Marrakech in March: Everything You Should Know

Planning to visit Marrakech in March? If so then this epic local guide is for you. See, I’ve lived in Morocco since January of 2025. I have also lived in Marrakech on and off throughout that time.

Therefore, I know all about some of the best things to do in Marrakech in March. That’s because March is one of my favorite times to visit the city.

I LOVE the weather since it is warm but not so hot that you feel like you are going to melt to death.

Yes, March can be crowded if you visit during spring break or Easter (if Easter comes early). But, it’s worth it for the food weather and to enjoy all of the cool events going on.

Personally, I would avoid visiting at peak times so that you can enjoy all of the best things to do in Marrakech.

The other thing that is worth mentioning is that March means Ramadan in Marrakech (at least in 2025). Please DO NOT PANIC. Things will be open and you will still be able to enjoy your trip.

In fact, I think this is a good thing since you can really immerse yourself in local culture as you see people pray in the streets and enjoy tradtional foods when you order from the special Iftar menu at local restaurants.

However, to get the most out of your trip, have a look at the comprehensive guide and find out everything you need to know about Marrakech in March.

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Is March a Good Time to Visit Marrakech?

Yes, I think March is a very good time to visit Marrakech. My exceptions to this are spring break and Easter. If those holidays fall in March then I would avoid visiting at that time because the city is absolutely heaving with people.

Yeah, everyone from Europe comes here for the warm weather and the sunshine.

I made this mistake last year and while I did have fun, I would have preferred if the city was a bit less crowded. I would also check the weather BEFORE you visit the Agafay Desert.

See, spring means sand storms in the Agafay. So, you could end up spending the night in the desert with 50+ mph winds. TBH, it feels like your tent is about to blow away and all on-site activities are canceled.

So, don’t make my mistake, and be sure to check the weather before you book a night at an Agafay Desert camp. It will also probably still be a bit too cold for swimming in March.

But, the weather is great and you can enjoy a lot of fun events that I will outline below. You can also experience the beauty of Ramadan and learn more about Moroccan culture at this time of year.

March Weather in Marrakech

Personally, I really enjoy the weather in Marrakech in March and Marrakech in April. Daily highs are 24°C (75°F), daily lows are 11°C (51°F), and there are just three days of rain all month long.

So, you can walk around in a T-shirt and shorts during the day. I usually wear pants but I also live here and get cold a lot more easily now.

Just remember that when you are figuring out what to wear in Marrakech, be sure to pack some warmer clothes for the evening in Marrakech.

You don’t need a winter coat or full winter wardrobe. But, a heavy fleece might be nice since Marrakech is in the desert and the temperatures can get quite chilly in the evening.

I also wouldn’t worry too much about the rain since rain is pretty infrequent in Marrakech. It does rain sometimes but it is very rare and the rain usually clears up pretty quickly.

Finally, March means that the days are getting longer. HOORAY! So, the sun will rise at around 8:00 am and set at 7:47 pm. However, this is just an estimate since this changes throughout the month.

But, you’ll be able to enjoy almost twelve hours of sunlight daily and will have plenty of time to enjoy all that Marrakech has to offer.

Local Tip: If you are visiting during Ramadan please remember that the clocks will go back an hour and that the local time will change for the holiday.

It’s not a big deal but is something to be aware of if you travel to Marrakech or spend Ramadan in Essaouira.

What to Wear in Marrakech in March

When I visit Marrakech I always like to pack layers. Regardless of the time of year, the weather is usually chilly in the morning and in the evening.

However, the weather does warm up in the afternoon and you should at least be able to wear a T-shirt (shorts if you feel extra hot). So, layers are super helpful because you can bundle up and take things off as needed throughout the day.

For March, I would pack lightweight t-shirts, linen pants, maxi dresses, and skirts. Ladies can wear all of these things throughout the day. Just have a warm jacket, shawl, or fleece with you so that you can warm up if need be.

You may also want to wear jeans in the evening since the weather does get a lot colder at this time of day.

Also, depending on what you are used to, it can feel hot in the middle of the day. So, if you are someone who gets hot easily then bring some shorts with you as well.

