10 things to do in Marrakech in July

July is a very special month to visit Marrakech because, despite the heat, you can enjoy the full program of the Festival of Popular Arts or other celebrations such as the Throne Festival.

María Cano

María Cano

12 min read

10 things to do in Marrakech in July

Ali Ben Youssef in Marrakech | ©Kees Kortmulder

July is a month that not everyone recommends to go to Marrakech as temperatures are very high, averaging up to 40ºC. Even so, there are a number of festivities and events that make it a very special time for your trip as the Festival of Popular Arts, which fills the city with music and shows for more than ten days or the Throne Festival, which is celebrated in style in order to commemorate the coronation of Mohamed VI.

1. Night visit to the Yamaa el-Fna Square

Yamaa el-Fna Square Night| ©Alexander J.E. Bradley
Yamaa el-Fna Square Night| ©Alexander J.E. Bradley

On your visit during the month of July to Marrakech you should not miss the night visit the Jamaa el-Fna square. It is the best time of day to visit it because the heat will not be so suffocating and it is a place that is full of life as the day progresses. The street food st alls take over the square.

And if you are not sure whether to eat in one of the improvised stands which, by the way, are very cheap, you can go to one of the restaurants and bars that line the square and watch the day to day life of the square. I leave you the posts Moroccan food and the best restaurants in Marrakech so you do not have doubts about what place to choose to eat.

And if you are not afraid of the heat, do not hesitate to visit the square during the day and you can witness how the atmosphere changes radically from morning to night. It is very interesting to witness this contrast. Also, on your visit to Yamaa el Fna do not hesitate to go into the Medina.

  • It is located in... Avenue Jamaa El Fna (40000). Marrakech

Book a guided tour of the Medina

2. Visit a hammam

hamman| ©Jens Thommesen
hamman| ©Jens Thommesen

An experience that you should not miss regardless of the time of year you go to Marrakech, is to visit a hammam and relax with a massage. It is a way to immerse yourself in Moroccan society.

Of course, if you dare to go to a traditional hammam because there are also more modern and not so native, in which the experience is equally fantastic, but obviously will be more touristy. Regardless of which one you decide on depending on your tastes and interests, it is a way to relax and clear a little of the heat and you will leave as new.

If you go in July, I recommend that you take advantage of the central hours of the day to clear the heat at times when the sun is at its hottest.

  • It is located in... Several options in Marrakech

Book a bath and massage in traditional hammam spa in Marrakech

3. Take an excursion to the Ourika valley

Peace, calm and splendid views of the Ourika Valley| ©puffin11k
Peace, calm and splendid views of the Ourika Valley| ©puffin11k

Another possibility if you go in July to Marrakech is to escape from the bustle of the big city and immerse yourself in nature with an excursion to the Ourika Valley, one of the most beautiful places in Morocco, which is located just 60 kilometers from Marrakech and the journey takes less than an hour. In fact, it is the closest place to Marrakech to escape the heat.

On this excursion you will have the chance to take a dip in the Ourika waterfalls, an ideal plan at this time, although you can not enjoy the tranquility as much as in other months of the year because many opt for this excursion to escape the high temperatures.

And if you want to know other excursions, do not hesitate to read the post the best tours from Marrakech.

  • It is located in... Ourika, 60 kilometers from Marrakech.

Book an excursion to the Ourika Valley

4. Walk along the beaches of Essaouira

Essaouira beach| ©Peter Schulz
Essaouira beach| ©Peter Schulz

Located on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, Essaouira is a tourist, fortified and port city of Morocco. It is known as the blue pearl of the Atlantic and is a World Heritage Site since 2001.

It is located approximately 180 kilometers from Marrakech and Essaouira is definitely a must visit from Marrakech if you go in the month of July, because enjoying a nice walk along its beaches and, of course, tasting a tasty meal in one of its typical restaurants is a unique experience. Also, if you are a fan of "Game of Thrones" you should know that it is one of the locations of the acclaimed series, Astapor.

In addition, the beauty of this city has not gone unnoticed by the great artists of music, film performers and hippies of the time, who found in Essaouira a refuge in the seventies. Moreover, there is a women's cooperative in Essaouira that produces artisanal argan oil, which is widely used in cosmetic products.

  • It is located in... Essaouira, 180 kilometers from Marrakech.

Book an excursion to Essaouira

5. Visit the Majorelle gardens and the palm grove of Marrakech

Majorelle Gardens| ©David Stanley
Majorelle Gardens| ©David Stanley

The Majorelle Gardens and the Palm Grove of Marrakech are two very popular sites in the Moroccan capital and one of the essential proposals for your trip to Marrakech in July. If you want to know them comfortably and not miss any detail, opt for a tour that includes both experiences in which the transfer to and from the hotel will be included.

A 4-hour excursion in which you will have the opportunity to discover the Majorelle Gardens and contemplate its blue buildings. In addition, you will stroll through the Palm Grove, a place where peace will overwhelm you.

