Morocco Packing List: Exactly What to Wear on Your Trip

Packing for Morocco stresses a lot of travelers out. You look at the weather forecast and see high temperatures, but you also know it is a conservative country. You do not want to offend the locals, but you also do not want to overheat.

We guide travelers through this exact problem every day. You do not need to buy a completely new wardrobe. You just need a strategy.

Here is the honest truth about the Morocco dress code and exactly what you need to put in your suitcase for a comfortable trip.

The Golden Rule: The Morocco Dress Code

Morocco is a welcoming country, but modesty is deeply valued. The general rule for both men and women is simple. You should keep your shoulders and your knees covered.

If you stick to this rule, you will feel much more comfortable walking through the local markets. The secret to surviving the heat while staying covered is fabric. Pack clothes made of lightweight, breathable materials like linen, cotton, and rayon.

What to Wear in Morocco for Women

The most common question we get from female travelers is about covering their hair. As a tourist, you are not required to wear a headscarf. You only need to focus on modest clothing.

Here is what your Morocco packing list should include:

• Loose Trousers: Wide leg linen pants or comfortable joggers are perfect. They keep you cool and respect the local culture.
• Midi and Maxi Skirts: Skirts and dresses that fall below the knee are excellent choices.
• T-Shirts and Blouses: Bring shirts with short sleeves or three quarter sleeves. Avoid low cut tops and spaghetti straps.
• The Magic Scarf: This is the best packing trick. Bring a lightweight scarf. You can wrap it around your shoulders if you are wearing a sleeveless top, or use it to protect your neck from the sun in the desert.

What to Wear in Morocco as a Man

Men have fewer restrictions, but you should still pack respectfully. Walking around a traditional city in short gym shorts and a tank top will get you strange looks.

• Pants and Shorts: Bring lightweight trousers like chinos or linen pants. If you want to wear shorts, make sure they reach your knees.
• Shirts: Standard t-shirts and short sleeve button down shirts are perfect.

The "Medina" Shoe Test

Footwear is where many travelers make a mistake. You will be walking a lot on this trip. The streets in the old cities of Fes and Marrakech are made of uneven cobblestone and packed dirt.

Leave the high heels at home. You will ruin them on the uneven streets. You really only need two pairs of shoes:

• A solid pair of walking shoes: Comfortable sneakers or closed toe walking shoes are a must.
• Comfortable sandals: A sturdy pair of sandals is great for wearing around your hotel, riding in the car, or relaxing by the pool.

Packing for the Sahara Desert

Packing for the desert surprises people because of the extreme temperature swings. The sand gets very hot during the day, but the temperature drops incredibly fast the moment the sun goes down.

If your trip includes a camel ride, you must wear long pants. Camel hair is coarse and will irritate bare legs. You should also pack a warm fleece sweater or a medium jacket for the evening. The desert nights get surprisingly cold, especially in the winter months.

The "Do Not Pack" List

Save space in your luggage by leaving these items at home:

• Drones: Drones are strictly illegal in Morocco. Customs officers will confiscate them at the airport when you arrive.
• Camouflage Clothing: Only the military is allowed to wear camouflage patterns. Do not pack anything with this print.
• Flashy Jewelry: It is always best to leave expensive or flashy jewelry at home when traveling abroad.

Essential Non-Clothing Items

Your what to pack for Morocco list needs a few practical items to make your trip smooth:

• Universal Power Adapter: Morocco uses European style round two pin plugs (Type C and Type E).
• Basic Medications: The local food is rich and uses different spices than you might be used to. Bring some basic stomach medicine and pain relievers just in case.
• Hand Sanitizer and Tissues: Many public restrooms outside of the main tourist areas will not have toilet paper or soap.