Wondering what to wear in Morocco? Here is the secret: the clothes that respect local culture are also the ones that work best in the climate. Loose, light fabrics that cover your shoulders and knees protect you from strong sun, dust and stares, all at once. Morocco is a Muslim country, but it is relaxed about visitors. Nobody expects you to wear a djellaba. Dress a bit more modestly than you would on a Saturday in Montego Bay or San Juan and you will fit right in.
The golden rules
- Shoulders and knees covered in medinas, villages and religious sites.
- Loose rather than tight. Flowing trousers, midi or maxi skirts, linen shirts.
- Natural fabrics such as cotton and linen breathe best in the heat.
- Layers rather than one heavy item. Temperatures can swing 30°F between noon and midnight.
- Comfortable closed shoes. Medina alleys are uneven, dusty and sometimes wet.
What to wear in Morocco as a woman
Women have the most questions, so let’s be clear: you do not need a headscarf, and you will see Moroccan women in everything from jeans to full djellabas. Modesty is about reducing unwanted attention and showing respect, not about strict rules.
Good choices
- Wide-leg linen trousers, palazzo pants or loose jeans
- Midi and maxi skirts or dresses (add a light cardigan if sleeveless)
- T-shirts and blouses with sleeves, not too low-cut
- A large scarf or pashmina. It is a shoulder cover, sun shield, mosque headscarf and desert dust mask in one
- A kimono or long open shirt to throw over a tank top
Best left for the pool or the beach
- Short shorts, mini skirts and crop tops
- Strapless or spaghetti-strap tops without a cover-up
- Very sheer fabrics
In upscale areas of Marrakech, Casablanca and Rabat, you will see more fashionable, westernized outfits, and nobody will blink at a knee-length dress at a rooftop bar. In the old medinas of Fes, in small Atlas villages and in the desert towns, dress more conservatively. For more on handling attention, see our guide on whether Morocco is safe for women.
What to wear in Morocco as a man
Men have it easier, but a few points help. Long trousers or chinos are standard in cities. Knee-length shorts are acceptable in tourist areas and on tour days, but you will notice that Moroccan men rarely wear them outside the beach. Avoid tank tops in the medina. Pack T-shirts, a couple of light long-sleeve shirts for sun protection and one smarter outfit for a nice dinner or a riad evening.
What to wear by season
| Season | Daytime (inland) | Night / desert | Pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Warm, 70s–80s °F | Cool, 40s–50s °F | Light layers, a fleece, a light rain jacket for the north |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Hot, 95–110°F | Warm, 70s °F | Linen, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a scarf for sun and sand |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | Warm, 75–90°F | Cool, 50s °F | Light layers, a fleece, comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Mild, 60s °F | Cold, near 32°F | A warm jacket, a hat, gloves, thermals for the desert |
A note for Caribbean travelers: your sense of “cool weather” will be tested. A sunny January day in Marrakech feels lovely, but riads are built to stay cool and can feel chilly indoors at night. Bring cozy socks and something warm to sleep in. More on timing in our guide to the best time to visit Morocco.
Sahara desert packing list
Most of our multi-day tours include a night in a desert camp at Erg Chebbi, near Merzouga. You ride a camel in at sunset and out (or watch the sunrise) in the morning. Pack a small overnight bag, because your main luggage usually stays in the vehicle.
- A warm layer: a fleece or down jacket from October to April, plus a hat in winter
- A scarf or buff to wrap around your head and face against wind and sand. You can also buy a Berber cheche in Merzouga, and your guide will show you how to tie it
- Comfortable long trousers for the camel ride. Leggings or soft trousers beat jeans
- Closed shoes or sturdy sandals. Sand gets hot at midday and cold at night
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- A headlamp or a phone flashlight for the walk to the bathroom tent
- Wet wipes, a small toiletry kit and any medication
- A power bank. Many camps have limited charging
- A reusable water bottle
Our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour and the 3-day Fes to Marrakech desert route both include the camel trek and camp night. Bring the list above and you are set.
