When Does Summer End in Morocco? Astronomical, Meteorological & Climatic Dates
Summer in Morocco officially ends on 23 September 2026, the date of the autumnal equinox that marks the formal start of the fall season. But the complete answer is more nuanced: there are three different "end of summer" dates that Moroccans use — astronomical, meteorological, and agricultural — each in its own context.
According to Morocco's Directorate General of Meteorology (DGM), summer officially lasts 93 days, from 21 June to 23 September. This is the calendar that underpins official forecasts and heat alerts.
The Quick Answer
- Astronomical summer ends: 23 September 2026 (autumnal equinox)
- Meteorological summer ends: 31 August 2026 (last day of the three-month seasons)
- Start of astronomical autumn: 23 September 2026, immediately after summer ends
- Real cool-down inland: mid-October
Astronomical vs Meteorological vs Tourist Summer
| Type | Start | End | Used by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astronomical | 21 June | 23 September | DGM, media, official calendars |
| Meteorological | 1 June | 31 August | Climatologists, statistics |
| Tourist | 15 June | 15 September | Ministry of Tourism, hotels |
The astronomical season is based on Earth's position relative to the Sun: the summer solstice (21 June) is the longest day of the year, and the autumnal equinox (23 September) is the moment when day and night are approximately equal. The meteorological season uses fixed dates every year to make statistical comparisons across years easier.
Summer End Dates in Morocco (2024–2030)
| Year | Astronomical end date | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 22 September | Sunday |
| 2025 | 22 September | Monday |
| 2026 | 23 September | Wednesday |
| 2027 | 23 September | Thursday |
| 2028 | 22 September | Friday |
| 2029 | 22 September | Saturday |
| 2030 | 22 September | Sunday |
If you're planning a trip or an event, always anchor on the 22–23 September window each year: the equinox most often falls on 22 September, but it slips to 23 September in years like 2026 and 2027. Check the exact date for the year you're planning.
What Happens in Moroccan Weather After Mid-September?
The astronomical end of summer does not mean the heat ends immediately. Over the last decade, Morocco has experienced late heatwaves in September, and sometimes into early October, especially in inland cities.
Signs of Gradual Change
- Drop in night-time temperatures: from mid-September, nights begin to cool noticeably inland, dropping from 25 °C to 18 °C in Marrakech and Fès.
- Start of the rainy season: the first autumn rains typically fall in northern and mountain regions between 20 September and 15 October.
- Decline in chergui frequency: the hot desert wind drops from 6–8 episodes in summer to 1–2 episodes in September.
- Return of morning coastal fog on the Atlantic, particularly in Casablanca and Rabat.
Marrakech, Fès, and Oujda still experience heatwaves above 38 °C in the first half of September. Don't let the end of summer catch your trip off-guard — always check the live forecast before planning outdoor activities.
Why Does the End of Summer Differ from City to City?
Although the official date is unified, the felt end of summer varies sharply between coast, inland, and mountains:
- Coastal cities (Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir): the end of summer is felt early, from late August, thanks to the sea breeze and the Canary Current.
- Inland cities (Marrakech, Fès, Oujda): summer can feel prolonged until mid-October, with daytime temperatures above 32 °C.
- Mountain areas (Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt): summer effectively ends in early September, with cold nights close to 10 °C.
If you're looking for the coolest spot to ride out the last days of summer, see the coldest sea in Morocco for a full ranking of coastal water temperatures. For the complete summer guide, see Morocco Summer Weather Guide 2026.
Impact on Tourism and Activities
Cities That Stay Summery Into October
- Agadir and Essaouira: the swimming and water-sports season lasts until mid-October thanks to the accumulated heat in the water (22–23 °C).
- Marrakech: tourist crowds start to thin after 15 September, and prices get more attractive.
- The Sahara (Merzouga, Zagora): daytime temperatures finally become bearable, nights can drop to 15 °C — the best window for desert camping.
Events Tied to the End of Summer
- Farming season: farmers wait for the first rains to begin ploughing.
- Sheep-dyeing in the Atlas: the seasonal tradition starts as temperatures drop.
- Start of migratory bird-watching season in estuaries and coastal lagoons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When does summer end astronomically in Morocco?
Summer ends astronomically in Morocco on 23 September 2026, the official date of the autumnal equinox. Summer lasts 93 days from 21 June.
When does autumn start in Morocco?
Astronomically, autumn starts on 23 September 2026, immediately after summer ends. Climatologically, autumn runs from 1 September to 30 November. For the exact date and time autumn begins, see our full guide When Does Autumn 2026 Start in Morocco?.
Is September hot in Morocco?
Yes, September is still hot, especially in the first half. In Marrakech and Fès, daytime temperatures can exceed 35 °C. The Atlantic coast, however, is milder (26–28 °C).
When does the heat drop in Marrakech?
Temperatures in Marrakech start to drop noticeably after 15 October, when daytime highs fall below 30 °C. Nights become pleasant from mid-September.
When is the last heatwave in Morocco?
Historically, the last intense heatwave occurs between 10 and 25 September. In 2023 and 2024, Marrakech recorded temperatures above 40 °C in early September. See the heatwaves guide for details.
Does August or September mark the end of summer in Morocco?
It depends on context. Climatologically, summer ends on 31 August. But astronomically and in practice, summer runs until 23 September. The Moroccan administration uses the astronomical calendar.
Conclusion
The answer to "when does summer end in Morocco" has three faces, but 23 September 2026 is the official reference date. Whether you're planning a trip, waiting for cooler weather, or preparing for the agricultural season, understanding the difference between astronomical and meteorological summer helps you make better decisions. Follow the live forecast to catch the exact moment autumn starts to reach your city.
