10 things to do in Marrakech in September

September is one of the best months to travel to Marrakech: temperatures are warm, but not as stifling as in the summer months, there are many hours of sunshine so you can make the most of the days and although there is tourism it is not so crowded, so you can visit the city comfortably. Moreover, prices are cheaper than in July and August.

Here is a list of the best things to do on your trip.

In September, usually in the third week, one of the country's most curious festivals takes place: the Fête des Novias, also known as the Moussem of Imilchil, which is held in this town in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, approximately 350 kilometres from the city of Marrakech.

So book your excursion to the Atlas Mountains and the Agafa desert and enjoy dance, music, souks and many other creative activities. What's more, the great curiosity of this festival is that a large collective wedding takes place in which some thirty young people from this beautiful region marry a person freely. And if they are not satisfied with the marriage, they can return to their family and marry again the following year.

Although it is some distance from Marrakech, it is a highly recommended visit if your trip coincides with this event, as it is a very unique festivity in which you will enjoy a unique atmosphere. It is also a unique way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Attendees wear specific attire and hairstyles according to their marital status.

The best experience you can have on your trip to Marrakech in September is a desert tour. The lower temperatures typical of this month make it an ideal plan for all tastes and ages. You have several options:

• On the one hand, you can book an excursion to the Merzouga Desert, which is approximately 550 kilometres from Marrakech. This is the most distant option, but the most popular of all. However, the tour lasts three days so it's recommended if you're spending at least a week in Marrakech.
• You can also book an excursion to the Marrakech desert with dinner.
• Another option is to book a trip to the Zagora desert, which is approximately 350 kilometres from Marrakech. This is a two-day excursion.
• And finally, you can book an excursion to the Atlas Mountains and the Agafay Desert, which is about 40 kilometres away and can be reached and returned in a day.

If you're not sure which is the best option, read the post Best desert tours in Morocco and you'll find out for sure. You can also read an article about the best desert activities in Morocco and you'll have all the details about the most original way to get to know the desert of Marrakech, which is actually the Sahara Desert.

An ideal plan for the month of October when the high temperatures start to give visitors a break is to book a camel ride through the Palm Grove of Marrakech, a perfect option for the whole family and a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech.

The Palm Grove is an enclave located about 10 kilometres northeast of Marrakesh, with approximately 13,000 hectares and 100,000 palm trees that were planted during the Almoravid dynasty. Specifically, this thousand-year-old park dates back to the 17th century when the Almoravids arrived in the city. Some of the city's most important golf courses and several luxury hotels are located in this area. This experience costs approximately €40.

You can also experience a camel ride in other parts of Marrakech.

One of the best things to do in September in the middle of the day is to book a tour of the Majorelle Gardens, one of the most visited places in the city of Marrakech.

The French painter Jacque Majorelle, known for being a nature lover, was the forerunner of this garden, which was later acquired by Yves Saint Laurent and now has more than 300 plant species, including palm trees, cacti, rose bushes, bougainvillea, bamboo, water lilies and lotus flowers.

The tour costs approximately 12 euros and is open from 11am to 5pm.

Jemaa el Fna Square, located in the heart of Marrakech, attracts an immeasurable number of people every day. In my opinion, it is one of the most spectacular sights in the city, and you can spend hours and hours while you enjoy the various shows that the square offers, featuring snake charmers, musicians and other unique performers. A unique space that I recommend you visit at night.

Don't hesitate to book a tour of the Medina of Marrakech and take advantage of your visit to Yamaa el-Fna to eat in one of the restaurants and bars that surround the square. You can also book a gastronomic tour of Marrakech.

If you go to Marrakesh in September, don't hesitate to book a tour of the souk in Marrakesh and take home some souvenirs of your trip, from leather accessories such as slippers, backpacks, fanny packs or bags, to ceramic objects, or cosmetic products such as argan oil. You won't have any trouble communicating, as the vendors are fluent in all languages.

The souk, which occupies a maze of labyrinthine streets from the north of Jamaa el Fna Square, is one of the highlights of Marrakech and the stalls are open from around 10am until 5pm. One last tip, don't forget to haggle because, believe it or not, you'll always get a discount.

September is the perfect month to see the Saadid tombs, one of the most beautiful and most visited monuments in Marrakesh. With the decrease in tourism, you will have the opportunity to see them in comfort and without crowds, something practically impossible at other times of the year.

