Packing for a Morocco trip can feel daunting, especially for first-time visitors and tourists who are unfamiliar with the country’s conservative culture and dress expectations. This is particularly true for women travelers, who prioritize their comfort and safety.
Having navigated this myself, I’m sharing my well-researched Morocco packing list, which I developed through thorough research before my trip and conversations with Moroccan friends.
To ensure you’re fully prepared, I’ll begin by providing context from my own trip, as packing essentials can vary depending on the time of year and itinerary. I’ll also share general clothing tips for both men and women visiting Morocco. Finally, I’ll walk you through my complete Morocco packing list, including insights and practical tips based on my personal experience.
*Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one of these links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Trip Overview:
For a detailed overview of our trip, check out my 2-week Morocco itinerary for first-timers. But here’s a quick snapshot to provide context for our Morocco packing list.
Our trip took place over two weeks in November, during late autumn and early winter. My fiancé and I flew round-trip from Paris to Marrakech, and set off on an epic road trip around Morocco. We explored some of the country’s most iconic destinations, including Marrakech, Merzouga, Essaouira, Rabat, Chefchaouen, and Fes.
The weather during this time of year was very comfortable, with daytime temperatures averaging 20-25°C (68-77°F). However, we experienced stark temperature drops at night, especially in desert areas like Merzouga. We were also lucky to encounter only a little rain, since the country was just starting to transition into the rainy season.
Our itinerary heavily influenced our packing, particularly the need to plan for layering, certain activities, and weather variations. I’ll go into what how we packed for our trip to Morocco below!
READ MORE: Morocco in November: Travel tips & what to expect
What to wear in Morocco:
What to expect
One of the most important takeaways from this Morocco packing list is to dress respectfully to avoid stares or unwanted attention, especially for female travelers.
As a Muslim country, Morocco’s cultural norms consist of modesty, particularly in religious or conservative areas. While it’s ultimately your decision how much you’d like to cover up, many travelers (myself included) find it more comfortable to err on the side of caution and adapt to local expectations.
General packing tips:
✨ Layers are key – Not only for respecting local culture but also for daily temperature changes
✨ No need to cover your head unless visiting a mosque or religious space
✨ Cover your shoulders, knees, chest, and midriff – This applies to both men and women and ensures you’re dressed appropriately in most settings (meaning avoid shorts, tank tops and v-neck shirts)
✨ Opt for loose and flowy clothing – Tight-fitting tops and pants are best avoided as they can draw unnecessary attention and be uncomfortable in the heat
Morocco Packing List:
Documents
🛂 Visa (if required): Morocco allows visa-free entry for residents of roughly 70 countries, including Canada, the US, the EU, and Australia. Double-check your requirements on Morocco’s official website.
🪪 Passport: Even if you don’t require a visa, you still need a valid passport to enter Morocco and it must be valid for six months past your arrival date!
🚗 Driver’s license (if required): If you plan on renting a car in Morocco, you’ll need a valid driver’s license from your home country with experience driving for at least a year.
READ MORE: Morocco Road Trip: Driving in Morocco & other useful tips
✈️ Flight & itinerary information: You’ll need your flight information and tickets within reach while you’re traveling. I also recommend creating an itinerary where you can save your travel, hotel, and activity information organized all in one place for easy access.
PRO TIP: You’ll need to print your boarding pass when departing from a Morocco airport. Many airlines at Moroccan airports do not accept digital boarding passes.
👜 Photocopies of your personal documents: Pack copies of your essential documents (passport, visa, insurance, tickets) in case of loss or theft.
🩺 Travel insurance: Every trip becomes that much more stress-free when you have the proper insurance. For our trip to Morocco, we used SafetyWing and loved them so much we used them again for our most recent trips to South America. Read my full review below!
READ MORE: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance: my complete and honest review
Travel Essentials
🧳 Suitcase: Depending on your trip length, you may or may not need a full-size suitcase. We traveled through Morocco with just carry-ons for two weeks, and I swear by hard-shell luggage with 360-degree wheels and a telescopic handle! Don’t forget to check the luggage weight limit for your airline!
READ MORE: Heys Luggage Review: Earth Tones Collection
🎒 Travel backpack: You’ll need this to carry your personal items while out and about. Most of the time I managed fine with just my purse, however during our trip to the Sahara Desert, we needed our backpacks to carry our personal belongings during our camel trek. It’s best to have something small and easy to carry.
💸 Cash: Morocco is a cash-based economy – you’ll need it for tipping, restrooms, souvenirs, or taxi rides. Withdraw cash as soon as you arrive in Morocco, but I’d advise not taking too much at the airport – the fees are often inflated. Once you get to your destination, ask your riad for a reputable ATM – we did this and saved a lot of unnecessary fees!
