Packing for Morocco is a balancing act — you need clothes appropriate for conservative culture, gear for desert nights that can drop to 5°C, and light layers for 35°C daytime heat. This guide covers everything you need to bring (and what to leave at home), whether you’re visiting for a week or a month.
Clothing — What to Wear in Morocco
The Golden Rule: Dress Modestly
Morocco is a Muslim country and dressing respectfully is both culturally considerate and practically important — you’ll receive better service, less harassment, and a more genuine welcome. This applies to both men and women.
- Shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting medinas, mosques, and local markets
- Loose, breathable fabrics are best — linen and cotton are ideal
- Swimwear is appropriate at hotels, private pools, and beach resorts (Agadir, Essaouira)
- A light scarf is invaluable — for covering up, sun protection, and dust in the desert
Clothing Checklist
- Lightweight trousers or long skirts (2–3 pairs)
- Short-sleeve shirts or blouses (4–5) — layers are key
- A light fleece or jacket for Atlas Mountains and desert nights
- Comfortable walking shoes (medinas have uneven cobblestones)
- Sandals for riad and beach use
- Warm layer for desert camping (even in summer, nights drop to 10–15°C)
- Sun hat and UV-protection sunglasses
Toiletries & Health Essentials
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 50+ recommended — hard to find locally)
- Insect repellent (useful in the Sahara and coastal areas, May–October)
- Lip balm with SPF (dry climate in the south)
- Electrolyte sachets (for heat and dehydration management)
- Water purification tablets or filter (if trekking in the Atlas)
- Diarrhoea medication and rehydration salts (stomach upsets affect many first-time visitors)
- Travel insurance documents (essential — carry a printed copy)
Electronics & Documents
- Passport (valid 6+ months) and a photocopy kept separately
- Power adapter — Morocco uses European 2-pin plugs (Type C/E), 220V
- Power bank — useful in the desert and on long drives
- Unlocked phone for a Moroccan SIM card (Maroc Telecom or Inwi — cheap and widely available)
- Offline maps downloaded (Maps.me or Google Maps offline) for areas with poor signal
Money Tips
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is non-convertible — exchange or withdraw on arrival
- ATMs are widely available in cities; carry cash in the desert and small villages
- Small denomination notes (20 MAD, 50 MAD) are useful for tips and market purchases
- Credit cards accepted at hotels and larger restaurants; cash preferred everywhere else
What NOT to Bring
- Drone — requires a permit and is frequently confiscated at customs
- Drugs of any kind — Morocco has strict drug laws despite its reputation
- Revealing clothing for city use — short shorts, crop tops in the medina draw unwanted attention
- Large luggage if trekking — store bags at your riad and use a day pack