night-time temperatures in Morocco

[ukiceman]

Hi People
I’m off on November the 5th, heading for Morocco. I’m probably going stay in Portugal on the way down for a week at one of those eco-camping places, I’ve found one for 6 euros a night! I’ll probably do the same at a different location on the way home in late January 09

When I get to Morocco, this is my plan. I’d like to ride ALL the Moroccan routes in Chris Scott’s Sahara Overland book, M1 through M12. I think I’d like to spend Christmas in Tan-Tan, then ride M13 and come back via the sealed coastal route

The one thing I’m a bit worried about is the night-time temperatures while I’m riding the routes. Will it be OK in a tent? I’m trying to keep the accommodation cost down. I’ve looked online for temperatures at this time of year but most of the temps are for tourist regions, so, not sure.

Or, will it be easy finding a place to stay at encampments at reasonable cost along any of the routes? Probably still in the tent but, not alone….

Shaun

[Cruzeta]

Hey Shaun,

You may expect 0ºC at night in December and January, that's when I was in south Morocco.

We found an auberge in the south costing 2,5 EUR a day so you have a cost reference.

If you come to Portugal near Lisbon drop me a line!

Cheers
Rui
Portugal

[Threewheelbonnie]

It depends on altitude and your gear. In the Atlas there can be snow and temperatures that will require a four season bag, thermarest etc. Near sea level you might be happy with a three season bag or lighter depending on your own comfort zone. Temperatures will stay just above zero. I don't think anyone ever froze to death in Southern Morocco, but I'd be carrying winter gear just for comfort. To me you have to think if you'll like cold weather camping over the cost of accomodation and the weight on the bike.

While camping is snow is fun with the right gear, I'd head for that Auberge after a few days of rain even if I was still lugging a huge sleeping bag about.

Andy

[backofbeyond]

Originally Posted by ukiceman

Hi People


I think I’d like to spend Christmas in Tan-Tan, then ride M13 and come back via the sealed coastal route

The one thing I’m a bit worried about is the night-time temperatures while I’m riding the routes. Will it be OK in a tent? I’m trying to keep the accommodation cost down. I’ve looked online for temperatures at this time of year but most of the temps are for tourist regions, so, not sure.

Shaun

My plans have me in Tan-Tan around Xmas so if you see a yellow CCM come and say hello!

Temperatures do vary night by night depending on weather patterns etc but south of the Atlas and near the sea (ie Tan-Tan) it shouldn't get that cold. Last time I was down there it didn't get below the low teens at night. I might just have been lucky but that seems to be in accord with the Dec /Jan average from Weather Online UK - Current Weather and Forecasts Worldwide

[syncroand101]

Hi,

We were down in Morocco January 07, camped at about 5,500ft (from memory) and overnight saw temps drop between -7.5 to -15 (two different thermometers). We were nicely wrapped up in Campervans, part from the ice on the inside of the windscreen - were toasty warm.

Closer to sea level, much warmer, just a good jumper and socks in the evening...

[hurcomb]

Ive camped in Morocco in December and February and was glad i had a three season sleeping bag and thermarest. Camping in Mknez in December the temp definitely dropped below freezing at night. And whilst the deserts south of the Anti Atlas were warmer it was definitely cold - hat and fleece temps. Days were still warm and sunny though.

[TT-Kira]

I've slept in a room (admittedly it was new & lacked windows) in January in Dakhla & FROZE to death.

It's NOT warm, have a decent sleeping bag with you.

In Marrakesh I forked out what I consider a fortune (as I never pay much more than 5E a night) to stay at the Taza Hotel in the medina in Marrakesh just before flying out late one January because I knew it had HEATING & a bar (& I hogged the hotel's ONLY remote control for the heating for the night as it kept going off)

There's often snow on the Atlas from mid-December, Tinehir won't be that warm, I'd suggest staying at Camping Ourti; Hassan will look after you! There's rooms or you can put the tent up!

Kira

[ukiceman]

Originally Posted by TT-Kira

I'd suggest staying at Camping Ourti; Hassan will look after you! There's rooms or you can put the tent up!Kira

Sounds good but, who is Hassan?

Shaun

[TT-Kira]

Hassan & his brothers own & run Hotel Ourti, his mum lives up the Todra Gorge whilst the Hotel/Camping is on the road out of town heading towards Ouzarzate .. He must be about 30 & very keen to make guests feel welcome! Cheaper than a lot of the places up the gorge!

Just editing it as I don't know where I saw Tinehir mentioned & got confused with Tan Tan - fantastic cafe on the grand taxi square Anaj Mat - don't stay in the grotty hotel opposite though, go to the one next door which looks grottier but not bad & you can pitch a tent on the roof!

Kira