Things to Do in Casablanca in May

May weather, activities, events & insider tips

May Weather in Casablanca

22°C (72°F) High Temp

15°C (60°F) Low Temp

13 mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season with 22°C (72°F) highs and minimal rain - ideal for walking the medina without summer's brutal 38°C+ (100°F+) heat
May marks the end of the Atlantic's rough winter swells - ocean temperature reaches 19°C (66°F) making coastal walks and beach visits at Ain Diab actually pleasant
Ramadan typically ends in early May 2025, meaning restaurants and cafes return to full daytime service by mid-month, plus you'll witness Eid celebrations
Tourist crowds haven't arrived yet - Hassan II Mosque visits require minimal wait times compared to June-August when coach tours dominate

Considerations

Atlantic winds can be surprisingly strong (25-35 km/h or 15-22 mph) making beachside dining uncomfortable and requiring layers even in 20°C+ (68°F+) weather
May's transitional weather means 10 days of light rain scattered throughout the month - not heavy but enough to disrupt outdoor market browsing
Many riads and hotels raise prices by 30-40% starting June 1st, but May bookings often still carry peak pricing without peak-season service levels

Best Activities in May

Hassan II Mosque Complex Tours

May's moderate temperatures make the 2-hour guided tours comfortable - you'll walk 1.5 km (0.9 miles) around the complex without summer's exhausting heat. The Atlantic backdrop is stunning in May's clear post-winter air. Morning tours (9am-11am) are ideal as afternoon winds pick up.

Booking Tip: Book mosque tours 5-7 days ahead online or through your riad. Tours run every 2 hours in multiple languages, cost 130 MAD ($13) adults. Modest dress required - long pants and covered shoulders. See current tour times in booking section below.

Old Medina Food Walking Routes

Post-Ramadan timing is perfect - all street food vendors and traditional restaurants are fully operational by mid-May. The 15-20°C (59-68°F) morning temperatures make 3-4 hour walking tours through the medina's narrow alleys comfortable. Avoid 12pm-3pm when temperatures peak.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost 350-500 MAD ($35-50) for 4-hour experiences including 8-10 tastings. Book with guides who speak your language and include traditional hammam visits. Best tours start 9am or 4pm to avoid midday heat and crowds.

Art Deco Architecture Walking Trails

May's mild weather is perfect for exploring Casablanca's 1930s French colonial architecture district. The 5 km (3.1 mile) downtown circuit from Place Mohamed V to Boulevard Zerktouni takes 3-4 hours with photo stops. Best lighting for architecture photography is 10am-2pm.

Booking Tip: Self-guided with detailed maps available at tourist offices, or join architectural tours (250-400 MAD/$25-40) that include interior access to buildings normally closed to public. Wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven pavements.

Ain Diab Corniche Coastal Activities

The Atlantic waterfront finally becomes pleasant in May after winter's rough seas. Perfect for 8 km (5 mile) coastal walks, beach club visits, and seaside dining. Ocean temperature reaches 19°C (66°F) - still cold for swimming but ideal for beachside relaxation. Sunsets are spectacular around 7:30pm.

Booking Tip: Beach club day passes cost 150-300 MAD ($15-30) including lounger and umbrella. Seafood restaurants along the corniche offer fresh catches - lunch 12-3pm is typically 30% cheaper than dinner. Book sunset dining reservations 2-3 days ahead.

Day Trips to Rabat Royal Sites

May's perfect weather makes the 87 km (54 mile) train journey to Morocco's capital ideal. Rabat's royal palaces, Hassan Tower, and Oudayas Kasbah require 6-8 hours of walking - comfortable in May's moderate temperatures but brutal in summer. High-speed train takes 1 hour each way.

Booking Tip: Train tickets cost 65 MAD ($6.50) each way, purchase at Casa-Port or Casa-Voyageurs stations. Royal sites entry fees total around 70 MAD ($7). Guided day tours including transport cost 400-600 MAD ($40-60). Book train seats in advance for weekend travel.

Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences

May's humidity (70%) makes traditional hammam treatments especially refreshing. After walking in dusty medina streets, the 90-minute hammam ritual of steam, scrubbing, and massage is perfect. Many hammams offer post-Ramadan special packages throughout May.

Booking Tip: Authentic hammams cost 80-150 MAD ($8-15) for basic treatments, luxury spa versions 300-800 MAD ($30-80). Book women-only sessions in advance. Bring flip-flops and tip attendants 20-30 MAD. Hotel concierges can arrange reputable hammam visits.

May Events & Festivals

Early May

Eid al-Fitr Celebrations

Marking the end of Ramadan (expected early May 2025), this three-day celebration transforms Casablanca with family gatherings, special sweets, and festive atmosphere. Streets fill with families in traditional dress, shops offer special displays, and restaurants serve elaborate Eid pastries.

Mid to Late May

Trône Festival Preparations

While the main Throne Day occurs July 30th, May sees preliminary cultural events and exhibitions celebrating Moroccan monarchy. Museums and cultural centers host special displays, and traditional craft workshops increase their offerings for tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight windbreaker jacket - Atlantic winds reach 35 km/h (22 mph) even on warm 20°C+ (68°F+) days, making beachside areas unexpectedly chilly

Layers for 7°C (13°F) temperature swings - morning starts at 15°C (59°F) but afternoons hit 22°C (72°F), dress in removable pieces

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes - medina streets are uneven cobblestones, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily sightseeing

High SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 in May's clear post-winter skies, higher than many expect for moderate temperatures

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - 10 rainy days in May with brief but frequent showers during late afternoon

Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees - required for mosque visits and respectful for medina exploration, even in warm weather

Comfortable day pack - for carrying water, camera, and layers as you shed clothing throughout the day's temperature changes

Cash in small denominations - many medina vendors and traditional restaurants don't accept cards, bring 20 and 50 MAD notes

Lip balm with SPF - Atlantic winds combined with 70% humidity can be surprisingly drying

Electrolyte tablets - walking tours in 22°C (72°F) humid conditions require more hydration than the moderate temperature suggests

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations before May 15th - prices jump 30-40% on June 1st for summer season, but service levels in May don't match the near-peak pricing you'll pay

Visit Hassan II Mosque on Friday mornings after 11am prayers - most tour groups avoid this time due to prayer schedule, giving you better photo opportunities

Eat lunch 12-2pm for authentic local experience - most Casablancans eat late lunch, restaurants offer better service and fresher dishes during this window rather than tourist-targeted early lunch

Take trains rather than buses for day trips - Morocco's high-speed rail network from Casablanca is punctual and comfortable, while road traffic can add 2+ hours to journeys

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating Atlantic wind chill - tourists pack for 22°C (72°F) weather but get caught without layers when 35 km/h (22 mph) winds make it feel like 15°C (59°F)

Booking hammam appointments during Friday prayers (11:30am-2pm) - many traditional hammams close during prayers, leaving tourists with wasted reservations

Expecting full summer beach weather - May's 19°C (66°F) ocean temperature is too cold for comfortable swimming despite pleasant air temperatures