Things to Do in Casablanca in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Casablanca
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Virtually zero rainfall despite 10 cloudy days - you get those dramatic Atlantic skies and cloud cover that actually keep things comfortable without the rain interrupting plans. The clouds burn off by late morning most days, giving you perfect sightseeing conditions from 11am onward.
- Ocean breezes keep the 26°C (78°F) highs feeling pleasant rather than oppressive - the coastal location means you'll get consistent relief from the Atlantic winds, especially along the Corniche. Inland neighborhoods like Maarif are 2-3°C warmer but still manageable.
- Summer season means extended hours at major sites - Hassan II Mosque offers evening tours until 7pm, catching that golden hour light on the minaret. The Corniche promenade comes alive after sunset when families and couples stroll until 11pm or midnight.
- Lower tourist numbers than European summer destinations - while Moroccan domestic tourism picks up in July, you're still looking at 30-40% fewer international visitors compared to Marrakech or Fes. This means shorter lines at Hassan II Mosque and easier restaurant reservations in the Quartier Habous.
Considerations
- That 70% humidity combines with the warmth to create a sticky feeling, especially in the medina's narrow streets where air circulation drops. Mornings before 10am and evenings after 6pm are noticeably more comfortable - plan indoor activities like museums for the 2-5pm window when the humidity feels most oppressive.
- The variable conditions mean you'll experience rapid weather shifts - what starts as overcast at breakfast can turn brilliantly sunny by lunch, then back to grey by dinner. Pack layers and don't write off a cloudy morning as a lost beach day, because it'll likely clear.
- UV index of 8 is deceptively high under those clouds - you'll burn without realizing it because the cloud cover creates a false sense of protection. Locals know this and you'll see them using umbrellas as sun protection even on overcast days.
Best Activities in July
Hassan II Mosque guided tours
July's cloud cover actually works in your favor here - the harsh Moroccan sun can make the white marble exterior almost blinding in peak summer, but July's variable skies create dramatic lighting for photography. The interior stays cool thanks to the ocean breeze channeling through the building's design. Non-Muslims can only enter via guided tours, and July sees reasonable group sizes of 15-25 people versus the 40-person groups in spring. The evening tours are particularly special in July when sunset happens around 8:30pm, giving you that golden Atlantic light on the minaret.
Corniche seaside dining and walking
The Atlantic coast becomes Casablanca's living room in July - that 20°C (68°F) evening temperature combined with ocean breezes makes the 4km Corniche promenade perfect for sunset strolls. Locals time their arrival for 7-8pm when the heat breaks but there's still daylight. The seafood restaurants along Boulevard de la Corniche serve the day's catch, and July brings sardine season when you'll find whole grilled sardines for 40-60 dirhams at casual spots. The humidity that feels oppressive inland completely disappears along the coast.
Quartier Habous artisan shopping
The French-built New Medina stays surprisingly comfortable in July thanks to its wider streets and arcade-covered walkways that create natural shade. Unlike the tourist-heavy souks of Marrakech, Quartier Habous caters to locals, meaning fair prices and authentic craftsmanship. July's lower international tourist numbers mean shopkeepers are more willing to chat and explain their craft rather than rushing through sales pitches. The neighborhood's olive vendors, spice merchants, and leather workers all operate from shaded stalls, and the central square has cafe terraces perfect for mint tea breaks when you need to escape the humidity.
Art Deco architecture walking tours
Casablanca holds the world's second-largest concentration of Art Deco buildings after Miami, and July's variable weather actually creates ideal photography conditions - those overcast periods eliminate harsh shadows that can wash out the buildings' geometric details. The downtown triangle between Boulevard Mohammed V, Rue Prince Moulay Abdellah, and the port contains dozens of 1920s-30s buildings in various states of preservation. Morning walks before 11am avoid the midday humidity while catching soft light on the white and pastel facades. The Cinema Rialto, Wilaya building, and Place Mohammed V are highlights, though you'll find the best examples just wandering the grid.
Ain Diab beach clubs and public beaches
July's Atlantic water temperature reaches 21-22°C (70-72°F), which is actually swimmable unlike the frigid 18°C (64°F) of spring. The beach club scene runs from casual public beaches with 20-dirham entry to upscale clubs charging 200-300 dirhams for lounger and umbrella access. That 70% humidity makes the ocean incredibly appealing by midday. Locals favor Thursday afternoons and all day Friday-Saturday, so Tuesday-Wednesday offer the most space. The public beaches at Ain Diab and Sidi Abderrahman are free but get crowded - arrive before 11am for decent spots.
Rick's Cafe and Old Medina evening exploration
The tourist-famous Rick's Cafe (yes, built to match the movie despite the film being shot in Hollywood) becomes more bearable in July evenings when temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) and that ocean breeze kicks in. The Old Medina adjacent to it is one of Morocco's smallest and most manageable - you can cover it in 45 minutes without getting lost. July evenings from 6:30pm onward bring out local families shopping for dinner ingredients, giving you authentic street life without the aggressive tourist hustle of larger medinas. The narrow streets that trap humidity during the day become pleasant once the sun drops.
July Events & Festivals
Throne Day (Fete du Trone)
July 30th marks the anniversary of King Mohammed VI's accession to the throne in 1999, and it's one of Morocco's biggest national holidays. Casablanca decorates public buildings with lights and Moroccan flags, and you'll see military parades in the morning around the Royal Palace area (though the palace itself isn't open to visitors). Most businesses close for the day, but the evening brings public celebrations in neighborhoods like Maarif and along the Corniche where families gather. It's an interesting cultural window but plan around the closures - restaurants and cafes stay open but museums and government offices shut down.