10 things to do in Marrakech in September
September is a very ideal month to visit Marrakech: temperatures and tourism are moderate, prices are cheap and there is a wide range of plans. What more could you ask for?
September is one of the best months to travel to Marrakech: temperatures are warm, but not as stifling as in the summer months, there are many hours of sunshine so you can make the most of the days and although there is tourism is not so crowded, so the city can be visited comfortably. In addition, prices are cheaper than in July and August.
Below, I indicate a decalogue with the best plans you can do on your trip.
1. Delve into the heart of the Atlas and do not miss the Festival of the Brides
In the month of September, usually in the third week, takes place one of the most curious festivals of the country, the Feast of the Brides, also known as Moussem of Imilchil, which is celebrated in this town located in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, about 350 kilometers from the city of Marrakech.
So book your excursion to the Atlas Mountains and the desert of Agafa and enjoy dance, music, souks and many other creative proposals. In addition, the great curiosity of this festival is that a great collective wedding takes place in which about thirty young people from this beautiful region marry a person freely. And if they are not satisfied with the marriage they can return to their family and marry again the following year.
Although it is some distance from Marrakech is a highly recommended visit if your trip coincides with this event, as it is a very unique festival in which you will enjoy a unique atmosphere. It is also a unique way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Attendees wear specific attire and hairstyle according to their marital status.
2. Take an excursion to the desert of Marrakech, an experience of 10
The best experience you can have on your trip to Marrakech in September is a tour to the desert. The lower temperatures typical of this month, makes it an ideal plan for all tastes and ages. You have several options:
- On the one hand, you can book an excursion to the Merzouga Desert, which is located approximately 550 kilometers from Marrakech. It is the most distant option, but the most popular of all. However, the tour lasts three days so it is recommended if you spend at least a week in Marrakech.
- In addition, you can book an excursion to the desert of Marrakech with dinner.
- Another option you have is to book an excursion to the desert of Zagora, located approximately 350 kilometers from Marrakech. It is a two-day excursion.
- And finally you can book an excursion to the Atlas Mountains and the Agafay desert, which is about 40 kilometers away, and you can go and return in a day.
If you are not sure which is the best option, read the post best desert tours in Morocco and you will find out for sure. You can also read an article about the best desert activities in Morocco and you will have all the details about the most original way to know the desert of Marrakech which, in fact, is the Sahara Desert.
3. Live the adventure of camel riding in the palm grove of Marrakech
An ideal plan for the month of October when the high temperatures begin to give a respite to visitors is to book a camel ride through the palm grove of Marrakech, a perfect choice for the whole family and a choice to escape the bustle of Marrakech.
The Palm Grove is an enclave that is located northeast of Marrakech, about 10 kilometers, and has about 13,000 hectares and 100,000 palm trees that were planted in the Almoravid dynasty. Specifically, this thousand-year-old park dates back to the 17th century when the Almoravids arrived in the city. In this area are located some of the most important golf courses in the city and several luxury hotels. This experience is priced at approximately 40€.
In addition, you can experience a camel ride in other parts of Marrakech.
4. Visit the Majorelle Garden, an oasis in the middle of the city
One of the best plans you can make in the month of September in the middle of the day is to book a tour of the Majorelle Gardens, one of the most visited places in the city of Marrakech.
The French painter Jacque Majorelle, known for being a nature lover, was the precursor of this garden, which was later acquired by Yves Saint Laurent and currently has more than 300 plant species, including palms, cacti, roses, bougainvillea, bamboo, water lilies and lotus flowers.
The price of the visit is approximately 12 euros and is open from 11 am to 17:00 pm.
5. Immerse yourself in the life of the Jamaa el-Fna square
The Jemaa el Fna Square, located in the heart of Marrakech, attracts an immeasurable number of people every day. In my opinion, it is one of the most spectacular visits of the city, and you can spend hours and hours while enjoying the various shows offered by the square starring snake charmers, musicians and other unique protagonists. A unique space that I recommend you visit at night.
Do not hesitate to book a tour of the Medina of Marrakech and take advantage of your visit to Yamaa el-Fna to eat in one of the restaurants and bars surrounding the square. You can also book a gastronomic tour of Marrakech.
6. Enter the souk of Marrakech
And if you go to Marrakech in September, do not hesitate to book a tour of the souk of Marrakech and take a souvenir of your trip, from leather accessories such as slippers, backpacks, fanny packs or bags, to some ceramic objects, or cosmetic products such as argan oil. You will have no problem communicating as the vendors are fluent in all languages.
The souk, which occupies a maze of labyrinthine streets from the north of the Jamaa el Fna Square, is one of the highlights of Marrakech and the stalls are open from about 10 am to 5 pm. One last tip, do not forget to bargain because, believe it or not, you will always get a discount.
