Morocco

Morocco is four climates separated by geography rather than the calendar: a mild Atlantic coast (Essaouira stays breezy all summer on ocean winds), a continental interior where Marrakech and Fez pass 40°C in July and August, a High Atlas that holds snow in winter, and a Saharan south. That makes March–May and September–November the two windows when the old cities and the desert are both bearable. For a desert trip specifically: nights are bitterly cold from November to February despite warm days. During Ramadan many medina restaurants close by day and the souks come alive after sunset.

The country transforms in Ramadan — most local cafés and restaurants close by day and open at ftour (harira everywhere), while tourist-zone hotels serve visitors normally. Eid days are family time; medinas go quiet then bounce back livelier.

Weekend is Saturday–Sunday. Bargaining is standard in souks; mint tea embodies hospitality.

Cash rules the souks and medinas; cards work at hotels, riads, and upscale restaurants. Remember: dirhams can't leave the country — exchange as needed and reconvert before departure.

No Uber — use petit taxis (insist on the meter) or inDrive in big cities, and the ONCF app for intercity trains. All global services work.

Traffic keeps to the right side of the road, as in the Gulf (steering wheel on the left). Saudi licenses suffice for short stays; IDP advised. Highways are excellent; the old medinas are car-free anyway.

Small tips are expected everywhere (MAD 5–10) and ~10% at restaurants.

Maroc Telecom, inwi and Orange — very cheap SIMs (~USD 5) from any shop. Good coverage even in the Atlas.

Excellent intercity trains (including Al Boraq high-speed) and petit taxis within cities.

• Jemaa el-Fnaa Marrakech
• Blue Chefchaouen
• Old Fes
• Merzouga Desert