Is a scarf necessary for women visiting Morocco?

A scarf is not necessary for women visiting Morocco, but it’s one of the most useful things to pack because of how many jobs it does. You are not required to cover your hair anywhere except inside a mosque or shrine open to non-Muslims, so a scarf is a convenience, not an obligation.

Once you have one, though, you’ll use it constantly: as sun and dust protection in the desert, a shoulder cover for a religious site or a conservative village, extra warmth on a cool evening or a chilly bus, and a quick way to dress up an outfit. A large, light cotton or linear scarf is ideal.

So skip it if you prefer, but most experienced travellers to Morocco end up glad they brought one. It weighs nothing and saves you buying a cover-up in a hurry.