Weather Overview in Morocco During April
Weather has a significant impact on every aspect of human life, ranging from unforeseen temperature fluctuations that impact clothing choices to heavy precipitation that results in transport disruption. Encompassing several climatic facets, it greatly affects the economy, activities/services offered by different sectors, urban infrastructure, and all forms of human endeavor; hence it becomes of utmost importance to keep a permanent record of its status and variability in order to better understand its impact on different areas of human activity.
With its mountain ranges, coastline, and locations in southern Europe, the Mediterranean basin, and northwestern Africa, Morocco is a weather hotspot that is of broad interest to both cultural and scientific communities. Weather monitoring relies mainly on networked measurement stations, with the digital temperature and precipitation records kept online being used as a source of information. The Moroccan weather station network contains several more stations that provide temperature records of different lengths, which can restrain comparison efforts. This continent’s station network is denser and its temperature records contain less gaps. We provide a comparison of temperature and precipitation recorded by Morocco’s main weather stations, the main aim being to create a reliable series of Moroccan weather overview maps. In the next sections we discuss selected Morocco regional stations’ comparison to the continent’s stations selected by their data sharing. Then we display and comment on a Moroccan weather overview based on different temperature and precipitation parameter maps for April and several other months. Finally, we recommend areas of particular use for the development of a regional weather monitoring system.
2. Geographical Context
2.1. Location and Topography Morocco is a North-African country located on the Atlantic and Mediterranean coasts and bordering with Algeria and the disputed territory of Western Sahara. Its longitudinal coordinates span as far north as 35 ° 58′ and as far south as 27 ° 40′, which places Morocco among the countries with the most pronounced difference in latitude, exceeding 800 km. It is easily noticeable that Morocco has a common longitude with southern European countries. The widest part of Morocco (about 670 km) is located in its northern part, whereas its southern part is reduced to a mere no more than 250 km in width. The short distance to Europe (less than 14 km) facilitates the contact, but also the confrontation, between the two banks of the Mediterranean Sea.
Morocco is a country with an extraordinary topography. Its territory is physically divided into miniature latitudinal strips, from the relief, geomorphology, and vegetation, which create contrast within proximity and in a very expressive manner. On the west coast of the country and inland, we find very vast plains that reach the greatest extent in the north of the kingdom. In the center of the country are the Middle Atlas mountain range, and to the south of this are the High Atlas, which house the highest peaks of the country. To the south of the High Atlas lie the desertic Anti-Atlas and the Sahara, with a very barren nature contrasted with the picturesque oases with palm trees.
2.2. Climate Zones Although many geomorphological factors intervene, it is not easy to distinguish different climates in Morocco, although we can distinguish two or even three climates: a Mediterranean climate in the north with the highest humidity and rainiest areas, more oceanized influences in the western part, and an arid Saharian climate in the south and southeast.
2.1. Location and Topography
The Kingdom of Morocco is a country situated in the northwestern region of Africa and has a population of over 37 million. Morocco has an area of 446,550 km² bordered by the Atlantic and Mediterranean Seas to the north and west, respectively, and shares land borders to the south with the disputed territory of Western Sahara and to the east with Algeria. The country’s interior features the Atlas mountains (including Jbel Toubkal, the highest peak in North Africa at 4165 m) and the Rif mountains that have a pronounced influence on the climatology of the country, particularly with respect to controlling the flow of moisture from the Atlantic and Mediterranean oceans.
Morocco’s geographic situation bridges the contours of both Eastern Audrabida facing the West and the south of the Iberian Peninsula and the Arab Maghreb extending to the East and the North of Mauritania and Western Sahara bordered to the north by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Morocco’s geographical location north of the Tropic of Cancer between 36° and 30° North Latitude and to the west of the Backbone of the Mediterranean connecting Europe to Africa between 12° and 9° East Longitude gives the country a topography that knows an Alpine relief that governs a mountain climate, Mediterranean on the smaller scale, semi-arid on the eastern side and oceanic modifying in the north with secular mountain chains dominated by the heights of the Atlas Mountains, of the Rif of Jbel Toubkal and of the Saharan Atlas which mark the circulatory and climatic corridors of the flow of Mediterranean and Ocean moisture across the Moroccan territory.
2.2. Climate Zones
Climate is the expression of the atmospheric functions that commonly occurs in a given place on the globe, and its knowledge is of exceptional importance for the diverse human activities. Temperatures, rainfalls, the frequency and strength of the winds and the various combinations between them influence individual behaviors, animal life and even the soils and available resources. The unequally distribution of the terrestrial relief and of the bodies of water, of the vegetation, fauna and the works and communities of human beings also influences the climates that are found on the surface of the globe. The area of a sector of Earth where the climate is always the same is called a climatic zone and is particularly delimited by geographical latitudes and altitudes.
