Times and Public Holidays

For a stress-free trip, check for any time difference, see what the weather is like where you are going and find out about public holidays.

Time check

The time is the same in Morocco throughout the year as Greenwich Mean Time or universal time. When it is noon in Paris, it is 11am in Morocco. The Spanish enclaves of Melilla and Ceuta are on Madrid time, i.e. two hours (later) ahead than Morocco.

Feasts galore

Non-religious public holidays are related to the country's history (including independence day on November 18th, and Throne Day on July 31st) or shared with other nations (January 1st and May 1st). On these days, most stores and restaurants remain open. Religious festivals meanwhile follow the lunar calendar and therefore change slightly each year. There are five of these: 1st Muharram (New Year), Mouloud (birth of the prophet Mohammed), the start of ramadan, the Aïd es-Seghir (end of ramadan) and the Aïd el-Kébir (sacrifice of the prophet Abraham). Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim calendar and marks the start of the revelation of the Koran to the prophet Mohammed. Muslims fast for this entire month from sunrise to sunset; the evening is therefore a time for gatherings and feasts. Be aware however that tourists are not obliged in any way in relation to this fast: they will be served even during the day, and can bathe and carry on as normal. Public parties to celebrate saints' feast days are organized throughout the year, across all regions.