The Best Time to Play Golf in Morocco

Ask when to play golf in Morocco and the answer comes back the same every time: autumn or spring. From October into November, then again from March to mid April, daytime temperatures hold in the low to mid 20s, the fairways are at their greenest and the High Atlas still carries snow behind the Marrakech skyline. Evenings cool enough for a jacket on the terrace. That is about the only concession you make.

These are the months we suggest for a first trip. In Marrakech we would base you at the Fairmont Royal Palm, where prices start at £660 (≈ €765) (≈ $895) (≈ CA$1,235) (≈ AU$1,255) (≈ NZ$1,515) (≈ CHF 715) (≈ kr 8,385) (≈ kr 8,485) (≈ kr 5,765) pp, or at Hotel & Ryads Barriere Le Naoura, the same £660 (≈ €765) (≈ $895) (≈ CA$1,235) (≈ AU$1,255) (≈ NZ$1,515) (≈ CHF 715) (≈ kr 8,385) (≈ kr 8,485) (≈ kr 5,765) pp starting point and a short taxi ride from the medina. The one catch is demand. Half term and Easter fill early, so the better tee times and rooms are gone months out. Book ahead or take the shoulder weeks.

December to February is when Morocco makes most sense from Britain. Marrakech and Agadir usually reach the high teens or low 20s by lunchtime, and rain is scarce enough that a full week rarely loses a round. The mornings deserve a frank word, though. Inland, the desert nights leave a real chill at first light, and an 8.30 tee time in Marrakech can start at six or seven degrees. Book mid morning and play through the warmth instead.

Given the choice, we would send winter golfers to Agadir over Marrakech. The Atlantic keeps it milder and steadier, with Golf Tazegzout laid out along the clifftops above Taghazout. Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay sits right in the bay at £495 (≈ €575) (≈ $665) (≈ CA$925) (≈ AU$945) (≈ NZ$1,135) (≈ CHF 535) (≈ kr 6,285) (≈ kr 6,365) (≈ kr 4,315) pp, while £645 (≈ €745) (≈ $875) (≈ CA$1,205) (≈ AU$1,225) (≈ NZ$1,475) (≈ CHF 695) (≈ kr 8,195) (≈ kr 8,295) (≈ kr 5,625) pp buys the Tikida Golf Palace, beside the golf in Agadir itself. If Marrakech in winter appeals for the candlelit evenings, the Mövenpick Mansour Eddahbi at £495 (≈ €575) (≈ $665) (≈ CA$925) (≈ AU$945) (≈ NZ$1,135) (≈ CHF 535) (≈ kr 6,285) (≈ kr 6,365) (≈ kr 4,315) pp and the Kenzi Menara Palace, which starts at £530 (≈ €615) (≈ $715) (≈ CA$995) (≈ AU$1,005) (≈ NZ$1,215) (≈ CHF 575) (≈ kr 6,735) (≈ kr 6,815) (≈ kr 4,625) pp, are both well placed for the courses and the medina.

We will not dress this up. Marrakech from late June to August regularly passes 38C, and midday golf on the red earth is hard work even for the acclimatised. If you must play inland in summer, take the first tee time of the day, sleep through the afternoon and let the pool do the rest. The Pickalbatros Hotel du Golf in the Palmeraie, from £560 (≈ €645) (≈ $755) (≈ CA$1,045) (≈ AU$1,065) (≈ NZ$1,285) (≈ CHF 605) (≈ kr 7,115) (≈ kr 7,195) (≈ kr 4,885) pp, and the Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie at £550 (≈ €635) (≈ $745) (≈ CA$1,025) (≈ AU$1,045) (≈ NZ$1,255) (≈ CHF 595) (≈ kr 6,985) (≈ kr 7,075) (≈ kr 4,795) pp both have the shaded gardens and pools for exactly that rhythm.

The coast tells a kinder story. Atlantic air keeps Agadir and Taghazout ten degrees or more cooler, so early rounds at Tazegzout remain a pleasure, though the afternoon sea breeze can be strong enough to add two clubs to your approach. For a summer family trip we would point you to Mazagan Beach & Golf Resort near Casablanca, from £345 (≈ €395) (≈ $465) (≈ CA$645) (≈ AU$655) (≈ NZ$785) (≈ CHF 375) (≈ kr 4,385) (≈ kr 4,435) (≈ kr 3,005) pp, where the golf comes with a proper beach and the sea keeps the heat in check.

Pushed for a single answer, we would name October first, then March. October gives you a sea still warm from summer on the coast, courses recovering their colour after the heat, and fewer school holiday crowds than Easter brings. March runs it close, with the gardens in bloom and the Atlas at its whitest. Both suit the golfer and the partner who would rather wander Marrakech and lunch in the sun.

May and early December are the quiet buys: lovely light, thinner tee sheets and prices from £345 (≈ €395) (≈ $465) (≈ CA$645) (≈ AU$655) (≈ NZ$785) (≈ CHF 375) (≈ kr 4,385) (≈ kr 4,435) (≈ kr 3,005) pp across our Morocco range. We hand-build each itinerary around your own dates, whether that means a Palmeraie base in Marrakech or a week on the clifftops above Agadir, with PTS protection throughout and ATOL cover where we add flights.