Best of all, you will be able to get on a camel and take a tour of the Palm Grove.

  • It is located at... Rue Yves St Laurent and Rte de Fès.

Book a tour of the Majorelle Gardens and the Palm Grove

6. Take the best gifts from the souks of Marrakech

Moroccan souk| ©Neus Prats
Moroccan souk| ©Neus Prats

If you want to stand out among your friends and family taking the best gifts of your vacation and at a very affordable price, be sure to shop in the souks of Marrakech, where you will find ethnic jewelry such as leather bags, ceramics, slippers or kaftans.

And to know it in depth, you can choose to book a tour of the souks of Marrakech, about 3 hours, where you will visit this place full of life with a professional guide. A unique experience in which you will observe how the artisans work the local products.

  • It is located in... Downtown Marrakech.

Book a tour of the souks of Marrakech

7. Taste the best delicacies of Marrakech

Moroccan food| ©Charlie Marchant
Moroccan food| ©Charlie Marchant

A must for your trip in July is to take a gastronomic tour of Marrakech in which you will explore the best flavors of Morocco in a visit of about 3 hours. In addition, you will taste the most typical products such as olives, Moroccan bread, dates, tea and spices.

In this experience you will go with an expert guide with whom you can learn about the history and local culture of Marrakech. You will visit the Djemaa el Fna market, its local food stalls and you will have the chance to taste a delicious kofta, a traditional Moroccan dish made with minced meat.

  • It is located in... In the center of Marrakech.

Book a gastronomic tour of Marrakech

8. Let yourself be amazed by the Ouzoud Waterfalls

Ouzoud Waterfalls| ©just_a_cheeseburger
Ouzoud Waterfalls| ©just_a_cheeseburger

One of the ideal plans for your trip to Marrakech in July is to visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls, an ideal place if you want to contemplate dream landscapes in which mountains and olive groves, green valleys, mills and orchards and spectacular panoramic views stand out.

In this excursion, which lasts approximately 10 hours, you will not miss any detail, as a professional guide will accompany you and explain everything about this wonderful place and its Berber origin. In addition, you can escape the heat with a dip and you can even take a boat ride.

It also includes round-trip transportation, so you won't have to worry about it.

  • It is located in... 150 kilometers from Marrakech.

Book an excursion to the Ouzoud Waterfalls

9. Have a great time at the Folk Arts Festival

Festival of Popular Arts| ©albertxebic
Festival of Popular Arts| ©albertxebic

If your trip coincides with the month of July you are in luck because you will have the opportunity to enjoy the Festival of Popular Arts of Marrakech which has a full program for more than 10 days with performances in the various palaces and the main squares and streets of the city. This festival, which has been held since the late 1950s, highlights the cultural and artistic heritage of the Alaouite Kingdom.

Dancers, snake charmers, fortune tellers, musicians, entertainers, acrobats, sung poetry, among others, are some of the proposals of the Festival of Popular Arts of Marrakech that, every year, programs an important number of shows for all tastes and ages. A unique experience, both for locals and tourists, not to be missed.

  • It is located in... Palaces, squares and streets of Marrakech.

10. Immerse yourself in the local music with the Ghiwani Music Festival

Ghiwani Music Festival| ©Festicket
Ghiwani Music Festival| ©Festicket

The Ghiwani Music Festival is held in July in order to raise awareness and highlight a very popular musical genre that has marked a before and after in the history of Moroccan music since the seventies.

Ghiwani music has had a great influence on music groups not only in Morocco but also in North Africa in general.

  • It is located in... Marrakech.

Traveler's tip

Marrakech has a wide range of plans in the month of July as the Festival of Popular Arts or the Throne Festival. Be sure to attend these gatherings if you have the opportunity.

11. Join the community with the Feast of the Lamb

Lamb| ©CHRISTIAN KRATZER
Lamb| ©CHRISTIAN KRATZER

The Celebration of Sacrifice or Feast of the Lamb is a very important feast in the Muslim calendar and commemorates a passage from the Quran. It is celebrated 70 days after the end of Ramadan and lasts for three days. It is similar to Christmas in the Christian calendar.

This celebration consists of the head of the family sacrificing a lamb, cow or sheep, although in recent years this custom has been lost and a person is hired for the sacrifice, which is usually done in the courtyards of the houses or in the street with a clean cut so that the animal suffers as little as possible.

A festival in which the ties with the community are strengthened and the meat obtained from the slaughter is shared with neighbors, friends, relatives and people without resources.

  • Located in... Marrakech.

12. Join the celebration of the Feast of the Throne

Presiding the Ceremony at the Throne Festival| ©MAP
Presiding the Ceremony at the Throne Festival| ©MAP

In Marrakech as in the rest of Morocco is celebrated the Festival of the Throne, which commemorates the coronation of King Mohammed VI. An event that highlights the link between the king and his people.

