When to go on a yoga retreat in the Canary Islands or Morocco: month by month
Yoga Amigas ·
The Canary Islands are warm all winter, so they are good for a yoga retreat from October to May. Marrakech is best in spring (March and April) and in autumn (late September to mid-November). Avoid Marrakech in summer, when it can be hotter than 40°C. I plan my whole retreat year around these seasons, so here are the numbers I use.
Average temperatures
| Month | Fuerteventura (day / night / sea) | Tenerife, west coast (day / night / sea) | Marrakech (day / night) |
|---|---|---|---|
| October | 27 / 20 / 23°C | 27 / 20 / 24°C | 28 / 15°C |
| November | 24 / 18 / 21°C | 25 / 18 / 23°C | 23 / 11°C |
| January | 21 / 15 / 19°C | 22 / 15 / 20°C | 19 / 6°C |
| March | 22 / 16 / 18°C | 23 / 15 / 19°C | 24 / 10°C |
| May | 25 / 18 / 20°C | 24 / 17 / 21°C | 30 / 15°C |
These are long-term averages from Climates to Travel. Real days can be warmer or cooler.
The Canary Islands: summer weather in winter
The Canaries lie in the Atlantic, close to the coast of Africa. When the rest of Europe is cold and dark, the islands have mild, sunny days. That is why the busiest season here is autumn and winter, not summer.
- Fuerteventura is flat, open and windy. The wind keeps the heat soft, but in the afternoon you will want a light jacket.
- Tenerife is mountainous. The west and south coasts are sunnier and calmer than the north, which is often cloudy.
- The sea is fresh from January to April (around 18 to 20°C). If swimming is important to you, October and November are the warmest months for the ocean.
- The sun is strong all year, even in January. Bring sunscreen.
[Personally, I have two favourite moments of the year in the Canaries. The first is late October and early November, when my island feels like Hawaii: there is no wind, so the waves and the surfing conditions are at their best (which I love :)), and the water is lovely and warm. The second is late April and early May, when the island empties out a little after winter and becomes more local and very calm.]
Morocco: spring and autumn
Marrakech has a dry, semi-desert climate, so the difference between day and night is big.
- March and April are the sweet spot: warm days, cool nights and green gardens.
- Late September to mid-November is also good.
- December to February: the days are pleasant (around 19°C), but the nights can drop to 6°C. Bring warm clothes.
- June to September: very hot. On some days it can reach 45°C. Not a good time for yoga on the roof.
How I plan my year
I follow the weather. In autumn and winter I am mostly at home on Fuerteventura with my groups, in spring and in December I take women to Marrakech, and in May to Tenerife. In Poland I also run yoga weekends in Masuria (read about Masuria).
See the current dates on the retreats page.
Frequently asked questions
Is January too cold for the beach on Fuerteventura? No. Days are around 21°C and sunny, so lying on the beach is lovely. The ocean is about 19°C, which is fresh but fine for a quick swim. **
Which island is warmer in winter, Tenerife or Fuerteventura? They are very similar. The west and south of Tenerife are a little warmer and less windy. Fuerteventura has more beaches.
What should I pack for Marrakech in March? Light clothes for the day, a warm jumper for the evening, a scarf, comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen.