Tangier sits on the Strait of Gibraltar, so the climate is closer to Andalusia than to Marrakech. Mild wet winters, breezy hot summers — pack accordingly.
Clothing — by season
Spring (Mar–May) & Autumn (Oct–Nov): light layers, a jumper for evenings, a light rain shell. Daytime 18–25 °C.
Summer (Jun–Sep): linen, cotton, swimwear, a hat. The Atlantic breeze cools things down — bring one light jumper. Daytime 25–32 °C.
Winter (Dec–Feb): warm jumpers, a proper waterproof jacket, closed shoes. Houses are often unheated and feel colder than the outside temperature. Daytime 14–18 °C.
Modesty: Tangier is liberal by Moroccan standards — shorts and tank tops are fine in beach areas and downtown. For the medina, mosques and rural day trips, cover shoulders and knees out of respect.
Electronics
- Plug: Type C/E (European 2-pin, 220 V). UK and US travellers need adapters.
- Unlocked phone (you'll buy a Moroccan SIM on arrival — see our internet & phone guide).
- Universal power strip — Moroccan apartments often have just 2–3 sockets per room.
- Kindle / tablet — English-language books are scarce and expensive.
- VPN subscription installed before arrival (WhatsApp video calls and some streaming services have intermittent issues).
Health & medication
Pharmacies are excellent and well stocked, but bring a 2–3 month supply of any prescription medication in original packaging with the prescription. Also useful: rehydration sachets, your preferred painkiller brand, sunscreen SPF 50+ (expensive locally), insect repellent for summer.
Documents
- Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry, plus 2 photocopies kept separately.
- Travel or international health insurance card.
- Driving licence + International Driving Permit if renting a car.
- For relocation: apostilled birth/marriage certificates, criminal record, diploma copies (see our documents checklist).
- 20+ passport photos (35×45 mm white background) — every Moroccan administrative form needs them.
What to skip
- Heavy hiking boots (unless trekking the Rif) — trainers and sandals do 95% of the job.
- Hairdryer — every hotel and most rentals have one.
- Big bottles of toiletries — Marjane, Carrefour and BIM stock all the European brands.
- Cash dirhams — you can't get them outside Morocco. Withdraw from an ATM on arrival.
Wish-I'd-brought list (from Tangier expats)
- A good kettle (the local ones die fast).
- Quality kitchen knives.
- A space heater for the first winter.
- Specific spices from home — Asian and Mexican ingredients are limited.
- A French phrasebook and a small Arabic one.
FAQ
- Do I need to dress conservatively in Tangier?
- Less than elsewhere in Morocco. Beachwear at the beach, smart casual in town. Cover shoulders and knees in religious sites and rural areas.
- Can I bring alcohol into Morocco?
- Yes, 1L of spirits and 1L of wine duty-free per adult. Alcohol is legal and sold at Carrefour and licensed shops, but expensive (3–4× European prices).
- Is there anything I can't bring?
- Drones require declaration and often confiscation at customs. Religious literature in Arabic intended for distribution is restricted. Pork products and pets need extra paperwork.