10 Things to Do in Marrakech in November

Traveling to Marrakech in November is always a good idea. Between the desert and the Atlas Mountains, temperatures remain pleasant and it is the ideal time for desert excursions.

Holidays such as Independence Day and the International Film Festival fill the calendar with dozens of celebrations. Read on to discover what to do in Marrakech in November.

On November 18, 1955, Morocco gained independence from Spain and France, which had maintained a protectorate over the territory since 1912. Every year, this holiday is celebrated with festivals, parades, and parties throughout the country. Although the main celebrations take place in Rabat, the capital of the kingdom, all major cities commemorate the declaration of Mohammed V, the king who began Morocco's modern history.

In Jemaa el Fnaa Square and its surroundings, you will find celebrations with traditional music and food, while throughout the city, Moroccan flags fly in the streets. You can join a tour in Marrakech to see the main sights of the city with a local guide who will tell you all about its history. However, I encourage you to discover 10 of the best tours in Marrakech so you can choose the one that best suits your tastes.

A hot air balloon ride over Marrakech is a beautiful way to admire the Red City from a different perspective. Normally, the balloons take off from a town near Marrakech, fly over Jemaa el-Fna Square and the old town, and then land near the Marrakech Palm Grove.

Leaving very early (usually between 5:00 and 5:30 a.m.), almost all excursions include a pick-up service from your hotel or riad, a traditional breakfast, and a "flight certificate" (a small souvenir of the experience). Overall, the activity takes about 5 hours, while the balloon ride lasts approximately one hour.

The winter months are the best time for this activity. In addition, the hot air from the burner acts as a radiator, so you won't feel cold. Therefore, traveling in November is ideal. Since you'll be leaving early, you should bring a jacket, a fleece, and sunglasses for when the sun comes up.

In Essaouira, the wind blows 365 days a year, and winter is the best season for surfing. From November to March, this stretch of ocean has westerly winds that guarantee constant waves. Well protected from the strongest currents, Essaouira beach is perfect for those who want to learn to ride the waves.

More experienced athletes, on the other hand, can head to the nearby town of Sidi Kaouki, a true paradise for lovers of water sports. Its kilometer-long, unspoiled beach is ideal for surfing, windsurfing, and kitesurfing.

After a day of surfing, you can explore the Medina of Essaouira, which was declared a World Heritage Site in 2001. Its well-preserved walls hide a labyrinth of narrow streets, traditional houses, the Sidi Youssef Mosque, and the old Jewish quarter (Mellah). There is also the Skala Fort of the Kasbah, on the seashore, where the episode of Game of Thrones was filmed in which Khaleesi conquers Astapor and frees the slaves.

• If you want to visit this coastal city, I recommend reading the post Excursions to Essaouira from Marrakech.

Although we can taste traditional mint tea at any time of year, when temperatures are not so high, the experience is undoubtedly better.

In addition, the Red City is known for its tea rooms, and one of the most famous is Café Des Épices. The establishment has two floors and is known for its panoramic window overlooking Rahba Lakdima, the Spice Square. After an afternoon of shopping in the souk, you can treat yourself to a well-deserved break with a steaming cup in your hands. Here, mint tea is still prepared according to the traditional recipe, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

• If you want to know more about the cuisine of the Red City, I recommend reading the post Moroccan food: dishes you can't miss.

Morocco is a paradise for outdoor sports, and if you like mountain biking, there are several routes through the Atlas Mountains, the mountain range that separates the Mediterranean and Atlantic from the Sahara Desert. Its high peaks are a challenge for any cyclist, and it takes just an hour and a half to get there from Marrakech by car.

There are dozens of tours that organize round-trip transportation and provide participants with everything they need: bikes, helmets, and an expert guide. There are many options available, ranging from day trips to tours that can last a whole week.

In any case, you will see Berber villages, waterfalls, palm trees, green valleys, and the arid landscapes of Morocco. These routes take in Ouarzazate, the walled city known as "The Gateway to the Desert," Erg Chegaga and its large dunes, the Draa Valley, and the Tichka Pass at 2,600 meters above sea level. November is a good month to cycle around Morocco. In the warmer months, cycling these same routes is undoubtedly more difficult.

Unlike the Bahia Palace, El Badi is largely in ruins, but if you close your eyes, you can imagine its splendor in centuries past. The building was erected by the Saadi sultan Ahmad el Mansour at the end of the 16th century, and its name could be translated as "the incomparable palace. " Indeed, the residence had 350 rooms, a swimming pool, and several courtyards with lush vegetation.

El Badi Palace was built without regard to expense, using gold from Sudan and marble imported directly from Italy. When the Saadi dynasty fell to the Alawites, the successors plundered its treasures.

