When to Hike the Atlas Mountains
Does seeing images of the Atlas Mountains make you want to pack your bags and just go for that lovely peak? No one can blame you if you do feel that way! When to hike the Atlas Mountains?
The grandiose range that is the Atlas Mountains spans across the countries of Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia to offer an unmatched hiking experience.
The mountains boasting of their rugged peaks, lush valleys, and the quaint traditional Berber villages continue to attract tourists from the world over.
But you can’t just go hiking there just because you want to. You need to time it right so you can fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscape and stay away from the harsh weather conditions.
Spring Hikes
There is no argument that spring is the perfect period for trekking the Atlas Mountains. This is the time when you get moderate temperatures that are comfortable enough for a hike. The melting snow fills the rivers and streams with the whole landscape coming back to life with the greens and blooming flowers. This is also the time when tourists are smaller in numbers so you can expect a more peaceful hike.
Among the best parts of hiking in spring is the opportunity to feast your eyes on Ourika Valley’s lovely cherry blossoms and the Alt Bouguemez Valley’s almond trees that are also in full bloom. Daytime temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C which is perfect for longer hikes and basking in the gorgeous vistas with no heat to oppress you.
Summer Treks
The Atlas Mountains offers a challenging hike during summer that is also rewarding in the end. The lower elevations experience soaring temperatures so you would want to avoid them during daytime hikes. But you can expect cooler temperatures in the higher altitudes, which are ideal for those who wish to avoid the heat of the summer in most of Morocco.
The High Atlas area which includes Mount Toubkal’s ascent is a famous choice during summer months. Temperatures during daytime linger at about 20°C to 30°C that ensures a pleasant trekking environment. But again, it’s best to start your hike earlier in the morning to stay away from the midday sun. You should also have lots of water with you.
Autumn Ascents
Exploring the Atlas Mountains can also be excellently done during autumn. Just like spring, the heat of summer has already subsided by this time with the weather getting milder, too. The colors of the season make the landscapes look more unique as the leaves changing colors create an amazing tapestry of yellows, oranges, and reds.
Winter Walks
Starkly beautiful and solemn is the best way to describe the Atlas Mountains during winter. Snow envelopes the higher peaks such as Mount Toubkal, attracting adventurous hikers and mountaineers who are up for some winter challenge. But mind you, hiking in winter isn’t for the faint-hearted because of the significant drops in temperature, particularly during nighttime which can reach below freezing if you’re in the higher altitudes.