10 Things to Do in Marrakech in May

If you are thinking of visiting Morocco during the month of May, don't miss the city of Marrakech and its neighboring towns, which become a must-see tourist destination during this time of year.

In May, Marrakech and its surroundings host several traditional events and festivals, such as Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan, and the famous Rose Festival.

Following the religious tradition of Islam in Morocco, Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of fasting, is celebrated during the month of May. This holiday is one of the most important in the Muslim calendar, as it marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month according to the Islamic religion, during which Muslims fast while the sun is up for 29 or 30 days.

Eid al-Fitr is not a one-day holiday, but lasts for the first three days of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Muslim calendar. So, if you are visiting Marrakech during this time, I recommend that you take the opportunity to try some of the typical dishes of this celebration:

• Lamb with plums
• Couscous
• Chicken bastilla
• Laasida
• Tagine
• Traditional Moroccan sweets

Useful information

I can assure you that there is nothing like authentic Marrakesh cuisine, but to enjoy an unbeatable experience, you need to know where to go. That's why I recommend you take a look at this article on the best restaurants in Marrakesh. That way, you can choose the one that's perfect for your tastes.

And if you really want to hit the jackpot, you can put yourself in the hands of an expert guide by booking a gastronomic tour of Marrakech.

Located in the province of Ouarzazate is the oasis of the Valley of Roses. There, during the second weekend of May, the Moussem de Kelaa M'Gouna or Rose Festival is celebrated in honor of the Damask rose. This century-old festival lasts three days and includes numerous celebrations, among which the following stand out:

• Banquets
• Souks or markets with all kinds of rose-related products
• Traditional songs and dances
• Processions of decorated floats traveling along a path strewn with rose petals
• A beauty contest where a woman is crowned Miss Roses

I recommend that you go early and also take advantage of your trip to Ouarzazate to stop in Ouarzazate, a beautiful fortified city that has been the setting for famous Hollywood films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Babel, and Gladiator, among many others.

If you are traveling to Marrakech in May, you cannot miss a day trip to Essaouira. This beautiful city on the Moroccan coast is known for its charming narrow streets and incredible beaches.

Since you're traveling to Marrakech in May, which is the peak tourist season in this area, I recommend booking a guided tour to visit Essaouira. That way, you won't have to worry about how to get from Marrakech to Essaouira, as you'll have an air-conditioned minivan for the round trip.

Another great advantage is that you will have a local guide who will show you the secrets of this beautiful city and its most iconic places. Once the tour is over, you will have free time to enjoy Essaouira at your own pace without rushing.

If you're looking for new experiences on your trip to Marrakech in May, don't miss the Transahara Festival, a highly eclectic music festival held in the heart of the Sahara, specifically in the Merzouga area, which usually takes place between the second and third week of May.

Its landscape, famous for its incredible Erg Chebi dunes of golden sand and beautiful lake, is the perfect setting for introspection and reconnecting with nature... and with music, of course!

The Transahara Festival is a wonderful mix of different cultures and artistic expressions that vibrate with music to the rhythm of the desert. You can't miss it!

If you are visiting Marrakech in May, you should know that spring is the high season for this tourist destination, so its streets will be full of visitors from all over the world who want to discover its secrets.

That's why I invite you to explore every inch of the Medina of Marrakech without worrying about possible scams or tourist traps by booking a private tour of the Medina.

Thanks to the expert guide who will accompany you and show you the most important and emblematic places in the Medina, you will discover authentic artisans and incredible artists who work in this area creating beautiful carpets, lamps, jewelry, and clothing. In addition, you will learn the basics of bargaining to get the best prices and exclusive discounts at your favorite stores.

If you visit Marrakech in May, you can't leave without taking a camel ride. At this time of year, the best way to do this is to book a camel ride through the Palmeral at sunset.

