Travelling in Morocco During Ramadan: What Changes and Whether to Go

When it falls

Ramadan moves about eleven days earlier each year because it follows the lunar calendar. In 2027 it is projected to run from around 8 February to around 9 March, followed by the Eid al-Fitr holiday. The exact start depends on a moon sighting announced by the Moroccan authorities, so it can shift by a day or two. Check the confirmed dates closer to your trip.

What changes by day

Many Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, so daytime in smaller towns is quieter. Local cafés and restaurants may close for the day and reopen for the evening meal, and shops and some attractions keep shorter or shifted hours. In tourist centres such as Marrakech, Essaouira and Tangier, many restaurants and cafés that cater to visitors stay open. Even so, plan on having breakfast at your hotel or riad and carry water and a snack for long road days.

Evenings are the best part

After sunset, the iftar meal breaks the fast and the streets fill up. Markets and restaurants stay open late, and families gather. For many visitors this is the real draw of travelling in Ramadan: the evenings are lively and the cities feel more local than usual.

Etiquette for visitors

• Avoid eating, drinking or smoking openly in public during the day, particularly in smaller places.
• Dress modestly; our notes on what to wear in Morocco apply even more.
• Be patient with slower service and shifted hours, especially in the afternoon.
• Greetings such as Ramadan Mubarak are welcome and appreciated.

Will tours still run?

Yes. Private tours run through Ramadan with some adjustments to the day, such as a later start, lunch stops chosen carefully and more time in the evenings. The desert camp and the main sights are available, though some local venues may keep shorter hours. Ramadan in early 2027 falls in winter, so also read what to expect in Morocco in winter for the cold nights in the Atlas and the Sahara.

If your dates overlap with Ramadan, message us and we will shape the route and the timings around it.