August
Ramadan adds intensity to the uncomfortable temperatures – which average 40°C in
Marrakesh, and can easily exceed that in the interior. Head to southern Atlantic beaches
to avoid the crowds.
MOUSSEMS
During Morocco’s largest moussem , picturesque whitewashed Moulay Idriss fills with fantasias
, markets and music. Five pilgrimages to this moussem are said to equal one to Mecca.
Moussems also take place in Setti Fatma, southeast of Marrakesh, and Ouarzazate (Click here
).
September
With autumn, Morocco is once again prime travelling territory. Accommodation prices
rise, but everyone’s in high spirits after Ramadan. The beaches empty and even the
desert is pleasant with dates and gentle breezes.
MARRIAGE MOUSSEM
At this famous three-day festival in the Middle Atlas village of Imilchil, local Berbers search for a
partner. Everyone looks their best, sporting woollen cloaks, white jellabas (flowing garments)
and elaborate jewellery (Click here ).
RELIGIOUS MOUSSEMS
Hamdouchi Moussem is a dance-off between religious fraternities outside Demnate’s two
zawiyas (shrines); Fez’ Moussem of Moulay Idriss sees a musical, rosewater-showered
procession through the medina; thousands of pilgrims head east to the moussem at Sidi Yahia
Oasis, which includes a fantasia (Click here ).
October
Another popular month to visit, although, north of the Middle Atlas, rain is beginning to
set in. Eid al-Adha interrupts transport and life in general for a few days in late
October/early November.
RALLYE SAINT-EXUPÉRY
In late September/early October, Tarfaya remembers the colonial French airmail service that
stopped here, and its most famous pilot, the writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. Planes pass
through en route from Toulouse, France to Saint Louis, Senegal ( Click here ).