Here, the land stretches out in great waves of sand with very limited wildlife or plants. Every so often, an oasis appears, offering shade, water, and a welcome rest.
Next, the scene changes as you reach the mountains, including the Rif in the north and the High, Middle, and Low Atlas ranges. Because these areas rise high above sea level, they are cooler and receive snow and rain, which refreshes valleys and feeds rivers.
Then, as the road curves toward the coast, the weather softens. Cities such as Casablanca, Tangier, Rabat, and Agadir enjoy mild temperatures for most of the year, which is one reason so many people settle there. However, as you move inland towards Marrakech and Fes, the climate shifts. Days can grow hot (over 90°F!), while nights become surprisingly cool, sometimes below 55°F. Rain is rare, and when it finally arrives, people greet it with joy. In winter, showers are a bit more likely, although they still usually come only a few times each month.
Because the coastal and northern regions are pleasant and temperate, they welcome large communities and busy city life. In addition, wide fertile plains support strong agriculture, and, with careful irrigation to transport the necessary water to the fields, other areas can produce good harvests as well. As a result, the markets are lively, with colorful piles of fresh fruits and vegetables from olives to oranges to quince.
The sea also helps. Morocco’s coastline provides plenty of fish, especially tuna and sardines, which feed families and sustain jobs from port to port. Even in the desert, oases often feed date farms that produce some of the best dates I have ever tasted.
