The climate in Morocco is described as subtropical, but can vary greatly depending on the region of the country you visit. With varying landscapes from mountain ranges of the Rif and High Atlas to the dessert in the South, extreme temperatures in some locales are a reality. On the Atlantic Ocean coast towns (El Jadida, Casablanca, Rabat, Tanger), residents enjoy mild winter temperatures with high rains and humidity. Summers can get much hotter with humidity in the mid-50's, but strong breeze's off the ocean to keep the weather manageable. Inland cities like Fes and Marrakesh tend to get very hot in the summer. During the winter months, the temperatures can drop significantly in those cities and there is much less rain. Snow falls on the mountain tops of the High Atlas in this region as well.

Even in a sub-tropical environment Morocco's temperature dips in the winter and spikes in the summer leave room for season changes including fall and spring when temperatures are nearly ideal in most cities. Fall and Spring last about two months each. The sun shines 9-10 months throughout the year allowing for less sun during the winter rainy season. The summer days are longer with up to 15-16 hours of sunlight per day, and much shorter days with sunsets as early as 5 p.m. in the dead of winter.

There is very little rainfall throughout the year in Morocco. Winter is the rainy season with typical rainfall during November through February totaling 10-12 inches. Also, during the winter, the weather is very humid making the temperature feel much cooler than it actually is in the coastal regions. Humidity levels along the Atlantic Ocean coast towns (Casablanca, Rabat) can reach into the 80'-90's. Average winter temperatures are in the mid-60's, and even when the sun is shining, the high humidity makes a warm winter jacket a requirement of stepping outside. Average summer temperatures can reach into the low to high 80's, and occasionally in the 90's. Inland cities like Fes and Marrakesh are less humid but also experience much more severe temperature differences between summer and winter. In the summer, high 90's-100 degree points are common, while the winter months can produce temperatures as low at 40 degrees F. Wearing layered clothing is usually the most helpful way to deal with the temperatures in any season.

Buildings and homes are made of concrete and are ideal for these temperature changes. Most homes are not equipped with heating and cooling systems, though some larger villas might have fireplaces. Most apartments and smaller homes use space heaters and fans on during the short periods when the weather feels unbearable at either extreme. Small combination heating and cooling units are becoming more common in businesses, and all hotels are equipped with them as well.

Morocco has experienced earthquakes in the past, but they are very rare considered rare occurrences. The last earthquake to hit Morocco was in February 2004 in the northern region of Morocco, while the largest and deadliest earthquake shook Morocco in 1960. It is a good idea for expats to familiarize themselves with earthquake emergency procedures and make plans with their families in the event of an earthquake.