I have watched hundreds of tourists arrive in Marrakesh with enormous wheeled suitcases, then spend their first afternoon struggling those suitcases over cobblestones through a medina designed in the 11th century for donkeys and people on foot. Pack light. You will thank yourself.
Here is a practical packing list, informed by the realities of travelling in Morocco — the heat, the social customs, the unpaved medina streets, and the desert nights.
Clothing — The Essentials
Morocco is a Muslim-majority country with a relatively conservative dress culture in most cities. You do not need to dress like a local, but dressing modestly — covering shoulders and knees — will mean less unwanted attention, more respect from locals, and access to mosques and sacred spaces. In coastal resort towns like Agadir, standards are more relaxed.
2–3 lightweight, loose long-sleeved shirts or blouses
Linen or lightweight cotton works best. Covers your arms (important in medinas and religious sites) while keeping you cool. Neutral colours show less dust.
1–2 pairs of loose, lightweight trousers
Linen trousers or loose cotton joggers are ideal. Jeans are fine but heavy and slow to dry. Avoid shorts in the medina — you will feel out of place and attract more attention.
1 long skirt or dress (for women)
A lightweight midi or maxi skirt is versatile — cool in the heat, appropriate for religious sites, and doubles as a beach cover-up on the coast.
1 large scarf or pashmina
This is the single most versatile item you can pack. Use it as a head covering in mosques, a wrap on cold desert nights, a beach towel, a layer on cold mountain buses, or shade on a camel ride. Buy one in the Marrakesh souk if you forget yours — they cost $5–$10.
1 warm layer (fleece or light down jacket)
Morocco's nights are colder than tourists expect — even in summer, the desert drops below 15°C at night and mountain areas are genuinely cold. A packable down jacket or fleece takes up little space and is essential.
3–4 breathable t-shirts or vest tops
For layering and sleeping. Light synthetic or merino wool fabrics dry overnight and resist odour.
Swimwear
For Essaouira, Agadir, Dakhla, or riads with pools. One piece for women is more appropriate in public beach areas, though two-piece is increasingly accepted at tourist beaches.
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support
The Marrakesh medina has uneven cobblestones, unpaved alleys, and occasional drain channels. Trainers or light hiking shoes are ideal. This is the most important footwear decision you make.
Sandals (Birkenstock-style or similar)
For evenings, riads, hammams, and coastal days. Buy a pair of traditional Moroccan babouche slippers in the souk as a souvenir — they also work great as indoor shoes.
Essentials and Toiletries
High-SPF sunscreen (bring your own)
Available in Morocco but limited brands and more expensive than at home. The sun is intense at altitude and in the desert.
Insect repellent
Essential for the desert, river valleys, and rural areas. Mosquitoes are more of an issue at dawn and dusk near water.
Basic medical kit
Imodium (or similar anti-diarrheal), rehydration sachets, paracetamol, antiseptic wipes, and any prescription medication. Pharmacies are excellent in Morocco's cities but harder to find in rural areas.
Unlocked phone + Moroccan SIM
Buy a Moroccan SIM on arrival (30–50 MAD for 20–30GB). Having navigation and translation available at all times is worth more than any guidebook.
Power bank
Desert camps, rural guesthouses, and long train journeys mean your phone battery matters. A 10,000mAh bank is sufficient.
Small day pack or crossbody bag
For daily use in the medinas. A small zip-closed crossbody keeps your essentials safe and leaves your hands free. Keep your passport and cards in the bag, not your pockets, in crowded areas.
Reusable water bottle with filter
Tap water in Morocco is not recommended for drinking. A filtered water bottle (LifeStraw or Sawyer) saves you from buying endless plastic bottles and is better for the environment.
Toilet paper and hand sanitiser
Some public toilets and budget guesthouses do not supply toilet paper. Pack a small travel roll. Hand sanitiser is useful when washing facilities are limited.
What to Pack by Season
☀️ Summer (June–August)
- Lightest possible clothing
- Sun hat with wide brim — essential
- SPF 50+ sunscreen, lots of it
- Electrolyte sachets for dehydration
- Still bring a light layer for nights
🍂 Autumn/Spring (Mar–May, Sep–Nov)
- Light layers you can add or remove
- Rain jacket or packable poncho
- Slightly warmer sleep layer
- Best overall conditions for packing
❄️ Winter (December–February)
- Warm jacket — not optional
- Thermal base layers
- Waterproof shoes
- Gloves and a hat for mountains
- Desert nights can hit 5°C
🏜️ Desert Specific
- Scarf for sand protection
- Warm layer for night (even summer)
- Closed shoes for camel riding
- Sunglasses — good quality ones
- Headtorch for camp at night
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to dress modestly in Morocco?
In cities and medinas, covering your shoulders and knees is strongly recommended for both women and men. You will receive significantly less unwanted attention and more genuine welcome. In tourist beach resorts like Agadir, the standards are more relaxed. At any mosque or religious site, women should cover their hair and everyone should cover arms and legs.
Can I buy toiletries and supplies in Morocco?
Yes — Morocco has plenty of pharmacies and supermarkets in cities that stock most international brands. Sunscreen, toiletries, and basic medications are all available. Prices are comparable to Europe. Smaller towns and rural areas have less selection, so stock up before leaving the cities.
What size bag do I need for a Morocco trip?
A 30–40L backpack is ideal for 1–2 weeks in Morocco. It fits in overhead compartments on buses and trains, navigates the medinas easily, and forces you to pack light (which is the right choice). If you are staying in one city for an extended period, a small wheeled bag is fine — but for travelling between cities, a backpack is much more practical.
Ready to plan your Morocco trip?
Read our complete budget travel guide and 7-day itinerary — everything you need to arrive prepared and travel smart.
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