This festivity is national and is celebrated in all Moroccan cities. Among the various festivities that are organized include parades and fireworks displays. If your trip coincides with this day, do not hesitate to take to the streets and join the celebration, it is a truly spectacular event!

  • It is located in... Marrakech.

13. Escape the heat with a swim at Plage Rouge

Plage Rouge swimming pool| ©lapiguerouge
Plage Rouge swimming pool| ©lapiguerouge

And if after a few days of sightseeing in the sun you want to escape the heat, a little more than 15 kilometers from the medina, you will find the Plage Rouge resort which has a swimming pool of no less than two thousand square kilometers. An ideal place to take a dip and then relax on a Balinese bed and sun loungers while sipping a cocktail and enjoying live music.

The price of access is from 14 € and you can take advantage of your visit to enjoy a tasty dinner in one of the premises of the complex.

  • It is located at... Route de Casablanca (40000). Marrakech

14. Bathing at Agadir beach

Agadir Beach| ©B the travel brand
Agadir Beach| ©B the travel brand

If you go in the month of July to Marrakech I recommend you to go to Agadir Beach. It is located approximately 250 kilometers from Marrakech and is one of the most popular beaches on the Atlantic coast. It is 10 kilometers long and is enabled for tourism with multiple areas of sun loungers to sunbathe and spend a relaxing day. It is also an ideal place to practice water sports.

An excellent place to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech for a day and, of course, to take refuge from the heat for a day.

  • It is located in... Agadir, 250 kilometers from Marrakech.

The temperature in Marrakech in July

Touring Essaouira| ©rigel
Touring Essaouira| ©rigel

Temperatures in Marrakech during the month of July are quite high, with an average maximum of between 35 and 38 ° C that can reach 40 º C and an average minimum of between 20 and 22 ° C. The temperature contrast, therefore, is very high throughout the day.

On the other hand, it is important to keep in mind that activities during the central hours of the day are more limited due to the excessive heat registered by the thermometer.

Book a guided tour of Marrakech

The tourist influx of Marrakech in July

Jamaa El Fna| ©Mzximvs VdB
Jamaa El Fna| ©Mzximvs VdB

Despite recording the highest temperatures of the year, the influx of tourists in Marrakech in July is very high, as a large number of Europeans have vacations in this month. Therefore, it is advisable to book both flights and accommodation in advance. In addition, it is advisable to get up early in order to take advantage of the early hours of the day when it is not so hot.

Before your trip, read the posts safety in Marrakech and how to move around Marrakech. They are very practical.

Festivities in July in Marrakech

Touring Morocco| ©Louis Hansel
Touring Morocco| ©Louis Hansel

In the month of July is celebrated in Marrakech one of the most important national festivities of the year, the Feast of the Throne, which commemorates the coronation of Mohammed VI, King of Morocco since 1999. In addition, a number of other events take place, such as the Festival of Popular Arts.

Book a guided tour of Marrakech

Prices in Marrakech in July

Moroccan money| ©Doug Knuth
Moroccan money| ©Doug Knuth

Prices in Marrakech in July are somewhat higher than at other times of the year. It is a month that coincides with the vacations of most Europeans so many choose to visit the city at this time and both flights and hotels, especially those with swimming pools, are more expensive than in other months.

Book a guided tour of Marrakech

What to bring in your suitcase to visit Marrakech in July

Preparing your luggage| ©Craig Adderley
Preparing your luggage| ©Craig Adderley

If you visit Marrakech in July it is very important that you choose very well what you are going to put in your suitcase, as the weather at this time of year is characterized by high temperatures and a very dry heat. Therefore, it is advisable to take light clothing. The best fabrics for this time of the year are linen and cotton. In addition, you should not leave behind some accessories to cover your head like a hat or cap and, of course, do not forget sunglasses.

In addition, Morocco is a Muslim country and, therefore, it is recommended that women do not go with excessively low-cut, strapless or short clothes. A possible option is to wear a scarf or foulard to cover the shoulders.

A recommendation, do not hesitate to visit the post Marrakech in one day, Marrakech in two days, Marrakech in three days, Marrakech in four days, Marrakech in five days and Marrakech in seven days and create an itinerary before starting your trip to make the most of the days.

Book a guided tour of Marrakech

Recommendations for excessive heat

Sunscreen| ©Onela Ymeri
Sunscreen| ©Onela Ymeri

If you travel to Marrakech in July you have to take into account that the heat is very suffocating. Therefore, it is advisable to hydrate well at all times. Always carry a bottle of mineral water. On the other hand, it is advisable to wear light clothing, cover your body as much as possible to avoid sunburn and use sunscreen. Likewise, it is also essential to use lip balm.

In addition, I recommend that you do not hesitate to read the post what to see and do in Marrakech.

Book a guided tour of Marrakech