The climate of Morocco is of Mediterranean type, with wet, mild winters and warm summers, however marked divergences exist from the Rif, where it is rainy in winter and relatively fresh in summer, to the south of the great Moroccan plateau, where summers are very hot and dry. The Mediterranean climate controls the northern part of the country, especially those coastal areas located near the Strait of Gibraltar and the cities of Tangier, Larache, Rabat, Sale and El Jadida. To the south, the plains of Gharb and Loukkos, as well as the mountains of the Rif, their interior valleys and part of the mountainous mass of the Middle Atlas, maintain considerable characteristics of the Mediterranean coastal climate, but with decreasing rainfall. To the east of the region, the provinces of Taza, Boulemane, Ifrane and the mountains of the Middle Atlas are still characterized by a typical temperate climate, with more accentuated winters and enough abundant rains that fall in the form of snow at high altitudes.
3. General Weather Patterns in April
OPENING REMARKS: In this section, we analyze the April weather data in diverse locations in Morocco. Due to the geographical and climatic diversity of the country, weather indicators vary considerably, but temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns seem to agree on some general considerations. We first report on temperature, precipitation, and wind indicators on the month of April, and then discuss fluctuations around the averages on the diversity of the country, based on selected weather stations. The summary of these indicators is meant as an essential revenue to appreciate unusual April weather during the recent past and, later, permit comparison with current weather.
3.1. TEMPERATURE TRENDS
Temperature average and fluctuations during the month of April for six locations clearly show that temperature progresses towards the summer expected maximum. Location coordinates and altitudes explain the temperature difference among various regions of Morocco. For every location except Mohammedia, temperatures are very close to the mean of the month, before the last summer. Mohammedia is the location closest to the temperature subject; it is likely impacted by the nearby Atlantic Ocean. Temperature differences between the region of Mohammedia and other places are estimated at about 5°C.
3.2. PRECIPITATION LEVELS
Precipitation amounts are lower than the ones of March. The upper part of this figure shows the corresponding average precipitation and extreme fluctuations. The abundance of the average precipitation is 50 mm. The precipitation fluctuations favor the idea of diverse April weather throughout the country. The weather resumes winter conditions for the Nojdor station, at the border with the Western Sahara, and becomes summer-like for the Merzouga station, in the desert region of South East Morocco.
3.3. WIND PATTERNS
General circulation patterns for the first and last days of April remain largely the same throughout the month.
3.1. Temperature Trends
A temperature increase is observed with the approach of summer. Within the month, temperatures vary in a phase with a temperature increase until the 14th, a decrease until the 20th and another increase until the 30th. Regardless of synoptic patterns from which temperatures change, negative anomalies influence the Moroccan territory before mid-April and after this date positive anomalies become dominant.
At the beginning of the month, winter still resists in the Middle Atlas, where maximum temperatures often do not exceed 10°C; in the High Atlas, more precisely at the station, the daily maximum temperature often does not exceed 5°C and the daily minimum temperature reaches -4°C. In other places of the Middle Atlas, notably at the station (near Azrou), the daily maximum temperature is often at around 10°C and the minimum around 2°; in the Rif mountains, as well as in the northern slope of the principally Honi-Souita Mountain chain, maximum temperatures usually exceed 15°C and the minimum is located between 3 and 10°C in the principal national valleys; in the south of the High Atlas and on the Saharan slope of this chain, temperatures change little compared to the previous month with the emission of minimums between 5°C and 10°C. In the rest of the region, they are modulated in a phase with well-marked positive and negative deviations. After this approximate date, maximum temperatures exceed 25°C for the principal cities bordering the ocean.
3.2. Precipitation Levels
Information on the amount of rainfall gives a rough idea of the estimated level of humidity, allowing comparisons of the different climatic regions in terms of humidity. These features can help us understand the types of plants that grow in different areas and help tourists early prepare for their trip, depending on whether they like dry weather or rainy weather. Information on the amount of rainfall throughout the month helps to answer the question of when to go on vacation. On a trip, tourists will want to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. The days are arranged in such a way that travelers are fully serviced. If it rains all day, that’s annoying. If the amount of rain is concentrated on just one or two days, those are the days of cleaning and resting. In this case, other activities can be performed: a visit to a museum or palace, or a culinary class. If the weather is fine every day of the month, the dream vacation is not far away! On the other hand, if the temperature reaches unbearable highs on many days, what started out as a good vacation can take on a problematic aspect. Precipitation is an important aspect when comparing the various regions. Therefore, we have compiled tables that express the accumulated rainfall of the month, of the rainiest day of the month, and the number of days with measurable rainfall. All values are averages. The coefficient of variation of the monthly total is relatively low, so that the monthly totals show a small seasonal variation. On average, there are about 29 days with measurable rainfall in the whole year.
