Morocco is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich destinations in North Africa. From the busy souks of Marrakech to the blue streets of Chefchaouen and the vast Sahara Desert, it’s a country that offers incredible variety. Before travelling though, many visitors find themselves researching what to wear in Morocco, especially because it’s a predominantly Muslim country with fairly conservative cultural norms.
The good news is that Morocco is used to tourists and the dress code is generally relaxed. That said, dressing modestly will help you feel more comfortable, respect local customs, and often protect you from the strong sun.
In this guide I’ll walk you through practical tips for what to wear in Morocco as a woman, as well as advice for visiting during the colder months, including what to wear in Morocco in winter.
What to Wear in Morocco as a Woman
Many women travelling to Morocco wonder if there is a strict dress code. There isn’t a legal requirement for tourists to dress a certain way, but Morocco is still culturally conservative in many areas, particularly outside major cities.
When thinking about what to wear in Morocco as a woman, the key is relatively modest, breathable clothing. This doesn’t mean you need to completely cover yourself, but clothing that covers shoulders and knees will generally help you blend in more comfortably.
Loose maxi dresses, long skirts, lightweight trousers and loose shirts are ideal. These types of clothing not only align with local customs but also help keep you cool in Morocco’s warm climate.
Personally, many travellers find that flowing dresses or wide-leg trousers paired with a loose shirt work perfectly for exploring cities and medinas. You’ll often see local Moroccan women wearing long dresses, tunics or djellabas, and tourists dressed similarly tend to attract less attention.
A light scarf can also be useful. While it’s not required to cover your hair, having a scarf can be helpful when visiting more traditional areas.
Loose Clothing Is Your Best Friend
Morocco can get very hot, especially during spring and summer. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton, linen, and breathable blends make a big difference when walking through busy markets or exploring historical sites.
Loose clothing helps air circulate and keeps you cooler than tight-fitting outfits. Think flowy maxi dresses, loose trousers, oversized shirts, and lightweight layers.
I almost always travel with a loose scarf which especially in the colder months can provide sun protection during the day and then act as a warmer layer after the sun has gone down.
Don’t Be Afraid of Colour
When planning what to wear in Morocco, don’t feel like you need to stick to neutral or dark colours. Morocco itself is incredibly colourful, from vibrant tiles and painted doors to patterned rugs and lively markets.
Equally, bright dresses, colourful scarves and patterned clothing can actually photograph beautifully against the earthy tones of some Moroccan architecture and desert landscapes.
Many travellers love wearing bold colours for photos in places like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, or the Sahara.
What to Wear in Morocco in Winter
Many people imagine Morocco as being hot all year round, but winters can actually be surprisingly chilly, especially in the evenings. It can often go into the lower single digits temperature wise and if you’re visiting between November and March you’ll definitely want to think about what to wear in Morocco in winter.
Days can still be pleasant and sunny, but mornings and evenings often get cold, particularly in desert regions or the Atlas Mountains. I recently visited the north of Morocco in March/April and still needed a light jacket during the day, especially in the shade.
Layering is key. During the day, you might feel comfortable in a long dress or trousers with a light shirt, but by sunset you’ll likely want a sweater or jacket.
Winter temperatures vary across the country depending on where you’re travelling. Cities like Marrakech and Fes can have warm sunny afternoons but chilly mornings and nights. Meanwhile, the Atlas Mountains may even see snow during this time of year.
For winter travel in Morocco, consider packing:
- A warm coat or padded jacket
- Long-sleeve tops and sweaters
- Comfortable long jeans or trousers
- A scarf or shawl for warmth and modesty
- Closed shoes or boots
You’ll still want breathable clothing for sunny daytime exploring, but having warmer layers available will make a huge difference once the sun sets. If you’re visiting during the colder months, you’ll want to think carefully about what to wear in Morocco in December / January / February.
What About Beachwear in Morocco?
Morocco has beautiful coastal destinations like Essaouira, Agadir and Taghazout. At hotel pools and resort beaches, swimwear such as bikinis and swimsuits are generally acceptable.
However, on public beaches it’s best to dress more modestly. Many visitors choose to wear a cover-up, loose trousers or a long dress when walking around outside of swimming areas.
As with most things in Morocco, observing what locals are wearing and following their lead is always a safe approach.
What to wear in Marrakech
Given that many visitors from the UK fly to Marrakech, I thought I’d do a separate section on what to wear in Marrakech. Generally the same rules for the rest of the country apply – dress fairly modestly – but given the number of international tourists then being a little more relaxed with coverage is often OK.
Generally wearing loose trousers, a vest top and scarf, or a loose dress is still the way to go, rather than short skirts or low cut tops. Whilst you’re unlikely to see many local women showing much skin in Marrakech, some tourists do, however to be respectful then dressing modestly is appropriate.
If you’re wondering ‘Can I wear a bikini in Marrakech?’ if you’re at a hotel/resort with a proper pool then you can absolutely wear one for swimming, but outside of pool areas it would be very inappropriate.
Final Thoughts
When planning what to wear in Morocco, the goal isn’t strict rules but respectful and practical clothing. Loose, modest outfits will keep you comfortable, protect you from the sun, and help you blend in while exploring.
If you’re wondering what to wear in Morocco as a woman, the answer is simple: breathable fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and layers depending on the season – if you’re visiting during the colder months then layers will make sure you’re not surprised by the lower temperatures.
I love visiting Morocco and enjoy the diversity of the landscapes, cities and culture, I hope this guide as to what to wear in Morocco will make your trip more comfortable!
