The short answer
Spring, roughly March to May. Snowmelt from the Atlas makes the falls run at their fullest and the gorge is green. Autumn is pleasant and quieter. Summer brings strong heat and the biggest crowds, with lower water by late summer, though the pools are good for a swim. Whatever the month, arrive early.
In more detail
Morning is the best time of day. The light is better for photos, the Barbary macaques are more active, and you are ahead of the coaches that arrive from late morning.
On sunny days, mist from the cascades forms rainbows across the gorge. Mornings after sunshine give the best chance of one at the base, and the terraced lookouts near the top are placed for the midday and afternoon views.
The stepped paths from the clifftop cafés to the base take about twenty to thirty minutes down. Wear shoes with grip, and allow two to three hours at the falls in all.
The falls are fed by the El Abid river and drop about 110 metres in tiers. Spring and autumn give the most comfortable temperatures for the walk down to the base and back up.
Good to know
- Spring for the flow, late summer for swimming.
- Leave Marrakech early to beat the heat.
- Avoid public holidays if you want a quieter visit.