What should tourists wear in Morocco?

The two rules that matter

One: shoulders and knees covered in medinas, markets and anywhere religious — it's leverage, not law. Covered-up travelers get measurably less hassle and warmer interactions, and at working religious buildings (madrasas, mosque exteriors) it's simply required courtesy.

Two: shoes beat style. Medinas are uneven stone, Chefchaouen is a staircase with a town attached, and you'll walk 15,000 steps before lunch. Broken-in trainers or walking sandals with straps — leave the flip-flops for the riad terrace.

For women, specifically

You do NOT need to cover your hair — Moroccan women themselves range from hijab to none, especially in cities. What travelers consistently report works: loose over tight, sleeves over straps, and a light scarf in the bag for madrasas, sun, sand or chilly buses. Sundresses are fine at riads and modern districts like Gueliz; in deep-medina Fes they attract more attention than they're worth.

Packing by season

Summer: the sun is the enemy — long light layers protect better than skin. Linen everything, a real hat, SPF50.

Winter: cities are mild by day and cold at night, riads have stone walls and optimism instead of heating — pack a warm layer for evenings. The desert camp needs a genuine fleece and warm socks; the Atlas needs proper boots.

Always: the multi-tool scarf, a jacket for after sunset (even summer desert nights drop hard), and swimwear — hammams and riad pools appear when least expected.