When Does Autumn 2026 Start in Morocco? Exact Date and Time
Autumn officially starts in Morocco on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 — to be precise, at 01:05 after midnight, Morocco time (00:05 UTC), the moment of the autumnal equinox when day and night become roughly equal across the Kingdom. But that is not the only reference date: there is also meteorological autumn, which starts on 1 September, and the farmers' autumn, tied to the first rains between late September and mid-October.
The exact instant autumn 2026 begins: Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 01:05, Morocco time. Before that second we are officially in summer; immediately after it, astronomical autumn begins and lasts 89 days until the winter solstice on 21 December 2026.
The Quick Answer
- Astronomical autumn: starts Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 01:05, Morocco time
- Meteorological autumn: starts Tuesday, 1 September 2026 and ends 30 November
- Agricultural autumn: starts with the first rains, typically between 20 September and 15 October in the north and mountains
- Felt cool-down in inland cities: from mid-October
Why Does the Start of Autumn Vary?
The reason there is more than one "start" of autumn is that there are two ways of slicing the seasons:
| Type | Start | End | Used by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astronomical | 23 Sept 2026 | 21 December | Official calendars, media, DGM |
| Meteorological | 1 September | 30 November | Climatologists, statistics |
| Agricultural | First rains | Varies | Farmers, Ministry of Agriculture |
The astronomical season is based on Earth's position relative to the Sun: the autumnal equinox is the instant the centre of the Sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night equal (about 12 hours each) everywhere on Earth. The meteorological season splits the year into fixed three-month blocks (September–October–November) to make year-on-year statistical comparisons easy — the standard used in global climate reports.
Because the calendar year (365 days) is slightly longer than the tropical year, the equinox drifts about 6 hours later each year, then jumps back a full day in leap years. That is why the equinox sometimes falls on 22 September and sometimes on 23 September.
Autumn Start Dates in Morocco (2026–2030)
| Year | First day of astronomical autumn | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday 23 September | at 01:05 a.m., Morocco time |
| 2027 | Thursday 23 September | in the morning, Morocco time |
| 2028 | Friday 22 September | in the afternoon |
| 2029 | Saturday 22 September | in the evening |
| 2030 | Night of 22–23 September | around midnight, Morocco time |
For planning purposes (trips, weddings, outdoor events), always anchor on the 22–23 September window as the start of autumn, and check the exact equinox time each year: crossing past midnight can shift the official "day" from one calendar to another.
What Happens in Moroccan Weather at the Start of Autumn?
The astronomical start of autumn does not drop temperatures overnight. The first half of September remains summery in most regions, and in recent years Morocco has seen late heatwaves into early October — see our Morocco heatwaves guide. The change sets in gradually:
- Cooler nights: from mid-September, night-time temperatures inland fall from about 25 °C to 18 °C in Marrakech and Fès, and the day-night swing becomes noticeable.
- Shorter days: Morocco loses more than two hours of daylight between early September and late October, with sunset creeping towards 17:30 in November.
- First rains: between 20 September and 15 October, the first showers reach the Gharb, the Rif and the Atlas — the starting gun for Morocco's rainy season.
- Chergui in retreat: the hot desert wind drops from 6–8 episodes a month in summer to 1–2 in September.
- Coastal fog returns: Atlantic mornings turn foggy again, especially in Casablanca, Rabat and Safi — see our Morocco fog guide.
- A still-warm sea: Atlantic water stays at its peak (21–23 °C) until mid-October, thanks to the heat stored over the summer.
The first autumn rains often arrive as violent thunderstorms after months of drought. Avoid wadis and low-lying spots during the first downpours, and read our advice on flash floods in Morocco.
