Trekking in Morocco in October: Toubkal, M'Goun & Desert Season
Where to trek in Morocco in October: crystal-clear skies on Toubkal, the desert season reopening, a comfortable Anti-Atlas again. Treks by local agencies — book direct, 0% commission.
- Trips
- 33
- Length
- 2 to 17 days
- Max. altitude
- 4,141 m
Where October works, and where it doesn't
The full guide: when to go- ToubkalIdealCrystal skies, cold nights and quiet trails after high season. Excellent right up to the first snows.10 treks this month
- SaharaIdealThe season reopens: pleasant warmth, mild nights and the finest window for bivouac.3 treks this month
- M'GounGoodDays still fine but nights already cold up high. The shepherds are coming back down.10 treks this month
- Anti-AtlasGoodThe heat drops and the trails become comfortable again. Beautiful autumn light.7 treks this month
- RifGoodFine days broken by the first autumn rains. Superb colours.No treks this month
33 treks for October
October, in practice.
October is the most versatile month of the autumn. Toubkal has clear skies, cool nights and quiet trails after the high season, until the first snow. The Sahara reopens its season: pleasant warmth by day and mild nights, the best time of year for camping in the dunes.
The Anti-Atlas becomes comfortable again, with beautiful autumn light. In the M'Goun, days are still fine but nights are already cold at altitude and the shepherds are heading down, so bring a good sleeping bag. The Rif alternates fine days with the first autumn rain.
October lets you combine mountains and desert in a single trip. Late in the month, snow can return to the top of Toubkal, so if the summit is your goal, ask the agency about conditions. For the desert and the Anti-Atlas at their best, see November. Nothing fits your dates? Tell us about your trip and a local agency will reply directly.
Asked before every October departure.
Can you combine Toubkal and the desert in October?
Yes, it's one of the best months to do it, as both regions are in good condition. Allow at least a long day's drive between Imlil and the dunes of Merzouga or M'Hamid, via the Tichka pass and Ouarzazate. Tell us about your trip and an agency can arrange both treks back to back.
Is there snow on Toubkal in October?
Usually not, especially early in the month. Snowfall and frost are possible on the summit late in the month in some years, though. Ask the agency about recent conditions: depending on snow cover, it may bring crampons or adjust the summit timing.
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