Marrakech, Morocco, is a culturally rich city where it is integral to dress properly to show respect for local people.
If you’re planning to visit the city, one of your essential questions is probably about what to wear in Marrakech.
You need to know about the weather and climate, prevalent religion, dress code, and lots of other things to be able to choose appropriate clothing for your trip to Marrakech.
That’s why this guide offers valuable information to male and female travelers in this regard.
Climate and Weather in Marrakech
Generally, the climate of Marrakech is continental. In other words, it is mainly dry and hot. You can expect temperatures of up to 40°C in summer. July and August are known as the hottest months throughout the year.
Winter is roughly cold in Marrakech, with frequent frosts at night. Spring and autumn are surely the best seasons to visit Marrakech.
More specifically, consider visiting the city during March, April, October, or November to experience pleasant weather.
Because of variations in the temperature of the city, you need to carefully consider what to wear in Marrakech during your stay.
Try to adjust your wardrobe as per the time of the year during which you visit Marrakech.
Cultural and Religious Practices in Marrakech
It’s extremely crucial to respect the country’s culture when deciding what to wear in Marrakech.
The main religion in the country is Islam and although there’s no specific dress code in the country, native people are inclined to dress modestly.
That said, tourists are also unofficially expected to respect the culture and avoid wearing short clothes that reveal their skin and body.
While you can still see tourists who do not follow the theme, dressing modestly helps you avoid unwelcome comments or troubles and have a more pleasant experience.
The focus of clothing is more on women as they’re advised to cover their shoulders and legs, especially above their knees.
While the culture is stricter for women, men can still wear short clothes and t-shirts with more freedom.
Despite that, men are also better off dressing modestly and avoiding tight/revealing clothes.
The emphasis on the type of clothes tourists wear is more vividly felt when they visit religious sites.
That’s when modesty in wearing is critical and tourists should be attentive to respect the prevailing culture in the country.
What to Wear in Marrakech: Female Travelers
Women wear a wide variety of clothes in Marrakech. There’s no specific dress code.
From traditional head-to-toe veils and simple headscarves to European-style clothes, you can see various approaches to choosing clothes.
Despite that, the general society is conservative and women travelers are advised to wear modest pieces of clothes.
Daytime Wear
It’s suggested that you avoid wearing tiny shorts, strappy vests, and bikinis in Marrakech. Try to leave these clothes for wearing in only riads or hotels.
If you’re planning to walk around the Medina, the best options might be loose-fitting pants such as Capri pants or linen trousers worn together with a light cotton shirt or floaty tops.
Wearing long skirts or midi-length dresses mixed with light cardigans or shawls can also be a perfect choice. Some other options for rounds of sightseeing in Marrakech can include these items:
- Long linen trousers
- Floaty shirts
- Maxi dresses
- Midi-length skirts (covering the knee)
- Kaftans
What’s more, a great suggestion for daytime is to pair a cotton shirt/t-shirt with Sarouel, that’s a loose-fitting trouser with an elasticated waist and cuffs.
In general, everything women wear during the daytime should be preferably cool and let them blend in.
Nighttime Wear
For nighttime, women travelers can consider wearing dressy outfits such as maxi dresses or tailored pants combined with blouses.
Dressy evening outfits are necessary if you tend to visit classy restaurants or nightclubs.
If you’re visiting Marrakech in winter, nighttime can be very chilly. Don’t forget to take some winter clothing and warm pajamas with you.
Additionally, consider wearing a light jacket or blazer if evenings are chillier than you expected. Comfortable sandals or closed-toe shoes are also perfect options for women at night in Marrakech.
Accessories
In the case of accessories, women travelers can enjoy using light-cotton scarves or Pashminas to wrap around their shoulders or as headscarves as they are extremely versatile in Marrakech.
For their footwear, women travelers can wear sandals if they’re not near the Medina.
Otherwise, closed-toe shoes are a better option as you might stumble upon animal excrement or walk in cobbled streets that are roughly jagged, messy, and wet.
