Casablanca - Things to Do in Casablanca in November

Things to Do in Casablanca in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Casablanca

20°C (69°F) High Temp
13°C (55°F) Low Temp
84 mm (3.3 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

  • Comfortable temperatures for walking tours - November sits in that sweet spot where you can explore the medina and Hassan II Mosque without the summer heat that makes midday sightseeing miserable. Mornings start around 13°C (55°F) and warm to 20°C (69°F), perfect for full-day exploration without overheating.
  • Significantly fewer tourists than peak summer months - November is shoulder season, meaning you'll actually get decent photos at Rick's Café without elbowing through cruise ship groups, and the corniche feels like it belongs to locals again. Hotel prices drop 30-40% compared to July-August rates.
  • Atlantic Ocean is still swimmable at around 19-20°C (66-68°F) - not bathtub warm, but refreshing rather than shocking. Ain Diab beach clubs remain open and locals still swim regularly, though you'll want to pick afternoon hours when the sun's warmest.
  • Seasonal produce hits markets in November - you'll find fresh pomegranates, late-season figs, and the first winter citrus appearing at Central Market. The cooler weather also means tagines and harira soup taste better than they do in sweltering summer heat.

Considerations

  • Rain is genuinely unpredictable - those 10 rainy days don't follow a pattern, and when it rains in Casablanca, drainage systems struggle. Some medina alleys flood ankle-deep, and taxi availability drops to near zero. You might get lucky with zero rain, or face three consecutive gray days.
  • Atlantic winds can be surprisingly aggressive - the coastal corniche gets whipped by winds that make 20°C (69°F) feel closer to 15°C (59°F). Outdoor café seating becomes uncomfortable by late afternoon, and beach umbrellas become projectiles. Locals call it the 'chergui' when it blows from the east.
  • Shorter daylight hours mean rushed evening plans - sunset hits around 5:45pm in November, and the medina's narrow streets get dark quickly. If you're planning coastal sunset photos or evening beach walks, you're working with a tighter window than summer's 8pm golden hour.

Best Activities in November

Hassan II Mosque guided visits

November's mild temperatures make the mosque's outdoor courtyards and oceanfront terrace actually enjoyable - summer visits involve standing on sun-baked marble that radiates heat through your shoes. The 70% humidity sounds high but feels manageable in these temperatures, and morning tours around 9-10am catch the best light through the prayer hall's retractable roof. Non-Muslims can only enter via guided tours, and November sees reasonable group sizes compared to packed summer sessions.

Booking Tip: Tours run multiple times daily in English and French, typically 100-130 MAD per person. Book 2-3 days ahead through your hotel or the mosque's official channels - skip the street touts outside who charge markup. Tours last 60 minutes, and modest dress is required regardless of season. See current tour availability in the booking section below.

Old Medina walking exploration

The medina's narrow streets become stifling in summer but November temperatures make wandering through the covered souks comfortable for hours. The 13°C (55°F) mornings are perfect for photographing the whitewashed buildings without harsh shadows, and by afternoon when it warms up, you're ready for mint tea breaks. Rain does complicate things - those ancient streets weren't built with drainage in mind - so save medina days for clear forecasts.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but consider hiring a licensed guide for 200-300 MAD for 2-3 hours to avoid getting genuinely lost and to access craftsman workshops tourists don't find alone. Licensed guides wear official badges. Book through your accommodation or look for guides near the medina entrance gates. The booking widget below shows current walking tour options with verified operators.

Ain Diab corniche beach clubs

November is the last comfortable month for beach clubs before winter closures start in December. The ocean hovers around 19-20°C (66-68°F) - bracing but swimmable, especially during afternoon hours when air temperature peaks. Beach clubs charge 50-150 MAD for lounger access and stay open weekends through November, weather permitting. You'll share the space with locals rather than European tourists, which gives a more authentic vibe.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for most clubs - just show up after 11am when the sun's warmed things up. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Bring cash as card acceptance is spotty. On windy days, skip the beach entirely and head to the Morocco Mall's indoor attractions instead. Current beach and water activity options appear in the booking section.

Art Deco architecture tours

Casablanca has one of the world's largest concentrations of Art Deco buildings, and November's softer light makes for better architecture photography than summer's glare. The comfortable walking temperatures mean you can cover the downtown triangle - Place Mohammed V, Boulevard Mohammed V, and Parc de la Ligue Arabe - without melting. Most buildings are best viewed from outside, so rain does impact this activity significantly.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks are free using downloadable maps, or join architecture-focused tours for 250-400 MAD that include interior access to normally closed buildings. Tours typically run 3-4 hours in the morning. Book 5-7 days ahead as specialist architecture guides are limited. Check the booking widget for current architectural tour availability.

Central Market and Quartier Habous food exploration

November brings seasonal produce shifts - pomegranates pile high, late figs disappear, and winter citrus starts appearing. The Central Market's covered sections protect you from rain while you sample olives, spices, and fresh seafood. Quartier Habous, the 'new medina' built by the French, offers pastry shops and spice vendors in a more organized layout than the old medina. Cooler weather makes the market's enclosed spaces less overwhelming than summer stuffiness.

Booking Tip: Markets are free to explore, open roughly 8am-6pm daily except Sundays. Food tours through these areas typically cost 300-500 MAD for 3-4 hours including tastings. Morning visits around 9-11am see the freshest produce and fewer crowds. Book food tours 4-7 days ahead. The booking section shows current culinary tour options.

Day trips to Rabat or El Jadida

November's weather makes the hour-long train to Rabat or 90-minute drive to El Jadida comfortable rather than sweaty. Rabat's Kasbah of the Udayas and Hassan Tower are entirely outdoors, so you want mild temperatures. El Jadida's Portuguese cistern and ramparts are equally weather-dependent. Both cities are less touristy than Marrakech and offer authentic Moroccan experiences without the hassle factor.

