Fes Weather in May

May weather in the medina

May feels warm and sunny in Fes, with afternoons reaching 29°C and evenings cooling to 14°C. Rain is still possible, but showers are usually brief. The medina's narrow lanes offer shade, while the open courtyards at Bou Inania Madrasa can feel hot in the afternoon.

It's a good month for walking between the tanneries, Nejjarine Museum and the old city gates. Save the steep climb to the Merenid Tombs for later in the day, when the sun is less strong. June gets hotter and drier, so May is a more comfortable choice for long sightseeing days.

Events and crowds

May 1 is Labour Day, a public holiday in Morocco. Some shops and services may close, so check locally if you're relying on a particular place. Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is often held in May or June, but its dates change each year. When it's on, concerts bring extra visitors and a lively feel to the city.

Spring is one of the best-known times to visit Fes, so expect more visitors than in winter and less quiet in the medina. Prices can also be higher than during the low season. Families who want gentler sightseeing will find May easier than the hotter months, though the busiest festival evenings may not suit every child.

A useful local tip

For a quieter break, head to Jnan Sbil Gardens between visits to Bab Bou Jeloud and the old medina. The shady paths make a welcome pause after the busy lanes, and the gardens are a pleasant place to sit when the sun is strong.

Try a bowl of bissara, a warm fava-bean soup, at a small medina stall for a simple local lunch. It's filling, and you won't need to leave the old city to find it.