The short answer
The cooler ones: the High Atlas valleys and the coast. Ourika, Imlil and the Three Valleys are a good 10 °C cooler than the city, and Essaouira is breezy all year. The Agafay desert works as an evening outing, when it cools quickly. Aït Ben Haddou and the south are hot, so start early.
In more detail
Summer in Marrakech is very hot, which is exactly when the mountains and the Atlantic come into their own. Riverside cafés in Ourika, with tables by the water, are where Marrakchi families go to cool off.
Agafay days can hit the high 30s or 40s °C, so we time the trip for late afternoon, sunset and dinner. The Ouzoud Falls are busy in summer, though the pools are good for a swim by late summer.
One summer caution: flash floods can occur in the Ourika Valley after storms. We check conditions on the day and adjust the plan if needed.
Good to know
- Start early on any long road day.
- Carry more water than you think you need.
- Bring a hat and SPF; the sun is strong at altitude too.
- In Ourika, ask for lunch at a riverside table.
- Essaouira stays breezy; bring a windproof layer even in August.