Abderrahim Soukani, president of the Regional Association of Travel Agencies in the Casablanca-Settat region, says domestic tourism enters a different phase after August, the busiest month of the vacation season in Morocco.
According to Soukani, most coastal destinations experience record visitor numbers in August, resulting in a sharp increase in accommodation and tourism-related costs.
“The highest demand for vacations occurs in August, pushing hotel and rental prices to record levels,” he says. “Some apartments in northern Morocco can be rented for nearly 3,000 dirhams per night during the peak season. That’s why many people postpone their vacations until September in search of more affordable prices and a less crowded atmosphere.”
Speaking to Le360, Soukani says the domestic tourism sector “breathes a sigh of relief” at the beginning of September, when demand begins to ease and prices gradually stabilize.
Despite marking the transition from summer to autumn, September remains, both climatically and from a tourism perspective, a natural extension of the summer season, he explains.
Coastal destinations continue to dominate Moroccans’ travel preferences, particularly the northern coastline, including Tangier, Tetouan and Martil. Lower accommodation costs and quieter beaches make these destinations especially appealing to families. Atlantic cities such as Agadir and El Jadida also become more affordable, offering visitors a more relaxed and balanced vacation experience.
As for international travel, Soukani says Moroccan tourists tend to choose destinations based primarily on visa requirements and consular procedures.
Spain remains the preferred destination for travelers holding Schengen visas, thanks to its geographical proximity and diverse tourism offerings. Turkey, meanwhile, continues to attract travelers seeking visa-free destinations, while interest in Southeast Asian countries, particularly Thailand and India, has also been growing.
A guide to Morocco’s top autumn destinations
Specialized tourism platforms and industry professionals continue to rank Moroccan destinations among the best options for an autumn getaway. Here are some of the country’s most recommended destinations.
Agadir: a top seaside destination
Agadir ranked among the world’s top 10 sunny beach destinations for September in a recent ranking by the German travel platform HolidayCheck, which highlighted the city’s warm waters and expansive, less crowded beaches.
According to the platform, Morocco is an ideal destination for travelers seeking sunshine in September. It specifically points to Agadir’s dry Atlantic climate, long sandy beaches and distinctive atmosphere.
Agadir seen from above (M. Oubarka/Le360). Le360
Temperatures in Agadir can reach 30°C during September, while sea temperatures average around 22°C.
The platform also notes that many beachfront hotels offer all-inclusive packages, creating ideal conditions for a relaxing vacation.
HolidayCheck also recommends exploring Agadir’s market or taking a day trip to Essaouira, which it describes as a small artists’ city known for its blue-and-white streets.
Northern Morocco and the Blue Pearl
By September, northern Morocco regains the tranquility often lost during the peak summer season.
The recommended coastal route stretches from the Atlantic beaches of Asilah to Tangier, M’diq and Martil, before continuing along the Mediterranean coastline through Azla, Oued Laou and Stehat to Jebha. Along the way, visitors can discover beaches such as Kaâ Asras and Targha, nestled between the sea and the mountains.
Many Moroccan families choose northern destinations in the autumn, when apartment rentals can start at around 200 dirhams per night, compared with more than 1,000 dirhams during July and August.
The most popular August vacation spots for Moroccans
The route extends all the way to Al Hoceima, often described as one of the jewels of the Mediterranean. The city appeals to families seeking calm surroundings, crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beaches, complemented by the forests that surround it.
Martil, M’diq and the coastal areas of Chefchaouen province, including Jebha, continue to attract thousands of Moroccan visitors thanks to their natural beauty and the wide range of cultural and entertainment activities available, particularly in the evenings.
The experience is further enriched by a visit to Chefchaouen, the famous Blue Pearl, as well as nearby attractions such as Ras El Maa waterfall and the Akchour natural park.
Saïdia: Morocco’s Mediterranean resort
According to a report by the French newspaper Ouest-France, Saïdia has emerged as an attractive coastal destination thanks to its highly competitive all-inclusive offers.
The Mediterranean resort offers an affordable option for families looking to combine a beach vacation with water sports while staying within a reasonable budget, further highlighting the diversity of Morocco’s tourism offerings.
Mountain resorts near Marrakech
Visiting Marrakech in early autumn offers a completely different experience from the intense heat of summer.
Lower daytime temperatures allow visitors to explore the city’s souks and historical landmarks more comfortably while still enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa Square in the evenings.
Many travelers also extend their stay by heading to nearby mountain destinations such as Setti Fatma and Agdal, where nature, swimming areas and more affordable prices create an appealing alternative to the city.
The Atlas Mountains and hiking tourism
For hiking enthusiasts, destinations such as Imlil, the Ourika Valley and the mountain landscapes of Azilal offer ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
With milder temperatures and landscapes gradually taking on autumn colors, these areas provide excellent opportunities for trekking and exploring Morocco’s mountain scenery.
The Moroccan Sahara and the beaches of Dakhla
Dakhla attracts nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts throughout the year thanks to its extensive beaches and ideal wind conditions for kitesurfing.
In autumn, visitors can combine Atlantic beaches with excursions into the surrounding desert landscapes.
The experience can be extended through trips to Merzouga, the dunes of Erg Chebbi, the Ziz oasis and the Todgha and Dades gorges, where camping and camel trekking can be enjoyed under milder nighttime temperatures.
