In Morocco, the simple rule is to cover your shoulders and knees, choose loose, breathable fabrics, and pack layers. That works for women and men, in the medinas, in the mountains and in the desert. There is no legal dress code for visitors, and you will see every style in Marrakech, but dressing modestly makes daily life easier, shows respect, and is far more comfortable in the sun than shorts and vest tops.
What women should wear in Morocco
Women do not need to cover their hair, and you do not need to dress like a local. What helps most is clothing that is loose rather than tight, and that covers shoulders, cleavage and knees in the cities and villages.
- Good choices: midi or maxi skirts and dresses, wide-leg trousers, linen shirts, T-shirts with sleeves, a light cardigan or kimono.
- A large scarf: the most useful thing you can pack. It covers your shoulders when needed, protects against sun and dust, and keeps you warm on desert evenings.
- In resorts and riads: swimwear is fine by the pool, but cover up to walk through the hotel or into town.
- In rural villages: dress more conservatively than in Marrakech; long sleeves and long skirts or trousers are appreciated.
What men should wear in Morocco
Men have it easier, but the same principle applies. Long trousers or chinos are the norm in cities, and knee-length shorts are acceptable in tourist areas and on hikes, though you will rarely see Moroccan men wearing them in town. Avoid sleeveless tops away from the pool.
- Light trousers in linen or cotton, plus a pair of knee-length shorts for hot days in tourist areas.
- T-shirts and short-sleeved or linen shirts.
- A light jacket or fleece for evenings, the mountains and the desert.
What to wear in the Sahara desert
The desert is about contrasts: strong sun in the day, cool or cold nights from October to April, and fine sand that gets everywhere. Think in layers.
- For the camel ride or dunes: long, loose trousers and a long-sleeved shirt to protect from sun and sand.
- A chèche or large scarf to wrap around your head and face if the wind picks up. You can buy one locally, and our team will show you how to tie it.
- Footwear: sandals or barefoot on the soft sand; closed shoes or trainers for walking on stony ground and around camp.
- For the evening: a warm fleece or down jacket, a hat, and warm socks from November to March. Nights can be near freezing in winter.
- Sunglasses, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen, all year round.
What to wear season by season
| Season | Cities | Mountains and desert |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Light layers, a cardigan for evenings | Layers; warm jacket for desert nights |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Loose linen and cotton, sun hat | Warm layers for the High Atlas evenings |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | Light clothes, a jacket from November | Fleece for desert nights |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Warm layers, riads can be cold at night | Down jacket, hat and gloves for the desert |
Visiting mosques and religious sites
With very few exceptions, non-Muslims cannot enter mosques in Morocco. The best-known exception is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, which offers guided visits. If you go, women should cover their hair, arms and legs, and men should wear long trousers. Madrasas such as Ben Youssef in Marrakech or Bou Inania in Fes are open to visitors, and modest dress is appreciated.
Hammam etiquette
In a traditional public hammam, men usually keep their underwear or swim shorts on, and women often wear the bottom half of a swimsuit. Spa hammams in riads and hotels will give you disposable underwear. Bring flip-flops and a change of clothes.
Pack less than you think. Morocco is wonderful for buying clothes: a linen djellaba, a scarf or a pair of leather babouche slippers are useful on the trip and lovely souvenirs afterwards.
Our advice
Frequently asked questions
Do women have to cover their hair in Morocco?
No. Visitors do not need to cover their hair, except when visiting the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. Covering shoulders and knees is the main courtesy.
Can I wear shorts in Morocco?
Men can wear knee-length shorts in tourist areas and on hikes. For women, long skirts, dresses or loose trousers are more comfortable and attract less attention in the medinas.
What should I wear on a camel ride?
Long, loose trousers, a long-sleeved top, a scarf for the wind and sun, sunglasses, and sandals or shoes you do not mind filling with sand.
Is it cold in Morocco in winter?
Days are often mild and sunny, but nights are cold, especially in the desert and the mountains. Riads are not always heated, so bring warm layers.
Planning your trip? Read the best time to visit the Sahara and our honest guide to safety in Morocco, or explore our private Morocco tours.
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. We reply within one working day with a first idea for your route.
