Morocco · Packing & preparation9 min readMay 23, 2026

What to wear in Morocco: dress code & packing guide.

Q: Can women wear shorts in Morocco?

Women can wear shorts in Morocco in resort areas (Agadir beach, Essaouira seafront, riad pools) and in Guéliz (Marrakech's new city). In medinas, souks, and traditional neighbourhoods, knee-length or longer shorts or trousers are more appropriate. Very short shorts in the medina will attract significantly more attention and harassment. Lightweight linen or cotton trousers are comfortable and practical for medina exploration.

Q: What should I wear in a Moroccan mosque?

Non-Muslims cannot enter most Moroccan mosques (the main exceptions are the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and the mosque at Tinmel). For the Hassan II Mosque, the dress code is: shoulders and knees covered for both men and women, no sleeveless tops, shoes removed before entry. Women are not required to cover their hair. Modesty is more important than specific garment rules.

Q: What should I pack for a Morocco desert tour?

For a Morocco Sahara desert tour, pack: light, breathable long-sleeved shirts (sun protection), a light fleece or jacket (desert nights drop to 5–10°C even in summer), a cotton or linen headscarf/keffiyeh (dust and sun protection), closed-toe shoes for camel riding, flip-flops for camp use, sunglasses (polarised), high-SPF sunscreen, and lip balm. The temperature swing between day (40°C+) and night (5–10°C) is the main clothing challenge.

Q: Can I buy clothes in Morocco if I forget something?

Yes — Morocco is excellent for buying clothes. The medinas sell djellabas (traditional long robes), lightweight linen shirts, scarves, leather sandals (babouches), and kaftans at reasonable prices. Marrakech, Fes, and Essaouira all have souk sections dedicated to clothing. If you forget a scarf or a warm layer, you will find exactly what you need in the first souk you enter.

There is no single dress code for Morocco — it depends on where you are going and when. Medinas, mosques, beaches, and desert camps each have different expectations. The golden rule is modesty in traditional areas, freedom in resort settings. This guide covers every context — with a full packing list for women and men.

Travilto Editorial

Reviewed by the local-guide network · 47 licensed guides

Berber rugs and textiles in the Essaouira medina textile souk

The one-line rule

In medinas and traditional areas: covered shoulders and knees — for everyone.
In resort areas, riads, and beaches: dress freely.

Strict

Mosque

Modest

Medina, souks, desert

Flexible

Beach, riad, resort

Dress code by location

Medina (Marrakech, Fes, Chefchaouen)Modest

Covered shoulders and knees

The cultural standard in traditional neighbourhood areas. Not legally enforced but practically important — particularly for women. Lightweight linen or cotton trousers and a loose top are comfortable and appropriate.

Mosque (Hassan II, Casablanca)Strict

Full coverage — no sleeveless, knees covered

Shoulders and knees fully covered for all visitors. Shoes removed before entry. Women are not required to cover their hair, though a scarf is respectful. The Hassan II is one of the few mosques open to non-Muslims in Morocco.

Souks and marketsModest

Covered shoulders and knees

Same as the medina. Practical note: avoid expensive-looking jewellery or obvious camera gear in dense souk sections — this increases theft risk. Light, breathable fabrics work best in the heat and crowded alleys.

Riad (private guesthouse)Flexible

Relaxed — dress freely

Inside your riad, dress as you would in any private accommodation. Pool riads are normal for swimwear. Riad staff are accustomed to international guests.

Resort beach (Agadir)Flexible

Standard beach wear

Agadir has the most relaxed beach culture in Morocco — standard European beach attire is normal. Bikinis and swimwear are unremarkable. The resort strip was designed for international tourism.

Essaouira beach and seafrontFlexible

Relaxed but windier

Essaouira is liberal by Moroccan coastal standards. Swimwear on the beach is fine. On the seafront promenade and in the medina, a light top over swimwear is more appropriate.

Sahara desert campModest

Layered — huge temperature range

Days can exceed 40°C; nights drop to 5–10°C. The dress challenge in the desert is thermal: light and sun-protective in the day, warm at night. A fleece and long trousers for evenings are essential regardless of season.

