Morocco 101: Packing
Ok, so you're coming to Morocco! You've booked your trip, purchased your flight, and now you're ready to start packing. Cue the inevitable question: what the hell do I bring to wear on this trip? What should I wear? What's appropriate? What will the weather be like?
Take a deep breath and read the following info because we've got you covered. (Not literally - you have to bring your own clothes, but we can at least steer you in the right direction.)
First off, Morocco is a warm and mostly dry climate, so consider this when packing. Light fabrics, such as linen and cotton work well with the heat and keep the body cool in the extremely hot summer months. In terms of what's appropriate culture-wise, ladies should keep in mind that covering the legs, chest, and shoulders is the most common practice and will keep you and the locals feeling comfortable. Its not necessary to cover your head with a scarf - only about half of the women in Morocco wear a hijab or other veil. Loose-fitting light fabrics that you can layer are the most practical choices, especially when traveling from one side of the country to the other.
Examples for ladies
For optimal space and practicality, we recommend the following:
your favorite jeans
loose-fitting drawstring trousers/tailored suit pants
long skirts/maxi dress with a wrap or scarf to cover the shoulders
t-shirts that can be paired with anything
flowy tops that breathe well to pair with jeans or trousers
long-sleeve denim or flannel shirt for chilly evenings and layering
a comfy and cute pair of sandals or flats
sneakers/close-toe shoes that are comfortable for walking
sunglasses, and a bathing suit (for the hammam & pool)
Oh, and another thing: Moroccan cities like Marrakech and Casablanca have some pretty fun nightlife, so if you're the type who likes to turn up every now and then, don't forget your LBD (little black dress) and a pair of cute shoes. The nightlife scenes are super modern and you'll find people from all around the world dressed as if they were in any international city.
Clothing for dudes
Guys, we love you. You're so easy to style. For all of our man friends, we recommend:
your favorite jeans and shorts (depending on the season, but its always a safe bet to bring a pair of each)
comfortable sweatpants or cotton/linen trousers
t-shirts and layer-able button-down shirts for chilly weather or a night out
flip flops/sandals
sneakers or comfortable shoes for walking/hiking boots
maybe one pair of shoes that you can wear to a nightclub or nice restaurant - if that's your thing
swimming shorts and sunglasses
Climate-Specific Items
Sun Protection ☀️
Wide-brimmed hat - essential for medina rooftops & sahara fun
Sunglasses - high UV protection
High SPF sunscreen (30+ minimum) - reapply frequently
After-sun lotion or aloe vera gel
Weather Adaptability
Light jacket - evenings can be cool, especially in winter
Umbrella or light rain jacket - if visiting during rainy season
Breathable socks (5-7 pairs) - for walking comfort
Health & Personal Care
Skincare Essentials
Rich moisturizer - dry climate can be harsh on skin
Lip balm with SPF
Face mist - refreshing in heat
Your regular skincare routine - don't experiment while traveling
Health Items
Hand sanitizer - especially for market visits
Probiotics or digestive aids - help adjust to new cuisine
Basic first aid - bandages, pain relievers, motion sickness medication (for those winding mountain pass roads)
Personal medications - bring extras in original containers
Cultural Considerations
Respectful Attire
Long sleeves and pants for mosque visits - even if not entering
Avoid - low necklines, shorts, tight-fitting clothes, bare shoulders in public
Cultural Accessories
Small crossbody bag - keep hands free and valuables secure
Money belt or hidden wallet - for passport and emergency cash
Modest jewelry - leave your diamonds at home unless you wanted to be treated like you have a LOOOOT of money to spend
Practical Travel Items
Technology & Documentation
Phone charger and power bank
Universal power adapter - Morocco uses European plugs
JPEG/PDF of important documents - passport, travel insurance
Offline maps app downloaded
Comfort & Convenience
Reusable shopping bag - for medina purchases (also can double as a dirty laundry bag for your suitcase)
Reusable water bottle - stay hydrated
Wet wipes - handy for freshening up
Packing cubes - stay organized
Shopping & Souvenirs
Leave Room For
Extra space in luggage - you'll want to bring home Moroccan goods
Foldable duffel bag - for overflow shopping
Cash for bargaining - essential for souk shopping; get better deals with cash in local currency!
Special Considerations for First-Time Visitors
Comfort Items
Familiar snacks - in case you need something from home
Electrolyte packets - for hydration in heat
Travel pillow - for better rest
Eye mask and earplugs - cities can be noisy
What NOT to Pack
❌ Revealing clothing (tank tops, shorts, mini skirts)
❌ Expensive jewelry or watches
❌ Too many shoes
❌ Drone - they WILL confiscate it at customs and you most likely will not get it back
❌ Excessive camera/filming equipment
Final Tips
Pack light colors - reflect heat and show less dust
Choose wrinkle-resistant fabrics - you'll be walking and sitting a lot
Test all shoes beforehand - you'll do significant walking on uneven surfaces
Bring a positive, adventurous attitude - the most important item!
Remember: You can buy many items in Marrakech if you forget something, and shopping is part of the experience! Focus on essentials and leave room for the beautiful items you'll discover.
Are you going to get harassed if you don't follow our advice? No. Traveling in Morocco is totally safe and easy. But these are just our recommendations to keep you feeling comfortable and to also respect the culture of this beautiful country. We want you to enjoy yourself but we also want to keep the locals feeling comfortable in their own environment.
