Wondering what to wear in the Sahara desert? If you’re heading to Morocco as a woman, your packing list matters. It’s the difference between a comfortable, relaxed trip and accidentally mooning a shocked indigenous man while clinging to a camel named Bob Marley. Weirdly specific? I saw it happen, and trust me—you don’t want it to be you. The right packing list means no inner-thigh rash from a camel saddle and significantly less uncomfortable staring by locals, whether you’re strolling through a market or tearing through dunes in the Sahara.

A quick word of caution: you’ll find plenty of Reddit threads and travel Facebook groups full of Western girlies like me swearing that they wore tube tops in Marrakech and it was “totally fine.” But travel isn’t just about how we feel, friend. It’s about being a polite guest in a country, and considering how comfortable (or uncomfortable) our choices make the local people feel. If we’re going to call ourselves open-minded, culture-loving, “the world is my teacher” type of gals, we need to show common courtesy in places that are different than our homes.

And what to wear in Morocco is just the beginning. You also need to know what to pack for the Sahara, how to actually keep cool, what little travel hacks can save your skin (literally), and the little essentials that separate “this is magical” from “why was I so unprepared for this sh*t?”

So here it is: the ultimate packing list for women on what to wear in Morocco, especially if you’re tackling the Sahara!

What to wear in Morocco as a woman + complete Morocco packing list

I visited Morocco in September, but most months in Morocco the sun wakes up and chooses violence—so these tips apply for most of the year. We’re talking what to wear, what not to wear, what to pack for the Sahara and the city, and all the weird little extras that’ll make your desert adventure way smoother. And if you’re looking for more tips about visiting Morocco, be sure to head over to my FULL travel guide for Morocco from my trip from Marrakech to the Sahara desert (including a 6-day itinerary and a complete list of frequently asked questions) after you finish this blog!

30 seconds to understand Morocco’s climate and culture

Respect and comfort

Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, and while tourists aren’t required to cover their hair, modest dress earns respect and makes you feel more comfortable—especially outside Marrakech or Fes. Think covered shoulders, longer hemlines, and breathable layers. Flowy fabrics and neutral tones go a long way!

The Sahara’s climate is extreme: hot, dry days and surprisingly cold nights. In September, temperatures still soar to the 90s during the day time, but drop quickly once the sun sets. Dressing in layers is key. You’ll also want protection from the sun, wind, and sand—especially during a camel ride or while watching sunset on the dunes.

What to wear in Morocco as a woman

Tops and layers

• Lightweight short or long-sleeve shirts or tunics (shoulders covered- leave those spaghetti strap and strapless tops home for your next adventure!)
• Cotton or linen tees. I wore this cute, simple white t shirt from Amazon for more days in a row than I’d like to admit and it was perfect! Not too tight, but still tailored.
• A cardigan or light jacket for evenings
• A scarf or shawl (versatile for modesty, warmth, or wrapping around your face when sand starts blowing into your eyes and mouth)

Bottoms

• Flowy pants (I love the barrel style or palazzo trousers)
• Lightweight linen pants
• Maxi skirt (I personally wouldn’t go this route as an adventure traveler because of the activities I enjoy, like sand surfing, camel riding, and quad biking. But if you’re spending more time in the cities and at historic landmarks vs. outdoor adventure, go for it!)

Dresses

• Midi or maxi dresses with shoulders covered: Comfortable, stylish, and practical with a shawl. Choose breathable fabrics that won’t cling in the heat!

Shoes

• Closed-toe walking shoes or sneakers
• Sandals

Specifics: What to pack for the Sahara Desert in Morocco

When you head into the Sahara, simplicity is everything. Depending on how long you’re going for, you won’t need much, but you’ll need the right things.

Clothing

• 2 lightweight long-sleeve tops
• 1 tunic or loose shirt
• 1–2 breathable t-shirts
• 1 pair flowy pants
• 1 pair trousers or jeans
• 1 maxi skirt or dress
• 1 fleece or cardigan
• 1 lightweight windbreaker or packable jacket
• Underwear, sports bra, and socks
• Scarf or buff
• Sun hat and sunglasses

Footwear

• Closed-toe shoes or sneakers
• Sandals for around camp

Practical Items

• High-SPF sunscreen
• Lip balm with SPF
• Battery powered fan
• Paper fan (yes, both- sometimes chargers are few and far between and I had to use this as a backup more than once!)
• Moisturizer or facial oil (the desert air was brutally dry on my skin)
• Large reusable water bottle
• Extra power bank for your phone (many hotels had only 1 charger in the room and I was so happy to be carrying 2 of these, especially because the driving days to get out to the Sahara can be 10+ hours)
• Day bag or crossbody purse
• Travel adapter (Type C or E/F European plugs)
• Small first-aid kit (blister pads, band-aids)
• Electrolytes (I don’t go anywhere without LMNT!)

Seriously- do NOT forget your 2 fans and external chargers!

Another tip: I use packing cubes to keep organized and save a bit of space, and wear my jacket or cardigan on the plane to free up some room in my bag. Since shoes are the worst offender for pointlessly taking up a ton of space, my personal rule is 1 pair on my feet + 1 pair in my bag. I’m a recovered over packer, and you can trust me on this one!

What to wear on a camel ride in Morocco for women

Riding a camel is one of those bucket-list Morocco moments—but also one of the most uncomfortable if you’re not dressed right. Here’s how to do it comfortably and still look put-together:

• Wear long pants—they prevent chafing against the saddle.
• Opt for closed shoes if your feet are sensitive to protect your feet from sand and straps.
• Bring a light scarf or buff to cover your face from wind or dust. Honestly it was great even just to keep my hair out of my face in the wind.
• Carry a light jacket if your ride extends into the evening, but don’t tie around your waist- that could be a risky move trying to get it off while the camel is walking haha. Just wear it around your shoulders tied in front like a cool coastal grandma.

If your desert camp includes dinner or stargazing afterward, bring a cozy layer—temperatures can drop dramatically after sunset!

My EXACT Sahara Packing List for Women

Clothing:

• 2 long-sleeve shirts
• 1 tunic or modest top
• 2 short-sleeve shirts
• 2 pairs of flowy pants (linen, trousers, or other!)
• 1 maxi skirt or dress
• 1 fleece, jacket, or windbreaker
• Underwear and socks
• Scarf or buff
• Sunglasses
• Hat

Shoes:

• Sneakers
• Sandals

Essentials:

• Sunscreen
• Lip balm
• Moisturizer
• Water bottle
• Day pack
• Power banks
• Battery powered fan
• Handheld fan
• Travel adapter
• First aid basics

If you’ve been wondering how to dress in Morocco as a female traveler or what to wear in the Sahara Desert, the key is balance: modest but comfortable, simple but beautiful, and light but layered. Have a great trip!

Looking for more?

• Check out my FULL travel guide for Morocco from my trip from Marrakech to the Sahara desert, including a 6-day itinerary and a complete list of frequently asked questions
• Visit Morocco’s official tourism website to learn more about everything the country has to offer- with only a week there, I only got to see a small slice of the country, and I know there’s so much more to explore!
• You can check out my packing lists for other destinations and my best travel hacks here!