3.3. Wind Patterns
Wind patterns during April in Morocco show an increase of the North to Northwesterlies all over the country from the month before. These winds are generated by the interaction between the thermal low over the interior of the northern Sahara and the Icelandic low. An increase of the Sirocco winds that blow from the South-Southeast over the southern half of Morocco and the Mediterranean coasts is also noted, which are associated with the presence of a thermal low over the Sahara and a high over the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Days dominated by the North to Northwesterlies start in early April, increasing in number until the end of the month. Calm days are frequent throughout the month while days dominated by the Sirocco winds drastically increase their number from the second half of the month. These Sirocco winds advance along the Mediterranean coasts and the Para-Tetouan region from the eastern Algeria area and worsen the repeated dust and sand storms that occur during the month all over the Sahara. These clouds border the passage of the cool humid winds coming from the Atlantic that affect the extreme southern and northern regions of the country. In Morocco, the Sirocco is known by the local name Chergui, which mainly affects the southern regions of the Rif Mountains and their southern slopes, causing serious problems with regard to the rainfall variation of these areas. Chergui winds can also be felt in the northern part of the country, especially over the Mid Atlas and the northern slopes of the eastern Anti Atlas. Rainfall anomalies during years in which the Chergui is active show a large contrast compared with those of coastal areas. However, the problem is not the frequency of abnormal quantities of rainfall, which is detected especially on the coastal areas and is produced by the passage of winter disturbances, but the frequency of dry, hot, and dusty days caused by the Chergui, which are much more common.
4. Morocco Regional Weather Variations
Weather conditions in Morocco vary significantly from one region to another and are divided into four major geographic areas.
4.1. Coastal Areas
In April, refreshing sea breezes modify daytime temperatures along the Atlantic coast from Tangier to Agadir. However, nearly every afternoon, a warm and dry wind blows into the coastal areas from the desert regions and causes afternoon temperatures to exceed 30 °C. In the beans of Tangier and Casablanca, coastal clouds invade the land for the greater part of the day. It is likely to rain in this region, especially in April; the climate is nevertheless mild.
4.2. Inland Regions
In the inland regions of Morocco, daytime heat is intense; the risk of having high temperatures in excess of 35-40 °C is quite high, as well as the risk of a cold night. In the eastern regions, the final coolness of the spring is not to be discounted: mornings at less than 10 °C. Daytime temperatures oscillate between 15 °C in the mountainous areas and 40 °C in the South-East. The risk of thunderstorms particularly affects the regions of Fez and Ifrane, a ski resort in summer, as well as the eastern High Atlas and its extreme south.
4.3. Mountainous Areas
In the mountains, in April, prettily colored blossoms are to be found along the paths. However, the days are still cool and snow can fall without forewarning. Travelers must therefore be careful in their hiking near Jbel Toubkal. In the High Atlas Neighborhoods still for a long time inaccessible in winter because of the snow, warmth and sun are needed. The nights can be cool.
4.4. Desert Regions
On the desert plateau, the average daytime temperatures exceed 25 °C, especially in the Ouarzazate and Tinghir region. In the desert to the south, however, heat can wring you out—but the nights are delightful. It is in the oasis city of Marrakech, one of the most popular in Morocco for tourists, that the temperature is higher: at the end of the afternoon, it can exceed 30 °C. Only the sisal and the tadllecs can still be considered in bloom.
4.1. Coastal Areas
Weather in the coastal area is milder compared to the inland regions. The daytime average temperature is usually around 20 degrees Celsius, with an average minimum of 12 to 13 degrees, whilst night air is cooler, although it seldom falls below 6-7 degrees. The average wind speed is 4.2 m/s. All of these climatic elements contribute to a climate of great thermal amplitude. The average maximum temperature of April in Rabat is 22.8 degrees, that of Tiznit is 18.8 degrees, and that of Agadir is 20.4 degrees, while the average minimum temperature is respectively 12.6, 10.3, and 11.5 degrees. Brightness is relatively good in April. The average duration of sunshine in Agadir is about 9 hours a day, it varies between 6 and 7 hours in the north and inland. The surface relative humidity ranges from 48% in the direction of the Atlas Mountains to 66% near the coast. The north winds dominate, as well as the sea breezes which blow during almost all the afternoons, preparing for the cool air.
Rainfall is light, being around 38 mm, despite the fact that rain can sometimes fall with considerable quantities. These rains fall generally in the form of showers and, to a much lesser extent, as stormy showers. Rain appears mainly in the form of showers, and to a lesser extent as stormy showers and, to a lesser degree, as thunderstorms, although they can sometimes conflict on the south coast. The rains fall lightly or in the form of light showers on the center and north of the country, but are a little stronger in the direction of the Atlas Mountains, where they can sometimes be accompanied by thunderstorms, then in the south of the country.
4.2. Inland Regions
The most recognizable feature of Morocco’s inland regions is the vast expanses of land associated with the pre-Saharan steppes, the southern valleys and plains, and the Saharan desert region, all of which are mostly barren or semi-arid, averaging low precipitation amounts and experiencing great temperature ranges. April is a transitional month between winter and summer, as most of these regions absorb the last winter rains and prepare for the hot dry conditions of summer. However, due to their geographical characteristics, the southern valleys and the pre-Saharan steppes experience the transitional changes differently.
