Visiting Morocco During Ramadan: What Tourists Need to Know (2026 Guide)
By Red City Craft | Travel Tips & Culture
There is a myth that you should avoid Morocco during Ramadan. People say the shops are closed, the guides are grumpy, and you will starve during the day.
The reality is the opposite. Ramadan is arguably the most spiritual and magical time to visit the Kingdom. The chaos of the Medina quiets down. The nights come alive with lights and laughter. And the hospitality? It goes from "welcoming" to "overwhelming."
But yes, the rhythm is different. If you are planning to visit Marrakech, Fes, or the Desert during the Holy Month (likely falling around mid-February to mid-March 2026), here are the new rules of engagement.
📅 When is Ramadan 2026 in Morocco?
Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Islamic calendar is lunar. This means the dates shift back by about 11 days each year.
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Predicted Dates: Approx. February 18th to March 19th, 2026.
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The "Night of Power" (Laylat al-Qadr): The holiest night (27th night), where mosques are packed and the energy is electric.
Note: The exact start is confirmed only the night before by the sighting of the moon (Moon Sighting Morocco).
🍽️ The Big Question: "Can I Eat in Public?"
Legally, Moroccan law prohibits Muslims from eating in public during daylight hours. For Tourists: You are allowed to eat. No police officer will arrest you. BUT... it is considered incredibly rude to munch on a sandwich or chug a water bottle in front of someone who hasn't drunk water since sunrise.
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The Rule: Be discreet. Eat inside your restaurant or hotel. Don't walk the streets eating an ice cream cone.
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Are Restaurants Open?
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Yes: In tourist zones (Marrakech Medina, Gueliz, ...), most restaurants serving foreigners remain open all day.
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No: Local cafes and street food stalls will be closed until sunset.
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👗 What to Wear: The "Respect" Factor
Morocco is already conservative, but during Ramadan, the modesty dial is turned up to 10. Walking through the Souks in short-shorts or a crop top during this holy month will attract a lot of staring—and not the good kind.
The Solution? Blend In. You don't need to wear a veil, but you should cover your shoulders and knees. The best way to show respect (and earn instant smiles from locals) is to wear a Moroccan Gandoura or Lightweight Djellaba. It’s breathable, stylish, and shows you "get it."
🎒 The Ramadan Travel Kit:
For Her: A Linen Gandoura is chic enough for dinner but modest enough for the Medina.
For Him: A Long-Sleeve Cotton Thobe keeps you cool without looking like a "beach tourist."
🌙 The Magic Hour: "Ftour" (Breaking the Fast)
Around 6:30 PM (sunset), a siren sounds, and cannons fire. Suddenly, the busy streets become completely deserted. It is spooky and beautiful. Everyone is inside breaking their fast.
Do not stay in your hotel room. Book a table at a local restaurant for the "Ftour Special." You will be served:
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Harira: The hearty lentil and tomato soup.
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Chebakia: Honey-soaked sesame cookies.
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Boiled Eggs & Dates.
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Batbout: Stuffed mini-breads.
Insider Tip: Many Riads offer a "Family Ftour" experience. This is better than any restaurant.
🛍️ Shopping & Sightseeing Hours
The schedule flips.
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Mornings (9 AM - 11 AM): Quiet. Many shops open late because people stayed up all night praying.
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Afternoons (2 PM - 5 PM): Busy.
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Sunset (6 PM - 7:30 PM): DEAD. Everything stops. Taxis disappear. Do not plan to travel during this hour.
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Nights (8 PM - 1 AM): ALIVE. The shops re-open, cafes are packed, and families promenade in the squares.
✅ The Verdict: Should You Go?
If you want to party and drink alcohol all day? No. (Liquor stores are closed, though hotels still serve). If you want to experience the soul of Morocco? Yes.
Ramadan forces you to slow down. It invites you to share food. It is a cultural immersion you cannot get at any other time of year.
Ready to pack? Make sure you have the right bag for those night market wanderings.
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Shop Zellij Cross-Body Bags - Keep your hands free for eating Chebakia.
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