Trekking in Morocco in May: Toubkal, High Atlas Valleys & M'Goun
May is one of the best months for the High Atlas: valleys in bloom, Toubkal almost snow-free, the M'Goun opening up. The desert is already hot. Treks run by local agencies, 0% commission.
- Trips
- 24
- Length
- 2 to 10 days
- Max. altitude
- 4,141 m
Where May works, and where it doesn't
The full guide: when to go- ToubkalIdealValleys in flower, easy residual snow patches and ideal temperatures for the climb. One of the two best months.10 treks this month
- RifIdealDeep green, long days, neither cold nor hot. Ideal for the Talassemtane trails.No treks this month
- M'GounGoodCrossings become passable again and the Happy Valley is green and in flower. Still snow above 3,500 m.10 treks this month
- SaharaPossible with careHeat settles in, above 40 °C in the afternoon. Walking only in the early morning and late in the day.1 trek this month
- Anti-AtlasPossible with careThe massif dries out and heats up fast, with water points scarcer. Short stages advised.No treks this month
24 treks for May
May, in practice.
In May, the season shifts to the mountains. Toubkal is in one of its two best months: valleys in flower, leftover snow patches that pose no difficulty, and ideal temperatures for the climb. Around Imlil, multi-day treks link Berber villages and passes and, for those who want it, the 4,167 m summit.
The M'Goun becomes passable again: river levels drop and the Aït Bouguemez, the "Happy Valley", is green and in bloom, though snow remains above 3,500 m. The desert and the Anti-Atlas, on the other hand, heat up fast: in the Sahara, walking is limited to early morning and late afternoon. The Rif is ideal, but no treks are listed there yet.
If you're weighing it against June, May has greener valleys and quieter trails than high summer. For the desert, aim for March or the autumn instead. Nothing fits your dates? Tell us about your trip and a local agency will reply directly.
Asked before every May departure.
Do you need special equipment for Toubkal in May?
Usually not: good hiking boots are enough on the standard route, plus warm layers for the summit, which is cold early in the morning. Some snow patches can linger early in the month, and the agency will tell you whether crampons are worthwhile given that year's snow.
Can you still do a desert trek in May?
It's possible but restrictive: afternoons can exceed 40 °C. Walking is limited to early morning and late afternoon, with short stages. If the desert is your priority, aim for March–April or October–November instead.
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