Is Morocco Too Hot for Toddlers in July and August?

Is Morocco Too Hot for Toddlers in July and August?

Morocco is such a beautiful country for family travel, but it can also be very, very hot in the middle of summer. In July and August, the sun is high, the sky is clear, and the air seems to weigh you down with heat, and for kids, this might not be ideal. Their skin is soft, and their bodies take longer to cool down, so when the sun hits, they may have a harder time than grown-ups.

In today’s blog, find out if you should cancel your July or August trip to Morocco. Is it too hot for kids to play, go outside, or take a walk by the beach?

Image: A photo of the tall minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, Morocco, standing against a backdrop of snow-capped High Atlas Mountains under a clear daytime sky.

How Hot Does Morocco Get?

In July and August, many places in Morocco reach high 30s to low 40s Celsius (around 95 °F to 104 °F). In desert areas like Merzouga or Erfoud, it can go even higher, up to 45 °C (113 °F) in the hottest hours.

Coastal cities like Casablanca and Rabat are a bit cooler because of the ocean wind, but they still reach 30 °C to 35 °C (86 °F to 95 °F), while Inland cities like Fes and Marrakesh can rise even more. The mountains, like in the Atlas range, are cooler in the mornings, but even there, by midday, it can be quite warm.

Why It’s Harder for Toddlers

Toddlers are small. They have less body fat to hold heat, and they sweat less. This means they can’t cool down as well as bigger people. Their water tanks run out faster, and heat can make them tired, cranky, or feel sick. Some even have heat rash, or, in the worst case, heat stroke (when the body stops keeping a safe temperature).

Heat stroke can be scary as it can bring fever, confusion, or even fainting. This means that it is not just “too hot”. It can be dangerous for little kids if you are not careful.

The weather can also bounce around. It may be scorching hot with no wind one day and a dust storm the next day. This is known as a sirocco or sharqi in Morocco, where hot wind from the desert blows dust and sand into the air. It can make breathing hard, and even inside your building, the air can feel stuffy and thick.

Tips for Travelling to Morocco with Toddlers in July and August

• Dress lightly. Use thin clothes that breathe well, in light colours. Cotton is best.
• Time your outings well. Go out in the early morning or after sunset. Avoid the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.
• Pick the right spot. Coastal towns or mountain villages may be safer for little ones than deserts or inland cities.
• Keep rooms cool. Close curtains in daytime, open windows at night, and use fans or A/C if you can.
• Stay hydrated. Give your kids small sips of water many times throughout the day. If breast-fed, let the baby nurse more. The diaper can also be an indicator. If it is dark and dry, the baby might need more fluids.

Conclusion

So, is Morocco too hot for toddlers in July and August? It can be. However, as long as you are aware of the weather changes and conditions and know how to take care of your kids, then you can still have a great time.

If you forget to take care of them, leave them out when the sun is high, don’t give them enough to drink, or don't keep them cool, it can be hard and risky.