October is a good time as the heat would have diminished somewhat, should be around 20-24C but one can never predict as temperatures at this time have reached 34C.
Whatever age you are you will be hassled in some way or other, by traders who have drones outside waiting for you. If you engage in conversation then you are sunk as they are very persuasive and will have you in their shop quickly enough.
If you do wish to buy something then you can do this in several ways; ask what the price is and then haggle from one third asking price, or less if you dare, and take it from there.
You could go into an artesenal which is type of co-operative with generally fixed prices but these are usually highly inflated anyway to cater for the groups of tourists who are led in by their guides. This will at least give you an idea of what prices are like although they vary enormously from one trader to another.
Language should be no problem as many people here speak English although you may have a problem with some taxi drivers who only speak Moroccan. Trust me, you will be fine in hotels, shops and restaurants and you may be surprised at how many people do speak English.
Shopping can be a bit daunting but do this yourself and not with a specialist guide who may find all the things you want but will arrange with traders to charge you very high prices so that both he and trader will make a fat profit.
Trips can be arranged through your riad or in any of the agents in Gueliz district which is a populous area for café's resto's, shops, travel agents. Whoever you use, be sure they have adequate insurance to cover you in case of accidents or loss of property. There are many things to see in Marrakech alone such as the world famous Jardin Majorelle which is easy to get to by the small taxis called "petit taxi". Most other notable sites are within the old part of town called the medina; this is where your riad will more than likely be located although the medina covers a very large area.
Outside of Marrakech you can go long distance to Dades Gorge or up to the mountains with spectacular views.
I can send you a list of typical trips from Marrakech if you like, I just need your e-mail
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