Guéliz (Marrakech new city) and restaurantsFlexible

Smart casual — relaxed

The modern districts of major cities are more relaxed. Smart casual is appropriate for upscale restaurants. Shorts and short-sleeved shirts are comfortable and unremarkable in Guéliz.

Packing list — women

The aim is versatility: pieces that work in the medina and at a beach resort, that handle 40°C days and 5°C desert nights, and that pack light in a carry-on.

Tops

Lightweight linen or cotton shirts (3–4) — loose-fitting, covers shoulders
Light cardigan or cotton kimono — medina modesty layer, doubles as evening layer
T-shirts (2–3) for resort settings and riads
A smart blouse or top for upscale restaurants

Bottoms

Lightweight linen or cotton trousers (2) — the most versatile item in Morocco
Midi or maxi skirt (1) — good medina option, airy in heat
Shorts or cropped trousers for resort areas and beaches
Jeans or smart trousers for evenings in Guéliz

Layers & cover-ups

Fleece or light jacket — desert nights, Atlas day trips (essential year-round)
Large cotton or silk scarf (2) — medina modesty, sun protection, dust cover
Swimwear cover-up or sarong for beach to town transitions

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes or trainers — medina cobblestones are uneven
Sandals or flip-flops for riads and beach
Shoes you can remove easily (mosque entry)
Avoid entirely new shoes — blisters in the medina are miserable

Accessories

Sunglasses (UV protection — the southern sun is intense)
Sun hat or wide-brimmed cap
Small crossbody bag (keeps hands free and is harder to pickpocket than a tote)
Lightweight daypack for day trips

Desert specific

Long-sleeved cotton or linen top for sun protection in the dunes
Warm fleece (nights drop to 5–10°C even in summer)
Keffiyeh or large scarf for dust and sandstorm protection
Closed-toe shoes for camel riding (sandals fill with sand)
Flip-flops for camp use

Packing list — men

Tops

Lightweight linen or cotton shirts (3–4) — long-sleeved for medinas and sun
T-shirts (3–4) for casual settings
Smart casual shirt for upscale restaurants

Bottoms

Lightweight chinos or linen trousers (2) — versatile for medina to restaurant
Shorts for resort areas, beaches, and riads
Jeans (1) for evenings and smarter settings

Layers

Fleece or light jacket (essential for desert nights and Atlas)
Light cardigan or hoodie

Footwear

Trainers or comfortable walking shoes (medina cobblestones)
Sandals for riads and beach
Easy-off shoes for mosque entry

Accessories

Sunglasses and sun hat
Small daypack for excursions
Money belt or minimal crossbody — souks have pickpockets

Desert specific

Long-sleeved top for sun protection
Warm fleece for desert nights
Keffiyeh or scarf for sand protection
Closed-toe shoes for camel riding

What to wear by season

March – May (Spring)Best season to visit

18–28°C days · 10–16°C nights

The ideal travel season. Light layers work — a linen shirt and trousers during the day, a light jacket for evenings. Atlas day trips still see cold at altitude: bring a fleece. The perfect balance of comfortable temperatures and beautiful light.

June – August (Summer)Hottest season

35–45°C days · 20–28°C nights

Wear the lightest possible breathable fabrics — linen and cotton only. Light-coloured clothes reflect heat better. A wide-brimmed hat is not optional. Plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning and evening; the afternoon heat in Marrakech and the Sahara is significant. Desert night temperatures are more moderate but still require a light layer.

September – November (Autumn)Recommended

22–32°C days · 12–18°C nights

October and November are some of the best months — warm days, cool evenings, and beautiful light. Light layers for the day, a cardigan or fleece for evenings. Desert nights start getting genuinely cold in November — a proper fleece is essential.

December – February (Winter)Cold nights

16–22°C days · 4–10°C nights

Marrakech winters are mild in the day but cold at night. Pack as you would for mild European spring: layers, a warm jacket for evenings, warm trousers. The Atlas is snow-covered — bring proper warm layers for mountain day trips. Desert nights can approach 0°C in January.

What not to wear in Morocco

Very short shorts or mini skirts in medinas

Not illegal but significantly increases unwanted attention and harassment, particularly for women. Knee-length or longer is a simple change that makes a real difference to the experience.

