Ourika Valley weather

The Ourika Valley runs into the High Atlas an hour from Marrakech, up to the village of Setti Fatma (about 1,500 m) and its waterfalls. It is often 6-10 °C cooler than the city, which makes it a summer refuge, but mountain storms can cause flash floods there.

A mountain-valley climate

From Tnine Ourika to Setti Fatma the road climbs along the river. The higher you go, the cooler it gets: in summer, when Marrakech hits 38 °C, the riverside is around 26-30 °C. In winter days stay pleasant in the sun but nights are cold and snow whitens the surrounding peaks.

Storms and floods: the golden rule

In spring and summer storms often break over the mountains in the early afternoon. Water then rushes down into the valley very fast: in August 1995 a flash flood there claimed many lives. If our index shows a risk of rain or thunder, go early, do not settle in the riverbed (even for a feet-in-the-water lunch) and come down before mid-afternoon.

The Setti Fatma waterfalls

The climb to the seven waterfalls is on foot, on rocky paths that can be slippery: walking shoes are essential. They are most impressive in spring with the snowmelt; by late summer the flow drops.

Planning your day

Leave Marrakech around 8-9 am, climb to the falls in the morning, have lunch by the water if the sky is clear and head back mid-afternoon. In winter a warm jacket is a must.

Average temperatures month by month

Estimate: Marrakech averages adjusted for altitude (1500 m, about 6 °C cooler).