In the southern valleys, temperatures range between mild-to-warm conditions during the day and cool-to-cold conditions during the night. The radiative night cooling is more pronounced and stable than at earlier months. Rainfall, which was abundant earlier in March, decreases drastically in April but may be found at the beginning of the month. However, surface flooding may still occur at the end of the month due to the melting of the large snow packs covering the High Atlas region after winter storms. In the rest of the desert and Saharan regions, temperatures levels are higher due to the influence of the thermal low developing south of the region. Thermique conditions exceed that of the valleys as daytime temperatures already exceed 25 degrees Celsius. Due to the absence of snow, radiative cooling is lessened and nighttime temperature levels increase, staying warmer than 10 degrees Celsius. Although the same process exists in April of snow melting, it is less evident than that occurring in the southern valleys.
4.3. Mountainous Areas
When looking at weather maps of Morocco, mountainous areas should not be ignored. April weather conditions in the High Atlas exhibit heights of 4107 m and offer distinct climatic and phenomenological conditions and differences from the Saharan Atlas and other mountain ranges. There are already studies dealing with the weather conditions in these areas, which have been under scrutiny for both tourism and ski tourism development in Azzag Mountain and Michlifen Ski Resort on the slopes of Jbel Zalagh Mountain in the Middle Atlas. These publications, however, only describe general indications of the climatic parameters and their own particular variability.
As previously mentioned, mountainous areas cover about 9 per cent of Morocco’s land surface. These are three mountain massifs possessing considerable altitudes: the Anti-Atlas and the Saharan Atlas in the south with heights of 2.200 m, the Atlas and the High Atlas in the center with peaks hitting 4.167 m, and the Middle Atlas in the north with the highest peaks reaching almost 3.400 m. These external and internal Moroccan mountains play an important role in precipitation and temperature differentiation during the whole year. They are classic forms of harsh climatic areas often referred to as “Moroccan Highlands” and “Moroccan Cold Pole”. Among the countries of the Maghreb, and also of the whole Mediterranean area, the complexity of the climate is so pronounced, offering vertical partitions of its elements and severity, as in this protected part of this southwestern corner of the Euro-Asian continent, often called “the gateway to the Sahara”. The diverse Moroccan climate also strongly influences the variability of weather conditions in these mountain areas.
4.4. Desert Regions
In stark contrast to the humid coastal weather, the interior of Southern Morocco boasts a dry desert climate. The desert enclave of the Ziz Valley in Eastern Morocco hosts some of the hottest weather during April, with recorded temperatures exceeding 35 °C. Furthermore, the days are generally mostly sunny, with clear, cobalt-blue skies and blaring sunlight. The bright sunshine creates a vast temperature disparity when darkness falls. Even though overnight April temperatures are cooler than earlier months, with early morning temperatures dropping below 10 °C, they can still be described as chilly in a desert climate. It is common for desert-bound travelers to experience considerable discomfort when leaving the scorching daytime heat and entering the cooler nighttime conditions.
The dry conditions of the Southern Morocco desert climate come about as a result of the prominent and prevailing North Atlantic anticyclone. All year around, the anticyclone protects the region from the effects of Atlantic depressions, with rainfall being virtually unknown. Annual precipitation levels can drop to 100 mm or lower over the period between October and March. A slight increase in humidity occasionally occurs in April; however, even so, the average precipitation level is still low by global standards. The cool winds from the altitudes of the High Atlas Mountains typically prevent any precipitation in the desert region. With exceptionally low humidity levels partially explaining the extreme temperatures during this transitional season, dust storms can be frequent. Winds from the Sahara desert can result in large atmospheric dust plumes, especially in the northernmost Tan Tan vicinity.
5. Morocco Weather in April by Cities
5.1. Marrakech Weather in April In April, the weather is increasingly pleasant in Marrakech. Daytime temperatures average 25/26 °C while at night they are around 11 °C on average. It is the right time for all kinds of excursions. The number of rainy days in April decreases to 4. The sun shines 8 hours a day, bringing beautiful sunshine. April is a dry month with limited chances of downpours. Despite the still cool nights of April, the weather is divine. The coffee terraces are busy. It’s already summer without the scorching heat.
5.2. Merzouga and Sahara Desert The period from January to March is the cold season in Merzouga and in the Sahara Desert. In April, we enter a transition phase towards summer. The days get warmer and the nights stay milder. But the weather is still cool. Early April is the right time for the first merzouga walks in the sand dunes of Erg Chebbi. By the end of April, hot days rich in sunlight and nights with cool temperatures are settling in Merzouga and the Sahara region. With the rise of the temperatures and surrounded by sunshine, the merzouga desert starts to wake up, faces tourists who once again can enjoy the beauty of the golden sand.
5.3. North of Morocco and Fes In the North of Morocco and Fes, from the middle of April, the weather becomes summer-like and winter is behind us. The profusion of flowers in gardens and nature invites you to stroll, or enjoy sunny afternoons on the coffee terraces. Over the years, as you start missing the dry heat of summer, this unique climate will make you want summer to finally settle in for good, but it will probably not be the next few months where the weather can be humid, rainy and cloudy and temperatures average in the low twenties.
5.4. Casablanca Bizarre, but it’s true. The weather is not the same in Casablanca as in Marrakech. Many visitors think they are simply the same country. But Morocco is made up of completely different regions. While at this time Marrakech has hot weather, Casablanca may be rainy. It is an anomaly that observes fortuitously whilst on holiday in Marrakech.