Visiting mosques and religious sites
Most mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims. The big exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, open for guided visits. For the visit:
- Women: cover arms and legs, and bring a scarf to cover your hair
- Men: long trousers and sleeves
- Everyone: shoes come off inside, so wear socks you are happy to show
You can include the visit on our Casablanca day tour. The same modest dress code is wise for shrines and zaouias, and for medersas such as Ben Youssef in Marrakech and Bou Inania in Fes.
Beaches, pools and hammams
- Hotel and riad pools: regular swimwear is fine.
- Beaches in Essaouira, Agadir and Taghazout: swimsuits are fine on the sand. Cover up when you walk into town. Topless sunbathing is not acceptable.
- Hammams: in traditional hammams, women usually keep their underwear bottoms on and men wear shorts or underwear. Spa hammams provide disposable underwear.
Shoes, bags and practical extras
Bring well-broken-in sneakers or walking sandals with good grip. Medina floors are polished stone that turns slippery when wet. A cross-body bag with a zip is safer than a backpack in crowded souks. Leave flashy jewelry at home. A crushable sun hat, a small umbrella in winter (north only) and a light rain jacket for Chefchaouen and Fes round out your bag.
A 7-day capsule packing list
Most of our guests travel with one medium suitcase per person, which fits easily in our vehicles. Here is a spring or fall capsule that covers cities, mountains and one desert night:
| Item | Women | Men |
|---|---|---|
| Bottoms | 2 wide-leg trousers, 1 maxi skirt, 1 pair of leggings | 2 chinos or light trousers, 1 pair of knee-length shorts |
| Tops | 4 T-shirts or blouses with sleeves, 1 long-sleeve shirt | 4 T-shirts, 2 light long-sleeve shirts |
| Layers | 1 cardigan or kimono, 1 fleece or packable down jacket | 1 fleece or packable down jacket |
| Dress-up | 1 midi or maxi dress for dinners and photos | 1 collared shirt |
| Shoes | Walking sneakers, sandals with straps | Walking sneakers, sandals |
| Accessories | Large scarf, sun hat, sunglasses, cross-body bag | Cap or hat, sunglasses, buff |
In winter, swap the shorts for thermals and add a warm hat and gloves. In summer, drop the fleece for a light long-sleeve layer and add a second hat.
Dressing for photos, honeymoons and special evenings
Morocco is ridiculously photogenic, and many couples plan outfits for the blue streets of Chefchaouen, the dunes at sunset or a rooftop dinner in Marrakech. Flowing dresses in bold colors (red, mustard and white look stunning against the orange sand), and linen shirts for men, photograph beautifully and stay respectful. Keep the more revealing looks for private spaces, such as your riad terrace or a luxury camp. Couples should also keep public affection low-key in towns. Planning something romantic? See our honeymoon trips in Morocco.
Traveling with kids? Children can dress as they would on any summer vacation, though teenagers will be more comfortable following the adult guidelines. Pack hats and sunscreen for everyone.
Buying clothes in Morocco
Forgot something? The souks sell everything you need, often at good prices after a little friendly haggling. Many travelers buy a light cotton djellaba or a kaftan to wear in the riad, linen trousers, a leather bag, and babouches (soft leather slippers) to wear indoors. Moroccans appreciate it when visitors wear local styles respectfully.
Packed and ready? Plan the rest of your trip with our Morocco travel guide, or let us design a tailor-made route around your dates and style.
Frequently asked questions
Do women have to cover their hair in Morocco?
No. A headscarf is only required inside mosques, such as during a visit to the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Bring a scarf anyway, since it is useful for sun and sand.
Can I wear shorts in Morocco?
Men can wear knee-length shorts in tourist areas. Women are more comfortable in long trousers or skirts in cities and villages. Short shorts are best kept for the pool.
Can I wear leggings in Morocco?
Yes, ideally with a long top or tunic that covers your hips. Leggings are great for the camel ride.
What should I wear in the Sahara desert?
Loose long trousers, a long-sleeved top, a scarf for wind and sand, sunglasses, and a warm jacket for the night, especially from October to April.
Is it OK to wear a bikini in Morocco?
Yes, at hotel pools, riad plunge pools and beaches. Cover up when you leave the beach or pool area.
