Casablanca - Things to Do in Casablanca in March

Things to Do in Casablanca in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Casablanca

19°C (67°F) High Temp
11°C (52°F) Low Temp
43 mm (1.7 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Perfect temperatures for exploring medinas - highs of 19°C (67°F) mean comfortable walking without the exhausting heat of summer months
  • Spring brings vibrant green landscapes to nearby Atlas Mountains and countryside, making day trips particularly scenic
  • Lower tourist numbers compared to December-February peak season mean shorter queues at Hassan II Mosque and better negotiating power in souks
  • Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 20-30% from February peaks while weather remains excellent for sightseeing

Considerations

  • Variable weather patterns mean you'll experience both warm sunny days and cooler cloudy spells, requiring flexible packing
  • March marks the beginning of occasional spring showers - 10 rainy days average with brief but intense downpours that can flood narrow medina streets
  • Atlantic winds can make coastal areas feel cooler than inland, particularly in evenings when temperatures drop to 11°C (52°F)

Best Activities in March

Hassan II Mosque and Coastal Walking Tours

March's moderate temperatures make this the ideal time to explore Casablanca's iconic mosque and oceanfront corniche. The 19°C (67°F) highs are perfect for the 1.5 km (0.9 mile) guided mosque tour without summer's overwhelming heat. Atlantic breezes provide natural cooling during the 3 km (1.9 mile) corniche walk from the mosque to Ain Diab.

Booking Tip: Book mosque interior tours 3-5 days ahead through official channels - tours run every 2 hours except prayer times. Coastal walking tours typically cost 200-350 MAD per person. Best timing is 10am-2pm when lighting is optimal for photography.

Atlas Mountains Day Trips

March transforms the Atlas Mountains with spring greenery and snow-capped peaks creating dramatic contrasts. Clear visibility averages 15-20 km (9-12 miles) compared to summer's haze. The 90-minute drive from Casablanca to Ourika Valley reveals terraced fields and blooming almond trees that peak in March.

Booking Tip: Book mountain excursions 1-2 weeks ahead with licensed guides. Full-day trips cost 800-1200 MAD including transport and guide. Morning departures (8am) capture best mountain light and avoid afternoon cloud buildup.

Rabat Imperial City Tours

The 90-minute train journey from Casablanca to Morocco's capital is most comfortable in March's mild weather. Exploring Rabat's medina, Kasbah of the Udayas, and Hassan Tower requires 4-6 hours of walking - perfect in 19°C (67°F) temperatures that won't exhaust you like summer heat.

Booking Tip: Combine with train travel - ONCF trains run hourly, tickets cost 35-65 MAD. Guided city tours range 400-600 MAD for half-day. Book cultural tours through certified guides who provide historical context beyond basic sightseeing.

Casablanca Food Market Tours

March's comfortable temperatures make market exploration enjoyable from early morning through late afternoon. Central Market and Habous Quarter food tours take advantage of spring's fresh produce season - oranges, lemons, and early vegetables are at peak quality and lowest prices.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost 300-500 MAD per person for 3-4 hour experiences. Morning tours (9am start) offer freshest selections and most active market atmosphere. Book through culinary-focused operators who include cooking demonstrations.

El Jadida Portuguese Fortress Day Trips

This UNESCO World Heritage site, 100 km (62 miles) south of Casablanca, is ideal in March when coastal temperatures remain pleasant for exploring the 16th-century fortifications. The famous underground cistern maintains consistent cool temperatures while spring weather makes the seaside town perfect for combining historical exploration with beach time.

Booking Tip: Day trips including transport cost 600-900 MAD per person. Combine with Oualidia lagoon visits for full coastal experience. Portuguese architecture photography is best in March's soft lighting conditions.

Casablanca Art Deco Architecture Walking Tours

March's excellent visibility and comfortable temperatures create perfect conditions for photographing Casablanca's world-class Art Deco buildings. The 4-5 km (2.5-3 mile) downtown walking tour covers Boulevard Mohammed V and surrounding areas, featuring architecture from the French Protectorate period that's best appreciated in spring's clear air.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours using architectural maps cost 50-100 MAD, while guided tours range 250-400 MAD. Early afternoon timing (2-5pm) provides optimal lighting for white facades. Photography workshops available for 500-700 MAD.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Casablanca Festival of Arts

This cultural celebration showcases Moroccan and international artists in venues across the city. Features traditional music, contemporary art exhibitions, and cultural performances that take advantage of March's pleasant weather for outdoor events.

Late March

Spring Equinox Celebrations

Local communities celebrate the arrival of spring with traditional foods, music, and market festivals. Best experienced in the Habous Quarter where traditional crafts and seasonal foods are highlighted.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - morning temperatures of 11°C (52°F) require light sweater, but afternoons hit 19°C (67°F) so pack t-shirts and breathable fabrics
Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - March's 10 rainy days feature intense 15-20 minute downpours that can flood medina streets
SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even with variable cloud cover, and reflection off white Art Deco buildings intensifies exposure
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - marble floors in Hassan II Mosque and wet medina stones after rain can be slippery
Scarf or light shawl for mosque visits and evening coastal walks when Atlantic winds make it feel cooler than daytime temperatures
Waterproof bag for electronics - sudden spring showers can damage phones and cameras in open souks and markets
Cotton or linen shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable even in moderate 19°C (67°F) temperatures
Light evening jacket - coastal locations drop significantly after sunset with Atlantic breezes making it feel closer to 8°C (46°F)
Closed-toe shoes for one pair - required for mosque visits and better for navigating occasional muddy conditions after rain
Portable phone charger - March's perfect sightseeing weather means long days out exploring, draining batteries quickly with camera use

Insider Knowledge

Book Friday mosque tours early - Hassan II Mosque tours are suspended during Friday prayers (12:30-2:30pm), creating bottlenecks for afternoon slots
March rain typically hits between 3-6pm - plan indoor activities like Royal Palace area visits or Mohammed V Mausoleum during this window
Local orange season peaks in March - street vendors offer fresh-squeezed juice for 8-12 MAD, best quality you'll find all year
Tramway lines to Ain Diab beach area operate more frequently in March as city prepares for tourist season - 6 MAD rides beat taxi costs of 40-60 MAD

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for evening coastal areas - many visitors pack only for daytime highs but Atlantic winds make evenings much cooler
Not waterproofing electronics - March's sudden intense showers catch tourists off-guard, especially in open souk areas
Booking accommodations too close to March 20th without checking local spring festivals - prices spike and availability drops during celebration periods

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