7. Discover one of the treasures of Marrakech, the Saadian tombs.
September is the perfect month to see the Saadian tombs, one of the most beautiful and visited monuments of Marrakech. And with the decrease in tourism you will have the opportunity to see it comfortably and without crowds, something virtually impossible at other times of the year.
The Saadian tombs, whose capacity is very small, date from the Saadian dynasty, which reigned between 1524 and 1659 in Marrakech. They were discovered in the early twentieth century and has several areas that can be visited: the Mausoleum of Lalla Massouda, the Hall of 12 columns, the Hall of Prayers, the Hall of the Three Niches and the outer burials.
The entrance fee starts at 6,50€.
8. Visit the main museums of Marrakech
Another of the plans that you can not miss on your trip to Marrakech in the month of September is the visit to some of the main museums of the city, among which are:
- The Yves Saint Laurent Museum:, which houses a permanent collection of the designer's most outstanding works.
- The Museum of Confluences, which is located in one of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakech, a palace of the early twentieth century that was the official residence of the Pasha of Marrakech for over forty years.
- I also advise you to visit the House of Photography which, promoted by Patrick Manac'h and Hamid Mergani, houses a collection of more than 10,000 photographs of Morocco from the late nineteenth century to the first half of the twentieth century.
- The Orientalist Museum, an art gallery displaying outstanding pieces by Dali, Delacroix, Lord Weeks and Jacques Majorelle. All of them painters who captured the beauty of Morocco in their works.
9. Take a trip back in time in the Madrasa of Ben Youssef
Another must-see on your trip to Marrakech in September is the Ben Youssef Madrasa, also known as Medersa Ben Youssef. You may wonder what makes this visit so special? It is the largest and most important Madrasa in Morocco, as well as one of the most beautiful examples of the country's architectural heritage.
Founded by Sultan Abou al Hasam, this educational center of higher learning dates back to the second half of the 16th century and has more than a hundred cells that could accommodate up to a thousand students dedicated to the study of the Koran.
10. Wellness, relaxation and music at Oasis Festival
If you are a lover of electronic music, the Oasis Festival takes place in mid-September, a music festival with an important international presence of DJs and which also highlights contemporary art, fashion and gastronomy of North Africa.
Various emblematic enclaves of the city such as the Secret Garden join this cultural proposal, which also organizes yoga sessions and afternoons of pool, spa and shisha. All this with a wide range of music in the background. A whole experience of wellness and relaxation.
The temperature in Marrakech in September
In September, the temperatures in Marrakech decrease considerably, with maximum temperatures around 33-35ºC and daily averages between 25 and 28ºC. The days are still very long, with sunrise around 7:15 a.m. and sunset after 7:30 p.m., so there are more than 12 hours of daylight a day. In addition, there is hardly any rainfall. In fact, it rains an average of one day per month.
If you have any doubts about visiting Marrakech in September, read the post when to travel to Marrakech and you will see that it is a perfect month. And if you are looking for more general information about the city, visit the article what to see and do in Marrakech.
The influx of tourists in Marrakech in September
The tourist influx in Marrakech in September is considerably lower than in July and August, but there are still a significant number of visitors and the main excursions are in high demand, so it is advisable to book in advance. Even so, everything is not as crowded as in previous months, so it is a good option for your trip.
Before starting your trip do not hesitate to read the posts safety in Marrakech and how to move around Marrakech, they are very practical.
Marrakech prices in September
Prices in Marrakech in September decrease considerably compared to the months of July and August, both in flights and hotels and even in the day to day. And is that the tourist rates fall greatly and directly also lower prices. So, if you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to visit the city at this time of the year, you won't regret it!
The best time to travel to Marrakech
Read the post when to travel to Marrakech and you will realize that September, without a doubt, is an excellent choice.
And if you are looking for more detailed information on other months of the year, I leave the post Marrakech in January, Marrakech in February, Marrakech in March, Marrakech in April, Marrakech in May, Marrakech in June, Marrakech in July, Marrakech in August, Marrakech in October, Marrakech in November and Marrakech in December.
What to bring in your suitcase to visit Marrakech in September
If you travel to Marrakech in September, it is ideal to bring light clothes, linen or cotton for the central hours of the day and a jacket, cardigan or sweater for when it gets dark, as temperatures can drop to 20 ° C and there is much contrast in temperature throughout the day. On the other hand, don't forget to bring a hat or cap and sunglasses for those moments when the sun is at its hottest.
On the other hand, do not forget that Morocco is a Muslim country and it is not recommended that women wear low-cut, strapless or short clothes. This way, you will avoid uncomfortable looks. Even so, it is one of the most westernized countries, so they do not have a dress code as strict as in other places.
Finally, feel free to check out the posts Marrakech in one day, Marrakech in two days, Marrakech in three days, Marrakech in four days, Marrakech in five days and Marrakech in seven days and create an itinerary to make the most of your trip.