Trekking in Morocco in April: Toubkal, Desert & Anti-Atlas
April is a turning point for trekking in Morocco: Toubkal clearing of snow, desert and Anti-Atlas still pleasant, the Rif in bloom. Treks run by local agencies — book direct, 0% commission.
- Trips
- 28
- Length
- 2 to 17 days
- Max. altitude
- 4,141 m
Where April works, and where it doesn't
The full guide: when to go- RifIdealFull bloom, waterfalls flowing and perfect temperatures. The high point of the Rif season.No treks this month
- ToubkalGoodSnow retreats above 3,500 m and the valleys turn green. The summit stays cold and can be icy early in the morning.9 treks this month
- SaharaGoodStill very pleasant, though spring sandstorms can blow for several days at a stretch.3 treks this month
- Anti-AtlasGoodStill very pleasant, with heat building at midday. An early start is enough.7 treks this month
- M'GounPossible with careSnowmelt at its peak: the M’Goun gorges can be impassable. Confirm with the agency the day before.6 treks this month
28 treks for April
April, in practice.
April offers the widest choice of the year. The desert and the Anti-Atlas are still pleasant if you set off early, while the High Atlas is coming out of winter: the snowline retreats towards 3,500 m and the valleys around Imlil turn green. It is one of the few times of year when both the desert and the High Atlas are good for walking.
Each region has one thing to watch. In the Sahara, spring sandstorms can blow for several days in a row. On Toubkal, the summit stays cold and sometimes icy early in the morning, and depending on snow cover, crampons may still be needed. In the M'Goun, snowmelt can make the gorges impassable, so the route is confirmed with the agency the day before departure.
The Easter holidays bring more people to Toubkal, so book early if your dates are fixed. The Rif is at its peak (flowers, full waterfalls), but no treks are listed there yet. For a snow-free High Atlas, May is safer; for a milder desert, try March. Nothing fits your dates? Tell us about your trip.
Asked before every April departure.
Is there still snow on Toubkal in April?
Often, yes, on the upper part of the route. Snow cover varies a lot from year to year: some years the summit is almost snow-free by the end of the month, while in others crampons and an ice axe are still needed. Ask the agency about recent conditions and the equipment planned before you go.
Desert or High Atlas: which to choose in April?
It depends on what you're after. The desert is in its last good window before the heat, with a risk of sandstorms. The High Atlas offers green valleys and a summit that is accessible again, but nights at altitude are still cold. For an easy first trek, the Toubkal valleys or the Anti-Atlas are the simplest options.
Explore another way
Neighbouring months
Themes
Going further