What to Wear in Marrakech
Morocco is a Muslim country, and although Marrakech is used to visitors, most local people dress conservatively. There's no legal dress code for tourists. But covering your shoulders and knees in the medina is simple courtesy, and you'll feel more comfortable and attract less attention if you do.
For women, loose trousers, midi or maxi skirts and dresses, and tops that cover the shoulders work well, with a light scarf in your bag for extra cover or sun. A headscarf isn't expected. Tight or very short clothes draw stares and comments in the souks, fair or not. In Gueliz, in upmarket hotels and around pools, the rules relax to what you'd wear in southern Europe.
For men, long shorts are fine in most places, but trousers are better for the medina, and going shirtless anywhere but a pool is out. A light linen shirt is cooler than a T-shirt in the sun anyway.
Loose, natural fabrics are the key in summer. Cotton and linen keep you cooler than synthetic sportswear, and long sleeves protect you from the sun better than sunscreen alone. Local people wear the djellaba, a long hooded robe, for exactly this reason. Buying one in the souk and wearing it is fine and often appreciated.
Shoes
The medina's lanes are uneven, dusty and shared with donkey carts, and after rain they turn muddy. Closed trainers or sturdy sandals with a proper sole are ideal. Leave anything white or delicate at home.
Winter surprises people. Days can be warm, but after dark the temperature drops sharply, and riads with stone floors and open courtyards hold the cold. Pack a warm jumper and a jacket from November to March, and more if you're heading into the mountains. Our best time to visit guide has the month-by-month picture.
Packing list
- Loose trousers, long skirts or dresses, and tops that cover the shoulders
- A light scarf or shawl
- Closed walking shoes or sturdy sandals
- Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen
- A warm layer for evenings, and a proper jacket from November to March
- Swimwear for the riad plunge pool or hotel pool
- Hiking shoes and a fleece for the Atlas Mountains
- Small change in dirhams in a front pocket