Climbing Mt Toubkal, located in the heart of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains region, will obviously be a breathtaking experience for any trekkers. Whether you are just a beginner, experienced, or local hiker, mt Toubkal rising above 4167m (13665 ft) is a worthwhile summit if you are looking forward to making the trip to Morocco more memorable.
Mount Toubkal, frequently called Jebel Toubkal, holds the reputation of being the highest peak located in North Africa. Likewise, the peak is part of the Atlas Mountains Range, and to mention more in detail, it is situated towards Morocco’s southwestern part, approx 60 km far south of Marrakesh.
The experience of climbing Mt Toubkal can, of course, be incredible but tough. Therefore to make the best out of your journey to the peak, you would first want to begin your climbing journey at the best time of the year. Thus climbing the peak during its best months is when the conditions around the park are more favorable with less technical difficulty. Stick with us at the end to learn more about the peak and the best time to climb Mount Toubkal.
Understanding the Best Time to Climb Toubkal
Summiting Mount Toubkal at 4,167 meters is indeed a serious business. If you climb in summer, the weather is blisteringly hot and becomes dangerously cold in winter.
For the trekkers completely new to trekking, let us tell you that the best months for climbing Mount Toubkal are the same as Everest‘s, i.e., spring ( Apr-May) and autumn (Sep-Oct) seasons. With the best months, you can climb the mountain avoiding all the extreme cold and hot that the summer and winter months bring with them.
This may surprise you, but besides the spring and autumn months, some trekkers enjoy the challenge of ascending the peak in the winter months, which normally takes place between Oct-Apr with the help of gear like crampons, ice picks, etc. Let’s detail these best months and winter scend s below.
Spring: April to May
Climbing Mount Toubkal is possible at any time of the year. Still, there are many differences in experience and weather between the best time and other seasons. So if you are looking forward to climbing Mount Toubkal, spring is arguably the best season to complete the climb.
Spring from April to May provide cool and comfortable temperatures will very less probability of rainfall and snowfall. Likewise, this is when Ramadan usually occurs, so you get to experience what Ramadan looks like during your visit in the spring months in Mount Toubkal. While visiting during Ramadan month, please respect the cultural rules about fasting, as your porters and guides will be doing so.
The average temperature around Mt Toubkal during the spring month ranges between a minimum of 3 °C to a maximum of 23 °C. Likewise, the average temperature in a may month will be slightly hot than in April, with a temperature ranging between a minimum 7°C to a maximum of 26 °C.
During your trekking in the High Atlas in the spring months, you will see wildflowers emerging from the frozen landscape during winter. Similarly, you will also see poppies and purple and pink scabiosa blankets while trekking.
Summer: June to August
This might surprise you, but the summer months are not bad either for climbing the peak. In fact, it is the busiest Mount Toubkal climbing period. Both locals and climbers from worldwide travel here for a cool environment and to avoid the heat of the cities.
The Atlas Mountains region still presents pleasant weather during summer, which is suitable for both hikes and climbs. But still, be a little prepared for the sun.
Talking about the routes of Mt Toubkal in summer, they are in good condition, with some tracks being steeper than others. Likewise, the villages where you will be starting your trek will also be in good condition, with many water channels operating alongside them. You will be meeting more people and mules than you expected.
Once you ascend further from the villages, there might be some issues with the trails, with you slipping on the scree and stones. Therefore bringing a walking pole might be useful if you are worried about your knee and slipping on rocks here.
In the summer months (June, July, and August), you will experience the temperature around 40°C as you arrive in Marrakech. The temperature will be much cold, around 10°C as you climb higher in the mountains, but still be prepared for the heat in summer.
Autumn: September to October
The Autumn season, from September to October, is another best month for climbing Mt Toubkal after spring. But why? Probably because the busy tourist visiting season is over, the temperature is favorable, hovering around 20°C during the daytime, and there is very little snow on the trails. Or because the trek is more fun and easy in the autumn season.
As the summer heat around the Atlast mountain slowly bids farewell, the region displays beautiful colors with vibrant shared red, orange, and gold vegetation adorning the landscape. It is the time of the year when nature provides a beautiful backdrop for hiking, making it an ideal season to climb Mt Toubkal.
In addition, September to October, just before the winter months, is very suitable to travel as Morocco is now getting a little quiet compared to its previous months. And there is very little snow or no snow on the routes you will take for Mt Toubkal.
The weather also gets more favorable, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 15 °C to a maximum of 25 °C in September. Similarly, the temperature in October will range between a minimum of 4 °C to a maximum of 18 °C.
Winter: November to February
Mt Toubkal winter ascend is for those climbers with background knowledge of climbing mountains, as the peak poses more technical challenges than the spring or autumn trek. Also, the mountain is covered with snow and ice, and transversing through the simple routes may feel like a difficult task here during winter ascending.
Winter months normally last from November until the end of April, which is longer than spring and autumn.
Mt Toubkal in winter is still achievable by the hiker who is new to trekking on snow, but still, it’s best to do some basic winter mountaineering training beforehand. Also, learn skills like Walking in crampons, skill to climb up the mixed terrain surface of the rock, 30-35 degree snow slopes, climbing, etc.
Mt. Toubkal winter climbs generally runs from October to April. However, there will be les departure dates compared to its best and summer months or no departure dates available a tall in December ( the coldest month of the year).
During the winter season, the temperature tends to average around 10°C in the daytime. But the warmth of the daytime gradually disappears as the sun sets, inviting the coldest nights with temperatures falling to freezing.
The February to April months are warmer than October to January. This month the morning is warm, with a temperature rising around 20°C in the daytime.
Conclusion
To be honest, there is no white or black answer to the question, as each climbing season presents different experiences which are unique and fun in their own way. But one thing is for sure, no matter whether you visit the season in Spring or Autumn, Winter or Summer, you will definitely enjoy the High Atlas Mountains’ uniqueness, the very warm welcome by the locals, delicious food, enjoy plenty of mint tea with the locals and at last create the moments that you will cherish for a lifetime.
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FAQS
Which season is best for Toubkal?
The best time for Mount Toubkal climbing, almost preferred by every climber, is late spring or early autumn. During these months, the temperature is not too extreme ( not too cold or hot).
Can you climb Mount Toubkal in January?
There might not be many departure dates, but still, you can climb Mount Toubkal with the few departure dates available in January.
