When summer seems too much, there is a Morocco that breathes slowly.
August. The month of packed suitcases and crowded routes. But in Morocco, far from the scorching images of imperial cities and the scorching dunes of the desert, another summer exists. It's a summer of wind, of gentle waves caressing the coast, of golden lights reflecting on ancient stones. A summer that doesn't tire, but invites you to slow down.
If you're looking for a trip to Morocco that's not a heatwave but an authentic discovery experience, there are three places for you: Essaouira, Rabat, Tangier, and Imlil. They have the sea, the mountains, the history, but above all, they have that constant, fresh breeze that makes every step feel lighter.
Essaouira: the city of wind and a free soul
There's something special about Essaouira. It's in the way the wind ruffles your hair as you gaze out at the ocean. In the blue and white medina that smells of sea and shops. In the waves that welcome surfers and dreams, and in the horses galloping on the shore at sunset.
In August, while the sun beats down elsewhere, Essaouira remains cool and light. This is thanks to the Atlantic Ocean and its microclimate: days flutter between 20 and 22 degrees Celsius, with a constant breeze that smells of salt and freedom.
Here time is not marked by the hour, but by the light.
You can start your day with ahorseback ride on the beach, lose yourself in the sounds of the souk, and end with couscous overlooking the sea, as the sun slowly dips below the horizon.
Essaouira is the place where Morocco takes you by the hand without holding you, leaving you the space to truly feel on holiday.
Rabat: the city you don't expect
Often, those who travel to Morocco think of Marrakech or Fez. They forget Rabat. Yet the capital retains a quiet and discreet elegance.
Nestled between the ocean and the Bouregreg River, Rabat surprises you with its manicured gardens, relaxed cafes, and modern trams that crisscross streets steeped in history.
In summer, while other cities bustle with excitement, Rabat remains peaceful and welcoming. Temperatures are milder, and the days seem perfect for walking, visiting museums, or reading a book in the shade of a palm tree.
It's a city for those who enjoy slow, curious, and mindful travel. Here, you can travel through centuries without leaving a neighborhood: from the Kasbah des Oudayas overlooking the sea, to the palaces of the Ville Nouvelle, to the Royal Mausoleum gleaming in the sun.
Rabat is a beauty that reveals itself slowly, without shouting. And for this very reason, in August, it becomes the perfect retreat.
Tangier: Where Morocco Looks to Europe
Tangier has always held something magnetic. Perhaps it's its ever-changing sky. Or the light that changes hourly. Perhaps it's that sense of a frontier, a bridge between worlds.
Overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar, Tangier is wind, culture, nostalgia, and the future. It is the city of writers, painters, and restless spirits.
In August, its coastal location offers a pleasant, breezy climate, inviting you to walk, explore, and observe.
The medina is less touristy, more lived-in. Its historic cafés (like the famous Café Hafa) gaze out to sea as if pondering something.
If you love cities with a diverse character, Tangier is your destination. Here you can swim in the morning, visit an art gallery in the afternoon, and dine overlooking the illuminated Spanish coast.
Imlil: The Mountain That Cools the Moroccan Summer
The coast isn't the only place for those seeking relief from the summer heat.
Just over an hour and a half from Marrakech lies Imlil, a picturesque mountain village nestled among the peaks of the High Atlas. Here, the air changes, becoming thin and cool, and the pace slows among the stone houses and streams that flow into the valley.
Imlil is the gateway to Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at over 4,000 meters. In August, while the city simmers with heat, here you'll find shaded trails, silence, and breathtaking views.
Whether you choose a simple stroll through the orchards or a more challenging trek to high-altitude refuges, the Moroccan mountains offer a different kind of summer, filled with cool breezes and clear skies.
Traveling to Morocco in August: It's Possible, and It's Worth It
While the interior heats up, the Moroccan coast offers a refuge for those who do not want to give up the beauty of travel.
If you're looking for a way to experience Morocco in August without sacrificing comfort, beauty, and authenticity, start on the coast. And if you want to make it truly special, find out what we can do together.
CTA: Depart from Essaouira : explore the authentic experiences that make your Moroccan summer unique.
Fair winds and good riding!
