Why What You Wear Actually Matters
A hot air balloon flight is not a walk through the Marrakech medina. Three factors make your clothing choices genuinely important, and getting them wrong can turn a spectacular morning into an uncomfortable one.
The early start. Every balloon flight launches at sunrise, which means you are standing in an open field before the sun is up. Depending on the season, pre-dawn temperatures at the launch site range from 5 to 25 degrees Celsius. That is a massive range, and the wrong outfit means either shivering through the inflation or overdressing and sweating before you even leave the ground.
The altitude drop. Once airborne, the balloon climbs to between 300 and 1,000 metres above ground level. Temperature drops roughly 6.5 degrees Celsius for every 1,000 metres of altitude gain. If it is 12 degrees on the ground, it can feel like 5 or 6 degrees in the basket at peak altitude, factoring in the open-air exposure and lack of wind shelter.
The landing. Balloon landings are controlled but not always smooth. The basket may touch down on uneven, dusty terrain and drag briefly before coming to a stop. You need to brace yourself, keep your balance, and step out onto rough ground. This is not the moment to discover your shoes were a poor choice.
Getting dressed for a balloon flight takes five minutes of thought. Here is exactly what to wear in every season, what to avoid, and what to bring along.
Season-by-Season Clothing Guide
Winter: December to February
Winter mornings in Marrakech are cold — colder than most visitors expect. Ground temperatures at the launch site typically range from 6 to 10 degrees Celsius before sunrise. At altitude, subtract another 3 to 5 degrees. Add in the fact that you are standing still in an open basket with no shelter, and it can feel genuinely bitter for the first 20 to 30 minutes.
What to wear:
- A thermal or merino base layer (top and bottom)
- A fleece, jumper or insulating mid-layer
- A windproof outer jacket — not a heavy ski jacket, but something that blocks the cold air
- Full-length trousers (jeans work fine; avoid thin fabrics)
- Warm socks — thicker than you would normally wear
- A hat or beanie to retain heat
- Thin gloves (you will want to remove them for photos, so avoid bulky ski gloves)
The burner fires periodically overhead and radiates significant heat downward, so you will warm up as the flight progresses. The key is surviving the first half hour comfortably. Layers are the solution — you can always open a jacket or remove a hat once the sun rises. You cannot conjure warmth from thin air.
For more on winter flying conditions, temperatures and visibility, see our full seasonal guide.
Spring: March to May
Spring is the most forgiving season for balloon ride clothing. Dawn temperatures at the launch site range from 12 to 18 degrees Celsius — cool enough to feel fresh, warm enough that heavy layers are unnecessary.
What to wear:
- A long-sleeved shirt or light sweater
- A light jacket or hoodie for the initial ascent (you may remove it once the sun is up)
- Comfortable trousers or sturdy joggers
- A t-shirt underneath for when it warms up
- Standard socks and closed-toe shoes
Spring mornings in March can still carry a chill, especially at altitude, so a jacket is worth bringing even if you end up tying it around your waist halfway through the flight. By May, the mornings are warm enough that a single layer is often sufficient during the flight itself.
Summer: June to August
Marrakech summers are famously hot, but balloon flights launch around 5:00 to 5:30 AM — well before the heat sets in. Dawn temperatures typically sit between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius on the ground, and at altitude you will feel a noticeable coolness that makes a light layer worthwhile.
What to wear:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen or moisture-wicking fabrics)
- A thin long-sleeved shirt or light cardigan for altitude
- Comfortable trousers or long shorts (above the knee is fine)
- A cap or sun hat — the sun rises fast and intensifies quickly in summer
- Sunglasses (essential, not optional)
The mistake guests make in summer is dressing for the 42-degree afternoon rather than the 22-degree dawn. You will not overheat during the flight, but you may feel unexpectedly cool at peak altitude without a light layer. Bring one, even if you think you will not need it.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn conditions closely mirror spring. Morning temperatures at the launch site range from 14 to 20 degrees Celsius, with September feeling more like late summer and November edging toward winter. The air is dry and calm, and the temperature transition from ground to altitude is comfortable rather than dramatic.
What to wear:
- A medium-weight layer system: t-shirt plus light jacket or zip-up fleece
- Full-length trousers
- Standard closed-toe shoes
- A light scarf if you tend to feel the cold (particularly in November)
Autumn is one of the most popular seasons for ballooning in Marrakech, and the clothing requirements are the simplest. You are unlikely to be too hot or too cold — just comfortable.
Footwear: The Non-Negotiable Rule
Every balloon operator in Marrakech will tell you the same thing: closed-toe, flat-soled shoes are mandatory. This is not a suggestion. Some operators will refuse to let you board the basket in inappropriate footwear.
Wear:
- Trainers or sneakers (the best all-round choice)
- Hiking boots or walking shoes (ideal if you have them)
- Flat ankle boots
Do not wear:
- High heels or wedges
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Open-toe shoes of any kind
- Slip-on shoes without a secure fit
- Brand-new shoes you have not broken in
Here is why this matters. The launch site is typically an open field with uneven, dusty ground. You will walk across it in low light. The basket stands about knee height, and you climb in by stepping on a foothold and swinging your leg over. During landing, the basket may tip slightly, and the crew will ask you to brace your legs and hold on. If the wind catches the balloon envelope after touchdown, the basket can drag for several metres before the deflation is complete.