However, the weather can vary a bit from year to year. So, it’s a good idea to check the weather right before you visit.

Additionally, women should dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered to avoid unwanted male attention and to respect Ramadan. After all, Ramadan is the holiest month of the year and you should dress more modestly.

Therefore, avoid wearing things like excessive cleavage, exposed midriff, or short skirts/shorts. I would also skip the sandals since the floor of the Medina can be quite dirty.

There are also a lot of people walking around and your feet could get stepped on. I find comfy sneakers to be a much better choice.

Finally, don’t leave home without a sun hat and some sunscreen. The sun is very strong in Marrakech and you can get burned at any time of year. I know I got burned in January in Marrakech and was pretty annoyed about it.

March Events in Marrakech

Alright, the only holiday that you need to be aware of in March is Ramadan. It is supposed to start on February 28th and end on March 30th/31st.

The final day of Ramadan is known as Eid al-Fitr and is a national holiday. So I would not plan to travel on that day and keep your schedule flexible since some things will close.

Please remember that these dates are just a guess since the exact date is determined the day before by the appearance of the crescent moon.

For most of Ramadan (minus Eid al-Fitr), everything will be open. So, you should be able to eat at the best restaurants in Marrakech and stay at the best riads in Marrakech.

Just try not to eat and drink in public out of respect for the people around you who are fasting. You’ll also want to dress a bit more conservatively since this is the holiest month of the year and you want to be respectful.

I also don’t drink alcohol in Marrakech during Ramadan out of respect for my Moroccan partner (alcohol is a big no-no in Islam). But, alcohol will be available at some bars and restaurants. So, you can drink if you like.

Other events that you might want to check out while you’re in Marrakech are:

• International Magic Festival – Started in 2001, this event is held in March and features performances from famous magicians from all around the world. It is one of the best things to do in Marrakech with kids if you plan to be in the city.

• The Riad Art Expo – Organized by Couleurs Maroc magazine, this event is an exhibition of riad architecture and decor. It is a great chance to get an up close and personal look at the pottery, carpets, lanterns, and furniture that you would find in most Moroccan homes. Highlights include parties, an awards ceremony, and a chance to meet decorators from all over the county.

• See the End of the Marrakech Maroc Classic Rallye – During this event, classic cars manufactured between 1930 and 1983 drive along a set route that takes them throughout the country. The race ends in Marrakech and it is a great way to see some classic cars while you are in the city. For the best views, follow the Rally Route.

• Printemps de la Poésie – Held in mid-March, this poetry festival celebrates the start of spring and the beauty of poetry. Attend a variety of live performances, exhibitions, and videos and embrace your love for this beautiful form of self-expression in Jemaâ el-Fna Square, at the University of Letters, and at Dar Charifa Cultural Center.

• Watch the Transmarocaine – This multi-sport race is held in March. This is when the weather isn’t too warm and participants can still comfortably race through the mountains and deserts around Marrakech. In total, this grueling race lasts three days and includes mountain biking, canoeing, running, etc.

Best Things to do in Marrakech in February

There are a ton of cool things to do in March in Marrakech. Below are a list of my fave activities that you are sure to enjoy at this special time of year.

1. Visit Ouzoud Waterfalls

Easily one of the best day trips from Marrakech, the Ouzoud Waterfalls are especially beautiful in March. That’s because the snow begins to melt in the surrounding Atlas Mountains.

The result is a ton of water flowing through the waterfalls and that makes them even more impressive to look at.

Thr first time I visited the these 110 meter (360 foot) tall waterfalls – which as the the tallest in North Africa – I went with a group tour.

I went this route because the drive was about 2 hours and 45 minutes and I didn’t really feel like trying to work out public transportation options.

Overall, I thought the trip was really fun. I got to sit in a comfy van and meet other travelers as we learned about the area and hiked down to the base of the waterfall.

We also saw some local monkeys. enjoyed a tradtional boat ride, and ate some amazing food at a local restaurant overlooking the Falls.

