Morocco Ramadan Travel Guide: What to Expect

Morocco Ramadan dates and what changes

Sources expect Ramadan 2027 to start around 7 or 8 February 2027 and end around 8 or 9 March, with Eid al-Fitr about 9 or 10 March. The official start is announced after the moon is sighted, so it can move by a day or two. The previous Ramadan ran from about 18 February to 19 or 20 March 2026, according to the Morocco guide we read.

Area	What usually changes	Source
Daytime food	Tourist restaurants and hotels serve, local cafes may close	Morocco travel guide
Shops	Reduced hours, most close before sunset	Morocco travel guide
Sights	Open with shorter hours, often closing about an hour earlier	Morocco travel guide
Evenings	Souks stay open late, pop-up stalls sell harira and sweets	Morocco travel guide
Transport	Trains and buses run, petit taxis are scarce near sunset	Morocco travel guide

The catch is that nothing is closed everywhere. It changes by town and by business, so a flexible plan works better.

Daytime: eating, drinking and sightseeing

The UK government says eating or drinking, swearing, smoking or chewing gum in public in the daytime may cause offence, and that shop and restaurant hours change. Non-Muslim visitors are not expected to fast. The Morocco guide suggests eating inside restaurants rather than on the street, and says tourist-focused cities such as Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira keep restaurants and cafes open all day, while smaller towns have fewer daytime options.

• Carry water and a snack, and eat discreetly.
• Sightsee in the morning, because afternoons are quieter and many places close earlier. Guided tours may run only in the morning or early afternoon, the same guide says.
• Check opening hours for the specific sight, since we found no official list.
• Hotel restaurants usually continue to serve in daylight, according to that guide.

The downside is the afternoon. Streets in local areas can feel empty and energy is low, so plan a rest and a late dinner.

Sunset and iftar

Activity builds before sunset as people buy bread and supplies, then the streets go quiet during the meal that breaks the fast, called iftar. After that, evenings are lively. Souks often stay open late, and stalls sell Ramadan foods such as harira soup and sweets. The guide says visitors are welcome to join, and recommends accepting an invitation to iftar.

• Harira is a tomato and lentil soup, and dates, boiled eggs and pastries often appear with it. This is common knowledge rather than a sourced item.
• Book a table in advance for the first evening, because many people eat out at the same time.
• Many riads and hotels offer special Ramadan menus, according to one guide. Ask when you book.

Taxis, trains and buses

Petit taxis may be scarce around sunset and iftar, according to the Morocco guide. It suggests allowing extra time for evening trains or buses, or booking a taxi through your hotel or riad, which may cost more. Trains and buses usually run as normal, but the food and drinks trolley on trains is out of service in daylight. See Getting around Marrakech and booking ONCF tickets online.

Demand for public transport rises in the days before and after Eid al-Fitr, so book as far in advance as possible. For long routes, see Getting around Morocco.

Dress, behaviour and alcohol

The UK government says clothing that does not meet local dress codes may cause more offence during Ramadan, and suggests loose-fitting clothing that covers the arms, legs and chest for women. The Morocco guide recommends covering shoulders and knees for everyone and avoiding exposed midriffs, and says normal beachwear is fine at the beach but you should cover up away from the shore.

Alcohol is harder to find. Reports say some bars close or reduce hours and that only some high-end hotels serve it to non-Muslim tourists. See Marrakech nightlife for the licensing rules. Be patient with sellers late in the day, when they may be hungry.

Where to go during Ramadan

One guide says the Sahara and coastal areas such as Agadir and Essaouira are less affected, and that Ramadan is typically a quieter period with fewer international tourists. That can mean lower prices and shorter queues, but also fewer open venues. See Essaouira, Agadir and Merzouga.

For weather in February and March, see Morocco weather. Eid al-Fitr itself is covered in our Eid guide when it is published.

Frequently asked questions

When is Ramadan 2027 in Morocco?

Sources expect it to start around 7 or 8 February 2027 and end around 8 or 9 March. The exact date follows the moon sighting.

Can tourists travel in Morocco during Ramadan?

Yes. Tourist cities keep many restaurants and hotels open, but hours change and local cafes may close.

Do I have to fast as a visitor?

No. Non-Muslim visitors are not expected to fast, but should be discreet about eating, drinking and smoking in public in the daytime.

Are restaurants open during Ramadan?

In tourist cities many are, according to a Morocco guide. In smaller towns daytime options are fewer. Check locally.

Is alcohol available in Ramadan?

Reports say some bars close or reduce hours and only some high-end hotels serve non-Muslim tourists. Check each venue.

Is public transport affected?

Trains and buses usually run, but petit taxis are scarce around sunset and demand rises before and after Eid al-Fitr.

What should I wear in Ramadan?

Cover shoulders and knees, avoid exposed midriffs, and women may prefer loose clothing that covers arms, legs and chest, as the UK government suggests.

Sources checked

Checked on 6 November 2026. Dates depend on the moon sighting and hours vary by business.

• UK government, Morocco travel advice: safety and security
• Malika in Morocco, can I visit Morocco during Ramadan
• Naturally Morocco, about Ramadan
• Calendarific, public holidays in Morocco 2027

Prices and times can change without notice. Confirm them before you pay or travel.

More guides to read next

• Morocco travel tips
• Morocco weather
• Marrakech nightlife
• Getting around Morocco