Marrakech in May

May is warm, dry and dependable — the last comfortable month before the deep-summer heat. Daytime highs reach around 29°C, the skies are reliably blue, and evenings are warm enough for long rooftop dinners without a jacket. The city is busy but not stifling, the gardens are at their lushest, and the Atlas and coast are both prime: this is excellent timing for travellers who want heat without the punishing intensity of July and August.

It is a strong month for pairing Marrakech with the mountains and the Atlantic. The High Atlas is green and snow-free on the lower trails, ideal for walking, while a day in Essaouira trades the city's warmth for a fresh sea breeze. In Marrakech itself, sightseeing is best taken at a relaxed pace with shade and water through the warmest midday hours, leaving the cooler mornings and golden evenings for the souks and squares.

Further afield, May is also Rose Festival season in Kelaa M'Gouna, in the valleys south-east of the city, when the rose harvest fills the air and the markets — a memorable detour on a southern or desert itinerary. With dry weather, warm evenings and the whole region accessible, May closes the spring window on a high note before summer turns the heat up sharply.