Things to Do in Casablanca in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Casablanca
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Comfortable daytime temperatures around 15-18°C (59-64°F) make February ideal for exploring the medina and coastal walks without the summer heat that can push 30°C (86°F) and make wandering the souks genuinely exhausting
- Tourist numbers drop significantly after the holiday rush - you'll actually be able to photograph Hassan II Mosque without crowds, and the Corniche restaurants won't have hour-long waits like they do in summer
- Hotel rates typically run 30-40% lower than peak summer season, with quality riads in the medina available for 400-600 MAD per night instead of the 800-1000 MAD you'd pay in July
- The Atlantic is surprisingly calm in February - wind speeds drop compared to November through January, making the coastal promenade genuinely pleasant for evening walks rather than a battle against ocean spray
Considerations
- Those 10 rainy days are unpredictable - you might get three sunny days in a row, then two days of intermittent showers that disrupt outdoor plans. The rain isn't tropical downpours but persistent drizzle that makes the medina's narrow streets slippery
- Evenings get genuinely cool at 9-11°C (48-52°F), and most Moroccan buildings don't have central heating. Your riad might feel colder inside than outside, and you'll want layers for after-sunset dining
- The Atlantic Ocean sits at about 17°C (63°F) - too cold for comfortable swimming unless you're particularly hardy. Beach clubs are open but you'll be watching the waves, not joining them
Best Activities in February
Hassan II Mosque guided tours
February's mild temperatures make the 60-90 minute guided tours of Morocco's largest mosque actually comfortable - summer heat reflecting off the marble courtyard can be brutal. The mosque sits partially over the Atlantic, and February's calmer seas mean better photo opportunities of the building against blue water rather than grey chop. Morning tours around 9-10am offer the best light through the retractable roof. Worth noting that this is one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims, and February's lower tourist numbers mean English-language tours run with smaller groups of 15-20 people instead of the 40+ you'd get in summer.
Old Medina walking exploration
The medina is manageable in February's 15-18°C (59-64°F) temperatures - you can actually spend 3-4 hours wandering without heat exhaustion. The narrow streets of Habous Quarter and the older central medina stay cooler than the modern city, and February's occasional cloud cover is a blessing when you're navigating the maze of souks. Start around 10am when shops open but before midday crowds. The humidity at 70% means you'll work up a sweat climbing to the ramparts, but it's nothing like summer's oppressive combination of heat and moisture. Local guides typically charge 200-300 MAD for a half-day tour, though you can explore independently with a good offline map.
Corniche waterfront dining and cafes
February is actually ideal for the Corniche - the 4 km (2.5 mile) oceanfront promenade from El Hank Lighthouse to Ain Diab. Summer brings crowds and higher prices, while winter storms make outdoor seating unpleasant. February hits the sweet spot with calm seas, comfortable afternoon temperatures around 16-18°C (61-64°F), and the ability to sit outside at sunset around 6:30pm with just a light jacket. The fish restaurants along Boulevard de la Corniche serve the same Atlantic catch year-round, but February prices run 20-30% lower than summer - expect 150-250 MAD for a grilled fish dinner with ocean views. The UV index of 8 means you'll want sunscreen for afternoon walks, but the ocean breeze keeps things comfortable.
Art Deco architecture walking tours
Casablanca has the world's second-largest collection of Art Deco buildings after Miami, and February weather is perfect for the 2-3 hour walking routes through downtown. The concentration runs along Boulevard Mohammed V and the streets around Place Mohammed V - you're looking at 3-4 km (1.9-2.5 miles) of walking total. The buildings date from the 1920s-1930s French colonial period, and many are still functioning cinemas, hotels, and apartments rather than museums. February's mild temperatures mean you can appreciate the architectural details without rushing between air-conditioned stops. Start around 9-10am for the best natural light on the facades. Some buildings like Cinema Rialto are accessible, while others you'll photograph from outside.
Rick's Cafe and colonial history sites
Yes, it's touristy, but Rick's Cafe is surprisingly well-done - a 2004 recreation of the Casablanca film set in an actual 1930s courtyard mansion. February's lower tourist numbers mean you can actually get a table without booking weeks ahead like you'd need in summer. Dinner runs 400-600 MAD per person with live piano music starting around 8pm. Combine it with the nearby Port area and Parc de la Ligue Arabe for a half-day exploring Casablanca's colonial past. The 70% humidity in February isn't oppressive, but the indoor-outdoor nature of these historic buildings means you'll appreciate having a light layer you can remove.
Central Market and street food exploration
The Central Market near Place Mohammed V operates year-round, but February temperatures make the indoor-outdoor market experience comfortable rather than sweltering. The covered sections house spice vendors, olive sellers, and fresh produce, while the surrounding streets have juice stands and street food stalls. February brings seasonal citrus - blood oranges, clementines, and grapefruits are at peak availability and cost 10-20 MAD per kilo. The fresh-squeezed orange juice stands charge 5-8 MAD for a large glass. For street food, look for sardine sandwiches (15-25 MAD), msemen flatbreads (5-10 MAD), and the snail soup vendors who set up in the evenings. The market gets busy from 10am-1pm, so early morning around 8-9am offers a more relaxed experience.
February Events & Festivals
Casablanca Festival
This contemporary music and arts festival typically runs in late February, though exact dates vary by year. It brings international and Moroccan musicians to venues around the city, with past editions featuring everything from electronic music to traditional Gnawa fusion. Tickets generally range from 150-400 MAD depending on the venue and artist. Worth checking closer to your travel dates as the lineup usually gets announced in January.