CityCoordinates: 30.92° N, 6.91° W
ورزازاتⵡⴰⵔⵣⴰⵣⴰⵜ
Kasbah clay and desert light
See on the mapFilm-studio town and gateway to the kasbahs of the south.
Getting there
Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ), or CTM/Supratours coach from Marrakech over Tizi n'Tichka (4 hours)
Ouarzazate sits at the southern exit of the High Atlas, where the high-altitude pass of Tizi n’Tichka gives way to date-palm river corridors and sun-baked earthen fortresses. Historically a strategic crossroads for trans-Saharan camel caravans, the city gained international renown as Morocco’s cinema capital, hosting landmark productions from Lawrence of Arabia to Gladiator across its expansive desert backlots.
Spend an unhurried morning exploring Taourirt Kasbah, a grand 19th-century Glaoui fortress with labyrinthine courtyards, narrow stairs, and painted cedar ceilings. In the afternoon, tour the cavernous sets of Atlas Film Studios before continuing southeast toward the date groves of the Draa Valley or northeast toward the dramatic rock canyons of Dades and Todra.
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Average low and highRainy daysFestivals & cultural events
| Month | Average low and high | Rainy days | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 2°C – 17°C35°F – 63°F | 3 | — |
| Feb | 5°C – 19°C40°F – 67°F | 4 | — |
| Mar | 8°C – 23°C47°F – 73°F | 4 | — |
| Apr | 12°C – 27°C53°F – 80°F | 3 | — |
| May | 16°C – 31°C60°F – 87°F | 3 | Rose Festival of Kelaat M'Gouna |
| Jun | 20°C – 36°C67°F – 96°F | 4 | — |
| Jul | 23°C – 39°C73°F – 102°F | 3 | — |
| Aug | 22°C – 38°C72°F – 100°F | 5 | — |
| Sep | 18°C – 33°C65°F – 92°F | 4 | — |
| Oct | 13°C – 28°C56°F – 82°F | 3 | — |
| Nov | 7°C – 22°C45°F – 71°F | 4 | — |
| Dec | 3°C – 18°C38°F – 64°F | 4 | — |
Source: Direction de la Météorologie Nationale, 1991-2020 normals, via WMO. Updated August 14, 2023. worldweather.wmo.int
Checked by Morocco Insider Tips on November 6, 2026
Direct rail, high-speed train, and coach routes connecting Ouarzazate.
Annual cultural festivals, gatherings, and seasonal events in Ouarzazate.
The Dades valley town of Kelaat M'Gouna celebrates the Damask rose harvest with a parade, Ahwash dances and the crowning of a Rose Queen. Ouarzazate is the nearest base on this site.
Curated multi-day itineraries connecting Ouarzazate with other Moroccan destinations.
The premier overland journey across Morocco connecting Marrakech over the 2,260m Tizi n'Tichka pass to the earthen ksar of Aït Benhaddou, Todra Gorge, sunset camel trek in Erg Chebbi, and the medieval medina of Fès.
The ultimate 10-day route covering Morocco's highlights: Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, imperial Rabat, the blue medina of Chefchaouen, ancient Fès, the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi, Todra Gorge, Aït Benhaddou, Marrakech souks, and breezy Essaouira.
Todra Gorgeمضايق تودغىCanyon walls up to 300 m high, good for walks and climbing.Site · 1 night · 1,500 m
MerzougaمرزوكةⵎⵔⵣⵓⴳⴰVillage at the edge of the Erg Chebbi dunes. Camel treks and desert camps.Village · 2 nights · 698 m
Aït Benhaddouآيت بن حدوⴰⵢⵜ ⴱⵏ ⵃⴷⴷⵓFortified clay village, a UNESCO World Heritage site.Site · Half day or 1 night · 1,270 mUNESCO.jpg){kind=link}
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