Weather patterns, tourist seasons, and road conditions throughout the year.
After years of driving across Morocco in every season, I've got strong opinions on timing. Spring (March to May) is absolutely magical - wildflowers blanket the valleys, temperatures are perfect (18-25°C), and the High Atlas still has snow-capped peaks creating stunning contrasts. This is peak tourist season though, so book ahead. Summer (June to August) is brutally hot in cities - Marrakech regularly hits 42°C. But the coast is perfect, and early morning or late evening drives are doable. If you're coastal-focused (Essaouira, Agadir), summer works great. Plus, longer days mean more driving time. Autumn (September to November) is my personal favorite - fewer tourists, still-warm weather, harvest season means amazing fresh produce, and the light is perfect for photography. Prices drop slightly too. Winter (December to February) surprises people - yes, it gets cold, especially at night and in the mountains. The Atlas can be snowy (skiing at Oukaïmeden!), but southern desert areas are incredibly pleasant. Cities are cool but sunny. You'll need layers, and some mountain passes close periodically. For desert trips (Sahara), October through April is ideal - summer desert heat is genuinely dangerous. For mountain trekking, May through October offers the best conditions. Ramadan moves through the calendar and affects travel - restaurants are closed during daylight hours, so plan accordingly. Road conditions are generally good year-round on main routes, but heavy rain in winter can cause issues on unpaved roads. My ultimate recommendation: October or April - perfect weather, manageable crowds, and everything's open and accessible.