5.1. Marrakech Weather in April
Marrakech is located in the heart of Morocco and is relatively far from the oceanic influence of the Atlantic coastline, which is one of the reasons that brings hot weather from the months of late spring to summer. The general temperature in April is pleasant but it’s not summer weather yet. Marrakech has its warmest weather between March and June (around 27 °C), with relatively less heat compared to summer months like July and August (45 °C). The average temperatures vary from 11 to 26 °C. The nights are still cool but not cold anymore, a light coat should be fine while nights are warm. On the other hand, daily high temperatures rise from 21°C, to around the monthly average of 25°C, exceeding 29 °C or falling below 17 °C. The average rainfall is 35 mm, which is relatively low. Those rainfall amounts are usually concentrated from the first to the middle of the month; usually, only light rain remains towards the end of the April. Days with rain are usually around 6 to 7 days per month. That relatively low level of rain can be dangerous. After several months of almost no water, when suddenly all the water comes, it would make almost everything grow afterward and be a source of fire for summer. The good thing is that currently the weather has been changing, often the weather is as it used to be mid-century: little temperature differences annually but more precipitation and less droughts. Unlike the Sahara region located in Merzouga, which is pretty hot compared to Marrakech, April is the last and at the same time the best month of the year to spend in Marrakech before the deadly summer heat is, in the center of the Atlas mountains, there are still temperatures fluctuations.
5.2. Merzouga and Sahara Desert
The Sahara desert is a majestic place to be in April. In the dunes, away from the towns, the weather is still pleasant, neither too hot nor cloudy. However, the nights can be a bit cold. This is why the months of February to April are the best to be in the desert and closely about September to December. At midday, the sun can heat up the sand, but with the dry air, it is lower than in summer.
The dunes of Merzouga, Erg Chebbi, are the highest in Morocco and they hold the best sand in Morocco. The color is gold and the grains are the size of a headache. The dunes are formed by 24-km-long ridges that run parallely with the prevailing wind. In summer, apart from the problem of the heat, it is pretty empty with no life around. However, in winter, the dunes are quiet. Since February, the pearls are empty and serene. Hardly a creature is heard. It is a place of retreat, rest, meditation, and silence.
In autumn, the deserted dunes change color according to the sun. This is the period of the best light and photos. On the plateau of the Ajdir, better known as the high Erg, they are comprised of many small dunes that keep the sand in summer and winter, giving space to the thornbushes. This place is known for the clear night skies during all the months of the year.
April is a transition month in the Sahara and the Moroccan South. Although the days are warm, the nights are often fresh. The full moon in that month illuminates the dunes. You put maps and books to sleep while you sense stories of travelers, musicians, explorers, and poets who have crossed the Sahara.
5.3. North of Morocco and Fes
The North of Morocco, namely Tanger, Chefchaouen, and Tetouan, is characterized with windy and cool weather during the daytime and cooler weather at night. Windy weather is likely to occur especially late in the afternoon. Ideally, you need at least three light to medium jackets to cover your stay in northern Morocco and warm hours throughout the daytime, but still, be prepared for windy weather, in which case, you will need warmer jackets. Rain is also likely in the first half of the month but things improve in the second half of the month.
Rains and cold weather are likely on a couple of the first days, then the weather clears up but remains cool and partly sunny for almost a week; then, there are some rainy days; it follows a mix of cool, some rainy and partly sunny weather days; finally, the climate catches an increase in temperatures until the gradually warmer late April days in which the thermometer reaches around 24 degrees maximum at daytime, which is almost if not over one degree above average.
Fes and Meknes just share a very close and mild April climate in terms of temperatures with a cooler Michellin city but they are drier and sunnier. At the beginning of the month, the average minimum is about 8 degrees; the maximum could reach up to almost 24 degrees around mid-April and drop to about 10 and 21 degrees respectively at the end of the month. Rain is likely at any time during those first days but things improve in the period following and gradually catch an increase in temperatures until the warmer late April days are reached in which the thermometer could peak around 25 degrees at daytime which is around 1 degree above average.
5.4. Casablanca
Casablanca is located in a very fascinating region of Morocco. Traveling to Casablanca in April is a safe choice, as temperatures are generally mild. April is usually warm in Casablanca, however, although temperatures are mild, they can sometimes exceed very hot levels. In general, the weather in April in Casablanca is pleasantly warm. You may occasionally encounter heavy rain. Light rain may fall at times, although generally it is dry and sunny. When deciding what type of clothing to wear during your stay in the city, keep in mind that temperatures can fluctuate drastically, so consider layering your clothing. What to bring? Try to bring comfortable clothes, shirts, cotton clothes, and shorts. If you expect to go out at night, bring something more elegant. If it gets too cold, you can bring a jacket, a light jacket or a sweater. Don’t forget about your sunglasses; they are very important, especially as you may feel their absence in the presence of long days of sun. Also buy sunscreen; the ultraviolet rays of the sun begin to be dangerous. If you make outdoor plans, such as being at the beach for a long time, sunburn may be present. Your feet must also be the protagonists; they will be the ones who support you during a good part of the trip, so bring sandals that allow you to be comfortable but also stylish. Casual shoes are recommended. If you expect rain, you may need to wear rain gear. However, if the sun is present for most of the day, you may want to consider bringing a more fashionable water jacket, as well as an umbrella. It is also advisable to wear loose clothing so that you sweat less. In short, it is advisable to travel in a comfortable and informal way.