In May, the weather is warm and dry, but at sunset the temperature is cool and very pleasant, making it the best time of day for this activity. In addition, the sky at sunset is incredible in May, as it is usually very clear, offering beautiful views. These tours usually include:

• Tuareg dress and a cheich, which is a Tuareg scarf used to protect the face from the sun.
• A visit to a Berber house, where you can enjoy a typical Moroccan snack accompanied by traditional mint tea.
• Air-conditioned minivan

Did you think Marrakech was just desert? Nothing could be further from the truth. Marrakech is actually located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, which stretch across Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco, separating the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts from the Sahara Desert.

It is an incomparable landscape, full of traditional Berber villages that are well worth visiting. Why do I recommend taking a trip to the Atlas Mountains in May? Because Marrakech in May is characterized by good weather and spring temperatures. In summer, on the other hand, the temperature can climb to 40º, and in winter, the chances of rain are very high.

During the trip, you will be amazed by the views of the waterfalls and valleys you will encounter. You can also have tea with a Berber family and learn more about their culture. And, of course, this trip would not be complete without a camel ride.

Spring is the best time to visit Marrakech. During the day, it is deliciously warm, and at dusk, the temperature is pleasantly cool. There is no better way to end a long, hot day of sightseeing than with a refreshing, vitamin-packed drink before a delicious dinner on the same terrace.

Head to the Spice Square and sit on the terrace of one of the best restaurants in the Medina of Marrakech, the Cafe Des Epices.

May is the perfect time to enjoy its beautiful terrace with stunning views of the city, its delicious orange juice, and the wide variety of dishes you'll find on its menu.

The average temperature in Marrakech in May is around 28°C and can even reach 37°C. So, if the day is very hot, I suggest you visit an authentic oasis in the hustle and bustle of the city, the Majorelle Garden.

Located in the Gueliz neighborhood, it was designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924, who transformed it into a botanical garden with a wide variety of trees and plants, as well as birds that found their home in this refuge. In addition, Majorelle built a two-story villa painted in his famous Majorelle Blue to serve as his home and studio.

Most interestingly, in 1980, it was acquired by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé. Together, they restored the garden to its former glory, which had been somewhat neglected since the painter's death, and this space became YSL's favorite place to design his collections.

If you love learning about the deep-rooted cultural traditions of the places you visit, don't miss the Malhoum Festival of Patriotic Song. This festival is dedicated to preserving Morocco's musical heritage and promoting traditional patriotic songs through conferences and debates between experts, as well as incredible musical evenings and art exhibitions for you to enjoy.

Below are some of the venues where concerts for this traditional festival have been held in previous years:

• The Chamber of Crafts
• The Dar Bellarj Foundation Dar Bellarj
• The Royal Theater
• The Theater of the House of Culture in Daoudiate

One of the factors to consider when deciding on the best time to visit Marrakech is the climate. In May, the climate is subtropical semi-desert, so visiting this part of Morocco in spring is the best option.

Best of all, both in Marrakech and in much of Morocco, May is predominantly dry, so there is hardly any rain. This means you can enjoy bright sunshine throughout your trip, allowing you to make the most of outdoor activities without suffering from the heat.

Bear in mind that, due to its distance from the sea and its altitude, there is quite a temperature range, so it cools down at night.

As you can see, if you visit Marrakech in May, you will enjoy warm weather that gets hotter as June approaches.

That's why I'm going to give you some tips on what clothes to pack for your visit to Marrakech so you can enjoy the experience to the fullest:

• Comfortable, cool, and light clothing (cotton or linen) for the heat.
• Cool, comfortable, and breathable shoes.
• A hat or cap and sunglasses to protect you from the sun.
• Sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
• A good insect repellent to apply every day.

Wearing a veil

It is important to bear in mind that Marrakech has a deeply rooted conservative Muslim culture. For this reason, and especially when it comes to women's fashion, my advice is to choose more modest outfits that cover your shoulders and legs. This will help you avoid unwanted attention and unpleasant situations.

You don't need to wear a veil in the street, but you may be asked to do so when entering some mosques, so I recommend carrying a light scarf in your bag. That way, you won't miss out on anything during your excursions in Marrakech!