What to Expect When Visiting Morocco During Ramadan 2025: Tips, Etiquette, and Cultural Insights

Things You May Not Be Aware of as a Non-Muslim

Looking at the sunset from the roof of a riad in the medina

When Does Ramadan Take Place?

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان, Ramadhan) is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It is considered the holy month of fasting and repentance in Islam. From Fajr (dawn, well before sunrise) to Maghrib (sunset), most believers—unless exempt—abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and other activities.

Since the Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, Ramadan does not have a fixed start date and moves approximately 10-12 days earlier each year. The exact beginning is determined by the sighting of the new moon. In 2025, Ramadan is expected to begin in late February and continue into March, from February 28th until April 1st.

A Social Life Centered on Ramadan

As in many other cultures, social life in Morocco is deeply influenced by Ramadan. For those familiar with the concept, it's somewhat akin to an extended Christmas period. Television stations adjust their programming with series, shows, and movies, while families and friends arrange gatherings to break the fast. An important topic of discussion becomes what will be served on the table.

Though Ramadan is a month of fasting, it is also a time of overconsumption. Families go to great lengths to present the best products on their tables, despite rising prices of consumer goods, especially during this time of year.

What Is Allowed and Not Allowed?

Fasting, known as sawm (or siyam), requires abstinence from food, drink, smoking, and sexual activity during daylight hours. But fasting is more than just a physical discipline—it is a time for spiritual reflection and self-restraint, fostering a deeper connection to faith and community.

Does Everyone Participate?

Not everyone is required to fast. Children, the elderly, women who are menstruating, pregnant or nursing women, travelers, and those with medical conditions are exempt. While fasting is a personal choice, Muslims who openly break the fast in public can face penalties in Morocco, as stipulated under Article 222 of the Moroccan Penal Code.

The First Week

The first week is often the hardest, especially for those who are used to caffeine or nicotine. Headaches and fatigue are common as the body adjusts to this new rhythm. However, by the second and third weeks, most people find their rhythm, and the days pass more smoothly. The final days before Eid can feel longer due to the anticipation and fatigue built up throughout the month.

Life After Sunset

When the sun sets, Moroccan cities—whether in Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, or Tangier—transform. The streets become lively, shops reopen, and cafés fill up with people breaking their fast. The city’s usual daytime bustle simply shifts to the evening hours, creating a unique and vibrant atmosphere. The air is filled with the aroma of freshly baked bread, simmering harira soup, and grilled meats. In cities across Morocco, this is a time for family gatherings, where people come together to share meals, reconnect, and celebrate the end of a long day of fasting.

While the transition from day to night is dramatic, it is not only the food that makes this time special. It's also the communal experience of breaking the fast. Some regions may have a slight variation in timing, but typically, the call to prayer for Maghrib signals when families start the evening meal. I can assure you that all the antennas are set to capture the call for prayer, marking the moment when the entire family gathers around the table.

After breaking the fast, Moroccans often take a break before engaging in the next meal—dinner—which is typically later in the evening. The hours between Maghrib and Isha (night prayer) are filled with gatherings, socializing, and enjoying sweets, tea, and other traditional dishes. The pace of life in Morocco is completely shifted during Ramadan, with a second wave of activity occurring well into the late hours.

Pre-Dawn Meal: Suhoor

Before the first prayer of the day, Fajr (pre-dawn), a special meal is eaten called suhoor. This meal is consumed before the morning call to prayer and is essential for those fasting throughout the day. It usually includes nutrient-dense foods such as porridge, bread, cheese, olives, and fruit to help sustain the body through the long hours of fasting. While the timing can vary, suhoor typically happens around 4:00 to 4:30 a.m., depending on the time of year and location. This is the last meal before the fasting begins, and it’s often accompanied by warm drinks like tea or milk, or a banana milkshake with chocolate, which keeps me going throughout the entire day. But that’s just me. :)

Working During Ramadan

Work schedules are often adjusted to accommodate the demands of fasting, with many people finishing earlier in the day to prepare for Iftar (the meal to break the fast). Productivity tends to dip after the initial hours of the day, as fatigue sets in. Service in various establishments may be slower, and monuments and museums might change their opening hours. I always start quite early, maintain a steady temperature in my office, and adapt visits outside with clients and suppliers to a minimum, and only during the morning hours.

Traveling to Morocco During Ramadan

In 2025, Ramadan will run from the end of February through the beginning of April. The mild weather in most of Morocco makes this period more comfortable for fasting. If you know your way around, you’ll find many cities quieter during the day, allowing you to enjoy the sights without the usual crowds. Many hotels offer special deals during this time, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers.

However, visitors should be aware that service in restaurants and hotels may be slower, as many staff members will be fasting. A little patience and empathy can go a long way. While supermarkets and tourist-friendly cafés remain open, many local eateries will close until sunset.

In recent years, a growing number of hotels have started offering Ftour options, where guests can break their fast with a traditional Moroccan meal, often featuring dates, harira soup, chebakia, and other local delicacies. This is a wonderful way to experience the communal and cultural side of Ramadan in Morocco.

If you embrace the unique atmosphere—with its pros and cons—Ramadan can be a fascinating and rewarding time to visit cities across Morocco.

Eid Mubarak!

As Ramadan concludes, we prepare for Eid al-Fitr. I always have mixed feelings, as the inner strength brought me closer to myself and gave me time to be in balance. In a world that is increasingly focused on experiences, this is certainly one of the top ones you can have.

Peter Adam

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