"Although most of Morocco’s international visitors fly in to Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport, the cosmopolitan city receives fewer overseas visitors than Marrakesh and Fes. That said, it is well worth spending a night or two here – those who spend time in Casablanca are treated to a selection of some of the country’s top hotels and restaurants, the opportunity to explore one of the world’s largest religious structures and walk through the picturesque old part of the city. There’s a choice of pleasant beaches and promenades, too – Casablanca does sidle up to the Atlantic, after all.”
- Narina Exelby
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PLAN MY JOURNEYCasablanca
Although it’s difficult to imagine when you consider the modern metropolis that today is Casablanca, the city was actually a relatively small port town until 1912, when the French colonised the Atlantic coastal settlement. They did this with aplomb, building a very European-influenced city that still today boasts lush public parks, grand colonial-style buildings and wide boulevards. Here, along the palm-lined avenues and between the European-style sidewalk cafes and French-inspired bakeries, life happens at a fast pace. This is the city where both money and dreams are made – and this economic powerhouse’s reputation has drawn people from regions all across Morocco, as well as from abroad. Cosmopolitan this city certainly is and although it feels distinctively un-Moroccan, Casablanca does have an urban charm all of its own.
The central plaza of Casablanca is Place Mohamed V and it’s here, around gardens and a fountain, that you’ll find many of the city’s distinctive neo-Moorish-style buildings. The biggest (quite literally) attraction in Casablanca is the imposing Hassan II Mosque, which was built partly on reclaimed land. The mosque is one of the largest religious structures in the world: inside it can hold 25,000 people, and its minaret stands an impressive 210 metres high. It’s not only the sheer scale of the mosque that makes it so popular, however: the entire structure is covered with intricately detailed mosaics and carvings that were created by some of Morocco’s master craftsmen. It’s well worth spending a night in Casablanca just to come here.
Corniche, the city’s beachfront district, is busy with beachfront bars, restaurants, luxury hotels and sun worshippers – it a place to see and be seen. Just north of Casablanca, the restaurants and cafes and sandy beach of laid-back Mohammedia have become a favourite for those wanting to escape the bustle of Casablanca, while to the south of the city the villages of Oualidia and Azemmour have wonderful, quiet beaches that are perfect for those who want to take a break from the city.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
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A great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from crowds, allowing you to see Moroccans going about their daily life more authentically than during the hotter months. It is generally sunny and mild, but there is the chance of rain (good for wildflowers), and snow in the mountains. The desert is perfect for visiting now but gets very cold at night.
A great time to visit if you prefer to travel away from crowds, allowing you to see Moroccans going about their daily life more authentically than during the hotter months. It is generally sunny and mild, but there is the chance of rain (good for wildflowers), and snow in the mountains. The desert is perfect for visiting now but gets very cold at night.
The weather in March is much like the start of spring in any country. With flowers coming out and the sun shining, the weather is generally between 10°C and 20°C depending on the region, although it can become cooler. Snow and rain become rare at this time of year, but it would be best to pack clothing for all scenarios, as it can be unpredictable.
This is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. Labour Day is held on the 1st of May. This can lead to the closing of some shops, banks, and local schools, which can mean the main sites are busier with locals.
This is a popular time to visit due to the favorable spring weather of between 15°C and 35°C from the High Atlas Mountains to the desert. Given the diversity of the landscape, weather can differ significantly from place to place and this is particularly true in spring when showers are common. Labour Day is held on the 1st of May. This can lead to the closing of some shops, banks, and local schools, which can mean the main sites are busier with locals.
June is one of the hotter months in Morocco, however, different regions like Essaouira and Tangier still stay relatively cool because they’re situated on the coast. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet, Morocco is great to visit in June because tourism is relatively low compared to some of the other months. This is the last month to visit the desert region before there's an influx of insects and snakes in July and August, as well as often unbearable heat.
July and August are the hottest months in Morocco so are not the ideal months to visit; however, they should not be ruled out. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summers then this is a great time to visit. Coinciding with the school holidays makes this a popular time for families; as such, many hotels and riads do get booked up in advance, particularly those with swimming pools.
Daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40°Cs, so exploring and sightseeing is best done in the morning or evening, making this is a good time to combine activities and relaxation. This is also a great time to visit the Atlantic coast, which at other times of year can feel on the chilly side.
Whether you are seeking water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, although still very hot. While summer is not ideal if you're wanting to do serious trekking, it is great for short morning walks and lying by a pool with panoramic mountain views.
July and August are the hottest months in Morocco so are not the ideal months to visit; however, they should not be ruled out. If you’re looking to escape the unpredictable British summers then this is a great time to visit. Coinciding with the school holidays makes this a popular time for families; as such, many hotels and riads do get booked up in advance, particularly those with swimming pools.
Daytime temperatures can reach the mid-40°Cs, so exploring and sightseeing is best done in the morning or evening, making this is a good time to combine activities and relaxation. This is also a great time to visit the Atlantic coast, which at other times of year can feel on the chilly side.
Whether you are seeking water sports or delicious seafood, Essaouira is a summer highlight. The Atlas Mountains are cooler than the cities, although still very hot. While summer is not ideal if you're wanting to do serious trekking, it is great for short morning walks and lying by a pool with panoramic mountain views.
Cooling down after the hot summer months, September is an ideal time to visit Morocco as you can enjoy the pleasantly warm weather and clear blue skies the country offers as it heads into autumn. The beaches are not as busy from local holidaymakers, the cities welcome gentle breezes, and exploring the desert becomes pleasant again.
October is one of the best months to visit Morocco, as temperatures are cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. This is a great month for hiking in the mountains and visiting the Atlantic coast, with temperatures dropping in November and Essaouira becoming very windy. As such, October is a month that books up quickly, and trips for this time of year should be organised far in advance.
The latter months of the year are a great window to explore the imperial cities of Morocco. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colourful sights and sounds of Marrakesh and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains, are not to be missed either, but coastal winds and potential snow in the mountains will naturally bring colder weather; particularly in the evenings. One thing to bear in mind when considering travelling during the winter months is that not all riads — particularly not those in the north of the country — have adequate heating, so it's advisable to bring warm layers of clothing.
The latter months of the year are a great window to explore the imperial cities of Morocco. The sunny but cooler days provide a comfortable climate to discover the colourful sights and sounds of Marrakesh and Fez. Other regional centres, such as the coastal town of Essaouira and the High Atlas Mountains, are not to be missed either, but coastal winds and potential snow in the mountains will naturally bring colder weather; particularly in the evenings. One thing to bear in mind when considering travelling during the winter months is that not all riads — particularly not those in the north of the country — have adequate heating, so it's advisable to bring warm layers of clothing.
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