Oujda has a semi-arid climate hotter than the Atlantic coast and considerably drier than the Rif. Spring (March to May) is the best time to visit — warm but not hot, with green hills around the city. Autumn (September to early November) is similarly pleasant.
Summer (June to August) gets uncomfortably hot, with afternoon temperatures regularly above 35°C and very little humidity. Winter is mild but the nights are cold and a wool jumper after sunset is sensible.
The big festival to time a visit for is the International Festival of Rai Music in July, which draws performers from both sides of the Algerian border and packs the cafes for a week. The Sidi Yahya moussem in September is the main religious gathering.