Women who tend to wear jewelry should try to go with simple and understated pieces.
They should also preferably limit showing off flashy jewelry or luxury handbags.
What’s more, it’s a good piece of advice to use a sunhat and sunglasses as gorgeous accessories for women in Marrakech.
What to Wear in Marrakech: Male Travelers
Although there’s not much information on what men should wear in Marrakech, they’re still expected to dress modestly and respectfully, especially when they visit religious sites and traditional areas.
Daytime Wear
During the daytime, men can wear loose-fitting clothing made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
T-shirts, shorts, and polo shirts are also sufficient, but it’s suggested that you avoid wearing shorts that are too short or tight. You can pair these clothes with comfortable sandals or sneakers too.
If you’re visiting Marrakech in winter, taking sweaters and warm jackets are a must.
Additionally, if your schedule is full of sightseeing, consider having a hardy pair of walking shoes to protect your feet.
Nighttime Wear
During the nighttime, male travelers can choose to dress more formally, especially if they tend to go to nightclubs or fancy restaurants.
Smart-casual clothes are sufficient, including a button-up shirt or polo shirt and trousers paired with jeans or chinos.
Furthermore, because the city has a conservative culture, wearing closed shoes or trainers such as loafers or dress shoes is recommended.
Additionally, it’s a wise move to wear a jacket or blazer if you’re planning to eat out at an upmarket restaurant.
Finally, it’s suggested that you have a sweater or other warm clothes as temperatures may drop at night.
Accessories
Male travelers visiting Marrakech can use different accessories depending on their preferences. Here are some accessories male travelers usually use in Marrakech:
- Sun hat or cap as the city is known for its hot and sunny weather
- Sweaters and a warm jacket for winter visits
- Sunglasses to protect the eyes from the sunlight
- Comfortable walking shoes to explore the city on foot
- Backpack or daypack to carry stuff
- Money belt to keep money and valuables safe
- Simple and understated jewelry
- Lightweight scarves to protect the face and neck
- Camera for capturing memories of the trip
- Watch to keep track of time while exploring the city
Where to Purchase Appropriate Clothing in Marrakech
Travelers in Marrakech can find a variety of shopping options for clothing. From traditional Moroccan clothing to modern fashion, the options are various. Here are some popular places to buy clothes in Marrakech:
- Souks: You can find various kinds of modern and traditional clothing such as Djellabas, Kaftans, and Babouches in Souks located in the Medina.
- Jemaa el-Fnaa: This is the main square of Marrakech surrounded by shops selling clothes.
- Guéliz: This is Marrakech’s modern district where visitors can find international brands and contemporary clothing stores.
- Ensemble Artisanal: This is a handicrafts center that offers traditional clothing, leather goods, and jewelry.
- Majorelle Gardens: This is a beautiful botanical garden that has a museum where high-quality Berber clothing, jewelry, and accessories are sold.
Also check our guide to Shopping in Marrakech
FAQs:
Q: Can women wear leggings in Marrakech?
Yes, it’s not unusual to wear leggings. However, it’s suggested that you pair them with a longer tunic-length top that covers your back, especially in rural areas.
Q: Can I wear sandals in Marrakech?
While it’s normal to wear sandals in Marrakech, try to avoid flip-flops or other casual styles. Opt for comfortable and stylish sandals which can be easily slipped on/off.
Q: Do I need to cover my head in Marrakech?
Although it’s not compulsory for women travelers to cover their heads in Marrakech, it’s absolutely respectful to do it, especially when you visit religious places. To do so, you can use scarves or shawls to cover your head and shoulders.
Final Words
When you visit Marrakech, it’s necessary to dress modestly and respect the local cultural practices.
As a tourist, you can embrace the city’s prosperous culture and traditions by dressing suitably and being mindful of your actions.
Remember that Marrakech is a conservative city, and it’s noteworthy to show respect for the locals and their customs.
By following the simple tips in this post and wearing decent clothing and accessories, you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Marrakech and build unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.