Travelling in Morocco during Ramadan 2027: what really changes

“Should we avoid Ramadan?” We are asked this every winter, often with a hint of concern. The short answer is no. Morocco remains fully open to travellers during the holy month, and many of those who have experienced it remember it more vividly than an “ordinary” trip. You just need to know what changes, and what does not.

The dates of Ramadan 2027

Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan moves about ten days earlier each year. In 2027, it is expected to begin around Monday 8 February and end around Tuesday 9 March, followed by Eid al-Fitr (known locally as “Aïd Sghir”) around Wednesday 10 March. The exact dates are only confirmed the day before, after the sighting of the crescent moon announced by the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs, so allow a day's margin either way.

Good to know: during Ramadan, Morocco usually switches back to GMT, then returns to GMT+1 after Eid. Check your flight and transfer times if your stay spans these changes.

What stays open

For travellers, the essentials work as normal: hotels and riads, restaurants in the tourist districts, sites and monuments, excursions and tours. In Marrakech, Fez, Essaouira or Casablanca you will have no trouble finding somewhere for lunch, and breakfast is served as usual where you are staying.

What changes day to day

• The rhythm of the day. Mornings are quieter; government offices, museums and some shops keep shorter hours, and many businesses close in mid-afternoon and reopen in the evening.
• The moment of ftour. At sunset, everything stops for half an hour to an hour: the fast is broken with the family. The streets empty and taxis become scarce, so avoid scheduling an arrival or a transfer at that time.
• Alcohol. Many bars close for the whole month and supermarket alcohol sales are generally suspended. Licensed hotels and restaurants usually continue to serve their foreign guests, discreetly.
• The evenings. After ftour, the city comes alive: packed cafés, souks bustling late into the night, families out for a stroll. This is when the country is at its most vibrant.
• The roads. Late afternoon, just before ftour, is when traffic is at its most hectic, so we schedule long drives in the morning.

Etiquette to observe

You are not expected to fast, and nobody will ask you to. Out of respect for those who are fasting, simply avoid eating, drinking or smoking conspicuously in the street during the day: keep your water bottle in your bag and have lunch in a restaurant or your riad. In the medinas and villages, clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is even more appreciated than usual. And if you are invited to share ftour, say yes: it is one of the finest moments of hospitality Morocco has to offer.

Why February and March 2027 can be an excellent choice

With Ramadan falling in midwinter, the fasting days are short and the weather is ideal for travel: mild in the imperial cities, sunny in the south, cool at night in the desert. Visitor numbers fall, the sites are quieter, and some hotels offer more attractive rates than in high season.

• Try harira, the soup that breaks the fast, served with dates and chebakia, the honey pastries of Ramadan.
• Book a traditional ftour in a riad or guesthouse: a shared table, far from the tourist restaurants.
• Plan ahead for Eid al-Fitr: it is a public holiday, many shops close for one or two days, and trains and coaches are packed with families. Book early if you need to travel around that date.

A trip built around the local rhythm

A successful stay during Ramadan is above all about knowing the local rhythm: what time to leave to avoid the late-afternoon roads, which restaurants stay open at lunchtime, which guesthouse offers a ftour to share. That is exactly what our team, based in Casablanca since 1991, does.

Thinking of travelling in February or March 2027? Sketch out your route with our itinerary planner or ask us for a personalised quote: we adapt every stage to the Ramadan calendar.