hotels.
In general, Morocco does not have a strict dress code for tourists, but modest clothing is highly recommended. This applies to both men and women. Dressing respectfully helps avoid unwanted attention and shows appreciation for local culture. In cities like Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, and Agadir, clothing rules are more relaxed, but in medinas, rural areas, and religious sites, modest dress is important.
What Women Should Wear in Morocco
Women traveling to Morocco should focus on comfort, modesty, and practicality. Loose-fitting clothes are ideal for the warm climate and cultural norms. Long dresses, maxi skirts, linen pants, wide-leg trousers, and lightweight long-sleeve tops are perfect choices. T-shirts are fine, but it’s better if they cover the shoulders. Shorts are acceptable in tourist areas, but they should be knee-length rather than very short.A scarf is essential for women traveling in Morocco. It can be used to cover shoulders, protect from the sun, or cover the head when visiting mosques or conservative areas. In beach destinations like Essaouira or Agadir, women can dress more casually, but it’s still respectful to cover up when walking through town.
Swimwear is acceptable at hotel pools, riads, and beaches, but it should not be worn in city streets or medinas. After the beach, it’s best to change into regular clothes.
What Men Should Wear in Morocco
Men should also dress modestly. Lightweight trousers, chinos, jeans, and breathable shirts or T-shirts are ideal. Shorts are acceptable in tourist areas and coastal towns, but very short shorts are not recommended, especially in traditional neighborhoods or villages. Sleeveless shirts are best avoided in cities and religious areas, Comfortable walking shoes are important, as Moroccan cities involve a lot of walking, especially in medinas with uneven streets.
What to Wear in Morocco by Season
Morocco’s climate varies depending on the season and region.
In summer (June to August), temperatures can be very high, especially in Marrakech and the Sahara Desert. Light, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen are essential. Long sleeves and loose pants actually help protect from the sun. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are must-haves.
In spring and autumn, the weather is pleasant, and layered clothing works best. Bring light jackets or cardigans for cooler evenings.
In winter (December to February), days can be mild, but nights can be cold, especially in the desert and Atlas Mountains. Warm layers, sweaters, jackets, and closed shoes are necessary. Desert nights can be surprisingly cold, so packing warm clothing is essential.
What to Wear in the Sahara Desert
For desert tours, comfort and protection are key. Long pants, long-sleeve shirts, closed shoes or trainers, sunglasses, and a scarf are ideal. Evenings in the desert can be cold, so warm layers are important. Many desert camps provide traditional scarves, but bringing your own is recommended.
What to Wear in Mosques and Religious Sites
When visiting mosques or religious places, both men and women should dress conservatively. Women should cover shoulders, arms, and legs, and may need to cover their hair. Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Some mosques are not open to non-Muslims, but respectful dress is always appreciated.
What NOT to Wear in Morocco
It’s best to avoid very short shorts, mini skirts, low-cut tops, crop tops, and transparent clothing. Wearing revealing outfits may attract unwanted attention and make you uncomfortable. Clothing with offensive symbols or slogans should also be avoided.
Final Tips on Dressing in Morocco
Morocco is welcoming and used to tourists, but dressing respectfully makes your experience more enjoyable. Modest, breathable, and comfortable clothing will help you blend in, stay cool, and feel confident whether you are exploring Marrakech’s medina, walking along the beaches of Essaouira, hiking the Atlas Mountains, or spending a night in the Sahara Desert.
In summary, what to wear in Morocco comes down to balance—respect local culture while staying comfortable. With the right clothing choices, your trip to Morocco will be smooth, respectful, and unforgettable.
