What To Wear In Morocco: The Ultimate Morocco Packing List For Every Season

Deciding what to pack for Morocco isn’t easy.

Morocco is a primarily Muslim country and you always hear how as a woman you should cover yourself up, but then you also see photos online of girls twirling around the desert in skimpy dresses.

So how do you know what to wear in Morocco? The most appropriate Morocco packing advice lies somewhere in between.

Morocco is considered a relatively conservative country, but there isn’t a strict dress code as such or a fashion police that will arrest you for wearing short shorts.

As you wander the streets of Marrakech you will see everything from tourists in short dresses and locals in full-body veils.

While generally speaking you are free to wear whatever you want, I always recommend respecting the local culture and avoid walking around with too much skin exposed.

In this Morocco packing list I’ve outlined everything you might need or want to wear in Morocco, including advice on tops, bottoms, accessories and other useful extras.

What to pack for Morocco: Shoes

Starting from the bottom, here are all my top suggestions for what to pack for Morocco.

Sandals / flip-flops: Even if you’re visiting in winter, you will want to pack a pair of sandals, flip-flops or similar toe-open shoes.

I was in Morocco in November and it was still warm enough to go everywhere in sandals, even if you don’t wear them outside they’re still handy for walking inside your riad or if you’re staying somewhere with a pool.

I personally really like Birkenstock sandals as they’re comfortable to walk in.

Trainers: I always bring a pair of comfortable trainers or walking shoes everywhere I go. Whether it’s to go on a hike or just to have a warmer alternative to sandals I like to have another shoe option.

What to wear in Morocco: Bottoms

Having covered footwear, lets move up to trousers. I recommend packing a combination of the following.

Long loose trousers: If you don’t want to walk around in short shorts, but also don’t want to suffer the Moroccan heat in long jeans, I recommend bringing some long loose trousers with you.

Leggings: Leggings are my go to trousers when I want to me comfortable and if I know I’ll be walking for a long period of time.

They’re usually made of quite light cotton too so they won’t keep you too warm. Just make sure that whatever you wear on top covers your bottom!

Jeans: Because it might get a bit chilly after all in evenings or if you’re visiting in autumn and winter, packing a pair of jeans is always a safe choice.

Maxi skirts: If you want to get those beautiful twirling desert photos but don’t want to walk around in a tiny dress, why not go for a maxi skirt instead?

Maxi skirts look amazing in photos and, similarly to the loose trousers, are very airy and won’t make you too hot if you’re visiting Morocco in summer. 

Jumpsuits: I’m a personal fan of jumpsuits.

While they’re a bit inconvenient when you need to use the toilet (yep you basically need to undress completely, girls will know the struggle) they’re great because they full dress you with only one piece of clothing – minimalist packing for the win!

I like the loose cotton ones that are also ideal for the hot Moroccan climate.

Shorts: I wouldn’t wear short shorts in Marrakech, however if you’re planning a visit to the seaside in Morocco and will be spending time in a beach resort you will be fine wearing shorts.

Maybe pack some mid-thigh length ones as opposed to those super short ones even your grandma doesn’t approve of.

What to pack for Morocco: Tops

Tank tops: While most people would recommend covering your shoulders while in Morocco, I know it can get very hot there.

I usually wear tank tops under other layers so that I can be covered up for most of the day, but with the option of removing a layer and being a bit cooler if I chose to.

T-shirts: A good alternative to tank tops that covers a bit more your shoulders so you don’t have to worry about wearing additional layers.

Long sleeve cotton blouse: Similarly to the loose cotton trousers these are perfect to cover yourself up while being airy and not making you sweat too much.

Maxi & midi dresses: I wasn’t sure whether these went under bottoms or tops but here they are! Like jumpsuits there are great because with one piece of clothing you’re fully dressed, they’re also nice and airy so you don’t get too hot.

For Morocco I would pack maxi dresses and midi dresses, better to leave the short dresses at home.

Kaftans: These are a great top layer if you’re wearing a tank top under and they go well with skirts, jeans, flowy trousers or pretty much anything really! They’re also nice and cool in the heat.

