Ourika Valley
Follow the Ourika River south of Marrakech to Setti Fatma, where mountain villages and waterfall trails make a clear change of pace from the city.
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The Ourika Valley is in Morocco’s High Atlas, south of Marrakech. The Ourika River runs through the valley toward Setti Fatma, a village known as the starting point for trails to nearby waterfalls. A visit combines mountain scenery, village stops and walking on the waterfall paths. Many travelers make the valley a day trip from Marrakech; an overnight stay gives you more time in the Atlas.
Plan a full day if you’re traveling from Marrakech and want time for the trails. Paths around Setti Fatma are uneven, so wear footwear suited to walking on rough ground. River levels and trail conditions can change with the weather. Check conditions before setting out, especially after rain, and allow enough time to return safely. Spring and fall are practical seasons to plan around. The valley suits travelers looking for a mountain outing and some walking; it is less suited to anyone who needs smooth, accessible paths. Stay overnight if you want a slower visit than a day trip allows.
Ourika Valley in five
- Treat Setti Fatma as the far end of the valleyMarrakech's tourism council puts the Ourika valley about 30 km south of the city and Setti Fatma about 70 km away, with waterfalls reached on foot and a weekly souk. Plan most of a day, not a short outing.Marrakech travel guide
- Hire a guide for the waterfall trailsThe UK government advises researching Atlas trails, packing water and sun protection, hiring a professional guide and confirming your insurance covers hiking. Local guides at Setti Fatma are the usual route.
- Stay out of rivers and flood zones in wet weatherThe UK government warns of flash flooding in the mountains and near rivers during winter, and says swimming in open water can be dangerous. Check the forecast before you go.
- Check road and trail conditions after the 2023 earthquakeThe UK government says the 2023 earthquake killed almost 3,000 people and that earthquakes remain a risk. Follow hotel instructions and local advice, and check current road conditions before you drive up.
- Hire a driver if mountain roads worry youThe UK government warns that mountain roads can be hazardous in poor weather and that driving at night is dangerous. A driver or a tour removes both worries.Getting around Morocco
Need to know
- Airport
- Marrakech-Menara (RAK)
- Getting there
- Road south from Marrakech; Setti Fatma is about 70 km, per the tourism council
- Getting around
- Shared taxi, tour or car; waterfall trails on foot
- Best base
- Marrakech for a day; a guesthouse near Setti Fatma for a night
- Time needed
- A day; 2 for waterfalls and a village overnight
Weather by month
- Rainy days
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryClear3 rainy daysHigh20°Low7°Cool, snow aboveJanuaryClear
Best
- High
- 20°
- Low
- 7°
- Precipitation
- 17 mm
- Rainy days
- 3
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Cool, snow above
- FebruaryClear5 rainy daysHigh22°Low9°CoolFebruaryClear
Best
- High
- 22°
- Low
- 9°
- Precipitation
- 36 mm
- Rainy days
- 5
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Cool
- MarchClear7 rainy daysHigh23°Low10°MildMarchClear
Best
- High
- 23°
- Low
- 10°
- Precipitation
- 43 mm
- Rainy days
- 7
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild
- AprilClear5 rainy daysHigh26°Low13°Mild, goodAprilClear
Best
- High
- 26°
- Low
- 13°
- Precipitation
- 33 mm
- Rainy days
- 5
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild, good
- MayClear3 rainy daysHigh30°Low16°Warm, goodMayClear
Best
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 16°
- Precipitation
- 13 mm
- Rainy days
- 3
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, good
- JuneClear1 rainy dayHigh33°Low18°HotJuneClear
Good
- High
- 33°
- Low
- 18°
- Precipitation
- 4 mm
- Rainy days
- 1
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot
- JulyClear0 rainy daysHigh38°Low21°HotJulyClear
Poor
- High
- 38°
- Low
- 21°
- Precipitation
- 1 mm
- Rainy days
- 0
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot
- AugustClear1 rainy dayHigh38°Low23°HotAugustClear
Poor
- High
- 38°
- Low
- 23°
- Precipitation
- 3 mm
- Rainy days
- 1
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Hot
- SeptemberClear2 rainy daysHigh33°Low20°Warm, goodSeptemberClear
Mixed
- High
- 33°
- Low
- 20°
- Precipitation
- 6 mm
- Rainy days
- 2
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Warm, good
- OctoberClear3 rainy daysHigh30°Low17°Mild, goodOctoberClear
Good
- High
- 30°
- Low
- 17°
- Precipitation
- 17 mm
- Rainy days
- 3
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Mild, good
- NovemberClear4 rainy daysHigh24°Low12°CoolNovemberClear
Best
- High
- 24°
- Low
- 12°
- Precipitation
- 21 mm
- Rainy days
- 4
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Cool
- DecemberClear5 rainy daysHigh20°Low9°CoolDecemberClear
Best
- High
- 20°
- Low
- 9°
- Precipitation
- 31 mm
- Rainy days
- 5
- Snowy days
- 0
- Days with storms
- 0
Cool
Average daily high and low in Setti Fatma, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.
