Things to Do in Casablanca in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Casablanca

24°C (75°F) High Temp

17°C (62°F) Low Temp

46 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temperature range for walking Casablanca's medina and coastal areas - comfortable 24°C (75°F) highs without summer's scorching 35°C+ (95°F+) heat that drives everyone indoors by noon
Ramadan falls in March 2025, meaning October restaurants and cafes operate normal hours - all the famous street food stalls in Quartier Habous are open during daylight, unlike during fasting periods
Atlantic Ocean remains swimmable at 22°C (72°F) from summer warmth, while coastal humidity drops to comfortable 70% - ideal for sunset walks along Corniche Boulevard
Hassan II Mosque photography conditions are optimal with softer light and fewer heat mirages - the 210m (689 ft) minaret appears crisp against October's clearer skies

Considerations

Unpredictable rainfall patterns with 46mm (1.8 inches) spread across 10 days - afternoon downpours can flood narrow medina streets for 30-45 minutes, trapping tourists in shops
Shoulder season means reduced flight connections - some European carriers drop to 3x weekly instead of daily service, limiting flexibility for schedule changes
Hammam (traditional bath house) peak season begins as locals prepare for cooler months - expect 20-30 minute waits at popular locations like Quartier des Habous without advance booking

Best Activities in October

Hassan II Mosque Architecture Tours

October's 70% humidity and 24°C (75°F) temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring the mosque's exterior courtyards and 9-hectare grounds. The softer autumn light eliminates harsh shadows on the intricate zellij tilework, while reduced summer crowds mean 15-20 minute photo opportunities at prime spots instead of summer's 3-5 minute rushes. Interior guided tours run every hour with better acoustics when tourist groups are smaller.

Booking Tip: Reserve guided interior tours 7-10 days ahead through official channels. Tours cost 120-150 MAD ($12-15 USD) and include English commentary. Book 9am or 4pm slots to avoid midday humidity peaks. Reference booking widget for current tour availability.

Old Medina Walking Exploration

October mornings (8-11am) offer perfect 19-22°C (66-72°F) temperatures for navigating the medina's narrow alleys before afternoon humidity builds. Local artisans work outdoors during these cooler hours - leather tanners in Quartier des Habous start their processes at dawn, creating authentic workshop experiences unavailable during summer heat or winter's reduced hours.

Booking Tip: Join walking tours starting 8:30-9am to beat humidity and crowds. Local guides charge 200-300 MAD ($20-30 USD) for 3-4 hour experiences. Avoid afternoon slots after 2pm when 70% humidity makes narrow streets uncomfortable. See current tour options in booking section below.

Corniche Coastal Activities

The 4 km (2.5 mile) Corniche Boulevard benefits from October's perfect conditions - ocean temperatures still warm at 22°C (72°F) from summer, while coastal breezes keep humidity manageable for extended walks. Sunset timing around 6:30pm aligns perfectly with dinner reservations. Beach clubs operate extended hours before winter closure, offering final opportunities for oceanside dining.

Booking Tip: Beach club day passes cost 150-250 MAD ($15-25 USD) including lounger access. Book sunset dinner tables by 4pm for prime ocean views. Walking the full Corniche takes 45-60 minutes - start at Morocco Mall and end at Hassan II Mosque for optimal photo progression.

Art Deco Architecture Photography Tours

October's variable cloud cover creates ideal diffused lighting for capturing Casablanca's 1930s Art Deco buildings. The Quartier Maarif and Centre Ville districts showcase over 200 preserved facades best photographed in soft autumn light. Reduced summer heat allows extended outdoor exploration of architectural details without rushing between air-conditioned stops.

Booking Tip: Self-guided architecture walks work best 10am-12pm and 4-6pm when light angles highlight building details. Photography tours through specialized guides cost 300-450 MAD ($30-45 USD) for half-day experiences. Comfortable walking shoes essential for 3-4 km (2-2.5 mile) routes on uneven pavements.

Quartier Habous Traditional Shopping

October marks the beginning of craft season as artisans prepare holiday inventory. Traditional cooperatives operate full schedules with demonstrations of carpet weaving, metalwork, and leather crafting. The 17-24°C (62-75°F) temperature range allows comfortable browsing of covered souks without summer's stifling heat that drives tourists away by noon.

Booking Tip: Visit mornings (9am-12pm) when artisans are most active and willing to demonstrate techniques. Haggling expected - start at 40-50% of quoted prices. Budget 200-500 MAD ($20-50 USD) for quality leather goods, 800-1500 MAD ($80-150 USD) for authentic carpets. Allow 2-3 hours for thorough exploration.

Day Trips to Rabat Capital City

October's comfortable temperatures make the 87 km (54 mile) journey to Morocco's capital ideal for exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Kasbah of the Udayas and Hassan Tower benefit from autumn's softer light and reduced tourist crowds. Train connections run every hour with air conditioning, avoiding summer's overcrowded services.

Booking Tip: ONCF trains to Rabat cost 30-45 MAD ($3-4.50 USD) each way with hourly departures. Book first-class seats (75 MAD/$7.50 USD) for guaranteed seating and AC. Allow full day - depart 8am, return by 6pm. Rabat's medina and royal sites require 4-5 hours minimum exploration time.

October Events & Festivals

Mid October

Casablanca International Film Festival

This emerging festival showcases Moroccan and international cinema across venues in the Marina and city center. Screenings include English subtitles, and opening ceremonies often feature traditional gnawa music performances. Street food vendors increase around screening venues, creating vibrant evening atmospheres.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - October's 10 rainy days bring sudden 20-30 minute downpours that can flood medina streets

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - 70% humidity makes polyester uncomfortable, especially in crowded souks and mosques

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - medina cobblestones become slippery when wet, and uneven surfaces require ankle support

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even with October's variable cloud cover, especially dangerous near ocean reflection

Light scarf or shawl - required for mosque visits and useful for sudden temperature drops from 24°C to 17°C (75°F to 62°F) in evenings

Portable umbrella (compact) - easier to carry than bulky rain gear when exploring 4 km (2.5 mile) Corniche coastal walks

Layers for temperature variation - morning 17°C (62°F) to afternoon 24°C (75°F) requires adaptable clothing for all-day exploration

Waterproof phone case or bag - protect electronics during unexpected rainfall while photographing Hassan II Mosque exterior

Comfortable day pack - October weather allows extended outdoor exploration requiring water, snacks, and weather protection

Modest clothing covering shoulders/knees - essential for religious sites, and lighter fabrics work better than summer's minimal coverage in mosques

Insider Knowledge

Afternoon prayers (Asr) around 4pm briefly close mosque areas to tourists - use this time for cafe breaks in nearby Quartier Habous rather than waiting outside

Local fish markets near the port operate best 6-8am when October's cooler temperatures keep seafood fresh longer - witness authentic daily life before tourist activities begin

Mohammed V Airport's new Terminal 3 (opened 2024) has immigration delays - allow 90 minutes minimum for departure processing, especially on weekend flights to Europe

October taxi fares increase 15-20% during rain due to high demand - download Careem or InDrive apps for fixed pricing during weather events

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all outdoor attractions stay open during October's afternoon rain showers - Hassan II Mosque exterior tours pause during heavy downpours, stranding unprepared visitors

Booking hammam appointments during peak local season without reservations - October begins high season for traditional baths as locals prepare for winter

Underestimating October humidity in medina's narrow streets - 70% humidity feels much higher in enclosed spaces, causing tourist fatigue and dehydration