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Planning your Marrakech trip

Everything to sort in one evening - the season sets the rest, and you land with a clear head.

6
chapters to sort
it all

At a glance

Flight from London
3 hrs 30
direct, from about £90 return
Visa
None
tourist stay under 90 days
Suggested budget
~£65/day
mid-range, riad included
Best season
Mar-May
and Sep-Oct

Where to begin

Start with the season - the rest snaps into place around it.

The first call

When to visit

Month by month weather →

Spring for the gardens, autumn for the light. Summer earns its keep (40°C in the afternoon); winter rewards the early risers. Book two to three months ahead for the high seasons.

In short

Marrakech is quick to plan

The flight from London takes just over three and a half hours, direct and often under £120 return; no visa for a stay under 90 days. Most of it is sorted in a few clicks - the rest is picking the right time.

Budget around £65 a day mid-range, comfortable riad included. The rest - where to stay, which itinerary - comes down to what you're after, not constraint.

You can book a great trip in one evening - and save the surprises for the city.

The countdown

What to sort, and when

The bare minimum so nothing slips - three milestones before take-off.

2-3 monthsbefore you go
Book flights for the high season
Book the riad or hotel
Check passport validity
Set dates to match the right season
2-3 weeksbefore you go
Take out travel insurance
Book the main day trips
Download an offline map
List the addresses you've noted
A few daysbefore the flight
Change some pounds for dirhams
Pack for the season
Note the useful numbers
Tell your bank about the trip

Frequently asked questions

The essentials we get asked before a first trip.

Do I need a visa for Marrakech?
No, for a tourist stay under 90 days (UK, Ireland, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand). A passport valid at least three months from your entry date is enough, with no prior formality.
When's the best time to visit?
March to May and September to October: mild weather, gardens in flower or the good autumn light. Summer tops 40°C in the afternoon; winter is fresh in the evening but pleasant in the sun.
How much per day should I budget?
About £65 per day per person mid-range, comfortable riad included. Much less in a simple guesthouse, and there's no ceiling at a palace.
How do I pay on the ground?
In dirhams (about 12.5 to the pound), changed on arrival or drawn at an ATM. Cards work in hotels and restaurants; keep cash for the souks, taxis and tips.
How long should I stay?
Three to four days is enough for the city; add a day per day trip (Atlas, Essaouira, Agafay desert). A week lets you combine Marrakech and its surroundings without rushing.

For your phone

The 'Planning Marrakech' memo, as a PDF

Checklist, typical budget and best season on one page, offline. One letter per season, no spam.

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