Is traveling in Morocco during Ramadan a good idea?
Morocco had been sitting on our bucket list for quite some while. So needless to say that when we booked our plane tickets, we were very excited. But then we suddenly realized that we scheduled our trip right in the middle of Ramadan, the holiest month of the Islamic calendar.
We weren’t sure what to expect. How would Ramadan affect our travel plans? Would shops and restaurants be closed? Would sightings be closed? Would people be less friendly? For those who may not know, Ramadan is a month of fasting, reflection and prayer. From sunrise to sunset, many Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, and other activities to focus on their faith. Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, so you can imagine that the rhythm of daily life shifts dramatically during this time of the year. Ramadam takes place in the 9th month of the Islamic calender.
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To be honest, we had our doubts and were unsure whether we would be able to optimally enjoy our trip. But our trip turned out to be great experience! And a huge advantage we observed: The usual tourist crowds were nowhere to be seen. We got to experience Morocco in a quieter, more intimate way. Nevertheless, traveling in Morocco during Ramadan did require a bit of extra planning ahead. That’s why we share our tips and tricks that helped us, so you can feel prepared and make the most of your adventure.
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Plan ahead!
If you know that you are traveling to Morocco during Ramadan, make sure to keep the following things in mind when planning your trip.
Book a hotel with breakfast included
During Ramadan, locals don’t eat nor drink from sunrise to sunset, which means finding food during the day can be a challenge. Especially in the morning this can be a problem, as many shops, restaurants and cafes are closed before noon. That’s why booking a hotel with breakfast included can be a lifesaver, especially if you are like us and you need a coffee to start your day.
So when you are booking accommodations, look for stays that offer an included breakfast. Keep in mind that the quality of breakfast can vary extremely in Morocco. During our travels in Morocco, our breakfast ranged from some old bread with jam to the most varied breakfast ever! If you are heading to the Dades valley, make sure to stay at La Porte du Dades, where we had the best breakfast ever!
We experienced that most rooms in Morocco don’t foresee an electric water kettle. If you do enjoy a cup of tea or coffee from time to time, it can be a good idea to bring a travel electric kettle with you. And if you are not a fan of instant coffee, we found a perfect and affordable solution for you: the FinalPress Coffee and Tea Maker!
Understand the rhythm of Ramadan and plan your activities accordingly
Life moves to a different rhythm during Ramadan. Mornings are quiet and streets come alive only later in the day. That also means that many attractions adjust their hours, opening later and closing before sunset. So make sure to double-check the opening times in advance. Of course, this depends from place to place. In the most touristy areas, like Marrakech, Ramadan on tourist activities is less impactful.
Pack snacks when you’re driving
If you’re renting a car to explore Morocco, good job! You’re in for an epic road trip! Another huge advantage of having a car in Morocco during Ramadan is that you can use it as your personal snack station. Eating in public during the day isn’t really respectful to the locals, meaning your car is the perfect place to enjoy a quick, hidden snack.
Visit a supermarket or local market to buy fruit, nuts, or delicious sweets before heading to your next destination. Find a quiet parking spot with a great view and enjoy your snacks!
Read more: Everything you need to know about renting a car in Morocco
Dining out during Ramadan
Don’t worry! Finding a place for dinner during Ramadan shouldn’t be a problem at all. But there are some things you should keep in mind.
Time your dinner and avoid the iftar rush
After sunset, locals gather with their families to break their fast in a meal called iftar. Traditionally, these meals start with dades and a glass of milk. But here’s a pro tip. We experienced that most restaurant staff will be eating their own iftar meals right after sunset. So heading to a restaurant right after sunset is not exactly the best idea, as chances are high you’ll have to wait for your meal or you’ll get a hurried and slightly unfriendly service.
Don’t miss out on Ramadan sweets!
During Ramadan, there is an abundance of special treats just made for this time of year. So make sure you don’t miss out on the sweets and the delicious mint tea. The sweets can be found everywhere in the streets after sunset.
Make sure to understand the local customs
Don’t eat, drink or smoke in public
Of course it is not forbidden for non-Muslims to eat or drink during the day, but you can respect the local culture by doing it discreetly. So avoid eating, drinking, smoking or even chewing gum in public. The gesture is definitely appreciated by locals. If you are hungry or thirsty, consider taking snacks and drinks with you to your room or car to be discreet.
Avoid being on the street an hour before sunset
One of the most surprising things we experienced during Ramadan in Morocco was the chaotic energy on the streets as sunset approached. In the hour before sunset the streets become hectic and chaotic. A Moroccan man described it to us as “the brain needs vitamins, we are all mad right now”. People are rushing doing groceries or simply want to get home to join their family. This hustle and bustle can be fascinating, but we think it is not the best time to be out. The best strategy is to plan your day so that you’re back at your hotel or a quiet spot at that time. Once the sun sets and iftar begins, the streets calm down almost instantly.
Greet the locals with Ramadan Mubarak
Another way to show respect during Ramadan is to greet locals with the words “Ramadan Mubarak”, which means “Blessed Ramadan.” This simple phrase shows that you’re aware of the local customs and that you are respectful. At a certain moment, we were surrounded by different kids who kept asking us for money. We tried to break the ice by saying “Ramadan Mubarak”. You could notice the children were surprised we knew these words and acted totally different towards us afterwards.
Dress respectfully
When you are traveling in Morocco during Ramadan, it’s even more important to be mindful of how you dress. Morocco is already a conservative country, and during Ramadan the emphasis on modest clothing becomes even stronger. Dressing appropriately isn’t just about religion, it is also about showing appreciation for the culture. After all, you are still a guest in the country, so please be respectful.
For women, we suggest to choose outfits that cover your shoulders, chest, and knees. You are definitely not obliged to cover your head, but carrying a light scarf can sometimes come in handy, for example to cover your shoulders or as a sign of respect when entering religious spaces.
For men, we suggest to avoid shorts and sleeveless tops.
So traveling in Morocco during Ramadan might sound like a challenge at first, but with our tips and tricks we assure you that it will be a great experience. It does take a bit of extra planning, but you’ll have the chance to explore Morocco without the usual tourist crowds, enjoy peaceful mornings, and witness the transformation as soon as the country comes alive after sunset.
So, is it a good idea to visit Morocco during Ramadan? Absolutely! With some preparation and an open heart, it will be a great adventure!
Happy travels!
Matthias & Mieke
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