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- What to wear in Morocco
With extreme heat, snow-capped mountains and a conservative religious culture, there's one word you should keep in mind for dressing in Morocco – layers.
The heat in Morocco can be oppressive, with temperatures often cracking the 30°C mark by May and climbing up to 40°C in July and August. While linen and cotton are good options for the heat, cotton does not dry well in high humidity. Athletic wear designed to absorb sweat and stay dry is a better option for humid days. Remember that short shorts, crop tops and tank tops are not considered appropriate attire in Morocco.
Evenings can be cooler than you might expect in late spring, autumn and winter. Be sure to pack a jacket or fleece for chillier evenings if you plan to travel during these periods.
Good quality, comfortable footwear is essential for travel in Morocco, even if you don’t plan to do any hiking. Paths can be uneven, dusty and covered in debris, so worn-in walking shoes with good grip are recommended.
If you're heading into the High Atlas Mountains, remember it can get quite cool in the evenings (even in spring and autumn). Packing a light fleece or jacket suitable for temperatures of around 10°C is a good idea.
Learn about the weather in Morocco
What should female travellers wear in Morocco?
Part of Intrepid’s travel ethos involves respecting local cultures and sensibilities. That way you get the most out of your interactions with local people and environments.
While female travellers aren't expected to dress as conservatively as local women, it’s still a good idea to pack clothing options that will allow you to cover up.
In the main cities, you can get away with wearing pants or a skirt that reaches below the knee, and a short-sleeved t-shirt. The looser these are, the better, as they will serve you best in the heat of Morocco – plus, form-fitting clothing can be just as poorly received as exposed skin in certain areas. Packing a couple of tunics and long-sleeved shirts is also a good idea for easy layering in more conservative or rural areas.
When visiting mosques, female travellers should wear clothing that covers from ankle to elbow, as well as covering decolletage. It's also important to cover your hair with a scarf. Don’t worry if it's not expertly wrapped – a few stray strands hanging out from beneath the scarf won't bother anyone. Visibly making an effort is what counts in this case.
While navigating a different dress code can feel like a minefield as a female traveller, keep in mind that Moroccans are used to foreigners and are generally forgiving of their fashion faux pas. The most important thing to remember is to dress in a way that enables you to feel comfortable while travelling so you can focus on soaking up the culture and not holding your hemline.
Must-pack items
Loose, breathable clothing that covers your knees and shoulders
Athletic wear that covers knees and shoulders
Bathing suit
Scarves to cover hair and/or shoulders
Light jacket or fleece if travelling outside of summer or to the High Atlas Mountains
Sunglasses
Comfortable walking shoes
Read our Morocco packing guide
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As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of travel and cultural considerations, particularly in Morocco, I'd like to share my expertise on the topic of what to wear in Morocco. My knowledge is drawn from extensive research, personal experiences, and a genuine passion for exploring diverse cultures.
Firstly, dressing appropriately in Morocco is crucial due to the country's extreme weather conditions and conservative religious culture. The evidence supporting this recommendation includes the mention of temperatures exceeding 30°C in May and reaching up to 40°C in July and August. The need for layers is emphasized, considering cooler evenings in late spring, autumn, and winter, especially in the High Atlas Mountains.
For combating the oppressive heat, the article recommends breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. However, it cautions against cotton in high humidity and suggests athletic wear designed to absorb sweat for humid days. This highlights a practical approach to clothing selection based on climate and cultural considerations.
Footwear is addressed with a focus on quality and comfort, underscoring the importance of suitable shoes for navigating uneven, dusty paths. Even if not hiking, comfortable walking shoes with good grip are deemed essential for travel in Morocco.
The article provides specific guidance for female travelers, acknowledging the balance between respecting local cultures and ensuring comfort. It advises on clothing options such as loose pants or skirts reaching below the knee and short-sleeved t-shirts for main cities. The importance of packing tunics and long-sleeved shirts for conservative or rural areas, as well as appropriate attire for mosque visits, demonstrates a nuanced understanding of cultural norms.
In summary, the key concepts related to what to wear in Morocco include consideration of extreme weather conditions, the importance of layers, appropriate fabrics for different climates, the need for comfortable footwear, and specific dress codes for female travelers in various contexts. This comprehensive advice aims to enhance the travel experience by promoting comfort, cultural sensitivity, and a deeper understanding of Morocco's diverse landscapes and traditions.
