Things to Do in Casablanca in August
August weather, activities, events & insider tips
August Weather in Casablanca
Is August Right for You?
Advantages
- Practically zero rainfall despite 10 'rainy days' - those are typically brief morning fog or light mist that burns off by 9am, not actual downpours that disrupt plans. You'll have consistent warm weather around 27°C (80°F) for beach and outdoor activities.
- Low tourist season means significantly smaller crowds at Hassan II Mosque and the Corniche. You can actually photograph the mosque's interior without fighting tour groups, and beachfront restaurants have tables available without reservations.
- Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to European summer peak in July. Four-star properties in Ain Diab that run 1,800 MAD in high season go for 1,100-1,300 MAD in August, and they're more willing to negotiate multi-night stays.
- Perfect beach weather without the scorching heat of inland Morocco. While Marrakech hits 38°C (100°F), Casablanca's Atlantic position keeps temperatures moderate with coastal breezes. The 70% humidity feels tropical but not oppressive, especially along the waterfront.
Considerations
- Many Casablancans who can afford it leave for August vacation, so some neighborhood restaurants and shops close for 2-3 weeks. The business district around Boulevard Zerktouni feels noticeably quieter, though tourist-facing businesses stay open.
- The 70% humidity combined with 27°C (80°F) temperatures creates that sticky coastal feeling where you'll want to shower twice daily. It's not unbearable, but if you hate humidity, this isn't your month. Locals deal with it by staying near the coast where breezes help.
- Ocean water temperature sits around 21°C (70°F) - refreshing for some, shockingly cold for others expecting Mediterranean warmth. Most Moroccan families avoid swimming in August, though European visitors typically find it pleasant enough for a quick dip.
Best Activities in August
Hassan II Mosque guided visits
August is actually ideal for experiencing the world's seventh-largest mosque because tour groups thin out dramatically. The 27°C (80°F) weather means the marble floors stay comfortably cool, and morning visits around 9-10am catch beautiful light through the stained glass before midday heat. The humidity level makes the oceanfront location perfect - you get constant Atlantic breezes that keep the courtyards comfortable.
Ain Diab Corniche beach clubs and waterfront dining
The 6 km (3.7 mile) Corniche comes alive in August evenings when temperatures drop to 21°C (69°F) and locals emerge for their evening promenade. Beach clubs stay open until 8pm with calmer crowds than July, and the UV index of 8 means late afternoon visits from 4-7pm give you ocean time without peak sun exposure. The variable weather actually works in your favor - occasional cloud cover makes midday beach sessions more comfortable.
Old Medina walking tours and Habous Quarter exploration
August mornings before 11am are perfect for medina wandering - the 21°C (69°F) start temperature and narrow covered souks provide natural shade. The lower tourist numbers mean shopkeepers are more relaxed and willing to chat without aggressive selling. Habous Quarter, built by the French in the 1930s, offers wider streets and better airflow than the old medina when afternoon humidity peaks.
Art Deco architecture tours in downtown Casablanca
The city has over 300 Art Deco buildings from the 1920s-1930s, and August's lower crowds make photographing them actually possible. The variable weather creates dramatic sky backgrounds for architecture photography. Focus on the area between Place Mohammed V and Boulevard Mohammed V where you'll find the most concentrated examples. The 27°C (80°F) temperature is comfortable for 2-3 hour walking tours.
Day trips to El Jadida Portuguese fortified city
Located 100 km (62 miles) south, El Jadida offers a UNESCO-listed Portuguese cistern and less humid coastal air than Casablanca. August is perfect because the 90-minute drive down the coast road gives you continuous ocean views, and the fortified medina's thick walls keep interiors 3-4°C cooler than outside. The beach at El Jadida tends to be less crowded than Ain Diab with warmer water.
Rick's Cafe and colonial-era cinema visits
August evenings are ideal for the indoor cultural experiences Casablanca does well. Rick's Cafe, while touristy, offers air-conditioned 1940s atmosphere perfect for humid evenings. The restored Cinema Rialto and other Art Deco theaters sometimes run classic film nights. These activities work perfectly for the 4-7pm window when outdoor humidity peaks at 75-80%.
August Events & Festivals
Throne Day celebrations
July 30th marks Morocco's Throne Day, and celebrations often extend into early August with cultural events, concerts in public squares, and evening festivities. The Royal Palace area and Mohammed V Square host public gatherings with traditional music and food stalls. It's one of the few times you'll see Casablanca's business-focused population out celebrating en masse.
Casablanca Festival
This music and arts festival has historically run in late summer, though exact dates shift yearly. When it happens, it brings international and Moroccan artists to venues around the city, with many free outdoor concerts along the Corniche. Worth checking current year schedules as it transforms the waterfront for 4-5 days.