Coming during Ramadan worries some people. It shouldn't. It's one of the most interesting times to be here. The days are slower and quieter, and then at sunset the whole village sits down to eat at the same moment, the streets go completely silent for twenty minutes, and afterwards everything comes alive until late at night. You just need to know how the day works.
When is Ramadan?
It follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so it moves about eleven days earlier every year. The exact start depends on the moon being sighted, so dates can shift by a day.
- 2027: around 8 February to 8 March
- 2028: around 28 January to 26 February
It ends with Eid al-Fitr, a big family holiday. Expect some businesses to close for a day or two around it.
What changes during the day
- Most Moroccans fast from dawn to sunset: no food, no water, no cigarettes.
- Many local cafés and snack places close during the day. Cafés and restaurants that cater to visitors usually stay open, often a bit more discreetly.
- Shops keep shorter or later hours. Mornings are slow.
- People are tired, especially in the afternoon. Be patient and kind, and don't take a short answer personally.
What's expected of you
Visitors aren't expected to fast. But don't eat, drink or smoke in the street, on the beach or while walking through the village during the day. Eat inside a café, or at home. Carry your water bottle in your bag and drink it discreetly. It's a small thing, and people really appreciate it.
Sunset: ftour
The fast breaks at sunset with ftour: dates, a glass of milk, harira soup, boiled eggs, msemen, sticky chebakia pastries, and whatever else the family has been cooking all afternoon. For about half an hour before, taxis get scarce and the streets empty as everyone heads home. Then, suddenly, total silence while the whole country eats.
If someone invites you to share ftour, say yes. It's one of the warmest things you'll experience in Morocco. Several restaurants also serve a ftour menu at sunset.
The evenings
After ftour, and after the evening prayers, the villages come alive. Cafés fill up, families go for walks, kids play in the streets until late, and shops stay open well into the night. This is the best part of Ramadan, so go out and enjoy it.
Practical things
- The clocks change. Morocco moves from GMT+1 to GMT for Ramadan and back again afterwards. Double-check flight times and meetings.
- Alcohol. It gets harder to find. Some licensed places stop serving for the month. Check with them first.
- Surfing. The line-ups are often quieter during the day, especially in the afternoon. Some surf camps adjust their timetables, so ask.
- Getting around. Plan journeys so you're not trying to find a taxi just before sunset.
For a sense of what it was actually like this year, read Ramadan 2026 in Taghazout and Tamraght, and for the everyday basics, see local customs.