When to Go
We run expeditions throughout the year and are happy to work around your schedule β there are no fixed departure dates to fit into.
That said, the High Atlas and the Sahara each have their seasons, and knowing them helps you get the most from your trip.
The Toubkal Summit (Jan β Mar)
Winter snowfall can be heavy enough that the authorities periodically close the Jebel Toubkal summit. When this happens we will advise you in advance, and the options are to adjust your dates, take an alternative High Atlas route, or pivot the itinerary toward the desert β which is at its finest in these months.
The Sweet Spot for Both (Apr β May & Sep β Nov)
Spring and autumn are the most reliable windows for combining a Toubkal summit with a Sahara leg. Temperatures at altitude are manageable, the desert is warm without being brutal, and the skies tend to be clear.
The Desert in Summer (Jun β Aug)
Daytime temperatures in the Sahara can exceed 45Β°C in midsummer, making a full desert crossing inadvisable. Summer works well for a Toubkal summit or a High Atlas traverse without a desert extension, and the long daylight hours are a genuine pleasure at altitude.
The Sahara in Winter (Dec β Feb)
Cold nights in the desert are part of the experience, and the landscape in winter is extraordinarily clear and vivid. This is a wonderful time for a desert-focused itinerary. Toubkal is possible with the right preparation, but subject to summit closure conditions above.
Choosing your dates
Get in touch with the dates you have in mind and we will tell you honestly what is achievable, suggest alternatives if anything looks uncertain, and design an itinerary around your window. Most of our clients set their own dates β there is no premium for doing so.
Planning your flights
Plan to arrive in Morocco the day before your expedition begins, or earlier if you'd like time to settle in. For your return, allow the day after the expedition ends. If your schedule is tight, a late-evening departure from Marrakech on the final day is sometimes workable β let us know and we'll plan around it.
The weather on Mount Toubkal can be highly variable, and climbers should be prepared for a range of conditions. The mountain is located in the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, and the weather can change quickly and dramatically.
The best time to climb Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and North Africa, largely depends on your preferences and the type of experience you're seeking. Here are the main factors to consider for each season:
Since most summit bids start from base camp at around 0400 am, with exact start time usually depending on the guide's assessment of the group's pace over the preceding few days, most of the approach to the summit happens in darkness.