Marrakech in July: the best things to do in the city (activities, events, routes)

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 festivals like the Feast of the Throne.

Ali Ben Youssef in Marrakech | ©Kees Kortmulder

July is a month that not everyone recommends for a trip to Marrakech, as temperatures are very high, averaging up to 40ºC. Nevertheless, there are a number of festivals and events that make this a very special time to travel, such as. B. the Popular Arts Festival, which fills the city with music and performances for more than ten days, or the Throne Festival, held on the occasion of the coronation of Mohammed VI. celebrated in style.

Before we give you all the details on your July trip, be sure to read the post What to see and do in Marrakech.

1. Enjoy a great time at the Folk Arts Festival

If your trip falls in the month of July, you're in luck, because that's when Marrakech hosts the Popular Arts Festival, which offers more than 10 days of a packed program of performances in the city's various palaces and main squares and streets. This festival has been held since the late 1950s and focuses on the cultural and artistic heritage of the Alaouite kingdom.

Dancers, snake charmers, fortune tellers, musicians, entertainers, acrobats, sung poetry, etc. are just some of the attractions of the Popular Arts Festival of Marrakech, which every year offers a variety of events for all tastes and ages. A unique experience for locals and tourists alike that should not be missed.

2. Immerse yourself in indigenous music with the Ghiwani Music Festival

The Ghiwani Music Festival takes place in July and aims to promote and highlight a very popular musical genre that has marked a turning point in the history of Moroccan music since the 1970s.

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

The traveler's advice

Marrakech offers numerous events in July, such as the Popular Arts Festival and the Throne Festival. Don't miss these events if you have the chance to do so.

3. Enter the community with the lamb festival

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

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

It is a festival where community bonds are strengthened and the meat obtained from the slaughter is shared with neighbors, friends, relatives and destitute people.

4. Join the celebration of the Feast of Thrones

Marrakech, like all of Morocco, celebrates the Feast of the Throne, which commemorates the coronation of King Mohammed VI. Remembers. It is an event that highlights the bond between the king and his people.

This is a public holiday and is celebrated in all Moroccan cities. The various festivities include parades and fireworks displays. If your trip coincides with this day, don't hesitate to hit the streets and take part in the festivities – it's a truly spectacular event!

5. Night tour to Jamaa el-Fna square

When visiting Marrakech in July, don't miss the evening Yamaa el-Fna square. This is the best time of day to visit, as the heat is not as oppressive then and the place becomes more lively as the day goes on. The square is populated by food stalls.

And if you are not sure about eating at one of the improvised stalls, which by the way are very cheap, you can go to one of the restaurants and bars that line the square and watch the daily life in the square. Here are the posts about Moroccan food and the best restaurants in Marrakech, so you no longer have doubts about where to eat.

And if you're not afraid of the heat, don't hesitate to visit the square during the day to see how the atmosphere changes radically from morning to evening. It is very interesting to observe this contrast.

During your visit to Jamaa el Fna, do not hesitate to go to the medina.

6. Escape the heat with a dip in Plage Rouge

And if you want to escape the heat after a few days of sightseeing in the sun, a good 15 kilometers from the medina you will find the Playa Rouge tourist complex, 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.

Admission costs from €14 and you can use your visit to enjoy a delicious dinner in one of the complex's restaurants.

7. Visit a hammam

A must, no matter what time of year you visit Marrakech, is to visit a hammam and have a relaxing massage. It is a good opportunity to immerse yourself in Moroccan society. That is, if you fancy a traditional hammam, as there are more modern, not so local hammams where the experience is just as fantastic, but they are of course more touristy. Whatever you choose, depending on your tastes and interests, it's a great way to relax and get away from the heat, and you'll be as good as new afterwards.

If you are traveling in July, take advantage of the midday hours to escape the heat during the hottest part of the day.

8. Take a trip to the Ourika valley

Another way to travel to Marrakech in July is to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city and immerse yourself in nature by taking a trip to the Ourika Valley, one of the most beautiful places in Morocco, located only 60 kilometers from Marrakech and reachable in less than one hour. In fact, it is the closest place to Marrakech to escape the heat.

On this excursion you will have the opportunity to take a dip in the Ourika waterfalls, which is ideal at this time of year, although you will not be able to enjoy the tranquility as much as in the other months of the year, as many people opt for this excursion to escape the high temperatures.

And if you want to know more about other excursions, do not hesitate to read the post The best tours of Marrakech.

9. Swimming on the beach of Agadir

If you are traveling to Marrakech in July, I recommend a visit to the beach of Agadir. It is located about 250 kilometers from Marrakech and is one of the most popular beaches on the Atlantic coast. It is 10 kilometers long and equipped for tourism with numerous deck chairs , which invite you to sunbathe and spend a relaxing day. It is also an ideal place for water sports.

An excellent place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech for a day and, of course, to escape from the heat for a day.

10. Walk on the beaches of Essaouira

Essaouira is located on Morocco's Atlantic coast and is a tourist fortress and port city in Morocco. It is known as the blue pearl of the Atlantic and has been a World Heritage Site since 2001. The city is located about 180 kilometers from Marrakech and Essaouira is definitely worth a visit from Marrakech. In July you can walk on the beaches and of course enjoy a delicious meal in one of the typical restaurants. And if you are a fan of "Game of Thrones", you should know that Astapor is one of the filming locations of the acclaimed series.

The beauty of this city has not escaped the great musicians, filmmakers and hippies who found a refuge in Essaouira in the 1970s. Essaouira also has a women's cooperative that produces handmade argan oil, which is used in many cosmetic products.

The temperature in Marrakech in July

Temperatures in Marrakech are quite high in July, with an average high temperature of 35-38°C, which can reach 40°C, and an average low temperature of 20-22°C. So the temperature contrast is very high throughout the day. The temperature contrast is therefore very high throughout the day.

On the other hand, it must be remembered that the activities are more limited in the middle hours of the day due to the excessive heat registered by the thermometer.

The tourist crowds in Marrakech in July

Despite the highest temperatures of the year, Marrakech is very popular with tourists in July, because many Europeans spend their vacations in this month. So it is advisable to book flights and accommodation in advance. It is also advisable to get up early to take advantage of the first hours of the day when it is not yet so hot.

Before your trip, read the articles Safety in Marrakech and How to get around Marrakech. They are very practical.

July festivities in Marrakech

In July, Marrakech celebrates one of the most important national festivals of the year, the Throne Festival, which commemorates the coronation of Mohammed VI. Reminded who is king of Morocco since 1999. There are also a number of other events such as the popular arts festival.

Prices in Marrakech in July

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

What to pack for a visit to Marrakech in July

If you visit Marrakech in July, it is important to choose the right luggage for your trip, as the climate at this time of year is characterized by high temperatures and very dry heat. It is therefore advisable to pack light clothing. The best fabrics for this time of year are linen and cotton. Also, don't leave behind headgear like a hat or cap and of course, don't forget your sunglasses.

As Morocco is a Muslim country, women are advised not to wear low-cut, strapless or short dresses. One option is to wear a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders.

A recommendation, do not hesitate to visit the posts 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 you start your trip to make the best use of days.

Recommendations for the excessive heat

If you travel to Marrakech in July, be aware that the heat is blistering hot. It is therefore advisable to keep hydrated at all times. Always take a bottle of mineral water with you. It is also advisable to wear light clothing, cover your body as much as possible to avoid sunburn, and use sunscreen. It is also essential to use lip protection.