Things to Do in Casablanca in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Casablanca
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Comfortable temperatures for walking tours - you'll actually want to explore the Habous Quarter and Old Medina on foot without the summer heat exhaustion. March highs around 19°C (67°F) mean you can spend 3-4 hours wandering without needing constant shade breaks
- Shoulder season pricing drops significantly - accommodation costs typically run 30-40% lower than peak summer months, and you'll find flight deals from Europe averaging 150-200 euros roundtrip if you book 6-8 weeks out
- Hassan II Mosque photography conditions are ideal - the Atlantic light in March creates that golden-hour glow from around 6:30pm, and morning visits before 10am offer softer shadows on the intricate tilework without summer haze
- Local life operates at normal pace - unlike tourist-saturated summer months, you'll see actual Casablancans going about their day in the Central Market, and cafes in Maarif aren't overrun with tour groups
Considerations
- Rain disrupts plans about one-third of the time - those 10 rainy days mean roughly 30% chance your beach day at Ain Diab gets cancelled or your rooftop dinner moves indoors. The showers tend to last 1-2 hours when they hit
- Ocean swimming is genuinely cold - Atlantic water temperatures hover around 16-17°C (61-63°F) in March, which is bracing even for experienced swimmers. Most locals won't go in until May
- Variable weather makes packing frustrating - you'll need layers for 11°C (52°F) mornings and lighter clothes for 19°C (67°F) afternoons, plus rain gear, which eats up luggage space
Best Activities in March
Hassan II Mosque architectural tours
March offers the best viewing conditions for Morocco's largest mosque with its 210m (689ft) minaret. The moderate temperatures mean you can comfortably spend 90 minutes on the guided tour without the summer heat reflecting off marble floors. Morning light through the retractable roof creates spectacular effects around 10-11am. The UV index of 8 means you'll want sun protection for the exterior courtyards, but it's manageable. Crowds are noticeably thinner than summer - you'll actually get unobstructed photos of the prayer hall.
Casablanca Old Medina walking exploration
The March weather is actually perfect for spending 2-3 hours wandering the narrow souks near the port. Summer heat makes these covered passages stifling, but March temperatures keep things comfortable. The occasional rain shower isn't a problem since most passages are covered or have awnings. You'll find locals shopping for daily goods rather than tourist crowds, and the Central Market nearby is at its best in spring with seasonal produce. The 70% humidity is noticeable but not oppressive like July-August.
Art Deco architecture walking circuits
Casablanca has the world's second-largest concentration of Art Deco buildings after Miami, and March weather makes the 3-4km (1.9-2.5 mile) walking circuit through downtown actually pleasant. Start at Place Mohammed V and work through Boulevard Mohammed V to the Parc de la Ligue Arabe. The overcast days that come with March's variable weather actually enhance photography by eliminating harsh shadows on building facades. You'll want to do this midday when shops are open and you can peek into lobbies.
Ain Diab Corniche sunset walks and cafes
The 4km (2.5 mile) beachfront promenade comes alive in late afternoon, and March temperatures make the walk comfortable where summer would be sweltering. While swimming is too cold for most visitors, the sunset views over the Atlantic around 6:30-7pm are spectacular. This is where Casablancans actually spend their leisure time - you'll see families, joggers, and groups of friends at the cafes. The wind can pick up in late afternoon, so bring a light jacket.
Quartier Habous traditional crafts district
This planned medina from the 1930s combines traditional Moroccan architecture with French urban planning, creating wide, walkable streets perfect for March exploration. The weather allows comfortable browsing through woodwork shops, spice vendors, and traditional patisseries without summer crowds. The nearby Mahkama du Pacha courthouse has stunning interior tilework and carved cedar - worth the 20 dirham entry. You can easily spend 2-3 hours here, and the covered arcades provide shelter if those March showers hit.
Rick's Cafe and colonial-era landmark visits
While touristy, the recreation of the famous movie cafe is actually well-done and makes sense as a rainy-day backup plan in March. The indoor setting means weather doesn't matter, and evening visits around 7-8pm offer live piano music. Combine this with visits to other colonial landmarks like the Casablanca Cathedral and the Villa des Arts gallery. March's variable weather makes having indoor cultural options valuable, and these spots provide air conditioning or heating depending on the day.
March Events & Festivals
Jazzablanca Festival
One of Africa's premier jazz festivals typically runs in late March or early April, bringing international and Moroccan jazz artists to venues across the city. Past lineups have included major names like Herbie Hancock and local fusion acts. Concerts happen at the Complexe Culturel Sidi Belyout and other venues. Even if you're not a dedicated jazz fan, the festival atmosphere brings energy to the city's nightlife scene and creates opportunities to experience Casablanca's contemporary arts culture beyond tourist sites.