6. Impact of April Weather on Agriculture
Agriculture is the most vulnerable sector to climate variability, which directly affects the livelihoods of Moroccans. Weather conditions shape agriculture development by affecting the quantity and quality of economic plants and the planting date of major agricultural crops. As in other Mediterranean climates, the agronomic season in Morocco goes from winter to spring; thus, the development of major rainfed crops mainly occurs in April. This period influences growth cycles, the production yields of crops, and the sustainability of natural resources such as water. Colder and wetter soils delay the emergence of crops and develop diseases. Aprils are the most critical periods for crops. More precipitation kills some crops and delays seed development in cereal crops such as barley and wheat, which reduces the yield.
6.1. Crop Growth Cycles
Timing is very important for crop growth. The shorter the cyclone for a rainy period in the planting phase (before flowering), the less the biological productivity. Long years are phytoclimatically favorable years for the development of crops such as potatoes. In the flowering stage, the temperature must not exceed 22 °C. Hot seasons reduce the yield of these production systems. In the fruiting stage, only precipitation delays the maturity of the plants, thus decreasing roots and fruits. Crops such as barley, which are sensitive to heat, exhaust the soil at the end of the vegetative cycle. Any excessive rainfall stresses the plants. Given that crop production varies with weather variations in April, the forecast itself is a debatable issue. This forecast is not questionable; it can just be limited. It only concerns the resources that are generated and that evolve with time and space. The model is not designed to predict the natural disaster and its effects. However, it must pay particular attention to the APRATIONON. It is against this understanding that we need to return to the climatic rather than the meteorological question.
6.1. Crop Growth Cycles
April is the main month of the annual cycle of crop growth where the climatological characteristics are most favorable. Many crops experience their most favorable growth period during this month. Summer crops enter their flowering period: strawberry harvesting starts, stimulation blooming of tomato, and bean pod develop in oases, Artichoke growing in coastal areas as well as Dates fruit develop stage in palm oases also establish their most intensive growth rates. They require as much sunshine as possible with low daytime-to-night temperature differences. They stop growing when the temperatures are too low at nighttime. April daily sunshine duration is more than 10 hours in all the country and some southern areas enjoy its 12-hour maximum. It is highly-fluctuating due to the snowmobile system which in the past induced cyclone formation brought advection of cold air masses at the surface. Most of the summer crops maintain active growth in April as long as nighttime temperatures are not very low. They remain at very high rates of leaf area index increasing, especially that soybean, and reaching their full values at the end of April or early May waiting the flowering-day period marked by a rapid decrease of leaf growth and an increase of leaf-position index.
Cereals are at their most favorable growth cycle as well in northeastern and central Morocco. As the daytime temperatures increasingly attain or exceed 20°C, influence become more and more decisive and the monthly totals gradually take precedence over the biological requirements determining foliage development until the ear formation cycle termination at the end of the month or early May. Most areas enjoy maximum April values as well as the highest relative humidity values mainly distributed in the coastal areas, particularly due to the influences. Other cereals cultivated in the higher Moroccan regions exposed to influences will consequently stop developing. These climatic conditions strongly affect the affinities between growth characters and especially allowed these plants to reach their full values just after ear tillering that occurs late in February in the northern cereal cultivated areas.
6.2. Water Resources Management
Climate change is an established fact; consequently, groundwater use and the precipitation deficit have severely reduced the volume of surface water resources in the Moroccan rivers over the last decades. Due to this problem, many dam reservoirs are almost empty in spring. The problem is aggravated by the inconsiderate use of the tributaries of both the dry and permanent rivers, which is responsible for an important water quality degradation causing both flora and fauna health hazards. The duration of the risk of more reduced flows occurring later is reduced, and only the taken measure of preserving the most vulnerable fish populations will help best to organize their management in a rational manner later. This situation is particularly regrettable due to the importance of spring flooding for the clear seasonal rhythm and the general maintenance of the rivers whose flows are more regulated, and the influence it exerts on the organisms living in both the rivers and the outputs. There are very few studies on the use and management of surface water resources in Morocco. Concerning the rivers that flow into the estuary of the region, they all have a more or less important reduction in the flow and an increase in salinity, particularly from May to October, leading to the viability of the estuary being more reduced. The most remarkable thing during this period is that over the length of the estuary, there is a decrease in both the water flow and salinity; the latter increases from the mouth to the source. In the event of heavy rainfall in the winter months, this salinity gradient is inverted, and the salty estuary is transformed into a catchment area, allowing the rivers to be rainy, and the water is then infiltrated into the sands of the estuary downstream and flows back towards its waters.