If you feel like visiting, I recommend climbing up to the ramparts. From here, the view over Marrakech is simply breathtaking, but be careful, storks often build their nests on these walls.

Close your eyes and imagine a desert. If you thought of tall sand dunes, erase that image from your mind. Agafay is a rocky desert where stone hills stretch to the foot of the Atlas Mountains.

On weekends, wealthy Moroccans leave Marrakech and drive here to go horseback riding, hiking, or canoeing on the Lalla Takerkoust reservoir. In this setting, wild nature is the undisputed star, and there are dozens of activities to entertain travelers, from Arabic calligraphy classes to quad biking and camel riding.

November is ideal for a desert excursion because the temperatures are the most suitable for visiting. As for accommodation, there are several options:

• Lodges: traditional houses.
• Jaimas: nomadic dwellings that look like tents, made from camel, goat, esparto, or palm fibers.
• Glamping: a combination of the terms "glamorous" and "camping." It is a global phenomenon that combines the experience of camping outdoors with the comforts of the best hotels. If you want to stay in this area about 40 km from the Red City, I recommend reading the post Excursions to the Agafay Desert from Marrakech.

Winter is a good time to visit Marrakech, as there are fewer tourists, accommodation is cheaper, temperatures are still pleasant, and attractions are less crowded.

One of these is the Bahia Palace, a mansion and set of gardens built by Vizier Ahmed ben Moussa in the late 19th century. After the vizier's death in 1900, the sultan ordered the palace to be looted, but even the pillaging could not tarnish the beauty of this place. The Italian marble and zellij floors —an ornamental mosaic composed of tiles—bear witness to its past glory.

Currently, only one-third of the Bahia Palace can be visited, with the other parts occupied by the Moroccan Ministry of Culture. The former residence of the vizier can be visited every day of the year, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and from 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

During the summer months, venturing into the Merzouga desert is an activity for the brave. Between June and September, temperatures can reach 45º, which is why it is preferable to explore it during the winter. To get there, you have only two options:

• Rent a private vehicle.
• Choose one of the excursions to the Merzouga desert in Morocco.

Unlike the Agafay Desert, the Merzouga Desert is a sandy desert known for the high dunes of Erg Chebbi, a fascinating place that attracts thousands of tourists every year. It is also the starting point for many excursions by jeep, camel, buggy, and quad bike, and there are other points of interest in the surrounding area, such as:

• Khamlia: a village of 400 inhabitants founded by the Gnawa, the descendants of slaves from sub-Saharan Africa.
• City of Orion: a Land Art monument designed by German artist Hannsjörg Voth.

The Marrakech International Film Festival was created in 2001 by King Mohammed VI to promote the arts and the film industry in the country. Despite its short history, the festival is a must-attend event for many Hollywood stars. Martin Scorsese, Guillermo del Toro, Keanu Reeves, and Robert De Niro are just some of the regulars at this major event. The festival usually begins in the last week of November and ends in early December.

The International Film Festival takes place in three venues: the Palais des Congrès, the Cinéma Le Colisée, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. If you can't get into these venues, don't worry. Every night, up to 12,000 spectators gather in the central Jemaa el Fna square to enjoy free outdoor screenings.

November is a month of transition between autumn and winter. While mornings are cold, with temperatures often dropping below 15°C, the weather is more pleasant during the day and in the evenings. The distance from the sea causes significant temperature variations between night and day. In short, the weather conditions in November are identical to those in March.

In Marrakech, November is the rainiest month, but don't worry. After a quick downpour, the sun shines again in the sky.

• For more information, I recommend reading about recommended activities to do in Marrakech in winter.

In Marrakech, the low season begins in November and ends in February (excluding the Christmas holidays). So, if you're thinking of visiting the Red City at this time of year, don't hesitate for a second. The main attractions are usually less crowded, and you can visit places such as the Bahia Palace or Jemaa el Fnaa without the crowds.

• If you're only coming for a few days, I recommend reading the post Marrakech in two days: what you need to know so you don't miss a thing

November marks the start of the low season, so prices are good. This month you can find interesting deals and perhaps opt for superior accommodation. In any case, I advise you to book a room in a hotel or riad in advance. Once you've booked, get ahead of the game and check out the best transfers between the airport and the city of Marrakech.

In autumn, the heat is bearable, there is more rain, and temperatures begin to drop, especially at night. If you land in Marrakech in November, all you need to do is pack three types of clothing:

• Something light to wear during the day so you don't suffer from the heat.
• Sweatshirts, sweaters, and coats if you plan to go out at night, when temperatures drop significantly.
• And a raincoat for thunderstorms, which are strong and intense but usually short-lived.

Keep in mind that in Morocco it is best to avoid overly flashy and elegant clothing, as well as displaying valuables. As for women, it is preferable not to wear clothing that is too tight or provocative.