The Ultimate Morocco Packing List: What to Wear & What to Bring
Packing for Morocco can feel overwhelming. Between conservative dress norms, intense heat, chilly desert nights, and miles of uneven medina streets, knowing what to wear in Morocco takes more strategy than your average vacation.
After traveling through Marrakech, staying in traditional riads, and spending nights in the Sahara Desert, I narrowed this down to the exact clothing and travel essentials I personally used—pieces that kept me cool, comfortable, and culturally respectful without sacrificing style.
I’m a traveler of over 60+ countries, I’ve visited Morocco several times, and I’m an award-winning travel advisor who’s sent many clients to Morocco on both land tours and cruise ports. Both Virgin Voyages and Explora Journeys port in both Casablanca and Tangier.
Whether you’re planning a luxury escape or a once-in-a-lifetime desert adventure, this is the ultimate Morocco packing list to help you pack smart the first time.
Thinking about heading to Morocco?
Contact me to discuss itinerary planning services!
el@elevateyourescapes.com
The Golden Rule of the Morocco Packing List: Cover Shoulders & Knees
Morocco is a Muslim country, and while tourist areas like Marrakech are more relaxed, modest dress is still appreciated—especially in medinas, smaller cities, and rural areas.
Covering your shoulders and knees isn’t about strict rules; it’s about respect. I felt noticeably more comfortable (and experienced friendlier interactions) when I dressed modestly.
That said, I didn’t need to purchase an entirely new wardrobe for the trip. I did… but it wasn’t necessary. Wear what makes you comfortable, but err on the side of more conservative dress. You will see women who show their shoulders and knees, especially in Marrakech. The new city, especially, is more westernized.
The formula: loose silhouettes + breathable fabrics + smart layering.
Morocco Packing List: What to Wear in Morocco (Women)
Linen Is Your Best Friend
If there’s one fabric you should prioritize, it’s linen (white linen pants). It’s breathable, lightweight, and polished enough for sightseeing and dinner in a riad.
👉 My most-worn item: linen pants and lightweight long dresses
Maxi & Midi Skirts (Skip Minis)
Short skirts can feel uncomfortable and out of place. Instead, opt for flowy maxi or midi skirts that allow airflow while keeping you cool.
I wore maxi skirts with separate tops, and I also wear many lightweight dresses, mentioned above.
Check out this Gliget lightweight tee shirt dress that covers the knees.
👉 Favorite style: A-line Flowy maxi skirt
They’re flattering, easy to walk in, and ideal for hot medina days. This also folds to be more compact than other styles, too!
Wide-Leg Trousers > Jeans
Jeans are heavy and restrictive in Morocco’s heat. Wide-leg or palazzo-style trousers are far more comfortable and still look elevated.
👉 Look for: elastic waists and lightweight cotton or linen blends
These were lifesavers during long walking days in Marrakech visiting different sights. These palazzo lightweight pants look super sophisticated!
Also – bright colors look great against Moroccoan landscapes and many buildings. For example, I wore a bright red dress in the blue city Chefchaouen.
I wore this dress two different ways:
- As shown, with a tan shawl on top. I took the shawl off to take this photo.
- As a skirt with a tee shirt on top. Multi-use!
Here’s a similar tan dress that can give you the same look!
Morocco Packing List: The 3 Essentials I Wouldn’t Travel Without
If you pack nothing else, make sure these three items are in your suitcase.
1. The “Everywhere” Pashmina (Absolute Must-Have)
A large, lightweight scarf is the most versatile thing you’ll bring to Morocco. I used mine daily.
👉 Best option: lightweight cotton scarf or pashmina
- Covers shoulders when entering mosques
- Wraps around your face during desert winds
- Adds warmth on flights and cool evenings
This is one of the easiest items to overuse—and over-appreciate—on a Morocco trip.
2. Comfortable Walking Shoes (Non-Negotiable)
Moroccan medinas are crowded, uneven, and chaotic (in the best way). Expect cobblestones, scooters, and long walking days.
Even when you’re not in cities, you will likely be in more rural areas with uneven terrain.
👉 Best walking sandals: Tevas
Supportive, breathable, and perfect for hot weather.
👉 Closed-toe option: white sneakers – I live in my Allbirds Tree Runners
Just expect them to get dusty—this is normal in Morocco. Allbirds can go right in the washing machine and they’re super lightweight for travel!
3. Anti-Theft Crossbody Bag for the Souks
Morocco is generally safe, but crowded areas can involve distraction scams. A secure crossbody bag worn in front of your body offers peace of mind.
👉 Top Recommended: Travelon anti-theft crossbody bag
- Locking zippers
- Slash-resistant straps
- Lightweight and comfortable for all-day wear
- Comes in multiple colors!
Here’s a link to Travelon’s waistpack.
Travelon is known as a top-rated premier company in travel bags.
This made exploring the souks less stressful.