7. Tourism Considerations
Morocco is an extraordinary tourist destination and has been for thousands of years, but the travel period considered best for visiting most regions of the country extends only from the end of March until the end of May, so Morocco’s April weather can greatly affect travel plans, and is a significant factor when determining what to see and do. Perhaps the sunniest and warmest Moroccan area in April is the Saharan south. Accommodation is most likely to be in one of the valley towns located some distance away from the dunes, because the true Merzouga Sahara area is closed to travelers at this time of year. But everywhere in the south, travel plans should avoid being on the roads or in the desert from noon to three or four in the afternoon. The mountains are still snow-capped in April and the weather is suitable for climbing and hiking in the east, but in the western parts of the High and Middle Atlas, at altitudes of 2000m or more, new snowfall may well close some trails and even roads until late in the month. The coastal cities also make good destinations in April, as do all the inland regions of the country with cities located at higher altitudes, such as Fes, Meknes, and Ifrane. In these areas, daytime temperatures are pleasantly warm, making it a good time for sightseeing, guided excursions, or even a short hike – and activities and attractions are not overcrowded while visitors are still relatively few. However, remember that the weather may not be stable. Sudden rainfall is still possible, and evenings are still too cool for dining outside in many places.
7.1. Best Travel Destinations
In April, the city of Marrakech records average daytime temperatures exceeding 25 °C and receives just a few millimeters of rain. Its high-density urban fabric makes this city a good travel destination, as sadness and difficulties associated with bad weather, if any, are rare. Its climate is ideal for simply strolling through the medina or gardens, exploring the wildlife, and enjoying the local gastronomy. The town is also a good place for leisure if you are planning tours to the Berber country or the Toubkal National Park, as the area often suffers snowstorms and some roads can be closed in case of snow. In this case, we suggest you to limit yourself to places not exceeding 2000 m., as the higher peaks may not be accessible at the same period. Fez also benefits from a favorable climate in April with average daytime temperatures exceeding 20 °C. Although it was less known for tourists as the Villa, it is a must. It keeps all its authenticity and has a soul that no other city in the world possesses. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Any traveler who arrives in Fez is immediately caught up by the magic and amazement that this city inspires. Would you like picturesque, colorful medieval streets filled with merchants selling artisanal crafts? Or perhaps a bustling city, full of activity? You have it all in Fez. Plus, it is home to the oldest university in the world, which is both a mosque and an architectural work.
7.2. Activities to Do in April According to the Weather
April is a favorable month for hiking in Morocco. For this activity, we can choose among the mountains, the desert and the Ocean coasts. The most suitable mountains for trekking in Morocco are the Atlas mountains. The two Atlas chains are located in the center of the country. The High Atlas is the one crowned by desert summits. In the Toubkal National Park area, Morocco’s highest peak is located. The Middle Atlas is cut by deep river valleys and there are meadows with freshwater lakes that together with the cedar forests comprise the scenery. By pollen volume, the finest season for hiking in the Atlas is Springtime. At that time snow begins to melt in the High Atlas, allowing the passage of the hiking routes that ascend towards Toubkal and the surrounding peaks. The valleys are adorned with waterfalls and flowers in bloom. At the same time, temperatures in the Middle Atlas still allow the possibility of trekking, since lows are below most spring months.
Although at the end of March or in early April we can find snow in the terrain of the High Atlas which makes it unadvisable for trekkings via the national park, in the Sahara and near Merzouga we can perform an outstanding activity – we can spend the night in a desert tent and go for a walk to visit a Sahrawi nomad who weaves the traditional sahari blankets. The Atlantic Ocean bordering Morocco has some charming towns, being Essaouira the one chosen by most tourists. April is when beach climate gets established in the Moroccan coast, that will last until October.
7.3. Packing Recommendations for April Weather
April is the month of changing weather, barring local exceptions. Nevertheless, you have to prepare to face different weathers when traveling in Morocco in April. For the southern areas, a travel luggage with hot gear, including t-shirts, shorts and sandals, is suggested. Nights can be really cool, so do take a warm jacket and a pair of long pants. Scarf and sunglasses are also very useful. Visiting deserts means being exposed to intense sun radiation every day and being at risk of sunburn if not protected properly. In coastal areas, though the average temperature is still very cool, you may also see a couple of sunny days. So, you could enjoy the beaches. A summer travel luggage is duly needed as well. For the inland areas, April weather is to be sure changeable, that means sudden warm or sudden cool. Thus, you would also find it convenient to have a travel luggage containing both summer and winter stuff. T-shirts, shorts and sandals are the most appropriate of summer gear; while warm jackets, long pants and running shoes are recommended as winter gear. For the North, be more careful and bring warm sweaters and jackets with you. In general, they are the most windy and humid areas of Morocco, being much closer to the sea than the rest of Morocco. Days can turn really cool when the wind blows from the sea. So, it is also better to take rain wear when traveling to the North. There is a big risk of rain in April. If you happen to travel to the North during this time, you have to be well prepared.