Booking Tip: Trains to Rabat run hourly, cost 40-70 MAD second class, and don't require advance booking - just show up at Casa Voyageurs station. Organized day trips with transport and guide run 400-700 MAD per person. Book 7-10 days ahead for guided options. Self-guided train trips work well if you're comfortable navigating independently. See day trip options in the booking widget.

November Events & Festivals

November 18

Independence Day celebrations

November 18th marks Morocco's independence from France and Spain in 1956. Casablanca sees parades, flag displays across the city, and evening fireworks near the corniche. It's not a massive tourist event, but it offers insight into Moroccan national pride. Government buildings and major landmarks get illuminated in red and green. Many businesses close for the day, so plan accordingly.

Late October or Early November

Casablanca International Marathon

Typically held in late October or early November, this marathon attracts international runners and takes a scenic route past Hassan II Mosque and along the corniche. Even if you're not running, the event creates a festive atmosphere and road closures around the city center and coastal areas. Check 2026 specific dates as they shift slightly year to year.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket with hood - not a heavy raincoat, but something packable that handles those sudden 20-30 minute downpours. Umbrellas are awkward in medina crowds and useless in coastal winds.
Layers for 13-20°C (55-69°F) temperature swing - a light sweater or cardigan for mornings, breathable cotton shirts for afternoons. Evenings cool down quickly once the sun sets around 5:45pm.
Comfortable enclosed walking shoes with grip - medina cobblestones get slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily exploring. Skip sandals; your feet will get filthy from street dust.
High SPF 50+ sunscreen despite November timing - that UV index of 8 is legitimately strong, and the coastal reflection amplifies it. Moroccans use sun protection year-round for good reason.
Modest clothing for mosque visits and medina respect - shoulders and knees covered minimum. Women should pack a lightweight scarf for hair covering at Hassan II Mosque, even though it's not always strictly enforced.
Cash in small denominations - many souks, taxis, and smaller restaurants don't take cards. ATMs are common but bring 20 and 50 MAD notes rather than 200s that no one can break.
Reusable water bottle - tap water isn't reliably drinkable for tourists, but bottled water is cheap and widely available. Having a bottle saves constant purchases.
Light scarf or shawl for wind protection - the Atlantic winds on the corniche are no joke, and a scarf serves double duty for mosque visits and beach walks.
Sunglasses - between the UV index and the glare off whitewashed buildings, you'll want eye protection even on overcast days.
Small daypack for market visits - you'll accumulate purchases, water bottles, and layers as temperatures shift throughout the day. A crossbody bag works better than a backpack for theft prevention in crowded areas.

Insider Knowledge

Moroccans treat November as early winter despite temperatures that feel mild to northern visitors - you'll see locals in jackets when you're comfortable in a t-shirt. This isn't performative; coastal humidity makes the temperature feel different than inland cities, and locals are adapted to warmer baseline temps.
Petit taxis legally can't leave city limits, and drivers will claim their meters are broken - agree on prices before getting in. From Casa Voyageurs train station to the medina should run 30-40 MAD, to Hassan II Mosque 40-50 MAD. Uber and Careem work in Casablanca and eliminate haggling entirely.
The medina in Casablanca is genuinely less touristy and more functional than Marrakech or Fes versions - it's where locals actually shop, which means less aggressive selling but also fewer English speakers. This is refreshing if you're tired of tourist medinas but challenging if you want hand-holding.
November sees Casablanca's business traveler hotels drop weekend rates significantly - the city is primarily a commercial hub, so Friday-Sunday rates at business hotels near Casa Voyageurs or Twin Center can be 40-50% cheaper than weekday rates. Reverse is true for beach hotels.
The Hassan II Mosque's oceanfront location means November winds sometimes force closure of the exterior terrace - tours continue but you miss the dramatic Atlantic views. Morning tours face less wind than afternoon sessions.
Central Market vendors expect negotiation on everything except fresh produce and meat, which have relatively fixed prices. Spices, olives, and preserved goods are fair game for 20-30% reduction from opening offers. Don't negotiate aggressively on items under 50 MAD - it's not worth anyone's time.
Casa Voyageurs station connects to Rabat, Marrakech, and Tangier with comfortable trains, but Casa Port station is closer to the medina and Hassan II Mosque if you're doing day trips. Check which station your train uses - they're 4 km (2.5 miles) apart and not interchangeable.

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming Casablanca is a tourist city like Marrakech - it's Morocco's economic capital and largest city, functioning primarily as a business hub. Tourists expecting Marrakech's tourist infrastructure and English prevalence get frustrated. Casablanca rewards travelers who appreciate working cities over tourist zones.
Skipping travel insurance that covers weather disruptions - November rain can be intense enough to flood streets and cancel flights at Mohammed V Airport. Those 10 rainy days might cluster together, and if you're on a tight schedule, delays happen.
Wearing beach attire away from beach clubs - Casablanca is more conservative than European beach cities despite the coastal location. Covering shoulders and knees in the medina and downtown areas isn't just respectful, it prevents unwanted attention and uncomfortable interactions.
Booking accommodation in the old medina expecting charm - unlike Marrakech or Fes, Casablanca's medina has limited quality riads and can feel run-down. Most visitors are happier staying in Maarif neighborhood or near the corniche with better hotel options and easier access.
Expecting Saharan warmth because it's Africa - Casablanca sits on the Atlantic and has maritime climate patterns. November evenings genuinely require layers, and that ocean wind cuts through light clothing. Pack for San Francisco weather patterns, not desert heat.

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