Things to Do in Casablanca in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Casablanca
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
May Events & Festivals
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.
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.