Ramadan Dates and Public Holidays in Morocco
Here is the full, up-to-date list of Morocco's public and bank holidays. Morocco observes two kinds of holidays: civil holidays, which fall on the same date every year, and religious holidays, which follow the Islamic lunar calendar and move back about 11 days each year.
Moroccan Public Holidays (fixed dates)
Banks, government offices and most businesses close on these dates. Shops, restaurants and tourist attractions generally stay open.
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| JAN 01 | New Year's Day |
| JAN 11 | Proclamation of Independence Day (Watiqat al Istiqlal) |
| JAN 14 | Amazigh New Year (Yennayer) - official public holiday since 2024 |
| MAY 01 | International Workers' Day |
| JUL 30 | Throne Day (Aid Al Aarch) - accession of King Mohammed VI |
| AUG 14 | Oued Ed-Dahab Day |
| AUG 20 | Revolution of the King and the People |
| AUG 21 | Youth Day (Aid Achabab) |
| NOV 06 | Green March Day (Al Massira Al Khadra) |
| NOV 18 | Independence Day (Aid Al Istiqlal) |
Moroccan Religious Holidays 2026 - 2027
Religious holidays depend on the sighting of the moon: the exact day is confirmed by the Moroccan Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs the evening before, and Morocco is often one day later than Saudi Arabia or the Gulf states. Treat the dates below as expected dates that can shift by one day.
| Holiday | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Eid Al Fitr (end of Ramadan) | March 20 - 21 | March 9 - 10 |
| Eid Al Adha (Eid El Kebir) | May 27 - 28 | May 17 - 18 |
| Fatih Muharram (Islamic New Year) | June 17 | June 7 |
| Eid Al Mawlid (birth of the Prophet) | August 26 | August 15 |
Note: Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha are each observed as two consecutive days off for public administrations and many companies.
Ramadan Dates
Dates may vary by a day as they are determined by the lunar calendar and confirmed by moon sighting in Morocco.
| Ramadan 2026 | from about February 19 to March 19, 2026 |
| Ramadan 2027 | from about February 8 to March 9, 2027 |
| Ramadan 2028 | from about January 28 to February 26, 2028 |
Visiting Morocco During Ramadan: What to Expect
Morocco remains fully open to tourists during Ramadan, and many travelers find it one of the most atmospheric times to visit. A few practical things change:
- Opening hours shift: banks, offices and many shops work reduced hours (roughly 9am - 3pm) and monuments may close a little earlier than usual.
- Restaurants: tourist restaurants and hotel restaurants stay open during the day in cities like Marrakesh, Fes or Agadir, but many local cafes and eateries close until sunset.
- Iftar (ftour): at sunset the streets empty for the breaking of the fast, then come alive again late into the night. Sharing an iftar of harira soup, dates and chebakia is an experience worth seeking out.
- Courtesy: eating, drinking or smoking in the street during the day is legal for non-Muslim visitors but doing it discreetly is appreciated.
- Alcohol: most supermarkets stop selling alcohol during Ramadan; licensed hotel bars usually continue serving foreign guests.
- Transport: trains and intercity buses keep running, with schedules adjusted around sunset. Expect hectic roads in the hour before iftar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are tourist attractions open on public holidays?
Yes. Medinas, souks, museums and monuments generally stay open on civil holidays. On the mornings of Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, however, almost everything closes while families celebrate - plan a quiet day.
Can I travel to Morocco during Ramadan?
Absolutely. Flights, hotels, guides and attractions operate normally. You just need a little flexibility with restaurant hours outside the main tourist areas.
Is the date of Eid announced in advance?
Only the evening before: an official moon-sighting committee confirms it. If your trip depends on it, allow one day of buffer either side.
Note: Planning your trip? See also the best time to visit Morocco and our travel tips.
Related articles : Information
Advertisement