PRO TIP: My go-to international bank account is Wise – I’ve been using them for YEARS and I have bank accounts in multiple different currencies to avoid exchange fees!
🚰 Reusable water bottle: The drinking water in Morocco is not safe for tourists. Use bottled water, or opt for a filter bottle or purification tablets to avoid using plastic. Remember to be wary of ice in drinks and raw fruit or veggies washed in tap water!
🥱 Sleep mask & ear plugs: for travel days and light sleepers!
🛍️ Extra bags: A tote for souvenirs and plastic bags for wet or dirty items, like bathing suits or dirty shoes, to prevent them from getting the rest of my bag dirty and/or wet.
Health & Hygiene
🧻 Wet wipes and toilet paper: Public restrooms sometimes lack toilet paper (which we experienced several times), and water for handwashing – have some back ups ready in your bag!
💊 Medication: Bring any necessary meds, plus motion sickness pills (helpful for winding roads), Imodium (anti-diarrhea meds – consult your doctor first), and a basic first aid kit.
🦟 Insect repellent: We didn’t need it in November, but it’s worth packing in case.
☀️ Sun protection: Bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses for the sun and temperature fluctuations.
🪥 Toiletries: Go-to toiletries include contact lens solution, toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, makeup, shampoo, conditioner, moisturizer, deodorant, hair products etc.
Clothing
👚 Light layers: Regardless of the time of year you visit, bring breathable clothes you can layer as the temperatures change throughout the day. This includes t-shirts, linen pants, flowing maxi dresses, blouses, skirts, or flowy pants.
🥶 Warm layers: We found that most evenings and mornings can be chilly. I packed a beanie, jacket, sweater, long-sleeved shirts, and some warm socks that definitely made a big difference.
🧕🏼 Scarf or shawl: Great for sun protection, covering up in religious spaces, or shielding your face from desert sand. We ended up purchasing one from a local vendor, but if you already have one, bring it.
👙 Swimwear: Depending on the time of year you visit and whether or not your accommodation has a pool, you’ll want to bring swimwear. Be sure to also pack a bathing suit cover-up to stay respectful when out of the water.
☔️ Raingear: Depending on the time of year you visit, you may experience some rain so it’s best to always be prepared just in case with either an umbrella or a waterproof raincoat.
👟 Comfortable walking shoes: Comfortable sneakers or sandals are a must for exploring cities and medinas.
👗 Dressier outfit: There were a few restaurants we visited in Morocco that had a nicer dress code. I recommend packing at least one outfit for a nice meal or night out.
💤 Pyjamas: Since the evenings are often cooler in Morocco, I recommend packing warmer pyjamas. If you are visiting during the summer, you might not have access to an air conditioning so pack accordingly!
Electronics
🔋 Portable charger: Essential for keeping your devices charged on travel days and any overnight camping stays (we used this a lot on our trip to the Sahara Desert).
📱SIM card or eSIM: Having an internet connection was essential for us during our trip to Morocco. Not only can the streets start to look the same after a while, the souks are known to be a maze so it’s very easy to get lost.
PRO TIP: To affordably stay connected while in Morocco you can get an eSIM from providers like Airolo to ensure you have access to maps while you’re out and about!
📸 Camera (optional): Although we managed fine with our iPhone cameras, if you like to travel with any special cameras, go-pros, or other gear, make sure you have all chargers, extra batteries, and everything you need ready to go! Just remember to keep an eye of your belongings while out and about – pickpocketing can happen in Morocco.
🔌 Adapter: Morocco using type C plug, which has two round prongs. This is the same style you will find in Europe.
🗺️ Downloaded offline maps and entertainment: To save your data, pre-download any maps or entertainment you might need for travel and exploring days.
You might find these links helpful
🗺️ Our full 2-week Morocco itinerary
💸 Our Morocco budget breakdown
📆 What to expect visiting Morocco in November
Morocco Packing List: Ready for your trip?!
By now, I hope this guide has answered all your questions about packing for Morocco and has you feeling confident and prepared for your trip. Whether you’re wandering the maze-like medinas, embarking on a camel trek in the Sahara, or enjoying the vibrant coastal towns, having the right items packed will make your trip that much smoother and more enjoyable.
The most important takeaway from this guide? Dress modestly and pack smart layers. Morocco is a country of contrasts—culturally, climatically, and geographically. You should come prepared, keeping you comfortable during daytime heat and cooler evenings while also respecting local customs. A simple scarf or shawl, for example, can serve so many purposes, from sun protection to modesty in religious spaces.
If planning and packing still feel overwhelming, I’d love to help you prepare for your dream trip. With years of travel experience across 30+ countries (including my recent Morocco adventure), I specialize in creating tailored itineraries and providing expert guidance for stress-free travel. Let me help you make the most of your time in Morocco! Check out my travel planning services on Thatch to learn more.
