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 are tourists, it is not as crowded, so you can visit the city comfortably. What's more, prices are lower than in July and August.

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

In September, usually in the third week, one of the most curious festivals in the country takes place, the Festival of Brides, also known as Moussem de Imilchil, which is celebrated in this town located in the heart of the Atlas Mountains, approximately 350 kilometres from the city of Marrakech.

So book your trip to the Atlas Mountains and enjoy dancing, music, souks and many other creative activities. What's more, the most interesting thing about this festival is that it features a large collective wedding in which around thirty young people from this beautiful region marry someone of their choice. And if they are not happy with the marriage, they can return to their families and remarry the following year.

Although it is some distance from Marrakech, it is well worth a visit if your trip coincides with this event, as it is a very unique festival where you will enjoy an unrivalled atmosphere. It is also a unique way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Attendees wear specific clothing and hairstyles according to their marital status.

The best experience you can have on your trip to Marrakech in September is a tour of the desert. 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. It is the furthest option, but the most popular of all. However, the excursion lasts three days, so it is recommended if you are spending at least a week in Marrakech.
• You can also book an excursion to the Marrakech desert with dinner.
• Another option is to book an excursion to the Zagora Desert, located approximately 350 kilometres from Marrakech. This is a two-day excursion.
• And finally, you can book an excursion to the Atlas Mountains, which are about 40 kilometres away, and which you can visit and return from in a day.

If you are unsure which is the best option, read the post on the best excursions in the Moroccan desert and you will have no more doubts. You can also read an article on the best desert activities in Morocco and you will have all the details on the most original way to discover the Marrakech desert, which is actually the Sahara Desert.

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

The Palm Grove is located approximately 10 kilometres northeast of Marrakech and covers approximately 13,000 hectares with 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 enjoy a camel ride in other parts of Marrakech.

One of the best things to do in September during 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.

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

The price of the visit is approximately €12 and it is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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 enjoying the various shows offered in the square, featuring snake charmers, musicians and other unique performers. It's a unique place that I recommend visiting at night.

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

And if you're visiting Marrakech in September, don't hesitate to book a tour of the souk of Marrakech and take the opportunity to pick up a souvenir of your trip, from leather accessories such as slippers, backpacks, bum bags or handbags, to ceramics or cosmetic products such as argan oil. You'll have no trouble communicating, as the vendors speak a smattering of every language.

The souk, which occupies a maze of labyrinthine streets north of Jamaa el Fna Square, is one of the most notable places in Marrakech, and the stalls are open from approximately 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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 visit the Saadian Tombs, one of the most beautiful and most visited monuments in Marrakech. With fewer tourists, you'll have the opportunity to see it comfortably and without crowds, something that's practically impossible at other times of the year.

The Saadian Tombs, which have a very limited capacity, date back to the Saadian dynasty, which reigned in Marrakech between 1524 and 1659. 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 12 Columns, the Prayer Hall, the Hall of Three Niches and the outdoor burials.

The entrance fee starts at €6.50.

Another thing 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 Museum of Confluences, located 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 visiting the House of Photography, promoted by Patrick Manac'h and Hamid Mergani, which 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 is an art gallery exhibiting outstanding works by Dalí, Delacroix, Lord Weeks and Jacques Majorelle, all painters who captured the beauty of Morocco in their works.

Another must-see on your trip to Marrakech in September is the Ben Youssef Madrasa, also known as Medersa Ben Youssef. What makes this visit so special? 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 higher education centre dates back to the second half of the 16th century and has more than a hundred cells that could accommodate up to a thousand students dedicated to studying the Koran.

If you are a lover of electronic music, in mid-September the Oasis Festival takes place, a music festival with a significant international presence of DJs that also showcases contemporary art, fashion and gastronomy from North Africa.

Various iconic locations in the city, such as the Secret Garden, are joining in with this cultural event, which also organises yoga sessions and afternoons by the pool, spa and shisha. All this with a wide range of music in the background. A true 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 7:15 a.m. and sunset after 7:30 p.m., giving you more than 12 hours of daylight. In addition, there is hardly any rainfall. In fact, it rains on average one day per month.

If you still have any doubts about visiting Marrakech in September, read the post when to travel to Marrakech and you will see that it is 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 tourist influx in Marrakech in September is considerably lower than in July and August, but there are still a significant number of visitors and the main excursions are in high demand, so it is advisable to book in advance. Even so, it is not as crowded as in previous months, making it a good option for your trip.

Before starting your trip, be sure to read the posts on safety in Marrakech and how to get around Marrakech, as they are very practical.

Prices in Marrakech in September are considerably lower than in July and August, both for flights and hotels and even for everyday expenses. This is because tourist taxes are greatly reduced, which directly lowers prices. So, if you have the opportunity, don't hesitate to visit the city at this time of year. You won't regret it!

Read the post on when to travel to Marrakech and you'll realise that September is undoubtedly an excellent choice.

And if you're looking for more detailed information about other months of the year, here are the posts on 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 are travelling to Marrakech in September, it is best to pack light clothing, such as linen or cotton, for the middle of the day and a jacket, cardigan or jumper for when it gets dark, as temperatures can drop to 20ºC and there is a significant difference in temperature throughout the day. Also, be sure to bring a hat or cap and sunglasses for when the sun is at its strongest.

Also, don't forget that Morocco is a Muslim country and it is not advisable for women to wear low-cut, strapless or short clothing. This will help you avoid uncomfortable stares. Even so, it is one of the most Westernised countries, so the dress code is not as strict as in other places.

Finally, be sure 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.