Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region in Morocco is classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Csa, characterized by a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. This region experiences a remarkable temperature range, where January temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -4°C (26°F), while the summer months reach soaring highs of 45°C (113°F) in July. The annual average temperature hovers around 17°C (64°F), providing a diverse climate that influences local ecosystems and agricultural practices. Such extremes highlight the region's climatic variability and its implications for environmental sustainability.
Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima exhibits distinct seasonal temperature patterns that reflect its Mediterranean climate. Winters are characterized by relatively mild temperatures, with January seeing minimums drop to -4°C (26°F) while averaging around 11°C (52°F), gradually warming into early spring. As the seasons transition from February to March, temperatures begin to rise, with March peaking at 29°C (85°F). From April to June, the region experiences a significant increase in warmth, with temperatures reaching maximums between 35°C (95°F) and 42°C (108°F), culminating in the peak of summer in July when highs soar to 45°C (113°F). The late summer months, particularly August and September, maintain high temperatures but start to decline, giving way to milder conditions in October and November. By December, temperatures again drop as the region cools down, ultimately creating a cyclical pattern that defines the climate throughout the year.
The climate in northern Morocco varies significantly across different cities. In Chefchaouen, temperatures range from a chilly 0°C (32°F) in February to a scorching 37°C (99°F) in August, making it ideal for visitors who enjoy both cool and warm weather. Tangier experiences slightly milder conditions, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in January and a maximum of 37°C (98°F) during the peak of summer. Asilah shares a similar temperature range, with February lows of 3°C (37°F) and summer highs reaching 39°C (102°F). For detailed monthly temperatures, visit monthly temperatures in Chefchaouen, monthly temperatures in Tangier, and monthly temperatures in Asilah.
Precipitation in Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima follows a pronounced seasonal pattern, showcasing significant rainfall during the winter months. January and February experience substantial precipitation, with 65 mm (2.6 in) and 56 mm (2.2 in), respectively, while March marks the peak of the rainy season, recording 111 mm (4.4 in) over approximately 10 days. Following this peak, April also contributes with 96 mm (3.8 in) before precipitation levels taper off considerably as summer approaches. By June, rainfall drops to a mere 14 mm (0.5 in) over just 2 days, and July typically sees almost no rainfall.
The late summer and early fall are characterized by minimal precipitation, with only 1 mm (0.0 in) recorded in July and a slight increase in August at 8 mm (0.3 in). September experiences a modest rise to 24 mm (1.0 in), while October again sees a noticeable uptick at 52 mm (2.0 in). The rainy pattern resumes in November with 78 mm (3.1 in) and stabilizes again in December at 66 mm (2.6 in). This seasonal fluctuation highlights the region's Mediterranean climate, with concentrated rainfall primarily occurring from late autumn through early spring, supporting the local hydrology and ecology.
In Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima, sunshine duration demonstrates a clear seasonal trend, marked by a steady increase from winter to summer. January begins the year with 216 hours of sunshine, which gradually rises in February to 260 hours. As spring unfolds, a significant uptick is seen, with March providing 311 hours and April reaching 334 hours. This upward trajectory continues robustly into May, where sunshine hours peak at 383 hours, indicating longer, warmer days and a clear shift towards the dry summer climate.
The summer months offer the highest sunshine totals, with June featuring 399 hours of sunlight, closely followed by July, which boasts 411 hours — the peak month for sunshine in the region. August sees a slight decline to 382 hours, but the days remain bright and warm. As autumn sets in, the hours of sunlight gradually decrease, with September recording 333 hours, reaching 321 hours in October, before dipping further in November and December to 274 hours and 264 hours, respectively. This seasonal variance not only highlights the region’s appealing climate but also emphasizes the long, sun-soaked summer days that are characteristic of its Mediterranean weather pattern, making it an attractive destination for sun-seekers.
The UV Index in Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with notable variations throughout the year reflecting the region's sunny climate. During the winter months of January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low, at 3 and 5 respectively, categorized as moderate and allowing for a safer outdoor experience with a burn time of 30 minutes. As spring transitions into summer, however, the UV Index rises dramatically. March and April see readings of 8 and 9, categorized as very high, significantly reducing safe exposure time to just 15 minutes. This upward trend continues in May with an extreme reading of 11, peaking at 12 in June.
