ultimate morocco packing list for female travellers: what to wear & essentials
okay so hereโs everything you need to know before packing to visit morocco. packing for morocco can feel super confusing when youโre looking at your wardrobe <3 you may want to have some cool outfits for photos in the souks, stay cool in the scorching desert heat, but also dress respectfully as a woman travelling through a traditional muslim-majority country.
our DMs are ALWAYS filled with gals asking: "can I wear shorts?", "do I need to cover my shoulders?", or "what do I wear to sleep in the sahara desert?"
don't worry at all!! weโve put together the ultimate big-sister packing list so you can feel stylish, comfortable, respectful, and confident from the moment you land in marrakech!!
the golden rule: respectful & breezy clothing
morocco is a conservative country, but that doesn't mean you can't dress super cute!! Itโs best for women travelling in morocco is to keep your shoulders, cleavage, and knees covered when you're out in public places like markets, streets, and rural villages. dressing respectfully isn't just about cultural respect, it actually reduces unwanted street attention and keeps you so much cooler under the hot north african sun!! win-win!!
- 3x wide-leg linen or cotton trousers: loose, breezy, and so chic. high-waisted linen trousers with a loose tee tucked in is our ultimate go-to outfit!
- 2x maxi or midi dresses: look for flowy dresses with short or long sleeves. if it's strapless or sleeveless, just throw a light shirt or shawl over the top. We love a saronggg you can buy them in markets and theyre such multi use!!
- 2x light linen button-up shirts: perfect for layering over tank tops or bikinis when you're moving between places.
- 2-3x lightweight scarfs/shawls/sarongs: absolute MUST-HAVES!! throw one in your handbag every single day to cover your shoulders when entering local areas or to protect your head from the desert dust.
- 1x light denim jacket or jumper : it gets surprisingly chilly in the evening, especially in the desert and mountains!!
pool day & desert glamping outfits!!
- okay, so what about swimming and relaxing?! inside hotels and private accommodation the dress code is relaxed of course.
- 2x bikinis or swimsuits: wear whatever you feel comfortable in when lounging at your riad pool!
- 1x lightweight shawl or sarong/beach cover-up: ideal for walking from the pool back to your room.
- cozy lounge set for the desert: the sahara desert can drop to freezing temperatures at night!! bring a warm jumper, trackies, and socks for stargazing around the campfire.
footwear & accessories
youโll be doing lots of walking over cobblestones, uneven market streets, and sand dunes!
- comfy trainers: essential for wandering the medinas without getting sore feet!
- Flats/sandals or flipflops!!: perfect for dinners, riad relaxing, and casual days out.
- polarized sunglasses are amazing: a total lifesaver for hiding eye contact with eager street vendors in the souks!!
- cross-body bag with a zip: keep your cash, phone, and cards secure against your chest in busy crowd spots!!
toilet bag & health essentials.
- high-factor SPF 50 sunscreen: the desert sun is no joke gals, it can be UV 9&10 at times!
- electrolytes & rehydration sachets: long travel days and heat can dehydrate you fast especially if youโve had a long flight too!!
- stomach remedies (imodium, pepto-bismol & rehydration salts): trying new rich spices can sometimes upset your tummy, so come prepared just in case
- hand sanitiser & pocket tissues: many public toilets won't have toilet paper or soap, so keep these in your bag at all times.
Morocco Packing List FAQs
Do I need to cover my head in morocco?
No! Non-Muslim female tourists are not required to cover their hair anywhere in Morocco. You only need to cover your head if you choose to enter specific religious sites that allow non-Muslims, or to protect your scalp from the sun and desert wind.
Can I wear shorts in morocco?
We'd generally recommend saving denim shorts for inside your private riad or hotel. Wearing short shorts in public medinas will draw a lot of unwanted attention. If you want to wear shorts out and about, opt for loose, knee-length linen shorts instead!
Should I bring cash or cards to morocco?
Bring a debit card (like revolut or monzo) to pull out moroccan dirham (MAD) at local ATMs! morocco is primarily a cash economy, so youโll need physical cash for shopping in the souks, tipping, small cafes, and taxis.
We've thought about alllll the details so you can just focus on enjoying yourself <3
Check out our solo female travel safety guide or come join us on our next morocco group trip with 15 new besties!!
