Marrakech in October: The Ultimate Guide

Nestled at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a captivating Moroccan city offering a subtle blend of tradition and modernity. Founded in the 11th century, the city invites visitors to fully immerse themselves in Moroccan culture, discover its delicious cuisine, and experience the incredible hospitality of its people.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan a perfect trip to Marrakech in October – from climate and culinary delights to activities and budget tips.

 

Key Takeaways:

• Founded in the 11th century at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech enchants visitors with its unique mix of Moroccan traditions, historic architecture and contemporary energy.

• October offers ideal weather, with sunny days reaching 27–30 °C, cooler evenings, and very little rain – perfect for exploring the city.

• The local cuisine is a feast of flavours: tajine, couscous, pastilla, tangia, msemen, mechoui and pastries, served in eateries ranging from simple street stalls to refined restaurants.

• Must-see sights include the Marrakech Museum, the Museum of Moroccan Elegance and the famous Jardin Majorelle, a colourful botanical gem.

• For a week’s stay, plan a budget of around 7,500 to 12,500 MAD, depending on comfort level and activities, and remember to carry some cash for everyday expenses.

 

October is one of the most pleasant months to visit Marrakech. Daytime temperatures hover around 27–30 °C at the start of the month and gradually dip as November approaches. Mornings and evenings are cooler, typically between 14 and 20 °C. Rain is rare, with an average of only five rainy days in the month.

Expect plenty of sunshine throughout your stay. Be sure to pack sun cream, sunglasses and a hat.
Light clothing such as T-shirts, lightweight trousers and shorts will keep you comfortable during the day, while a light jumper or jacket is recommended for the cooler evenings, especially if you plan to stay out late.

Moroccan cuisine is wonderfully rich and varied, and Marrakech offers countless opportunities to sample its many delights.

• Tajine – An absolute must-try, this emblematic dish is slow-cooked in a traditional earthenware pot and may feature chicken, lamb or beef with vegetables, dried fruit, preserved lemons, olives and aromatic spices.

• Couscous – Of Berber origin, this classic can be prepared with a variety of meats or enjoyed in a vegetarian version with vegetables and chickpeas.

• Pastilla (Bastilla) – A sweet-savory pie traditionally filled with pigeon or chicken, almonds, eggs and spices, finished with a dusting of icing sugar and cinnamon.

• Tangia – A true Marrakshi speciality: meat (usually lamb) slow-cooked with preserved lemon and spices in a clay jar buried in a neighbourhood oven for several hours.

• Msemen – A thick Moroccan pancake, served sweet or savoury, often enjoyed at breakfast or as a snack during the day.

• Mechoui – Whole lamb roasted slowly, ideal for sharing and served in specialist restaurants.

• Pastries & Mint Tea – Morocco is famous for its sweet treats such as gazelle horns, chebakia, briouates and makrout. Pair them with a traditional mint tea for the quintessential Moroccan experience.

Recommended Restaurants

• Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha – Known for authentic dishes like mechoui at reasonable prices, with a lively, local atmosphere. Two locations: near Jemaa el-Fna and in Guéliz.

• La Table de Marrakech – Offers quality Moroccan dishes at very fair prices, conveniently located near the medina and featuring a pleasant terrace.

• Les Terrasses de Jemaa el Fna – Combines Moroccan and Mediterranean flavours with a rooftop setting that offers stunning evening views of Jemaa el-Fna Square.

• Dar Yacout – One of Marrakech’s most iconic dining experiences. Set in a sumptuous traditional riad, it serves a unique multi-course menu of classic dishes accompanied by music and an enchanting atmosphere. Prices are higher, but the experience is well worth it.

Marrakech is home to a wealth of museums where you can delve deeper into the city’s fascinating history and culture.

The Marrakech Museum, housed in the Dar Menebhi Palace, is one of the most beautiful in the city centre. Its collection includes ceramics, carpets, weapons, ethnographic objects and traditional furniture. The palace itself is well worth a visit, with its elegant courtyard, patios and magnificent chandeliers.

The Museum of Moroccan Elegance offers an insight into the history of clothing in Morocco. Here you’ll find a rich display of traditional costumes and antique garments – an unmissable stop for anyone interested in fashion and textiles.

No trip to Marrakech would be complete without a visit to the Jardin Majorelle. Created in the 1920s by the French painter and passionate botanist Jacques Majorelle, the garden surrounds a Moorish-style Art Deco villa painted in the now-iconic deep cobalt hue known as “Majorelle blue”. Rescued from ruin in 1980 by Yves Saint Laurent, the garden now showcases an extraordinary botanical collection of more than 300 plant species from five continents.

The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). While some establishments accept card payments, carrying cash is essential during your stay.

Here’s a rough guide to help you plan your expenses for a week in Marrakech:

• Accommodation: From budget hostels and charming riads to luxury hotels, Marrakech offers options for every traveller. Expect to spend around 5,000–7,000 MAD for a week in good mid-range accommodation.

• Local Transport: Taxis within the city, airport transfers, local buses and occasional day trips will likely cost around 500–1,500 MAD in total.

• Food & Dining: Street food is both popular and affordable. Combining simple local eateries with one or two meals in more upscale restaurants, budget around 1,200–2,300 MAD for the week.

• Sightseeing & Activities: Costs vary depending on your plans. For a few museum visits and a traditional hammam, expect 600–800 MAD. If you add an excursion to the Atlas Mountains or a Moroccan cooking class, plan for around 1,300–1,600 MAD.

In total, a week-long trip to Marrakech will generally range between 7,500 and 12,500 MAD, depending on your comfort level and the activities you choose.

For the best exchange rates and minimal fees, consider converting your currency before departure. This will help you make the most of your budget and enjoy your stay to the fullest.