Additional options:
- INICAT CrossBody – I wear this one everywhere. Tan matched everything!
- Gladdon Crossbody for style
- RFID Sling Bag for more space
Plus, bring a lightweight zippered daypack for your day trips.
What to Pack for the Sahara Desert: Master the Layers
One of the biggest packing mistakes is assuming the desert is always hot. While daytime temperatures are intense, Sahara nights get cold quickly.
👉 Daytime: long sleeves and lightweight pants for sun protection
👉 Nighttime: packable puffer jacket (absolutely essential)
👉 Sun protection: polarized sunglasses and a wide-brim hat
The glare off the sand is strong, and desert winds are no joke.
Bring an inexpensive, but quality pair of polarized sunglasses like these from WearMe. You may want to bring two in case you lose one (been there…)
Bring sunscreen from your home country – it’s tough to find in Morocco! I bring Neutrogena 70spf sunscreen just in case! Lip balm, too.
Tech, Toiletries & “Medina Survival” Essentials
These small items made a big difference on my trip:
👉 Portable power bank
Your phone battery won’t last a full day with navigation and photos. This iWALK poer bank plugs right into the bottom of your phone. No wires and no bulky device. (I bring two because I lose things…)
👉 Electrolytes / rehydration salts
Moroccan heat can sneak up on you—these helped prevent headaches and fatigue.
I also really like the flavor of Nuun – choose something with low to no sugar so that it doesn’t upset your stomach.
Speaking of the heat, a rechargeable pocket fan is a lifesaver. I use this fan with a spray bottle and I also use this one if I don’t have much room in my purse.
👉 Hand sanitizer and Pocket Tissues
Public restrooms (especially in medinas or on long drives) aren’t always stocked.
I also always travel to warm-weather destinations with Wet Ones to wipe sweat and hands.
👉 Pepto Bismol, Imodium, and/ or other stomach meds
Some of us have travel stomach problems, so it’s important to have a stock of . This presents even more in countries like Morocco where travelers cannot consume the water – or food washed with it. To avoid this, make sure you are drinking bottled or trusted filtered water. Don’t eat salads that may have been washed. (A tomato salad got me…)
👉 Secret Clinical Strength Deoderant
You are probably going to sweat in Morocco, as it gets incredibly warm. This Secret Clinical Strength deodorant is the best I’ve found! The travel size allows you to keep it with you on the go.
👉 European travel adapter (Type C & E)
Morocco uses European-style outlets.
What Not to Pack for Morocco
- ❌ Expensive jewelry (you’ll want to buy local pieces anyway)
- ❌ Heavy hair tools (riads usually provide dryers, and the climate does its own thing)
- ❌ Too many “nice” outfits, unless just staying in the major cities (Morocco is dusty—washable fabrics win)
Final Morocco Packing Checklist
✔️ 3–4 lightweight tops (linen or cotton)
✔️ 2 long skirts or dresses
✔️ 2 pairs of wide-leg trousers
✔️ Large scarf or pashmina
✔️ Packable jacket or puffer
✔️ Walking sandals
✔️ Sneakers
✔️ Anti-theft crossbody bag
✔️ Polarized sunglasses
✔️ Sunscreen & SPF lip balm
✔️ Passport and other travel documents, plus a copy of each
FAQ: What to Wear in Morocco
Can women wear shorts in Morocco?
Shorts are common at resorts, but longer skirts or trousers are more comfortable and respectful in cities and medinas. Overall, outside of more conservative places like the Atlas Mountains, you can wear what you want. You’ll see I didn’t mention shorts in my Morocco Packing List.
Do tourists need to dress conservatively in Marrakech?
Marrakech is more relaxed than other areas, but modest clothing still helps you blend in and feel at ease.
Do tourists need to dress conservatively in Tangier?
Tangier is traveled by land, but it’s also a major cruise port cities for lines like Virgin Voyages and Explora Journeys. In my opinion, Tangier seemed to be the most western city in Morocco that I visited. It’s also visited by thousands coming off the ships each day, so dress seemed to be the most flexible here.
What shoes are best for Morocco?
Supportive walking sandals and sneakers are ideal—heels are impractical for medinas. There are a lot of ramps, stairs, cobblestones, and other uneven surfaces.
What should I wear in the Sahara Desert at night?
Layers are key. A warm jacket is essential once the sun sets.
Planning a Trip to Marrakech?
If the Red City is on your itinerary, read my full guide on Is Marrakech Worth Visiting? where I share:
- The riads actually worth booking
- Areas to avoid
- What surprised me most about Marrakech
Your trip will be unforgettable—but making a smart Morocco packing list makes all the difference. With the right wardrobe and essentials, you’ll spend less time uncomfortable and more time soaking up the magic.
If you’re looking for things to do across Morocco, I recommend checking out Viator – see if I can score you a discount here .
Thinking about heading to Morocco?
Contact me to discuss itinerary planning services!
el@elevateyourescapes.com
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