Morocco's terrain divides into high mountains, coastal plains and lowlands, and vast stretches of the Sahara.

The mountainous region consists of the Atlas Mountains and high plateaus and valleys, all of which extend roughly northeast-southwest through much of the northern half of the country. Peaks reach a maximum elevation of 13,665 feet (4,165 m) in the High Atlas range. Er Rif, a lower mountain range, extends along the Mediterranean coast. Between the Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic is. a fairly broad region of low plateaus and level plains. Inland from the Atlas Mountains and throughout the southern part of the country stretch arid expanses of the Sahara. Nearly all the permanently flowing rivers, including the Moulouya, Sebou, Oum er Rbia, Tensift, and Sous, begin in the Atlas Mountains and flow to the coast. Wadis (seasonally flowing streams) prevail elsewhere.

Climate varies widely in Morocco due mainly to differences in latitude, elevation, and proximity to the sea. In general, it is characterized by high temperature and scant precipitation. The climate is most moderate in the north and northwest, especially along the coast, where sea breezes bring relief from the heat. The north and northwest is also the rainiest section, receiving some 20 inches (500 mm) or more annually. Except in the high mountains, extremely hot summers are typical, particularly in the Sahara. Winters are normally mild. The high mountains are snow-covered for several months. Virtually no rain falls in the Sahara.