Autumn Weather Region by Region
Autumn is not lived the same way everywhere: the coast welcomes it early, the interior stays summery until mid-October, and the mountains run ahead of everyone — a direct consequence of the diversity of Morocco's five climates. Here are the average daytime temperatures:
| Region | September | October | November |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlantic coast (Casablanca, Rabat) | 25–27 °C | 22–24 °C | 19–21 °C |
| Mediterranean north (Tangier, Al Hoceima) | 27–29 °C | 23–25 °C | 19–21 °C |
| Inland (Marrakech, Fès, Meknès) | 30–33 °C | 26–29 °C | 20–23 °C |
| Mountains (Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt) | 21–24 °C | 16–19 °C | 11–14 °C |
| South & Sahara (Laâyoune, Dakhla) | 30–36 °C | 27–31 °C | 23–26 °C |
Rainfall is just as uneven: the northwest, the Rif and the Atlas capture most of it, while the south stays nearly dry. For city-by-city figures, see our guide to rainfall by city and region.
Live Weather in Three Representative Regions
To follow how autumn settles into each region, here is the live weather and three-day outlook for three cities that sum up the Kingdom's climatic contrasts:
The coast: Casablanca
The Atlantic coast is the first to welcome autumn: the sea breeze and the Canary Current keep temperatures mild from late August, with frequent morning fog and a partly cloudy sky.
The interior: Marrakech
In Marrakech, the first half of September stays hot (often above 35 °C), but nights ease off, and from October the Ochre City enters its finest visiting season.
The mountains: Ifrane
Ifrane and the Middle Atlas practically enter autumn in early September: nights approach 10 °C, and the oak and cedar colours peak in October.
Is Autumn a Good Season to Visit Morocco?
Yes — many consider it the best season of the year. Here is why:
- Bearable temperatures everywhere: even Marrakech and the Sahara become comfortable by day.
- Fewer crowds, better prices: after 15 September the summer crowds withdraw and hotel and riad rates drop.
- Unique seasonal events: the saffron harvest in Taliouine (October–November), autumn colours in Ifrane and Azrou, and sheep traditions in the high Atlas.
- The Sahara finally doable: days in Merzouga and Zagora become ideal for camping, with crisp nights but none of winter's cold.
For a city-by-city ranking of the best months to visit, see the best time to visit Morocco's cities; for the full packing list, check what to pack for Morocco's weather. For a detailed month-by-month breakdown of every weather parameter, our Morocco weather calendar covers the whole year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When exactly does autumn 2026 start in Morocco?
Astronomical autumn starts in Morocco on Wednesday, 23 September 2026 at 01:05 a.m., Morocco time, at the moment of the autumnal equinox when day and night become approximately equal.
Does autumn start on 1 September or 23 September in Morocco?
Both dates are correct, but in different calendars: meteorologically, autumn runs from 1 September to 30 November (the standard for climate statistics); astronomically, it begins at the equinox on 23 September 2026 — the date used in official calendars.
What is the autumnal equinox?
The autumnal equinox is the instant the centre of the Sun crosses the celestial equator heading south: day and night become equal in length everywhere on Earth (about 12 hours each), and from that moment nights grow longer in the northern hemisphere.
When do the first autumn rains fall in Morocco?
Typically between 20 September and 15 October in the northern regions (Rif, Gharb) and the mountains (Atlas). These first rains effectively launch the farming season and gain intensity and regularity from October and November.
Is September still hot in Morocco?
Yes, the first half of September is still hot, especially inland: Marrakech and Fès can exceed 35 °C by day, and late heatwaves are possible into early October. The Atlantic coast stays milder (26–28 °C) thanks to the sea breeze.
When does the heat actually drop in Morocco?
The drop is felt first at night from mid-September; by day, highs fall below 30 °C inland after around mid-October, and November is fully autumnal everywhere.
Is autumn a good time to visit Morocco?
Yes, autumn (especially October and November) is one of the best times to visit: mild temperatures everywhere, fewer crowds than summer, lower prices, and sea still warm enough for swimming until mid-October on the coasts.
Conclusion
The precise answer to "when does autumn start" depends on which calendar you use: 23 September 2026 at 01:05, Morocco time, for astronomical autumn, 1 September for meteorological autumn, and the first rains for the farmers' autumn. In practice, autumn arrives gradually: first in the mountains and on the coast in early September, then inland from mid-October. Follow the live forecast to catch the moment autumn knocks on your city's door — and for the other side of the season, read our article on when summer ends in Morocco.