8. Climate Change Considerations
Climate change represents the most critical challenge for humanity. The increase in greenhouse gases as a consequence of some human activities and the occupation of the world territory has been affecting the climate over the course of the last century. The flow of the sun’s radiation and the conditions of the atmosphere are inducing a global increase in temperature which will affect the stability of features for the other elements involved in climate dynamics. The weather in Morocco can expect greater inter-annual variability and further warming and changes to precipitation amounts and patterns, including more droughts and reduced water availability, especially since the observed trends are in the right direction with the observations for eight available weather stations in Morocco. Since Morocco is a country characterized by low annual rain, already experiencing several drought periods, climate change can lead to a worsening of water stress because the supply by the rivers increases has no periods with rainy days and increases has no number of summer days. The results underline the necessity to deploy the necessary means to face the problems related to climate change. Climate change will also affect the local ecosystems, namely the Mediterranean ecosystems. The drier ecosystems, the Saharan desert, and the Mediterranean ecosystems would probably be affected directly. Notably, the current predictions do not change in depth for the Mediterranean wooded ecosystems, suffering only indirectly from shadow and direct increase in temperature relative to the Saharan ecosystems. The effects for the Mediterranean ecosystem would probably be a lower concentration in water during summer and consequently stress for the plants in summer. Also, the Saharan ecosystems would undergo long periods characterized by greater concentration in pollen.
8.1. Shifts in Weather Patterns
The variability in monthly precipitation during 1981 to 2006 over Morocco reveals that the country is witnessing a shift in weather patterns. While the average seasonal pattern has not changed significantly, monthly precipitation amounts have changed. For the cold season, February–March are generally the wettest months. From April to October it rarely rains, while August is the driest month. During spring, the wet pattern is completely out of phase with summer dryness, while in autumn a minor secondary wet season appears, but only exceeds summer precipitation levels during September in the anti-Atlas region, in November and December in the Chaouia and in the second half of October in the rest of the area. Contemporary monthly precipitation amounts have increased in January, February and September and decreased in March and May. More recently, January, March and September have received higher precipitation amounts, while February, May and December have received lower amounts. Concurrently, the occurrence of rainy days has decreased, especially in summer, in agreement with the monthly change signals. By contrast, a clear increase of daily precipitation intensity dominates winter, particularly March and, to a lesser extent, February and September. Such changes in daily intensity may be the sign for winter rains becoming more convective, likely increasing flood risk and exacerbating flash floods over the chaotically geomorphosed Moroccan rivers.
8.2. Impact on Local Ecosystems
Over the past few decades, Morocco has been affected by climate changes and extreme-weather events that threaten its ecosystem and livelihood. The extreme flooding of 2020 or the severe drought of 2021 broke the precedent of annual precipitations and low agricultural and pastoral productivity for the region. These events have been attributed to a change of the general circulation in the North Atlantic associated with a long-term trend in ocean warming. Understanding both sea surface temperature warming and control of its temperature difference seasonality is necessary for characterizing the impact of the great meridional temperature difference on the Mediterranean winter climate of North Africa. Morocco features a complex ecological setting ranging from Mediterranean to semi-desert and desert ecosystems. The objective of this section is to discuss the evolution of Morocco’s climate and underlined potential recurring droughts and flood disasters on the environment. Moreover, we discuss the potential cascading effects on socio-ecosystem services and their ability to support the livelihood.
Moroccan agriculture mostly relies on rain for a growing season that usually begins in October and ends in late May or early June. The agricultural sector secured over 20% of gross employment, absorbed close to 80% of the active population in the rural areas, and contributed to about 15% of national added value. Thereby, the rainfall variability modifies agricultural output in the short term, and the differences in output fluctuations associated with exogenous shocks are transmitted to GDP growth. On another hand, it can vary international trade balance, inflation, poverty, or external and public debt in the medium-and long-term vision.
9. Conclusion
April is a very pleasant month in Morocco. It’s considered the best month of the spring season, and at the same time, the weather conditions are starting to allow activities in the desert—after the very windy month of February and March. Temperatures are mild across the entire country, and sky conditions are nice. Nights start to become warm in the south, while at the end of the month, some stills with snow can be seen in the High-Atlas and Middle-Atlas areas.
At the beginning of April, the Selouane region of North East Morocco is often affected by cold in the eastern depression, which means southerly winds and cloudy weather, with some light precipitation. Clouds often reach the north, but the weather is so dry, that mostly nothing happens; instead most of the cloudy weather is situated at the Atlantic, while the weather is clear in the north of the country as well as in most of Spain: the famous Clear Front. In the interior western side of the country, relatively strong winds in the pre-desert north area usually cause much dust, but along the Atlantic and in central-southern areas, windless and warm weather conditions are found. Tired of the cold winter in Europe, a small heated wave usually arrives and causes the first 35ºC of the season in Morocco.
Mid-April marks what for many people is the definition of spring: very nice and mild weather conditions. Also in the south, nighttime lows around 20ºC start to be reached. 31ºC in Merzouga is very commonly exceeded at this time thanks to the relatively very warm nights in the region; the separative front is still at the north of the country, where it causes some precipitation. Therefore, if you are thinking about traveling to Morocco in April, keep in mind that besides the different weather conditions possible from one period to another, the particular climate in the different regions of Morocco causes different climatic conditions.
