When to Play Golf in Marrakech: The Season Month by Month

When is the best time to play golf in Marrakech? It's the question I'm asked most often before a trip. The good news: you can play all year round. The real question is how to organise your days according to the season. Here is my month-by-month guide, with climate benchmarks, the tee times I recommend and what to pack in your bag.

The best time for golf in Marrakech at a glance

For most golfers, the ideal period runs from October to May. Temperatures are pleasant, rain is rare and the light is superb, with the often snow-capped Atlas as a backdrop in winter.

• The most comfortable: March, April, October and November.
• The mildest: December, January and February, with cool mornings.
• The hottest: June, July, August and early September.

The figures below are approximate averages from recent years. Any given week can be hotter or cooler: always check the forecast before you travel.

Winter (December to February): mild by day, cool in the morning

During the day, highs are around 19 to 21 °C. Morning lows drop to around 6 to 8 °C. It's the favourite season for many European golfers escaping the cold.

What you need to know:

• Very early tee times can be chilly, sometimes with dew on the greens. I recommend starting mid-morning.
• Days are shorter: an 18-hole round that starts late in the afternoon may finish at dusk.
• A few rainy days are possible, but they're limited.

The ball flies a little shorter when it's cool. Don't be surprised to take one more club in the morning.

Spring (March to May): the ideal season

March and April see highs of around 24 to 25 °C. May climbs to around 29 °C. The courses are generally in excellent condition and the days get longer.

This is the period I recommend for an intensive progression camp: you can train in the morning and play in the afternoon without suffering in the heat. April sometimes has a few showers, rarely a problem.

By late May, the afternoons start to get hot. Opt for morning tee times already.

Summer (June to early September): play early, stay hydrated

In summer, average highs reach about 33 °C in June and 37 °C in July and August, with peaks well above that on some days. It hardly ever rains.

You can play golf in Marrakech in summer, but you need to plan accordingly:

• Tee off at dawn to finish before the worst of the heat, or in the late afternoon for 9 holes.
• Golf cart recommended to save your energy.
• Water on every hole, not just when you're thirsty.
• Between noon and 5pm: pool, rest, and perhaps some putting in the shade.

The upside of summer: courses are quieter and the atmosphere more relaxed. Opening hours can change with the season: check with the golf club.

Autumn (late September to November): the return of the good season

September is still hot, around 32 °C on average. October drops to around 28 °C, then November to around 23 °C. The first rains return, in modest amounts.

October and November are among my favourite months: the heat has eased, the light is beautiful and the days are still long enough for 18 holes plus a bit of practice. It's also the start of the Signature Trip season, which runs from October to June.

Watch out: some courses carry out green maintenance (overseeding, sanding) at certain times of year, often in late summer or autumn. Check with the course before booking your green fees.

Planning your trip: local calendar and equipment

Opening hours, holidays and Ramadan

The local calendar can affect how your days are organised. During Ramadan, the pace of the city changes and some services may adjust their hours (restaurants, reception desks, sometimes opening times). Ramadan moves forward by about ten days each year, so check the calendar for the year of your trip. The same goes for the major religious and national holidays.

In practice, this won't stop you playing, but I recommend confirming your tee times and bookings with the clubs and your accommodation in advance.

In terms of demand, French school holidays, Christmas, New Year and Easter are the busiest periods. Book your flights and accommodation early.

What to pack in your golf bag by season

All year round: sun cream, cap or hat, sunglasses, water bottle, spare gloves.

October to April: a warm layer (a light jumper or windproof) for the mornings, which you'll take off around the 5th hole. Light trousers and a long-sleeved polo can also come in handy.

From May to September: light-coloured, breathable clothing, UV sleeves if you get on with them, a damp towel, several gloves (hands get sweaty).

And in every case: plan a short warm-up routine suited to the conditions. When it's cool, take more time to warm up; when it's hot, save your energy.

Planning your golf trip to Marrakech

Whatever month you choose, the most important thing is to adapt your tee times and alternate play, practice and rest. For an all-inclusive trip where we play 18 holes a day together, discover the Signature Trip. To organise your visit yourself, all the practical information is on the golf trip to Marrakech page.

And to choose your courses, read my article on the golf courses of Marrakech.