Sleeveless tops in traditional neighbourhoods and souks

Bare shoulders are considered immodest in traditional Moroccan contexts. A light shirt or linen top over your vest takes 10 seconds and meaningfully reduces friction.

Expensive or ostentatious jewellery in the souks

Crowded markets have pickpockets and, more commonly, people who target obvious wealth. Leave the statement jewellery at your riad. A simple watch and a crossbody bag is the practical combination.

Flip-flops as your primary walking shoe

Medina cobblestones are uneven, often wet with souk runoff, and cover long distances. Flip-flops cause blisters and ankle rolls on this terrain. Keep them for the riad and beach; wear proper trainers or walking shoes for exploring.

Anything tight-fitting for mosque visits

Loose, covered clothing is required. Tight jeans and form-fitting tops are technically covered but culturally inappropriate for mosque entry.

What to buy in Morocco for your wardrobe

If you forget something or want to dress like a local, Morocco's medina souks have everything you need. Shopping here is also one of the best parts of the trip.

Djellaba€15–40

A full-length robe with a pointed hood, worn by both men and women. The most comfortable garment in hot dry heat and perfect for desert evenings. Expect to pay €15–40 in the souk.

Babouche (leather slippers)€8–25

Handmade flat leather slippers — the defining Moroccan footwear. Yellow, red, or white; pointed or rounded. Comfortable for riad use, distinctive as a souvenir. Marrakech tanneries produce them on-site.

Keffiyeh / large scarf€3–10

Lightweight cotton or silk scarves sold throughout the medina. Useful as a medina modesty layer, sun protection, and desert dust cover. Sold at €3–10 — buy two.

Linen or cotton shirt€15–30 tailored

Local tailors in the medina can make a linen shirt to measure in 24 hours for less than you would pay for an inferior one at home. The fabric is lighter than most imported alternatives.

Kaftan (women)€20–80+

A long, loose-fitting robe worn on special occasions and perfect for resort evenings. Available in every medina in extraordinary colours and embroidery. One of Morocco's great clothing exports.

Bargaining is expected in the souks. The starting price for clothing is typically 2–4x the realistic selling price. Start low, be patient, and walk away if needed — they will often call you back with a better offer. Buying directly from the artisan rather than a middleman shop tends to produce better quality and fairer prices.

Frequently asked questions

Do you have to cover up in Morocco?+

There is no legal dress requirement for tourists in Morocco. However, dressing modestly in medinas and souks — covered shoulders and knees — is culturally appropriate and reduces unwanted attention. On beaches in tourist resorts, standard swimwear is normal. The rule: modest in traditional areas, free in resort settings.

Can women wear shorts in Morocco?+

Women can wear shorts in resort areas (Agadir, Essaouira seafront, riad pools) and in modern city districts like Guéliz. In medinas and souks, knee-length or longer is more appropriate. Very short shorts in the medina will attract significantly more attention and harassment. Lightweight linen trousers are comfortable and solve the problem entirely.

What should I wear in a Moroccan mosque?+

Shoulders and knees covered for both men and women. Shoes removed before entry. Women are not required to cover their hair, though a scarf is respectful. Most Moroccan mosques don't admit non-Muslims — the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the main exception.

What should I pack for a Morocco desert tour?+

Light, breathable long-sleeved tops (sun protection), a warm fleece (desert nights drop to 5–10°C even in summer), a large scarf or keffiyeh (dust and sun protection), closed-toe shoes for camel riding, flip-flops for camp use, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen. The day-to-night temperature swing is the main clothing challenge.

Can I buy clothes in Morocco if I forget something?+

Yes — Morocco is excellent for buying clothes. Medinas sell djellabas, lightweight linen shirts, scarves, leather babouche slippers, and kaftans at reasonable prices. If you forget a scarf or warm layer, you will find exactly what you need in the first souk you enter.

Should men cover up in Morocco too?+

Yes — the modest dress standard applies to all genders in medinas and traditional areas. Bare chests are inappropriate outside of a beach or pool. Long trousers are more respectful than shorts for medina visits. For mosque entry, covered shoulders and knees are required for men too.

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