Right now in Ourika Valley
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
15
- Feels like
- 14°
- Humidity
- 81%
- Wind
- 8 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 80%
Ourika Valley
09:16 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today19°13°80%Monday: Rain. High 19°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 80%.
- Tue17°11°100%Tuesday: Thunderstorms. High 17°, Low 11°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed17°10°65%Wednesday: Rain. High 17°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 65%.
- Thu17°10°5%Thursday: Cloudy. High 17°, Low 10°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Fri20°12°5%Friday: Cloudy. High 20°, Low 12°. Chance of rain 5%.
- Sat21°13°1%Saturday: Cloudy. High 21°, Low 13°. Chance of rain 1%.
- Sun23°17°10%Sunday: Cloudy. High 23°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 10%.
Updated 08:41 PM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 9.842 MAD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Setti Fatmaabout 70 km up the valleyA Berber village with waterfall trails and a weekly souk, per Marrakech's tourism council.
- Imlil to Setti Fatma on foota three-day hikeA route over the Tizi n'Tacheddirt pass at 3,172 m, listed by the tourism council; go with a guide.Read the guide
- Marrakechabout 30 km to the valley entranceThe base for most trips; a long day trip to Setti Fatma and back is possible.Read the guide
Before you go to Ourika Valley
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Rules for Ourika Valley, checked
- UK FCDO: heavy rain can cause flash flooding in the mountains and near rivers in winter; swimming in rivers and dams can be dangerous.Checked Oct 2, 2026 · Source
- Setti Fatma walks: the FCDO says to research trails, hire a professional guide, pack water and sun protection and check that insurance covers hiking.Checked Oct 2, 2026 · Source
Plan around Ourika Valley
The city 30 km from the valley entrance
Read the guideAll of MoroccoCities, desert, coast and entry basics
Read the guideBest time to visit MoroccoWhich months suit the mountains
Read the guideGetting around MoroccoCar, shared taxi and tour options
Read the guideTravel insuranceCover for hiking and mountain roads
Read the guideHigh Atlas MountainsThe wider range behind the valley
Read the guideImlilTrailhead village over the pass
Read the guideToubkal National ParkSummit climb, season and gear
Read the guideOurika Valley FAQ
Is the Ourika Valley worth visiting?
Yes for a green, cooler day from Marrakech with river views and a village stop. Skip it if you are short of time and want city sights; a half day is usually too short to reach Setti Fatma and walk.
How far is Setti Fatma from Marrakech?
Marrakech's tourism council gives about 70 km, with the valley itself starting about 30 km south of the city. Plan most of a day for the round trip and a walk, and avoid driving back after dark.
Can you do the Ourika Valley as a day trip?
Yes, by tour, shared taxi or a hire car with a driver. Leave early so the waterfall walk and the return fit before dark, and take a guide for the trail.
Is the Ourika Valley safe?
Mostly, with normal mountain care. The UK government warns of flash flooding in winter, dangerous swimming in rivers and the need for a guide on Atlas hikes. Check weather and conditions before you set out.
When is the best time to visit the Ourika Valley?
Spring and early autumn have mild days and open trails. Summer is hot at the lower end, winter can bring rain and snow, and flash floods are a risk in wet weather, so check forecasts.