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Weather Overview for Atlas Mountains

The mountain range Atlas Mountains lies across the north-western stretch of Africa and covers around 2,500km through Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria. These mountains include the highest peak called Toubkal, which is 4,167 meters high and lies in south-western Morocco. The mountain ranges run south-west to north-east and form the geologic backbone of the countries in the western part of the Arab world, including Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria. They extend across the Moroccan port of Agadir in the south-west to the Tunisian capital of Tunis in the north-east.

This mountain range divides the Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines from the Sahara Desert and is in fact three different ranges, which splits the interior part of the country into strips of lower lying land and has a population of mostly Berbers. Along with North Africa’s highest peak, Jebel Toubkal, there are also numerous Berber villages, which help in preserving a fascinating and tenacious ancient culture.

As well as offering awesome dramatic scenery, the Atlas Mountains are home to a number of plant and animal species unique to Africa. Sadly, many of these species are nearing extinct, or are in danger of extinction. The Barbary macaque, Barbary leopard, Atlas bear, Barbary lion (and many other distinctive species) are on thin ice (for want of a better term considering location!). The Atlas Mountains also house an abundance of natural resources, including the deposits of lead ore, iron ore, mercury, silver, rock salt, marble, copper, phosphate, gas and coal.

A visit to Morocco’s Atlas Mountains is a thrilling experience with its awe-inspiring castles, magnificent canyons and harsh deserts. At the core of these lies the fascinating Ouarzazate, the last taste of France in the region and originally built for troops in the 1920s. Visitors can enjoy trekking (both on camel and foot), a visit to the Atlas Corporation film studios in Ouarzazate, plus some excellent shopping. Local treasures include camel skin slippers, Malinese carved doors and other antiques.

Trekking is arranged easily with the ascent of Toubkal being a favourite as it requires less technical expertise and can be just a day’s walk into the foothills. For hardier types, there are also treks that can last for several days. Tourists can hike from the village of Tassa Ouirgane, located near the Toubkal National Park at an altitude of 1200m, all the way to the Azadden Valley through forests of oaks and juniper trees. If trekking sounds like to much hard work, there are plenty of beautiful luxury hotels with spas, restaurants – many boasting a stunning mountain backdrop – to enjoy.

A combination of camping, guest houses and mountain huts are easily available for multi-day treks. Trekking is the main attraction for the tourists coming to the Atlas Mountains with thousands of British, French and Spanish walkers coming here every year to experience the area’s unique geology, warm weather and fascinating culture.

Along with all of the other attractions, visitors can also relish in the wonderful Moroccan cuisine, which highlights the country’s historic assortment of Berber dishes, Spanish ingredients, Arab spices, and desert staples. The best time to visit the Atlas Mountains is during spring as there is still some snow on the peaks, which helps make trekking more comfortable. The days are bright, dry and warm, and although it cools down come nightfall – not unbearably so.

Climate

The climate of the Atlas Mountains is typically warm, dry and sunny, and when it’s like this the mountains are a wonderful holiday destination. However, winters signal snow and freezing temperatures at high altitudes. The peaks of the Atlas Mountains remain snow-capped most of the year. The mountains also receive plenty of rainfall along the north-east than to the south-west. During the winter months, temperatures hover around 20°C and the weather is very unpredictable depending on the various altitudes. The cooler temperatures of the north are due to the western winds blowing from the Atlantic lying to the north of the High Atlas, while towards the south of the High Atlas the weather is influenced by the Sahara Desert. It is difficult to supply reliable weather statistics, since altitudes vary rising up to over 4,000m making the weather unpredictable - as in any mountain environment. 

Summer

The Atlas Mountains have a typical mountain climate with cool but sunny summers and the temperatures average around 25°C. The summer season in the Atlas Mountains offers visitors a cool break from the hot temperatures of Marrakech, which can reach up to a scorching 40°C. There is a rick of thunderstorms and heavy rains during the afternoon at this time. The altitude levels usually keeps the summer temperatures endurable, however, the weather is unbearably hot in the valleys. The valleys of the High Atlas range usually register an average low temperature of 30°C during the daytime.

Winter

The Atlas Mountains are ideal for trekking any time of the year but winters can get very cold and the highest peaks like Jebel Toubkal remain covered in snow from the months of November to June. Starting from the months of November till March, the Atlas Mountains have a typical mountain climate, with very cold weather, although the day time temperature can range from around 10 up to to 20°C. Indeed, winter can usher in plenty of wonderfully crisp, dry and sunny days ideal for trekking. Nighttime temperatures get considerably cooler, however, dipping to 5°C in Imlil and below zero at altitude on Jebel Toubkal. November to May sees a lot of rainfall.

Spring and Autumn

The spring season; from the month of April and May and autumn; from September and October are undoubtedly the best times to visit the Atlas Mountains. Weather conditions are good – although varying altitude levels will effect these temperatures. Alongside the clement conditions, the mountains are resplendent with spring growth and stunning autumn colours making trekking through this beautiful part of the world an unforgettable experience. Springtime is in these mountains is wet and the valleys may be susceptible to flash flooding from rain and in spring - from snow melt.