None of this is dangerous — it is part of the normal experience. But it requires shoes that grip, protect your feet and stay firmly on. A sandal coming off mid-landing is a genuine safety concern.
What NOT to Wear
Some clothing choices create real problems in a balloon basket. Avoid these:
Loose scarves or trailing fabric. The burner sits directly above the basket and fires periodically to maintain altitude. The flame is powerful and directed upward, but loose fabric that catches an updraft could be pulled toward the heat source. A snug scarf tucked inside your jacket is fine. A long, flowing scarf draped loosely around your neck is not.
Very baggy or oversized clothing. The basket is shared with other passengers, and space is limited. Oversized coats or wide-sleeved garments catch on basket edges and other passengers' gear. Fitted or semi-fitted layers are more practical.
Skirts and dresses. While not explicitly banned, skirts and dresses are impractical. You will climb into the basket by stepping over a wall that is roughly thigh-height. During the flight, the burner generates occasional gusts of warm air downward. On landing, you may need to crouch and brace. Trousers are the sensible choice.
Heavy jewellery or dangling accessories. Anything that could catch on the basket's wicker edges, ropes or other equipment should be left at the hotel. Simple stud earrings and a watch are fine. Long necklaces and bangles are not.
What to Bring
You are in the air for approximately one hour, and there is no storage space in the basket beyond what you can hold or pocket. Pack light and pack smart.
Essential:
- Sunglasses. The sunrise over the Atlas Mountains is beautiful but blindingly bright. You will need them from the moment the sun clears the horizon.
- Phone or camera. Charged to 100% — cold air drains batteries faster than normal. Use a wrist strap or neck strap. Dropping a phone from 500 metres is permanent. For detailed photography advice, see our balloon photography tips.
- A small crossbody bag or zipped pocket. For your phone, sunglasses and any small valuables. Crossbody bags that sit flat against your body are ideal. Nothing that swings or hangs loose.
Optional but useful:
- A thin pair of gloves in winter (removable for photos)
- A small bottle of water (summer flights particularly)
- Lip balm with SPF (the air is dry at altitude)
- A hair tie if you have long hair (the burner creates warm updrafts)
Leave at the hotel:
- Large bags, backpacks or handbags
- Bulky camera equipment (a DSLR with one lens is fine; a full camera bag is not)
- Laptops, tablets or anything fragile
- Umbrellas
- Anything you would be upset to lose or damage
Photography Gear Considerations
Most guests photograph their flight with a smartphone, and modern phones produce excellent results in the golden morning light. If you are bringing a dedicated camera, keep it simple.
A mirrorless or DSLR body with a single wide-angle or standard zoom lens (18-55mm or 24-70mm equivalent) covers everything you need: the landscape below, the balloon envelope above, the Atlas Mountains on the horizon, and your fellow passengers. A wide-angle lens in the 16-24mm range is particularly effective for capturing the scale of the scene.
Do not bring multiple lenses. You will not have time or space to swap them. Do not bring a tripod — there is no room, and the basket is not stable enough for long exposures anyway. Lens changes in a dusty basket with other passengers bumping elbows are a recipe for dropped equipment.
Attach a neck strap or wrist strap to your camera. This is critical. One momentary fumble and your gear is gone. For comprehensive shooting advice, angles and settings, read our photography tips guide.
Cultural Considerations
Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, and while Marrakech is cosmopolitan and accustomed to international visitors, modesty in dress is appreciated — particularly outside the tourist zones.
During the balloon flight itself, this is a non-issue. You are in the air with your fellow passengers and crew, and practical clothing is expected and appropriate.
However, after the flight, some operators offer breakfast or tea in a rural setting, and you may interact with local Berber communities. In these contexts, covering your shoulders and knees is a respectful choice. This does not require special clothing — the layers you wear for the flight will typically cover everything appropriate. Shorts above the knee and sleeveless tops, while not forbidden, may attract attention in the more traditional communities around the launch area.
For women in particular, a light scarf that can double as a shoulder covering is a practical multi-purpose item — warmth during the flight, cultural courtesy afterward.
Quick Checklist by Season
Winter (December to February)
- Thermal base layer
- Fleece or warm mid-layer
- Windproof jacket
- Full-length trousers
- Warm socks
- Beanie or warm hat
- Thin gloves
- Closed-toe shoes (trainers or boots)
- Sunglasses
- Phone with strap
Spring (March to May)
- Long-sleeved shirt or light sweater
- Light jacket
- Comfortable trousers
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sunglasses
- Phone with strap
Summer (June to August)
- Lightweight breathable clothing
- Thin long-sleeved layer (for altitude)
- Cap or sun hat
- Comfortable trousers or long shorts
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sunglasses
- Small water bottle
- Sunscreen
Autumn (September to November)
- T-shirt plus light jacket or fleece
- Full-length trousers
- Closed-toe shoes
- Sunglasses
- Light scarf (November)
- Phone with strap
Book Your Flight
Now that you know what to wear, the only decision left is which flight to choose. Our Classic Flight is ideal for first-time flyers — a shared balloon experience with hotel transfers, the full sunrise flight and a traditional breakfast after landing. For a more exclusive morning, the VIP Flight with breakfast includes a gourmet breakfast served on board at altitude.
For help choosing the right date, read our best time to fly guide. For a complete overview of the experience from pickup to landing, see our trip planning guide. And for a detailed look at the daily schedule and what happens at each stage, check our flight schedule breakdown.
Dress right, show up on time, and let the sunrise do the rest.