The cost of lunch wasn’t included with the trip, but that’s okay since the tour was very affordable. It also didn’t hurt that my Berber Omelet was super tasty.

Is this place touristy? Hell yeah! But, I had a fab time and would happily do this tour again since I thought I got a lot of value for the money I spent.

2. Explore the Souks of Marrakech

March is an excellent time to go shopping in Marrakech and explore some of the best souks in Marrakech. That’s because, outside of Easter and spring break, the souks (aka markets) are pretty empty.

So, you’ll have ample time, and space, to wander around, do a bit of haggling, and pick up some cool souvenirs from Morocco. Just remember to bring cash since many of these shops do not accept credit cards.

If you’re not sure where to start, head over to Souk Semmarine. It’s a popular pedestrian street in the Medina that is filled with people selling stunning brass lanterns, handmade carpets, exquisite leather goods, and vibrant babouche slippers.

Afterward, head to Rahba Kedima so that you can explore the spice market there and see the blacksmiths hard at work in Souk Haddadine.

Other fun souls to explore include Souk Cherratine for leather, Souk des Teinturiers to see dyed wool, Souk des Babouche for tradtional shoes/slipper, and La Criée Berbère for Berber carpets.

3. Explore Ourika Valley

March is the perfect time to visit the Ourika Valley. Everything will be wonderfully green and local waterfalls will be at their best since melting snow increases the amount of water flowing through the area.

Plus, unlike the Ouzoud Waterfalls, Ourika Valley is just a 45-minute drive from Marrakech. So, it is a nice day trip if you don’t want to spend the entire day in the car.

Upon arrival, take time to go hiking and enjoy the beautiful weather as you pass traditional Berber Villages, the Ourika River, beautiful waterfalls (like Setti Fatma waterfall), gorgeous mountains. terraced fields, and orchards filled with fruit.

If you have time, visit a local Berber home. They will welcome you with delicious mint tea and teach you all about their unique culture.

Afterward, try some delicious local cuisine and shop for authentic Berber spices at a traditional market that is held here every Monday.

4. Visit The Palmeraie

It may be touristy AF but one of my fave things to do is ride a camel through the sand dunes near Marrakech.

March is an especially good time to do this since you can avoid the sweltering summer heat and the large number of tourists that inundate the area during peak travel season.

Just be sure to check the weather and ask about sandstorms since I know they are common in the Agafay Desert at this time of year.

Also, full disclosure? The Palmeraie is nice but it isn’t the Sahara. So, if you have the time, I highly recommend a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes. Otherwise, you could head to M’hamid and visit the dunes of Erg Chigaga.

Anyway, if you only have a few days in Marrakech then visit the Palmeraie. This vast palm oasis is home to 100,000+ palm trees and is an amazing place to go if you want to ride a camel through the area’s golden sand dunes.

Along the way, you’ll get to visit local Berber villages and can learn all about local culture as well as how camels have been used as a major method of transportation for centuries.

5. Go Hiking

What a lot of people don’t know is that Marrakech is situated near the Atlas Mountains. So, if you would like a break from the chaos of the city then go for a hike through the nearby mountains.

March is an ideal month for a trek since daytime temperatures are pleasant – but not hot – and snow on trails at higher elevations is typically gone.

So, head to places like Imlil, Ait Mizan, and Targa to experience the beauty of the Atlas Mountains and the many animals that live there. If you can, stop in a local Berber Village and learn more about their unique way life.

Just be sure to pack plenty of warm clothes for cool evenings. It’s also a good idea to hire a guide since many trails are not well-marked and hikers have been known to get lost.

6. Jardin Majorelle

Jardin Majorelle, with its enchanting beauty and tranquil atmosphere, is a must-visit destination in Marrakech. March is an especially good time to visit since much of the garden’s 3000 plant species will be blooming to life.

To fully enjoy your visit, try to arrive as soon as the garden opens at either 8:00 or 8:30 in the morning. Booking your tickets online in advance is also highly recommended since this place is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Consider getting a combo ticket, which grants you access to Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, since this option is much cheaper than purchasing the two tickets separately.