As summer reaches its height, the UV Index remains at extreme levels, with readings of 11 in July and 10 in August, necessitating short exposure times of only 10 to 15 minutes to avoid harmful effects from sun exposure. The trend begins to decline as September and October arrive, with the UV Index dropping to 9 and 7, categorized as very high and high, respectively, and allowing for longer burn times of 15 to 25 minutes. By late fall and winter, November and December return to moderate indices of 5 and 4, giving residents a reminder to be cautious during peak sunlight hours, especially in the summer months. This data underscores the importance of sun protection, particularly during the hotter months when exposure levels can be dangerous.
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Daylight duration in Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima showcases a rhythmic seasonal pattern that aligns closely with the changing time of year. In the winter months, January and February provide approximately 10 hours of daylight, offering a balance between light and darkness. As spring approaches, March sees an increase to 11 hours, followed by a more significant jump in April, where daylight extends to 13 hours. May marks the transition into summer with 14 hours of daylight, continuing the trend into June and July, making these months some of the brightest of the year.
As summer wanes into early fall, daylight begins to slightly decrease, with August maintaining 13 hours, but gradually declining to 12 hours in September. The trend persists into October, where daylight reduces to 11 hours before dropping back to 10 hours in November. Finally, December sees the shortest duration of daylight, with just 9 hours available. This annual cycle of daylight duration not only influences the region's ecological patterns but also impacts daily life, outdoor activities, and tourism, emphasizing the significance of sunlight in shaping the local environment throughout the year.
The climate in Al Hoceima, Morocco is characterized by mild winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from 8°C to 18°C, gradually rising through spring to peak in July and August at 19°C to 32°C. Rainfall is heaviest in spring, particularly in March and April, with little precipitation in the summer months. Sunshine is abundant, with July boasting the highest hours at 404, making it a great time for outdoor activities. For more details, visit Al Hoceima climate.
Asilah, Morocco experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Average temperatures range from a chilly 3°C (38°F) in January to a sizzling 39°C (102°F) during the summer months of June to August. Precipitation is highest in late autumn and winter, peaking at 100 mm (3.9 in) in November, while summer sees minimal rainfall. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in July with 417 hours of sun, making it an attractive destination year-round. For more detailed information, visit Asilah climate.
The climate in Chefchaouen, Morocco, features mild winters and hot summers, with January temperatures ranging from 1°C (33°F) to a maximum of 21°C (69°F), and July peaks at 36°C (97°F). Precipitation is highest in March (151 mm) and lowest in July (1 mm), while sunshine hours reach their peak in July with 409 hours. The spring and summer months typically enjoy more sunshine and warmer temperatures, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities. For more detailed climate information, visit Chefchaouen climate.
Tangier, Morocco experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. January sees average temperatures around 12°C (55°F) and significant rainfall of 63 mm, while July peaks with averages of 24°C (75°F) and minimal precipitation. Sunshine hours are abundant, reaching up to 416 hours in July. The city gradually transitions from wetter months in early spring to drier conditions by summer, providing a pleasant environment year-round. For more detailed information, visit Tangier climate.
Tetouan, Morocco, experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. January temperatures range from a chilly 4°C (40°F) to a pleasant 21°C (69°F), while August sees highs of up to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation is most prominent in the winter months, peaking in March with 112 mm (4.4 in), and drops significantly in summer, especially in July with just 1 mm (0.0 in). Sunshine is abundant, particularly in summer, with July receiving around 414 hours of sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit Tetouan climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima is characterized by distinct seasonal variations in temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, all of which play a crucial role in shaping the region's environment and lifestyle. From the chilly winters with limited sunlight to scorching summers filled with abundant sunshine and high UV exposure, residents and visitors must navigate a dynamic climate that varies dramatically throughout the year. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for promoting sustainable living, informed outdoor activities, and effective agricultural practices, while also emphasizing the importance of sun safety during the peak summer months. Ultimately, the unique interplay of these climatic factors contributes to the rich biodiversity and cultural tapestry of this vibrant Moroccan region.