Morocco is a Muslim country with a relaxed attitude toward tourists, but dressing respectfully makes a real difference to how you're received — and it's more comfortable in the heat and the medinas too. Here's a practical guide to what to wear in Morocco.
Morocco Dress Code: The Basics
There's no strict dress code for tourists, but modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is respectful, especially in medinas, rural areas and religious sites. Loose, breathable fabrics are both cooler and more culturally appropriate than tight or revealing clothes.
What Women Should Wear
Loose trousers, maxi skirts or dresses, and tops that cover the shoulders are ideal. You don't need to cover your hair, but carrying a scarf is useful for sun, wind and visiting religious sites. Dressing modestly also tends to reduce unwanted attention.
What Men Should Wear
Men have more leeway — t-shirts and trousers or longer shorts are fine. Very short shorts and going shirtless are best avoided in medinas and away from pools and beaches.
What to Wear in the Desert
Pack light layers: breathable clothing for hot days, a warm jacket or fleece for cold desert nights, closed shoes for the dunes, and a scarf to protect against sun and sand. A hat and sunglasses are essential.
What to Wear by Season
Spring and autumn call for light clothing with a layer for the evening. Summer means very light, breathable fabrics and strong sun protection. Winter days are mild but evenings — especially in the desert and mountains — are cold, so bring warm layers.
Do You Need to Cover Your Head?
No. Tourists are not expected to cover their hair. Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims anyway; where you can enter religious sites, modest dress and a scarf for women are appreciated.
Final Thoughts
Aim for modest, comfortable and layered. You'll be respectful of local culture, cooler in the heat, and ready for everything from a city medina to a cold night under the desert stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should female tourists wear in Morocco?
Loose clothing that covers the shoulders and knees — trousers, maxi skirts or dresses with modest tops. A scarf is handy but covering your hair isn't required.
Can you wear shorts in Morocco?
Longer shorts are generally fine, but very short shorts are best avoided in medinas and rural areas out of respect. They're fine at pools and beaches.
Do women have to cover their hair in Morocco?
No. Tourists are not expected to cover their hair, though a scarf is useful for sun, wind and visiting religious sites.
What should I wear in the Moroccan desert?
Light layers for the day, a warm jacket for cold nights, closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses and a scarf against sun and sand.
