February warms Marrakech to about 20°C by day while the nights stay cold at 8°C, the almond blossom opens across the Atlas foothills, and in 2027 Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February – which changes the rhythm of the city substantially, and makes the evenings at Jemaa el-Fna something worth planning a trip around.
Ramadan in Marrakech
Ramadan is expected to run from about 8 February to 9 March 2027, with Eid al-Fitr following. Morocco determines the start by local moon sighting, so it can differ by a day from other countries – confirm closer to the time.
Morocco is more observant than Turkey and less restrictive than the Gulf. What actually changes:
- Many medina restaurants and cafes close during daylight. Riads and tourist-facing restaurants continue to serve, and most riads will provide lunch for guests.
- Eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight is discouraged, and in Morocco it is more strongly felt than in some Muslim countries. Do it indoors or at your riad.
- Alcohol becomes much harder to find. Licensed hotel bars generally continue; many shops and restaurants stop entirely.
- Opening hours shift – museums and sites often close earlier, and the souks reopen and stay busy late into the night.
- Traffic is severe just before sunset as everyone heads home for ftour, then the streets empty for an hour.
The reward is the evening. Jemaa el-Fna after the ftour cannon is the best version of itself – the food stalls in full operation, families out until after midnight, and an atmosphere the rest of the year does not have.
Weather and almond blossom
February averages about 20°C by day and 8°C at night, with roughly 28 mm of rain. Days are pleasantly warm in the sun; nights remain cold, and riad heating still matters.
It is also almond blossom season across the Atlas foothills and the Ourika and Asni valleys – pink and white against bare mountains and red earth, for a few weeks only. It is free, brief and one of the better reasons to take a day trip out of the city.
What February is for
- Ramadan evenings, if the dates align with your trip.
- Almond blossom in the foothills.
- The Atlas, still snow-capped and spectacular.
- Comfortable medina walking – warm enough to be pleasant, cool enough to walk all day.
- Low-season riad rates, which in Marrakech buys a remarkable standard of accommodation.
Prices and crowds
Low season, and if Ramadan covers part of the month some riads discount further because regional and domestic travel drops. It is one of the better-value months for the quality of place you can stay.
See the Marrakech travel budget.
What to pack
Layers, with a genuine warm layer for evenings and unheated riads. Modest clothing – particularly during Ramadan, and particularly for women – and comfortable shoes for uneven medina paving. See the Morocco packing list.
The February 2027 calendar
- Around Monday 8 February – Ramadan is expected to begin; confirm against the Moroccan moon sighting.
- Through Ramadan – daytime closures in the medina, ftour at sunset, souks busy late, heavy pre-sunset traffic.
- Through February – almond blossom in the Ourika and Asni valleys and the Atlas foothills.
- Through February – the Atlas still snow-covered; Oukaïmeden operating when snow allows.
- Through February – low-season riad rates; cold nights continue.
- Around 10 March – Eid al-Fitr, closing Ramadan.
- Through February – comfortable daytime walking before the spring heat.
Read alongside
- Marrakech in January – snow on the Atlas and the coldest nights.
- Marrakech in March – Eid al-Fitr and the best spring weather.
- Best time to visit Marrakech – all twelve months compared.
- Day trips from Marrakech – the blossom valleys.
- Marrakech travel budget – low-season numbers.
- Marrakech food guide – and what ftour looks like.
- Morocco packing list – the winter version.
Frequently asked
When is Ramadan in Morocco in 2027?
Expected to begin around 8 February 2027 and run to about 9 March, with Eid al-Fitr following. Morocco determines the start by local moon sighting, so it can differ by a day from other countries.
Can you visit Marrakech during Ramadan?
Yes. Riads and tourist-facing restaurants serve normally and most riads provide lunch. Many medina restaurants close during daylight, alcohol becomes much harder to find, and opening hours shift – but the evenings at Jemaa el-Fna are the best of the year.
Should I eat in public during Ramadan?
Better not to. Eating, drinking and smoking in public during daylight is discouraged and it is more strongly felt in Morocco than in some Muslim countries. Eat indoors or at your riad.
How warm is Marrakech in February?
About 20°C by day and 8°C at night with roughly 28 mm of rain. Days are pleasant in the sun; nights are still cold enough that riad heating matters.
When is almond blossom in Morocco?
February, across the Atlas foothills and the Ourika and Asni valleys – pink and white against bare mountains and red earth, for a few weeks only.
Is Marrakech cheap in February?
Yes, it is low season, and if Ramadan falls across part of the month some riads discount further as regional travel drops. It is one of the best months for the standard of accommodation your budget reaches.
Is alcohol available during Ramadan?
Much less so. Licensed hotel bars generally continue to serve, but many shops and restaurants stop entirely for the month. Plan around it rather than assuming.
Is the Atlas still snowy in February?
Yes – often at its best. The peaks are snow-covered and clearly visible from the city, and Oukaïmeden runs when conditions allow.
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Written by
John Morrison is the founder and lead travel writer at Packzup. Over the past decade he has explored destinations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and Oceania — always self-funded, never on a press trip.
