What to pack for a trip to Morocco
If you’re looking to pack for a trip to Morocco, then in this post I’m going to share everything you should bring to make your journey comfortable and stress-free. Morocco’s climate varies from hot desert days to chilly nights, and cultural expectations around clothing—especially for women—mean it’s worth planning ahead. This packing list comes from my own 12-day Morocco itinerary, which included Marrakesh, Fez, Casablanca, and the Sahara Desert.
Clothing to Pack for Morocco
Modest Clothing for Women
While Morocco is fairly used to tourists, dressing modestly is both respectful and practical. Women in particular will feel more comfortable when more covered, especially outside of major cities.
- Loose-fitting tops and bottoms (avoid leggings)
- Long, flowy dresses or skirts that cover the legs
- Tops or dresses that cover the shoulders
- Light shawl or scarf for covering up when needed
While many tourists wear shorts or tank tops, you will feel out of place in smaller towns if you don’t dress more modestly.
Layers for Changing Weather
Morocco can swing between hot and cold—sometimes in the same day.
- Light, breathable clothing for hot daytime sun
- Warm layers for cool nights
- Jacket or fleece for evenings and winter travel
- Keep in mind that traditional Moroccan buildings are designed to stay cool, so interiors can feel chilly in winter even when the sun is strong outside.
Shoes
Bring comfortable walking shoes, especially for Fez where the medina is hilly and uneven. Sandals are fine for Marrakesh, but sturdy shoes are best for long walks and desert travel.
Medications and Health Essentials
Traveling in Morocco means long drives, unfamiliar food, and sometimes limited access to pharmacies. Bring what you might need so you don’t waste precious time tracking down basics.
- For gastrointestinal illness: Imodium, Pepto-Bismol, Pepcid, and ideally a prescription for Cipro (ciprofloxacin) for traveler’s diarrhea
- Antibiotics: If available, bring a general antibiotic in case of bacterial infections
- Motion sickness medication: Long, winding drives through the Atlas Mountains can trigger nausea
- Painkillers and anti-nausea meds
- Basic first aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and rehydration salts/electrolytes
From personal experience, I strongly recommend bringing these with you. In rural Morocco, it can be a long drive back to the nearest pharmacy.
Accessories and Practical Items
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm – the sun is SUPER strong!
- Hat for sun protection
- Scarf or shawl for women (multi-use: modesty, warmth, sun cover)
- Small cross body bag for walking around cities or hiking in the desert
- Portable charger/power bank for phones and cameras
- Cash in Moroccan dirhams for tips and small purchases (ATMs are limited outside cities)
Packing for the Sahara Desert
If you’re including the desert on your Morocco itinerary (and you should!), add:
- Warm jacket, hat, and gloves (nights can reach 0°C)
- Comfortable clothing for camel rides and dune hikes
- Extra water and electrolyte drinks
- Moisturizer and lip balm (the air is dry and harsh)
See my full Things to Know Before Visiting the Sahara Desert guide for more Sahara details.
Morocco Packing Checklist
| Category | Essentials to Bring | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing | Loose tops, long dresses/skirts, shawl/scarf | Modest dress helps women feel comfortable outside cities |
| Layers | Light shirts, fleece/jacket, warm socks | Days hot, nights and interiors chilly |
| Shoes | Comfortable walking shoes, sandals | Fez has hills and uneven streets |
| Medications | Imodium, Pepto, Pepcid, Cipro, antibiotics, motion sickness meds, first aid kit | Bring with you—rural pharmacies limited |
| Accessories | Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, lip balm, portable charger, daypack | Sun exposure is intense |
| Sahara Gear | Warm jacket, hat, gloves, water, electrolytes | Nights near freezing, days exposed |
| Money | Cash in Moroccan dirhams | Needed for tips, small shops, and tour balances |
Morocco Packing FAQs
Do women have to dress modestly in Morocco?
Yes, while tourists are not strictly required to, women will feel more comfortable dressing modestly—especially outside major cities. Loose-fitting tops, long dresses, and a light shawl or scarf for covering shoulders go a long way in respecting local culture.
Is Morocco cold at night?
Yes, temperatures can drop significantly at night, even after hot daytime weather. The Sahara can reach freezing (0°C / 32°F), and traditional Moroccan buildings stay cool but can feel cold in winter. Always pack layers.
What should I pack for the Sahara Desert in Morocco?
Bring warm clothing for nights (jacket, hat, gloves), light clothes for daytime, comfortable shoes, and plenty of water with electrolytes. Camps provide blankets but no heating. See my Sahara tips post for details.
Should I bring medication to Morocco?
Yes. Pharmacies exist in cities, but rural areas are limited. Bring gastrointestinal medication (Imodium, Pepto, Pepcid, and ideally Cipro), motion sickness tablets, antibiotics if possible, painkillers, and basic first aid supplies.
Can I wear leggings in Morocco?
Leggings are best avoided as outerwear, especially in rural areas. If you wear them, pair them with a tunic or long dress that covers to the knee. Loose pants or long skirts are a better choice.
Final Thoughts
Packing for Morocco is about balance: you need modest clothing for cultural comfort, layers for changing weather, and medications and essentials you won’t want to hunt down once you’re there. With the right preparation, you’ll be comfortable whether you’re wandering the souks of Marrakesh, exploring the medina of Fez, or watching the sunset over the Sahara dunes.
