Weather
Weather, Conditions and Cancellations
Both of our activities are weather-dependent, and in Marrakech the blocker is almost always wind rather than the thing tourists worry about, which is rain. Here is what actually decides whether you fly.
What affects a flight
Wind
Speed at the surface and aloft for balloons; direction relative to the launch slope for paragliding. The single biggest factor for both.
Visibility
Dust, haze or low cloud can ground a flight even in still air, and takes the view away in any case.
Rain
Generally a no-fly for both. Wet equipment also adds time and risk on the ground.
Temperature
Affects balloon performance and how much comfort layering you need. Pre-dawn on the plain is cold in every season.
Season
Winter brings more weather systems and better Atlas snow; spring and autumn are usually the most settled.
Time of day
Calm dawn air for balloons; smooth mornings and active midday thermals for paragliding.
How to protect your trip
- • Book your flight for the first or second morning of your stay
- • Keep a second morning free as a fallback
- • Never book a flight for the morning you fly home
- • Tell us your whole itinerary so we can suggest the best window
If your flight is cancelled
The exact reschedule and refund terms are being confirmed in writing with our operating partner and will be published here in full — no summary, no small print elsewhere. Until then we tell every enquirer the current position honestly before they pay, rather than publishing terms we cannot yet guarantee.
Weather FAQ
When is the decision made?
For an obvious weather system, the evening before. Otherwise at the field at first light, once the pilot has measured the actual surface wind. Occasionally a balloon inflates and the flight is still stood down — that judgement belongs to the pilot and it is the right one.
What happens if my flight is cancelled?
First we look for another morning inside your stay. If that is not possible, we look at moving you to a different experience, and otherwise at a refund under the operator's terms.
Can I get a refund if I cancel because the forecast looks bad?
Forecasts three days out are not reliable for these activities. Talk to us before cancelling — we can usually tell you whether it is genuinely worth moving your date.
Does rain stop a flight?
Usually yes for both activities, but the more common blocker is wind rather than rain — a sunny day with the wrong wind is a no-fly day.