The Saadid tombs, whose capacity is very small, date from the Saadid dynasty, which reigned between 1524 and 1659 in Marrakesh. They were discovered in the early 20th century and there are several areas that can be visited: the Mausoleum of Lalla Massouda, the Hall of the 12 columns, the Hall of Prayers, the Hall of the Three Niches and the outer burials.

The entrance fee starts at €6.50.

Another of the plans you can't miss on your trip to Marrakech in September is a visit to some of the city's main museums, including:

• The Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which houses a permanent collection of the designer's most outstanding works.
• The Confluences Museum, which is housed in one of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakech, an early 20th century palace that was the official residence of the Pasha of Marrakech for more than forty years.
• I also recommend a visit to the House of Photography which, promoted by Patrick Manac'h and Hamid Mergani, houses a collection of more than 10,000 photographs of Morocco from the late 19th century to the first half of the 20th century.
• The Orientalist Museum, an art gallery with outstanding works by Dalí, Delacroix, Lord Weeks and Jacques Majorelle. All of them painters who captured the beauty of Morocco in their works.

Another must-see on your trip to Marrakesh in September is the Ben Youssef Madrasa, also known as the Ben Youssef Medersa. What makes this visit so special, you ask? It is the largest and most important Madrasa in Morocco, as well as one of the most beautiful examples of the country's architectural heritage.

Founded by Sultan Abou al Hasam, this educational centre of higher learning dates from the second half of the 16th century and has more than a hundred cells that housed up to a thousand students who were dedicated to the study of the Koran.

If you're an electronic music lover, the Oasis Festival takes place in mid-September. It's a music festival with an important international DJ presence and also showcases contemporary art, fashion and North African gastronomy.

Various emblematic sites in the city, such as the Secret Garden, join this cultural event, which also organises yoga sessions and pool, spa and shisha afternoons. All of this with a wide range of music in the background. A whole experience of wellbeing and relaxation.

In September, temperatures in Marrakech drop considerably, with highs around 33-35ºC and daily averages between 25 and 28ºC. The days are still very long, with sunrise around 7.15am and sunset after 7.30pm, so there are more than 12 hours of daylight a day. In addition, there is hardly any rainfall. In fact, it rains an average of one day a month.

If you have any doubts about visiting Marrakech in September, read the post When to travel to Marrakech and you'll see that it's a perfect month. And if you are looking for more general information about the city, visit the article what to see and do in Marrakech.

The number of tourists in Marrakech in September is considerably lower than in July and August, but there are still a large number of visitors and the main excursions are in high demand, so it is advisable to book well in advance. Even so, everything is not as crowded as in the previous months, so it is a good option for your trip.

Before you start your trip, don't hesitate to read the posts safety in Marrakech and how to get around Marrakech, they are very practical.

Prices in Marrakech in September are considerably lower than in July and August, both in flights and hotels and even in everyday life. Tourist taxes are greatly reduced and prices go down directly as well. So if you get the chance, don't hesitate to visit the city at this time of year - you won't regret it!

Read the post when to travel to Marrakech and you'll realise that September is, without a doubt, an excellent option.

And if you are looking for more detailed information about other months of the year, here are the posts about Marrakech in January, Marrakech in February, Marrakech in March, Marrakech in April, Marrakech in May, Marrakech in June, Marrakech in July, Marrakech in August, Marrakech in October, Marrakech in November and Marrakech in December.

If you're travelling to Marrakesh in September, it's best to pack light, linen or cotton clothes for the middle of the day and a jacket, cardigan or jumper for after dark, as temperatures can drop as low as 20ºC and there's a big contrast in temperature throughout the day. On the other hand, don't forget to bring a hat or cap and sunglasses for those times when the sun is at its hottest.

Don't forget that Morocco is a Muslim country and it is not advisable for women to wear low-cut, strapless or short clothes. This way, you'll avoid uncomfortable stares. Even so, it is one of the most westernised countries, so they don't have as strict a dress code as in other places.

Finally, feel free to check out the posts Marrakech in one day, Marrakech in two days, Marrakech in three days, Marrakech in four days, Marrakech in five days and Marrakech in seven days and create an itinerary to make the most of your trip.