Morocco Weather Today

Climate and Weather in the Kingdom of Morocco

The Kingdom of Morocco, located in North Africa, has a diverse climate due to its varied geography. The country is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to the west and north, the Atlas Mountains to the east, and the Sahara Desert to the south. This unique geographical location influences the weather patterns throughout the year, resulting in a range of different climates across the country.

Coastal Regions

The coastal regions of Morocco, including cities like Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier, experience a Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 degrees Celsius (68 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are mild and relatively wet, with average temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). The coastal areas benefit from the cooling effects of the ocean, which helps to moderate the temperatures.

The Mediterranean climate of the coastal regions is characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. The annual rainfall in these areas ranges from 400 to 800 millimeters (15.7 to 31.5 inches), with the majority of the rainfall occurring between October and April. The coastal regions are also prone to occasional fog, especially during the summer months.

Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains, which run through the center of Morocco, have a significant impact on the climate of the country. The mountains act as a barrier to the moisture-laden winds coming from the Atlantic Ocean, resulting in stark climatic differences on either side of the range.

The northern slopes of the Atlas Mountains receive more rainfall and have a more moderate climate compared to the southern slopes. Cities like Marrakech and Fez, located in the northern slopes, experience a semi-arid climate. Summers are hot and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 30 to 35 degrees Celsius (86 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are cool and wet, with average temperatures of 10 to 15 degrees Celsius (50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit). The annual rainfall in these areas ranges from 200 to 400 millimeters (7.9 to 15.7 inches).

On the other hand, the southern slopes of the Atlas Mountains, which include the Sahara Desert, have a desert climate. These regions, such as Ouarzazate and Zagora, experience extremely hot and dry conditions throughout the year. Summers can be scorching, with average temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are relatively cooler but still warm, with average temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). The annual rainfall in the desert regions is minimal, often less than 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) per year.

Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert covers a large part of southern Morocco, including areas such as Merzouga and Erg Chebbi. The desert climate is characterized by extremely high temperatures during the day and significantly cooler temperatures at night. Summers are scorching, with average daytime temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius (113 degrees Fahrenheit). Winters are relatively mild, with average daytime temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit).

Rainfall in the Sahara Desert is scarce and sporadic. The region experiences less than 25 millimeters (1 inch) of rainfall annually, and it often occurs in the form of brief and intense thunderstorms. Despite the arid conditions, the Sahara Desert is known for its beautiful sand dunes and unique landscapes.

Conclusion

The Kingdom of Morocco offers a diverse range of climates due to its varied geography. The coastal regions enjoy a Mediterranean climate with warm summers and mild, wet winters. The Atlas Mountains create a climatic divide, with the northern slopes experiencing a semi-arid climate and the southern slopes being part of the Sahara Desert with extremely hot and dry conditions. Regardless of the region, Morocco is a country that offers unique and captivating weather experiences throughout the year.