What to Wear in Morocco as a Woman
Morocco is a stunning destination in North Africa with plenty to do. The warm temperatures and rich culture make it a beautiful escape- but with it’s hot temperatures and conservative culture, you may be wondering: what to wear in Morocco as a woman? I went to Morocco in September and learned a lot about the do’s and don’ts of outfits for women in Morocco. Here’s some outfit ideas for your next trip and more info on what to wear in Morocco as a woman to stay both safe and stylish.
Dressing for the temperatures in Morocco:
First thing’s first: what is the weather like in Morocco? It depends on what time of the year you visit as well as the area you’re in. That being said, Morocco’s weather can best be summarized as a typical Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.
Typical temperatures in Morocco in the winter can be anywhere from 40 degrees (Fahrenheit) to the low 60 degrees (Fahrenheit). In degrees Celsius? Anywhere from 5 to 20 degrees. Typical temperatures in Morocco in the summer are hot- with average lows in the 60’s and average highs in the 80’s (15-30 C). However, temperatures can certainly reach more extreme levels; especially if you’re exploring the Sahara desert, with temperatures reaching 100 degrees. During spring and autumn, Morocco has very mild temperatures in between those of their winters and summers.
Because of the dry and warmer climate, I recommend wearing light clothing which can be layered easily. Fabrics such as linen, cotton, rayon and silk will be your best friend in Morocco! These light, breathable fabrics also make dressing modestly in warm climates much more comfortable.
Do you have to dress modestly in Morocco?
Something I was somewhat surprised to learn in Morocco is that there really isn’t an official dress code. You may also be wondering: is it required to cover your hair as a woman in Morocco? Also no! However, I highly recommend dressing modestly to be respectful of the culture and to avoid drawing any extra attention as a female and a tourist (especially if you’re in Morocco as a solo female traveler).
In more urban and touristy areas such as Marrakech and Rabat you won’t have to worry too much about adhering to super modest clothing (although I’d advise you to keep your knees and shoulders covered as a general rule of thumb. In more rural areas and older cities (such as Fes), you’ll want to be covered- loose clothing and no clingy fabrics. When deciding what clothes to pack for Morocco, also keep in mind whether or not you’ll be visiting any religious sites and if there’s any particular clothing requirements for entry.
Outfit ideas for women in Morocco:
What do women typically wear in Morocco? You’ll see a variety of outfits- from flowy blouses and linen pants to maxi dress to burkas. Here are some Morocco outfit ideas that are as modest as they are cute! These outfits are all ones I wore on a modified Highlights of Morocco trip with EF Ultimate Break. Check out the itinerary + see if this Morocco tour may be right for you!.
Morocco Outfit Idea #1: The Maxi Dress
This one may be a bit obvious, but hey, it works! Loose maxi dresses are perfect options for a female traveler in Morocco. Get one made out of a breathable, flowy fabric- and a pretty color or pattern like this one from Abercrombie! I felt comfortable going sleeveless in Marrakech, but you could certainly pair it with a matching cotton scarf to cover your shoulders (I highly recommend this if you venture outside of more touristy spots).
Morocco Outfit Idea #2: The Jumpsuit
I’ll admit- jumpsuits haven’t always been my favorite style-wise. However, they make great travel outfits, especially if you need something easily layerable! I got this wide-legged linen jumpsuit from Amazon and it was both comfy and cute for strolling the streets of Fes. I made sure to wear this white linen scarf (also an Amazon buy) around my shoulders as I explored the city for a more modest outfit. If you decide to wear a jumpsuit in Morocco, just make sure it’s a loose one!
Morocco Outfit Idea #3: The Linen Pants + Shirt Combo
If you haven’t yet noticed, linen was a must-have in my Morocco outfits. it’s breathable, light, and versatile. Most linen clothing also tends to be more loose fitting, which is perfect for dressing modestly. I wore this pin-stripped two piece set from Target and paired it with a basic button-down linen shirt to stay covered. I was comfy and really channeling my inner adventurer! Although, I somehow decided to wear an all-white outfit on a day that it rained right outside of the Sahara Desert. Figures.
Morocco Outfit Idea #5: The Maxi Skirt + Shirt Combo
Next up: Just wear a maxi skirt + shirt! Very simple outfit formula that you can dress up or down. I loved pairing this simple combo with a metal belt and the same scarf I wore nearly everyday in Morocco. If there’s one thing i recommend you bring with you as an accessory, it’s a scarf or shawl. It really makes it easy to cover yourself up without putting too much thought into an outfit. If you don’t have one, no worries! Scarves are a great thing to buy in Morocco, as weaving is a big part of their culture. Pro-tip: pass up the ones at the Souks in Marrakech and buy one from a co-op in which women hand-craft them and are supported with every purchase.
What to wear in Morocco as a woman:
Figuring out what to wear in Morocco as a woman may be intimidating, but it actually isn’t that difficult at all. After all, it keeps you safe and allows you to play around with fabrics and outfits you may not have otherwise worn during warmer temperatures. Please let me know if this guide helped you with outfit inspiration for Morocco!
Looking for more outfit inspiration for travel destinations? Check out this post for everything I wore in London!
