August in Morocco is very hot, especially in the middle parts of the country. If you’re planning a road trip during this time, it’s best to choose cooler places. Head to the coast, the green hills in the north, or the tall mountains. One easy way to explore is by renting a car. This gives you more freedom without waiting for buses. Just make sure the vehicle has good air-conditioning. Our guide will help you plan your summer travel in Morocco.
August might be hot, but it also comes with advantages. One of the biggest perks is cheaper accommodation in many regions. While coastal towns stay popular, mountain villages and inland cities often have lower hotel rates compared to spring or fall. With fewer international tourists in the heat, you’ll also find better deals on tours and guesthouses.
August is also when many locals take their holidays, so beach towns and cool mountain areas come alive. You’ll get to enjoy lively summer nights, full of music, open cafés, and family gatherings. It’s the perfect time to see the country in motion, especially if you want to experience Morocco like a local.
Another bonus? Longer daylight hours mean you can start early, beat the heat, and still have time for an evening stroll or dinner with a sea view. Roads to places like Essaouira, Chefchaouen, or the High Atlas are in good condition, and driving gives you the freedom to move between cooler regions at your own pace.
One of the best road trip routes in Morocco begins in Casablanca, where the Atlantic breeze keeps the heat more bearable. After picking up your rental car at the airport, head straight for the Hassan II Mosque, a stunning seaside landmark that seems to rise from the waves. A relaxing walk along the Ain Diab Corniche lets you enjoy the ocean air while locals gather at cafés and food stalls. In the city, you’ll appreciate the cool evenings here. Visit the Royal Palace grounds, then stroll through the Habous Quarter, a lovely place for handmade goods and local pastries. Before the day ends, enjoy a peaceful dinner at La Sqala, a restaurant set in a restored fortress with a shady garden.
Next, drive just one hour north to Rabat, Morocco’s capital. You’ll arrive at Bouregreg Marina, where the sea breeze softens the August heat. Explore the Kasbah of the Udayas, with its narrow alleys and blue-and-white walls overlooking the water. Later in the day, visit the Hassan Tower and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. A tea at Café des Oudayas, inside the kasbah, gives you the best views of the river and sea. Rabat also has a city beach for a morning dip, and you can explore the Roman ruins at Chellah in the afternoon, surrounded by flowers and birds. By evening, the medina comes alive with open shops and rooftop dining.
Continue to Asilah, a small art town about 2 hours away. Whitewashed walls, colorful murals, and a quiet beach town vibe will welcome you. August is festival season, so you might catch open-air art displays or local music near the main square. Walk along the sea walls built by the Portuguese, and enjoy lunch in the medina with fresh fish and cool drinks. The beaches near town are clean and peaceful, perfect for an afternoon. Before leaving, shop for handwoven goods and visit a few galleries.
Start your journey in Tangier, a port city where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean. Begin your visit at the Kasbah Museum, inside an old sultan’s palace filled with historical displays and sea views. The medina feels like a maze. You’ll find small cafés between the alleys and shops selling rugs, leather, and ceramics. Head up to Café Hafa, the sea view is hard to beat, and famous writers once sat here. If you want to stretch your legs, drive to Cap Spartel and the Hercules Caves to enjoy cool breezes and ocean views.
From Tangier, drive 1 hour to Tetouan, a UNESCO-listed city tucked into the Rif Mountains. Tetouan’s medina is one of the most authentic in Morocco, known for its Andalusian architecture and traditional workshops. Visit the Archaeological Museum or explore the narrow streets filled with textiles, pottery, and spice vendors. August temperatures here are warm but not extreme, and the mountains help keep the air fresh. The Spanish influence is strong in Tetouan, seen in the city’s plazas and pastel-colored buildings. You can enjoy a quiet walk along Avenue Mohammed V or rest in a shaded café with views of the old town.
End your northern escape with a 1-hour drive to Chefchaouen from Tetouan. This town, set high in the Rif Mountains, is famous for its blue-painted alleys. In August, the air is cooler compared to Morocco’s inland cities. Wander through the medina, where every corner is a photo opportunity. Stop at Plaza Uta el-Hammam for lunch or tea with a view of the mountains. For a scenic climb, walk up to the Spanish Mosque above the town just before sunset.
