Morocco in March 2026: Weather, Ramadan & What to Pack (The Real Guide)

March is the official goodbye to winter. The almond trees in the south are done blooming, but the north is turning a deep, lush green. In cities like Marrakech, the air actually smells sweet—that is the zahria (orange blossom) blooming in the courtyards. It is a scent you will never forget.

• The North (Tangier, Chefchaouen): It is fresh and green up here. Expect highs around 18°C (64°F). It might rain a little, giving the streets that distinct smell of wet pavement and mint tea. If you are in Tangier, go sit at Café Hafa overlooking the ocean; the breeze is cool, but the view is worth the goosebumps.
• The Center (Marrakech, Fez): This is the sweet spot. Daytime highs sit comfortably between 23°C and 26°C (73°F-79°F). You can wear a t-shirt during the day, but as soon as the sun drops behind the Koutoubia Mosque, you will need a light jacket.
• The South (Merzouga, Dakhla): March is your last chance to visit before the heat becomes dangerous. Highs of 28°C (82°F) mean the dunes are warm, not burning. But be warned: the sand is freezing cold at 6 AM.

Marrakech in March is a show-off. The city is full of color. Everyone wants to see Jardin Majorelle, but here is the insider tip: the entry fee has jumped (around 150 MAD), and the line can take an hour. Go at 8:30 AM sharp if you must. If you want peace without the wait, head to Le Jardin Secret in the Mouassine district instead. It is just as green, perfectly trimmed, and much quieter.

When you need a break from the souk, do not just stand in the alley. Climb up to Café des Épices. It is right in the middle of the 'carpet square' (Rahba Kedima). Grab a spiced coffee and watch the chaos from above—it is the best seat in the house.

Since March 2026 aligns with the end of Ramadan, the nights in Jemaa el-Fnaa will be loud and lively until 2 AM. If you value your sleep, pick your Riad carefully. I suggest looking on Booking.com for places in the Dar el Bacha neighborhood. It is chic, safe, and just far enough from the drums to let you sleep.

Also, a quick tip on arrival: The airport taxi line can be a headache. Drivers might ask for 300 MAD for a ride that should cost 100. I always pre-book a transfer with Welcome Pickups. Seeing a driver holding a sign with your name makes you feel like a VIP and starts the trip stress-free.

This is the most important part of this guide. From March 1st until roughly March 18th, Morocco is fasting. This changes the rhythm of the country completely.

The "Ghost Hour": During the day, things are slower. But around sunset, something magical happens. The streets completely empty out. It is eerie and beautiful. Everyone is home for Ftour (the breaking of the fast). You will hear the cannon fire (or a siren), followed by the call to prayer. Then, silence.

The Food: You cannot visit in March without trying the Ramadan specials. It is not just "breakfast." You will eat Harira (a rich tomato, lentil, and chickpea soup), Chebakia (sesame cookies soaked in honey), and Selou (a nutty, flour-based paste). The smell of honey and frying dough is everywhere.

Eid al-Fitr (Approx. March 19-20): This is the big celebration. Imagine Christmas morning combined with a massive block party. Banks and government offices close for 2-3 days. Everyone wears their crisp, new white Djellabas. It is a fantastic time to be in a spiritual city like Fez. Just remember: inter-city transport (buses and trains) gets booked out days in advance because locals are traveling to visit family. Book your tickets early.

If you want to see the Sahara, March is the time. The winter winds have died down, but the summer sandstorms have not started yet. A trip to Merzouga in March is comfortable—you can sleep in a luxury tent without shivering all night or melting at noon.

However, the drive is long, we are talking 9 hours from Marrakech through the Atlas Mountains. Do not try to do this in one day; it is exhausting. I strongly recommend booking a guided tour that handles the driving and stops at Ait Ben Haddou (the Gladiator film set) along the way. I usually point friends toward GetYourGuide for these desert trips. Look for the small-group tours that use 4x4s rather than the big, slow buses. It is safer, faster, and you get to stop for photos whenever you want.

The biggest mistake travelers make in March is packing only for summer. Morocco is on the Atlantic; the weather flips fast.

1. A Light Down Jacket: You will need this for the evenings. Rooftop dinners are chilly, and the desert at night is surprisingly cold.
2. Modest Clothing: Since the first half of your trip is Ramadan, showing too much skin is considered rude. Leave the short-shorts at home. Long linen trousers and flowy maxi dresses are perfect—they keep you cool and respectful.
3. Solid Shoes: The Medinas are paved with uneven stones and can be dusty. Save the sandals for the hotel pool.
4. VPN: Public WiFi in cafes is often unsecured and spotty. I use NordVPN to keep my credit card info safe when I am booking my next train ticket or checking my bank app.