Wear layers you can take off: a T-shirt, a warm jumper or fleece and a light jacket, with long trousers, closed flat shoes and a cap. It is cold before sunrise, especially from December to February, and usually warm by breakfast. Leave long loose scarves, heels and delicate clothes at the hotel.
The right hot air balloon Marrakech outfit is all about layers, because one morning gives you three different climates. You leave your hotel in the dark, stand in an open field while the balloons inflate, then float up into the sunrise and land in time for breakfast in the sun.
You do not need special kit. Ordinary travel clothes work perfectly well if you choose them with a cold start, a dusty field and a step into a basket in mind. Below are the clothes that work, the ones to avoid, approximate dawn temperatures through the year and what to leave behind.
How cold is it before sunrise and in the air?
If you are asking “hot air balloon Marrakech is it cold?”, the honest answer is yes at the start. Dawn is the coldest time of the day, and the launch fields are open countryside outside the city, which can feel cooler than your riad courtyard. The wait while the crew inflates the balloons is when you feel it most.
In the air it is gentler than people expect. The balloon moves with the wind, so there is no breeze in your face. When the pilot fires the burner you feel its warmth on the top of your head, and once the sun is up the temperature rises quickly. By breakfast most guests are taking a layer off.
Marrakech hot air balloon temperature by season
These are approximate dawn temperatures for the Marrakech area, to help you pack. Every year is different, and the countryside can feel a degree or two colder than the city, so check the forecast the day before. Our season guide covers sunrise and pickup times month by month.
| Months | Approx. dawn temperature | What to add |
|---|---|---|
| December – February | About 4–8 °C | Warm coat, hat, gloves, scarf tucked in |
| March – April | About 9–13 °C | Fleece and a light jacket |
| May – June | About 13–18 °C | Jumper or hoodie |
| July – August | About 18–22 °C | Light long sleeves |
| September – October | About 14–18 °C | Jumper or hoodie |
| November | About 8–12 °C | Fleece and a jacket |
The outfit, layer by layer
Think of a hot air balloon Marrakech outfit as something you can peel off in stages, from the dark field to the sunny breakfast table. Here is what works in every season:
- A T-shirt or thin long-sleeved top as the base
- A warm jumper or fleece in the middle
- A light jacket on top – windproof is ideal for the wait at the field
- Long trousers or leggings, comfortable enough to step into the basket
- Closed flat shoes: trainers or walking shoes for uneven, dusty ground
- A cap or hat – the burner gives off heat above your head, and the sun is strong at breakfast
- Gloves and a warm hat from December to February
- Sunglasses for the low sun after sunrise
What not to wear on the flight
A few items cause problems every season. Most are about the burner, the basket or the field, rather than style.
- Long, loose scarves or shawls that could flap near the burner
- High heels, sandals and flip-flops – the fields are rough and dusty
- Wide-brimmed hats that can blow away or block the view of others
- Delicate or pale clothes you would hate to get dusty at landing
- Long dangling jewellery or anything you would hate to lose over the side
If you wear a scarf for warmth, tuck it inside your jacket before you board.
Dressing for photos without freezing
Many guests want a flowing dress or a bright outfit for photos, and that is perfectly possible with a little planning. Choose a dress you can wear with leggings or thermal tights underneath, and keep a jacket over it until the light is right. A midi length is easier in the basket than a very long skirt. Strong colours such as red, yellow or white stand out well against brown fields and a blue sky.
The breakfast table after landing is often the best moment for portraits, when the sun is up and you can take the jacket off. Our photoshoot guide has more ideas, including the glowing balloons before dawn.
What to bring, and what to leave at the hotel
Travel light. You stand in the basket for the whole flight, so a small bag is much easier than a backpack. Bring your phone or camera with a wrist strap, sunglasses, sun cream for breakfast and any medication you need. Leave large bags, drones, tripods and selfie sticks behind, along with valuables you do not need. For more pitfalls to avoid, see our list of what not to do, and when you are ready, book your morning.
Questions about hot air balloon marrakech outfit
Do I need a coat for a summer flight?
Usually not a heavy one, but do bring a jumper or hoodie. Even in July and August, the open countryside before sunrise feels fresh, especially while you wait for the balloons to inflate. You will probably take it off by breakfast, so choose something easy to carry.
Does the burner make the basket hot?
Not uncomfortably. The burner fires in short bursts above your head, and you feel a wave of warmth each time, a little like standing near a fire. A cap protects the top of your head. In between bursts the air in the basket is the same as the air outside.
Can I wear a dress or a skirt?
Yes. Choose one you can move in, ideally midi length, and wear leggings or warm tights underneath. Keep a jacket on until you want photos. Avoid very long, loose fabric that could trail, and wear flat closed shoes with it rather than sandals.
Are trainers good enough?
Trainers are ideal. The launch and landing fields are open countryside, often dusty and uneven, and you step up into the basket. Walking shoes work just as well. Avoid heels, sandals and flip-flops, and anything with a slippery sole.
Will my clothes get dirty?
They might get a little dusty. The fields are dry for much of the year, and some landings end with a short slide across the ground. Wear clothes you are relaxed about, and save the white linen for a photo at the breakfast table if you want it.
What should children wear?
The same layers as adults, plus one extra warm layer, a hat and closed shoes. In winter add gloves. Children often feel the pre-dawn cold sooner than adults do. Our page on the age limit and children explains who can fly.