Marrakech gets very hot in August, often reaching over 40 °C. One of the best ways to cool down is to drive to the High Atlas Mountains. This 65-kilometer drive takes you through small mountain villages where the temperature drops and the air feels fresh. You’ll notice the change right away. Up here, it’s around 18 to 28 °C, and you might even need a light jacket at night. It’s not just about escaping the heat. The views are beautiful, and you’ll see Berber culture and daily life in the mountains. If you're wondering where to go in Morocco in August to stay cool, this route is a great choice.
Leave Marrakech early in the morning and drive an hour to the Ourika Valley. Make sure your rental car has good air conditioning for the first stretch. The heat starts to fade as you follow the Ourika River into the hills. The valley is green and full of life, especially around Setti Fatma, a village known for its small waterfalls and hiking trails. You’ll find plenty of cafés where you can sip mint tea by the stream and enjoy a break from the heat.
From Ourika, keep driving toward Imlil. The 1-hour drive takes you to curvy roads, so take your time. Once you reach Imlil, the air is much cooler. The village sits at about 1,800 meters high. It is the starting point for hikes around Mount Toubkal, the tallest peak in North Africa. Park your car and walk around the village. There are walnut trees, local markets, and easy trails to nearby viewpoints. Most travelers spend the night in a guesthouse or small riad, enjoying the peace and mountain views. If you’re up for more, try a short hike early in the morning when it’s still crisp. Just remember to wear a hat and bring water because the sun is intense up here.
This route gives you the perfect summer break if you love the sea. The Atlantic coast south of Marrakech stays much cooler than other parts of the country. While cities inland hit 45 °C, coastal towns like Essaouira and Agadir remain in the mid-20s and low 30s. As one of the best August road trips in Morocco, it is ideal for surfers, couples, and families who want to relax by the water.
Start your trip by driving from Marrakech to Essaouira, a town known for its steady winds and laid-back vibe. Once you reach the coast, the heat drops and the breeze hits your face. That’s why people call it the Windy City of Africa. The beach here stretches for miles. While it’s often too windy for sunbathing, it’s great for walks, camel rides, and watersports like windsurfing or kitesurfing. Spend some time in the medina, where you’ll find white-and-blue walls, local art, and friendly shops. At the fishing port, you can watch boats come in and enjoy a plate of fresh grilled seafood at one of the open-air stalls. In the evening, the wind usually calms down. That’s the perfect time to explore local cafés, hear live music, or enjoy a rooftop dinner in one of the old riads.
From Essaouira, drive south to Agadir, which takes about 3 hours. You can take the faster highway or the scenic route through surf villages like Taghazout. If you love surfing or just want to watch the waves, Taghazout is a fun place to stop. When you reach Agadir, you’ll see big hotels, a beach promenade, and many outdoor cafés. Spend time on Agadir’s beach, visit the hilltop Kasbah for views over the bay, or shop for Argan oil at the city’s main souk. The nearby hills are covered in Argan trees, making this region one of the best places to buy local oils and skincare products.
If you want to see something different, take a short trip inland to Paradise Valley, about an hour from Agadir. This spot has natural pools, palm trees, and rocky cliffs that feel like a hidden oasis. Go early in the morning while it’s still cool. You can swim in the clear water or rest in the shade of the rocks. Remember, the valley gets hotter by midday, so plan to return to the coast in the afternoon.
A self-drive tour is one of the best ways to enjoy these August road trips. You can easily rent a car in Morocco in major cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, or Tangier. Here are some practical tips to help you get started.
Driving in August means dealing with intense heat and busy roads. These tips will help you stay safe and comfortable during your summer road trip.
Traveling to Morocco in August means facing the hottest time of the year, but it also comes with a big benefit. This is the low season, so you can enjoy cheaper hotel stays, fewer crowds, and more room to explore. With the right road trip routes, you can stay cool while seeing some of Morocco’s best spots. Book a car with Final Rentals in advance to start your Moroccan adventure.
