Events in Morocco This Winter 2026-2027: The November to April Calendar
November to April is high season in Morocco: winter sun, mild days and a packed calendar of festivals, races and major sporting events. Here is the full calendar, with verified dates, host cities and the right time to book.
The major events in Morocco in winter 2026-2027 are Visa For Music in Rabat (November 18-21, 2026), the Marrakech International Film Festival (November 20-28, 2026), with Marion Cotillard as jury president, the end-of-year holidays, the Africa Eco Race start in Tangier (January 24, 2027), the Marrakech Marathon (January 31, 2027), the 1-54 Marrakech art fair (March 18-21, 2027), the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles (March 20-April 3, 2027) and the Grand Prix Hassan II tennis tournament (March 29-April 4, 2027). Ramadan is expected from around February 8 to March 9, 2027: hotels and sights stay open, but the rhythm of the day changes. Marrakech hosts the most events, so that is where accommodation goes fastest, especially in late November and around December 31.
The Events Calendar, Month by Month
| Dates | Event | City | Why go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nov 18-21, 2026 | Visa For Music | Rabat | Showcases of African and Middle Eastern music, 35+ selected projects |
| Nov 20-28, 2026 | Marrakech Film Festival | Marrakech | Stars, competition, free screenings on Jemaa el-Fna |
| Dec 24-Jan 1 | Christmas and New Year | Marrakech, Agadir, desert | Winter sun, celebrations in a riad or under canvas |
| Jan 24-Feb 6, 2027 | Africa Eco Race | Tangier, then Dakhla | Beach prologue in Tangier, rest day in Dakhla on January 30 |
| Jan 31, 2027 | Marrakech Marathon | Marrakech | Full and half marathon in the ochre city, ideal running weather |
| ≈ Feb 8-Mar 9, 2027 | Ramadan (expected dates) | Nationwide | Lively evenings after the fast is broken |
| Mar 18-21, 2027 | 1-54 Marrakech | Marrakech | Contemporary African art fair |
| Mar 20-Apr 3, 2027 | Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles | Desert, finish in Essaouira | Women's rally, finish on Essaouira beach on April 3 |
| Mar 29-Apr 4, 2027 | Grand Prix Hassan II | Marrakech | ATP clay-court tournament |
Every detailed event page is in the Morocco events calendar. Religious dates (Ramadan, Eid) remain approximate until the official announcement by the Ministry of Habous: see public holidays in Morocco.
November: The Cultural Season in Rabat and Marrakech
Visa For Music (November 18-21, Rabat) is both a festival and the first professional market for the music of Africa and the Middle East. For the 13th edition, more than 900 applications came in from over 90 countries and more than 35 projects were selected. Evening showcases are open to the public in the Hassan district: stay in Hassan or Agdal to get around on foot or by tram.
The Marrakech International Film Festival (November 20-28) is the country's biggest cinema event. For the 23rd edition, French actress Marion Cotillard presides over the jury that awards the Étoile d'or (Golden Star) to a first or second feature film. Open-air screenings on Jemaa el-Fna square are free. It is also when Marrakech enters its high season: medina riads and Hivernage hotels near the Palais des Congrès are booked first.
See available riads in Marrakech during the festival· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
See hotels in Rabat for Visa For Music· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
Two public holidays also fall in November: Green March Day (November 6) and Independence Day (November 18). Banks and government offices close, but souks, restaurants and tourist sights generally stay open. See Morocco in November and Marrakech in November.
December: End-of-Year Holidays in the Sun
December 25 is not a public holiday in Morocco, but December 20 to January 2 is one of the busiest periods of the year. Hotels and riads put on festive dinners, and New Year's Eve is celebrated in riads, Hivernage hotels or under canvas in the Agafay or Merzouga desert. Agadir remains the mildest city for family holidays.
Read more: Christmas in Morocco, New Year in Marrakech, New Year in Agadir and Morocco in December.
January: A Rally in Tangier and a Marathon in Marrakech
The Africa Eco Race (January 24-February 6, 2027) starts from Tangier for its 18th edition. Checks take place in town from January 21 to 23, then the prologue and opening ceremony are held on the municipal beach on January 24. The race then heads to southern Morocco, takes a rest day in Dakhla on January 30 and finishes at Lac Rose in Senegal on February 6. Aim for the nights of January 22 to 25 in Tangier.
See hotels in Tangier for the Africa Eco Race start· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
The Marrakech International Marathon (January 31, 2027) offers a full and a half marathon on a flat course, with cool mornings that are ideal for running. Late January is the heart of winter high season: book accommodation as soon as you register. January 14, Yennayer (Amazigh New Year), is also a public holiday. See Morocco in January.
February-March: Ramadan, Then Art and Sport
Ramadan is expected from around February 8 to March 9, 2027. Hotels, riads, sights and tourist restaurants stay open; some cafés and small medina restaurants close during the day, and evenings after the fast is broken are very lively. Eid al-Fitr, expected around March 10, can bring closures and crowded transport. See travelling during Ramadan and Morocco in the February holidays.
In March, Marrakech hosts 1-54 (March 18-21), the contemporary African art fair, then the Grand Prix Hassan II (March 29-April 4), an ATP clay-court tournament at the Royal Tennis Club. In between, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles crosses the desert from March 20 to April 3 and finishes on Essaouira beach.
Where to Stay for Each Event
| Event | Recommended area | When to book |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech Film Festival | Medina (riads) or Hivernage | Now |
| Visa For Music | Hassan or Agdal, Rabat | Now |
| New Year's Eve | Marrakech, Agadir or a desert camp | As early as possible |
| Africa Eco Race | Tangier seafront or medina | As soon as possible for January 22-25 |
| Marrakech Marathon | Hivernage or Gueliz, near the start | When you register |
See also the best riads in Marrakech and where to stay in Tangier.
What to Do Between Events
Daytimes are free during most festivals. The most-booked activities around Marrakech in winter:
| Experience | Rating | Reviews | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agafay: sunset camel ride and dinner show | 4.6 | 37,612 | €14 |
| 3-day Merzouga and Sahara tour | 4.9 | 22,297 | €118 |
| Hot-air balloon flight in Marrakech | 4.8 | 10,196 | €61 |
| Ourika Valley and Atlas | 4.8 | 21,014 | €14 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they may change.
See activities in Marrakech for your travel dates· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
For Rabat and Tangier, see activities in Rabat and activities in Tangier.
FAQ — Events in Morocco This Winter
What are the major events in Morocco in November 2026?
When is the 2027 Marrakech Marathon?
When does Ramadan 2027 start in Morocco?
Where can you see the Africa Eco Race in Morocco?
When should you book a hotel for the Marrakech Film Festival?
In Short
- November: Visa For Music (Rabat) and the Film Festival (Marrakech).
- December: holidays in the sun, New Year's Eve in high demand.
- January: Africa Eco Race (Tangier) and the Marrakech Marathon.
- February-March: Ramadan, then 1-54, Aïcha des Gazelles and the Grand Prix Hassan II.
