“What should I wear in Marrakech?” is one of the first questions our clients ask, usually followed by a second one: “and what should I wear for the photos?” The answer depends on where you are going, the time of year, and what you want to feel like in your pictures.
Here is a practical guide, from the medina to the desert, with the outfits that work best in front of the camera.
The short answer
- There is no legal dress code for visitors, and women do not need to cover their hair.
- In the medina and the souks, covered shoulders and knees are the respectful, comfortable default. Loose, light fabrics are cooler than bare skin in the sun anyway.
- In Gueliz, hotels, riads and around the pool, dress as you would in any modern city or resort.
- Pack layers. Even in warm months, evenings in the desert or the mountains can be cool.
What to wear, place by place
The medina and the souks. Loose trousers, a midi or maxi skirt or dress, a linen shirt or a T-shirt that covers the shoulders. Avoid very short shorts, crop tops and see-through fabrics: not because of any rule, but because they draw attention you probably do not want. A light scarf is useful for sun, dust and visits.
Gueliz and Hivernage. The new town is more relaxed. Jeans, dresses, shorts to the knee and sleeveless tops are common in cafés, restaurants and shops.
Hotels, riads and pools. Swimwear is fine at the pool, but cover up to walk through the hotel or go out. Topless sunbathing is not acceptable in Morocco.
Religious sites. Non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques in Morocco, including the Koutoubia in Marrakech, which you can admire from its gardens. Historic sites such as the Ben Youssef Medersa, a former Koranic school, are open to visitors. Wear covered shoulders and knees for any religious site.
Men. T-shirts, polos, linen shirts, chinos and jeans work everywhere. In the medina and villages, long trousers or knee-length shorts look more respectful than sports shorts.
What to wear in Marrakech by season
| Months | Typical day / night | What to pack |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | about 19–21 °C / 6–8 °C | Layers, a warm jacket, closed shoes; riads can be cold at night |
| March to May | about 24–31 °C / 10–16 °C | Light layers, a light jacket for evenings |
| June to September | about 34–39 °C / 18–22 °C | Loose linen and cotton, a hat, strong sunscreen |
| October and November | about 23–29 °C / 10–15 °C | Summer clothes for the day, a jacket for the evening |
These are averages, not a forecast. Spring and autumn often bring a big difference between midday and night.
During Ramadan, which moves every year, dress a little more modestly than usual and avoid eating or drinking in the street during the day. Hotels and tourist restaurants keep serving visitors.
The desert and the Atlas Mountains
The Agafay desert is a stone desert under an hour from Marrakech, and it gets cold quickly after sunset, especially from November to March. Bring long trousers or a long skirt, a warm layer, closed shoes with grip and a scarf for the wind. Read our Agafay desert guide for more.
The Atlas Mountains are cooler still. For a village visit, comfortable clothes and trainers are enough; for hiking, add proper shoes, a fleece and a windproof jacket, even in summer.
Shoes and sun
- Comfortable closed trainers are the best choice for the medina: the lanes are uneven, dusty and busy with scooters. Leave heels and new shoes at the hotel.
- Sunglasses, a hat and SPF 30 to 50 all year round. The sun is strong even in winter.
What to wear for a photoshoot in Marrakech
This is where we can help most. After many shoots in riads, gardens, rooftops and the desert, here is what works.
Choose colours that contrast with the city. Marrakech is pink, terracotta and ochre. These colours stand out beautifully against it:
- cobalt or Majorelle blue,
- emerald and deep green,
- white, cream and ivory,
- saffron, mustard and rust,
- burgundy and plum.
Avoid matching the walls exactly (dusty pink or terracotta) unless you want a monochrome look.
Go for simple, flowing pieces. Plain fabrics, long dresses, wide trousers and open shirts catch the light and the wind. Small busy prints and big logos compete with the zellige, the doors and the souks.
Coordinate as a couple or family, without matching. Pick two or three colours from the same palette, for example cream, sage and terracotta, rather than identical outfits.
Bring two outfits, not five. One lighter look and one richer look for sunset is ideal. Every change takes time from the best light.
Walk in trainers, pose in your shoes. Carry the shoes you want in the photos in a bag.
Try a kaftan. Wearing a kaftan or a djellaba is welcome, not a costume, and the souks are full of beautiful ones. It is one of our favourite looks for a riad shoot.
A simple packing list
- 2 or 3 breathable tops that cover the shoulders
- loose trousers and one midi or maxi skirt or dress
- a light overshirt and a scarf
- a warm layer or jacket for the evening
- comfortable trainers, plus one pair of nicer shoes
- sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen
- your photoshoot outfits, ironed and in a garment bag
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear shorts in Marrakech? Yes, especially in Gueliz, hotels and riads. In the medina, knee-length shorts or trousers are more comfortable and more respectful.
Do women need to cover their hair? No. A scarf is useful for the sun or for religious sites, but it is not expected in the street.
What should I wear for a sunset in the desert? A long, light outfit for the photos, and a warm jacket for after sunset, especially in winter.
What colours look best in photos in Marrakech? Blue, green, white, cream and warm spice tones. See our Marrakech photoshoot locations guide to match the outfit to the place.
Planning a photoshoot in Marrakech? Tell us where you would like to go and we will help you choose outfits that suit the place and the light. Discover our travel and couple photoshoots or ask us for a free quote.
