Morocco 101: Packing
So you're coming to Morocco! Flight booked, trip on the calendar, and now the inevitable question hits: what do I actually pack for this? What's appropriate, what's comfortable, and what's going to make your life easier once you're wandering the medina or bumping along a mountain road toward the Sahara?
Take a breath — we've got you. (Not literally, you still have to pack your own bag, but we'll point you in the right direction.)
Here's the thing worth knowing up front: Marrakech has changed a lot in the last few years. It's become a genuinely popular Western tourist destination, which means boutique riads, third-wave coffee shops, and international restaurants now sit right alongside centuries-old souks. You'll see plenty of travelers in shorts and tank tops, and you'll find familiar conveniences you might not expect — but the culture, climate, and terrain haven't changed. A little smart packing goes a long way toward making the trip comfortable instead of a scramble.
Morocco is warm and mostly dry, so plan around that. Light, breathable fabrics like linen and cotton are your best friends, especially in the hot summer months. Culturally, covering your legs, chest, and shoulders is still the norm and will keep you and the locals around you comfortable — you don't need to cover your head (only about half of Moroccan women wear a hijab or veil), but loose, layerable pieces are the most practical choice as you move between cities, mountains, and desert.
What to pack: for the ladies
Your favorite jeans
Loose-fitting drawstring trousers or tailored pants
A long skirt or maxi dress, plus a light scarf for covering shoulders when needed
T-shirts that pair with anything
Flowy, breathable tops for layering with jeans or trousers
A long-sleeve denim or flannel shirt for chilly evenings
A comfortable pair of sandals or flats
Sneakers or closed-toe shoes you can actually walk in
Sunglasses and a swimsuit (hammams and pools both want one)
One more thing: Marrakech and Casablanca have genuinely fun nightlife now, with rooftop bars and clubs that feel like anywhere else in the world. If that's your scene, pack the little black dress and one pair of going-out shoes.
What to pack: for the guys
Jeans and shorts — one of each, no matter the season
Comfortable sweatpants or linen/cotton trousers
T-shirts and a couple of button-downs for evenings out
Flip-flops or sandals
Sneakers or hiking shoes for walking
One nicer pair of shoes if you plan on a nightclub or nice dinner
Swim shorts and sunglasses
Climate essentials
Sun protection
Wide-brimmed hat — clutch for medina rooftops and desert days
Sunglasses with real UV protection
SPF 30+ sunscreen, and reapply more than you think you need to
After-sun lotion or aloe
Weather adaptability
A light jacket — evenings cool off fast, especially in winter and in the mountains
A packable rain jacket or umbrella if you're traveling in the rainy season (January)
5–7 pairs of breathable socks — you will be walking a lot
Health & personal care
Skincare
A rich moisturizer — the dry climate is no joke
Lip balm with SPF
A hydrating face mist
A light and travel-friendly version of whatever your regular routine already is — don't experiment mid-trip
Health items — read this one
Hand sanitizer, especially for market visits
Probiotics or digestive aids to help your stomach adjust to new food (Especially if you do not regularly eat bread at home. Morocco is a VERY bread-heavy culture and fresh bread will be served at every meal.)
A basic first aid kit: bandages and pain relievers
Non-drowsy motion sickness medication (like Dramamine Non-Drowsy / meclizine) — this one's easy to overlook and shouldn't be. A lot of Morocco's best day trips and multi-day excursions — the Atlas Mountains, the road to Chefchaouen, the long drive out to the Sahara — involve hours of switchbacks on winding mountain roads. Even people who never get carsick at home can feel it here. Pack it in your carry-on, not checked luggage, and take it before you feel queasy, not after — it works much better as a preventative than a cure.
Personal medications, packed in original containers with extra doses
Cultural considerations
Respectful attire
Long sleeves and pants if you're visiting a mosque, even from the outside
Skip low necklines, short shorts, tight clothing, and bare shoulders in public spaces
Useful accessories
A small crossbody bag to keep your hands free and valuables close
A money belt or hidden pouch for your passport and emergency cash
Modest jewelry — leave the fine jewelry at home unless you enjoy haggling from a disadvantage
Practical travel items
Phone charger and a power bank
A universal adapter (Morocco uses the European two-pin plug)
Digital copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance
Offline maps downloaded before you go — cell service gets patchy outside cities and in the mountains
A local eSIM (Saily is great, but do it before you land in Morocco) — with more Western travelers coming through, connectivity has actually gotten much easier to sort out on arrival, but it's still worth planning ahead if you want data the moment you land
Comfort & convenience
A reusable shopping bag for souk finds — doubles as a laundry bag in your suitcase
A reusable water bottle
Wet wipes, always useful
Packing cubes to keep everything organized across a multi-stop trip
Shopping & souvenirs
Leave extra space in your luggage — you will find things you didn't know you wanted
A foldable duffel for overflow
Cash in local currency (Moroccan dirhams - aka MAD) for the souks — bargaining goes more smoothly when you're not flashing a card, and most direct merchant souks don’t accept cards (only for big purchases, and you skip the cash discounts)
First-time visitor extras
Familiar snacks, just in case
Electrolyte packets for the heat
A travel pillow for long drives (see: mountain roads, above)
Eye mask and earplugs — cities can be lively at night
What NOT to pack
❌ Revealing clothing (tank tops, short shorts, mini skirts)
❌ Expensive jewelry or watches
❌ Too many shoes — you'll use three, tops
❌ A drone — customs will confiscate it, and you likely won't get it back (unless you’re doing proper permitting paperwork in advance)
❌ Excessive camera or filming equipment
Final tips
Pack light colors — they reflect heat and hide dust better
Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics; you'll be sitting and walking a lot
Break in your shoes before you go — the surfaces are often uneven
Bring a positive, adventurous attitude — genuinely the most important item on this list
You can buy almost anything you forget once you're in Marrakech, and shopping is half the fun. Pack the essentials, leave room for what you'll find along the way.
Will something bad happen if you don't follow this list to the letter? No. Morocco is safe and easy to travel in. These are just our recommendations for staying comfortable and respecting the culture, so you can enjoy your trip and the locals can enjoy having you there.
