What do local women actually wear in Marrakech in August?

In Marrakech in August, local women wear a wide range of clothing — from loose, ankle-length kaftans and djellabas to modern Western outfits with covered shoulders and knees, often in light, breathable fabrics to cope with 40°C heat. There is no single uniform; the city is cosmopolitan, and you’ll see everything from headscarves to uncovered hair and jeans.

The common thread is loose and light rather than tight or revealing. Flowing cotton and linen keep you cool while covering enough to feel comfortable in mixed streets, which is exactly what works well for visitors too.

As a tourist you don’t need to copy local dress, but taking the cue — cover shoulders and knees, keep it loose, add sun protection — will keep you both cooler and less conspicuous in the summer heat.