Easy Morocco Packing List: What To Take For Every Season

If you’re wondering what to pack for Morocco, then we’ve got you covered. Whether you’re visiting the country for sightseeing, work, or a wellness retreat, packing the right gear is essential. And after years of travelling abroad fortnightly for work, I like to think I’ve got carry-on packing down to a fine art… 

In this guide, we share an easy Morocco packing list that’ll ensure you’re prepared for the climate and culture (without being burdened by too much heavy luggage).

Whether you’re packing for a trip to Marrakesh or a Saharan desert escape, there are three important factors that’ll influence what you take…

1. Weather – Morocco gets incredibly hot in the summer (over 36°C/97°F) and is pleasantly warm in the autumn, winter, and spring so you’ll need clothes that suit the temperature. 
2. Culture – It’s a predominantly Muslim country so wearing clothes that cover arms, shoulders, and legs is a normal part of the culture for women.
3. Activities – As a retreat website we’ll always advocate for a yoga pants dress code but what you plan to do (work meetings, hiking, surfing) will influence your specific needs.

To address these diverse needs, we’ll start with a basic list of things to pack for Morocco and then add any seasonal or activity-specific extras further down.

Basic Morocco Packing List

Like many people, I prefer to pack light for my trips. This usually means either having a carry-on case or a small backpack. Here’s a Morocco packing list that covers the essentials…

• Clothing:
  • 3-4 tops (t-shirts, blouses, or tunics)
  • 2-3 bottoms (maxi skirt, trousers, or leggings)
  • 1-2 dresses or jumpsuits (optional)
  • 1 lightweight jacket or sweater
  • 1 scarf (that can double as a headscarf or shawl)
  • Undergarments and socks
  • Swimwear
  • Running/gym/yoga gear
• Footwear:
  • 1 pair of trainers (which can double as comfortable walking shoes)
  • 1 pair of sandals or flip-flops
• Toiletries:
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Deodorant or anti-perspirant
  • Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Sunscreen
  • Makeup and makeup remover (if applicable)
  • Razor and shaving cream (if applicable)
  • Contact lenses and solution (if applicable)
  • Prescription medication and any necessary documents
• Electronics:
  • Phone and charger
  • Laptop and charger (if necessary)
  • Universal power adapter for Morocco (Type C, E, or F)
• Miscellaneous:
  • Travel documents (passport, visa, etc.)
  • Money and credit cards
  • Water bottle
  • Guidebook or downloaded maps on your phone
  • Sunglasses and sun hat
  • Travel pillow and eye mask (if needed)
  • Wellness extras like a book, journal, music, essential oils, or sheet mask (optional)

Packing these items will ensure you’re well-prepared for your trip without having to lug around unnecessary bits. It’s always nice to have a bit of room spare so you have space for gifts or any other shopping. Trust me, those Marrakesh souks can be very tempting!

You might also like… Our ultimate packing guide for yoga and wellness retreats.

Seasonal Variations To Packing For Morocco

Depending on the time of year you’re visiting Morocco, you may want to tweak the basic list with some seasonal extras (or remove items). Here’s what to pack for the different months of the year…

• Winter (December, January, and February): While pleasantly warm during the day,  temperatures can drop to 5°C (40°F) at night so it’s worth bringing…
  • Warm coat or jacket
  • Scarf
  • Warm pajamas
• Spring (March, April, May) and Autumn (September, October, November): it can be cooler in the mornings and evenings with the occasional rain shower too so bring…
  • Lightweight layers 
  • Umbrella or raincoat
• Summer (June, July, and August) gets extremely hot so pack:
  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Insect repellent
  • Quick drying towel (if surfing or heading to the beach)

As you can see, packing for Morocco in January doesn’t look that different from packing for the summer. It rarely gets as cold there as in Europe or North America but the wind is something that catches a lot of people out. This is especially the case in Agadir, Taghazout, Essaouira, and other Moroccan destinations along the Atlantic coast.  

The key is to bring layers so you can easily adapt to whatever the weather throws at you. It’s always worth checking the forecast the day before your trip and adjusting your packing list accordingly. It’s an easy way to ensure you’re prepared and can maximize the enjoyment of your visit.

Morocco Packing Tips & Cultural Considerations

It’s important to be realistic about what you’ll need while you’re in Morocco. We’ve all had the experience of packing a different outfit for every night of a trip only to wear just a couple. Or taking extra toiletries and first aid stuff ‘just in case’, when it can easily be bought there if you end up needing it.

Ask yourself what you’ll spend the most time doing. If you’re heading to Morocco on a yoga retreat then prioritise loose comfy clothing for your classes. But if you’re going there for a surf trip or fitness holiday, then beach and workout gear should be high on your list.

As a Muslim country, Morocco also has certain cultural norms and dress codes that visitors should be aware of. While it’s generally a tolerant and open-minded country, dressing modestly will help you blend in and avoid unintended offense. 

With this in mind, here are some packing tips for Morocco…

• Avoid revealing or tight-fitting clothing, especially when visiting mosques, medinas, or rural areas.
• Consider packing clothing that covers your shoulders, chest, and knees, such as long-sleeved shirts, lightweight pants, or maxi dresses.
• Bring a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders or head when needed.
• While swimwear is acceptable at beaches and pools, it’s best to avoid thong-style swimsuits or revealing beachwear.

If you’re worried about what to wear then take your cues from the local people around you. I tend to pay attention to what the women are wearing and match my clothing accordingly. If they’re wearing short-sleeve t-shirts and tight leggings then I figure that’s fine for me too. But if they all have their shoulders and knees covered, then I’ll avoid wearing vests and shorts.

Printable Morocco Packing List

Using a packing list helps you stay organised and focused, reducing the stress and anxiety that sometimes comes with a trip. Having a list can also save you time as you can quickly gather your belongings with zero faff. Referring to a list helps you remember essential items and avoid over-packing so that your trip goes smoothly.

Download our printable Morocco packing list here so that you can tick off items and ensure you don’t miss anything important…

Do you have packing tips or suggestions for improving the list? Get in touch to let us know or DM us on Instagram – we’d love to hear from you.