Marrakech in summer. Two words that often make travellers hesitate. Temperatures regularly rise above 35°C, the sun beats down on the ochre walls of the medina, and afternoons can be intensely warm.
Yet those who choose to visit at this time of year often discover a different side of the Red City: quieter streets in the morning, spectacular golden light, lively evenings, and a more authentic rhythm of life. Summer invites you to experience Marrakech as locals do.
At Les Jardins de la Medina, we have welcomed guests throughout every season for many years. Summer remains one of our favourites. Here is our practical guide to enjoying Marrakech during the warmer months.
What is Marrakech like in summer?
From June to August, temperatures generally range from 23°C at night to 38–40°C during the hottest part of the day. Rather than seeing this as a challenge, think of it as an opportunity to embrace the city’s natural rhythm.
Early mornings are perfect for sightseeing. Midday is best spent relaxing in the shade. As the sun begins to set, the city comes alive once again with an energy unlike any other.
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Explore the medina in the morning
The best time to discover Marrakech’s famous souks is between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm. The streets remain pleasantly cool, artisans are opening their workshops, and the soft morning light transforms the medina’s ochre walls into shades of gold and copper.
From Les Jardins de la Medina, located in the historic Kasbah district, you can easily walk to many of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Must-see attractions in the medina
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- The Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Dar El Bacha Museum
- The Saadian Tombs
- Bahia Palace
- Koutoubia Mosque and its gardens
Allow at least half a day to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the old city.
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Visit Majorelle Garden at opening time
Few places capture the imagination quite like Majorelle Garden. Its vibrant blue architecture, towering palms and extraordinary cactus collection make it one of Marrakech’s most photographed attractions.
During summer, we strongly recommend arriving when the garden opens. The cooler morning temperatures and quieter atmosphere allow you to fully appreciate its beauty.
The neighbouring Yves Saint Laurent Museum is equally worth visiting, offering fascinating insight into the designer’s life and his enduring connection with Marrakech.
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Escape to the Atlas Mountains
If there is one summer excursion we recommend above all others, it is a day in the Atlas Mountains.
Less than an hour from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley and the village of Imlil enjoy temperatures often 10 to 15 degrees cooler than the city. Waterfalls, mountain streams, Berber villages and spectacular scenery offer a refreshing contrast to the heat of the plains.
Enjoy a traditional lunch beneath a shaded pergola, sip mint tea beside a stream, and discover a slower, more authentic side of Morocco.
Our Experiences team can organise private excursions to both Imlil and the Ourika Valley, including transportation from the hotel.
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Discover the Agafay Desert
Just 45 minutes from Marrakech lies the Agafay Desert, a striking landscape of rolling limestone hills and endless open horizons.
While it differs from the dunes of the Sahara, Agafay possesses a beauty entirely its own. In the late afternoon, the changing colours of the landscape create unforgettable views, particularly with the Atlas Mountains rising in the distance.
Visitors can explore the desert by camel, electric bike, quad bike or buggy before enjoying sunset in one of the area’s elegant desert camps.
For a truly memorable experience, consider a sunrise hot-air balloon flight above the Moroccan countryside.
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Slow down and enjoy the afternoon
Between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm, temperatures reach their peak. This is the perfect time to embrace the slower pace of summer in Marrakech.
At Les Jardins de la Medina, guests can enjoy:
- Lunch on our shaded terrace, cooled by a discreet misting system
- A refreshing swim in our outdoor pool
- Quiet moments beneath the palms and orange trees of our 3,000 m² garden
- A traditional hammam and spa treatment
- Relaxing massages and wellness rituals inspired by Moroccan traditions
Our spa offers a range of treatments including hammam experiences, body scrubs, facials and massages designed to restore both body and mind.
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Learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine
A Moroccan cooking class is one of the most enjoyable ways to spend a relaxed morning or afternoon.
Most workshops begin with a visit to a local market, where participants select fresh ingredients, herbs and spices before learning how to prepare traditional dishes such as tagines, couscous and pastilla.
Beyond the experience itself, you leave with recipes and techniques that allow you to recreate Moroccan flavours long after your holiday ends.
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Experience Jemaa el-Fna at sunset
No visit to Marrakech is complete without spending an evening in Jemaa el-Fna.
As the sun begins to set, the square transforms into a fascinating open-air theatre. Musicians, storytellers, performers and food stalls create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
Find a seat on a rooftop terrace, order a freshly squeezed orange juice, and watch the city change colour as evening falls over the medina.
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Discover Marrakech after dark
Summer nights in Marrakech are long, vibrant and full of life.
The medina becomes a sensory experience. The scent of spices drifts from the souks, mingling with the fragrances of rose water and argan oil. Grilled brochettes, freshly baked msemen and steaming bowls of harira fill the air with irresistible aromas.
Music accompanies every step. Gnaoua rhythms echo from cafés while the songs and percussion of the folkloric troupes performing in Jemaa el-Fna drift across the rooftops on the evening breeze.
It is a side of Marrakech that many visitors remember long after returning home.
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Take a day trip to Essaouira
If your stay allows, spend a day in Essaouira on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.
Often 10 to 15 degrees cooler than Marrakech, this charming seaside town offers a welcome escape during the hottest months.
Its fortified walls, blue shutters, art galleries, seafood restaurants and relaxed atmosphere provide a refreshing contrast to the energy of the medina.
The journey takes approximately two and a half hours each way and can easily be organised through our concierge team.
Practical tips for visiting Marrakech in summer
Dress appropriately: Choose light, breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. Loose-fitting clothing will help keep you comfortable while protecting you from the sun.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of bottled water throughout the day and always carry a hat or cap when exploring the city.
Plan your day around the temperature: Reserve mornings for sightseeing, afternoons for relaxation and evenings for discovering the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Use taxis when necessary: Small taxis are inexpensive and ideal for avoiding long walks during the hottest hours of the day.
Why stay at Les Jardins de la Medina?
Located in the historic Kasbah district, just a short walk from Marrakech’s main attractions, Les Jardins de la Medina is a peaceful oasis hidden within the medina.
Spread across 3,000 m² of lush gardens filled with orange trees, palms, jacaranda and exotic plants, the property offers abundant shade and tranquillity throughout the day.
Many of our air-conditioned rooms are located at garden level beneath the trees, providing a cool and restful retreat after a day of exploration.
Breakfast is served each morning in the garden, while lunch and dinner can be enjoyed either in our air-conditioned restaurant or on the shaded terrace beneath our magnificent bicentenary jacaranda tree.
Guests can also enjoy our outdoor pool, panoramic rooftop terrace, traditional hammam, spa and fitness room overlooking the gardens.
Throughout summer, the fragrance of jasmine and orange blossom fills the air, creating an atmosphere that makes Les Jardins de la Medina one of Marrakech’s most delightful places to stay.
Marrakech in summer: well worth discovering
Summer reveals a different side of Marrakech. There are fewer crowds, attractive hotel rates, extraordinary light and a more authentic atmosphere.
Those who adapt to the city’s rhythm are rewarded with unforgettable experiences, beautiful evenings and a deeper connection to Moroccan culture.
We look forward to welcoming you to Les Jardins de la Medina and helping you discover the magic of Marrakech in summer.
Planning your summer escape? Contact our team at info@lesjardinsdelamedina.com or book directly through our website to benefit from the best available rate guarantee.
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