Hoodie: A warmer alternative to a kaftan, even if somewhat less trendy.

Even if you’re visiting Morocco in spring or summer it’s always handy to have one for when you’re somewhere indoors with air conditioning or if it gets colder in evenings.

Jacket: This obviously depends on the time of year you’re visiting Morocco and where in Morocco you’re planning on going.

Even if you’re visiting in summer if you want to hike up the Atlas Mountains it can get pretty chilly in evenings.

I was in Morocco in November and while it was tank top and sandals weather around midday in Marrakech, when we drove through the mountains there was snow on every side of the road and it also got pretty chilly at night in the Agafay desert.

You can get one of these light padded jackets or heavy ones that fold over and take up little space in your suitcase if you don’t end up needing it.

Useful Accessories to pack for Morocco

Scarf: If you’ve read any of my other packing lists or flight essentials you know I love scarves.

You can use it to cover yourself if it gets chilly, but also to cover up your shoulders if you’re visiting a mosque or other local site where they require you to do so.

Swimsuit: Don’t forget to pack a swimsuit! In Morocco there are some beautiful riads with pools in their inner courtyards, even if you’re not heading to the beach while in Morocco you might still find a swimsuit useful.

Wide-rim hat: The sun can be pretty strong in Morocco so why not pack a wide-rim hat to keep your head in the shade? It can also be a great prop for photos if you’re into that.

Sunglasses: See previous bullet point, the sun is strong, protect your eyes.

Small across-body bag: Morocco is one of those places where they always tell you to be careful and keep an eye out for your belongings.

Seeing how busy the souks and streets of the Medina in Marrakech are, it’s easy to see how easily pickpockets can operate.

I usually keep all my valuable belongings in either a small across-body bag or a bumbag that closes with a zipper and always keep it in front of me where I can see it.

It might be an unnecessary precaution but better to be safe than sorry.

Morocco packing list: Other useful things

Money belt: In case the small across-body bag isn’t enough for you (or it doesn’t quite fit your fashion style) why not invest in a money belt?

These are perfect for cash and documents, after all it’s hard for someone to pickpocket you if they can’t even see your bag!

International power adaptor: It obviously depends where you’re coming from, you might not need an adaptor after all but I always like to carry an international adaptor with me, so as to be ready for any type of plug.

Portable electronic charger: I like to bring a power bank with me everywhere. I might use my phone too much but the reality is that phone batteries don’t last long enough.

Take a small one or solar powered one to ensure your phone and other electronics are always charged.

Sun cream: Even if you’re not visiting in peak season in summer, the sun can get pretty intense. Make sure to protect your skin with a high factor SPF.

Tissues & bathroom wipes: A lot of public toilets in Morocco don’t have toilet paper, or you might have to pay someone sat just outside for them to give you a little bit of toilet paper.

Better to be prepared and always have some with you.

Hand sanitizer: Like above, some toilets might not have toilet paper and others might not have soap. It’s pretty handy to carry one of these and helps make sure you stay hygienic while on the road in Morocco.

Imodium: I hope you won’t need this, but better to be safe than sorry right?

Morocco is one of those countries where Western tourists might be at risk of food poisoning, so do yourself a favour and add Imodium to your Morocco packing list.

Lightweight towel: I bring one of these pretty much everywhere I go.

Whether it’s to use in hostels that don’t provide towels or after swimming outside at a beach, waterfall, lake or whatever body of water there is, I love these lightweight towels because they dry quickly and take up very little space.

Final thoughts on how to dress in Morocco

Have you been to Morocco before? What did you pack when you went there? Let me know in the comments below!

This advice on what to wear in Morocco is based on my own personal experience and what I packed myself when I went to Marrakech.

I hope you find this useful in planning your own trip and figuring out what to pack for Morocco!

Looking for more Morocco travel tips? Check out these guides!

• The best Marrakech street food tour
• Marrakech to Ouarzazate day trip – everything you need to know
• 15 stunning photo opportunities in Marrakech

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