Once inside, take time to admire the garden’s vibrant greenery and stunning architecture – all of which were designed by Jacques Majorelle in 1924.

Later, the garden was lovingly restored to its former glory in 1980 by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé.

If you want, for an additional 30 Dirhams (approximately $3), you can visit the Musée Berbère. It’s situated inside Majorelle’s electric-blue studio and features over 600 artifacts related to Morocco’s Indigenous Berber culture.

However, if you’re short on time, you might consider skipping the Musée Berbère. I didn’t find it all overly exciting and probably won’t visit again.

7. Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace is undoubtedly one of the most stunning and remarkable pieces of architecture in Marrakech. Its name, “Bahia,” literally translates to “brilliant” in English and perfectly reflects the grandeur of this extraordinary place.

Covering an impressive 8,000 square meters, this palace in Marrakech is a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship, showcasing breathtaking tilework, intricate plaster detailing, and exquisite wood carving (aka zouak).

If you only have time to visit one historic site in Marrakech, let this be is since the artistry of the Petit Riad and the Grand Riad is nothing short of spectacular.

My personal favorite, however, is the Cour d’Honneur, a gorgeous courtyard adorned with exquisite Italian Carrara marble.

While only a small portion of the palace’s 150 rooms are open to the public, it remains a must-see attraction, particularly in March. Best of all, entry is very affordable, with tickets costing just 70 Dirhams (about $7.00) per person.

8. Visit Anima Garden

March is the perfect time to visit ANIMA Garden since everywhere you turn you’ll see beautiful flowers and lush greenery – plant life that makes you feel like you’re in the jungle, not the desert.

This stunning oasis is located 35 minutes outside the city and is a must-visit destination since many of the plants here have been sculpted into incredible works of art that you need to see to believe.

Designed by the renowned artist André Heller, ANIMA is a feast for the senses and includes a wealth of world-class art from greats like Picasso and Keith Haring.

The best part? ANIMA has a free shuttle service that you can use. Simply book a spot on their website and choose between the 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM departure times.

Once you have your ticket, meet the shuttle at the parking lot behind the Koutoubia Mosque and it will take you straight to the garden.

Once there, tickets cost 140 Dirhams (about $14) and grant you access to a stunning array of cacti, palm trees, roses, fountains, and beautifully manicured gardens.

There’s even a shaded hammock where you can relax and enjoy the quiet atmosphere of this incredible place.

I was also shocked that the on-site cafe had some really nice food. We got an omelet and ate it on the roof, with breathtaking views of the property in the background.

Although the garden isn’t massive, its tranquil ambiance and limited crowds—thanks to the shuttle’s limited capacity—make it an ideal spot to unwind in Marrakech.

9. Saadian Tombs

The Sasdian Tombs in Marrakech are always a good idea. After all, this stunning landmark is a beautiful example of traditional architecture in Marrakech.

To make the most of your visit, arrive early in the morning. This way you can avoid the crowds and don’t have to visit this somewhat confined space with tons of people all around you.

Yeah, I have been here when it’s packed and you definitely feel like a sardines.

Anyway, this structure was built as a final resting place for Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi. The tombs were designed to match the grandeur of the palaces he lived in, complete with exquisite Italian Carrara marble and intricate muqarnas (ornamental plasterwork highlighted with gold).

What’s most striking is how well-preserved the tombs are. This is largely due to Sultan Moulay Ismail, who sealed off the site in an attempt to erase his predecessor’s legacy.

In fact, he did such a good job that the tombs remained hidden until their rediscovery in 1917.

Today, you can explore the remarkable Chamber of the 12 Pillars, the Garden Tombs, Lalla Massouda’s Tomb, the Chamber of Three Niches, and the Prayer Room.

Each area showcases exquisite designs and craftsmanship, making this site a true must-visit in Marrakech.

10. Relax at the Hammam

f you’re looking to unwind after exploring the lively streets of Marrakech, consider visiting a hammam for a wonderfully relaxing experience.

Not familiar with hammams? They’re traditional Moroccan bathhouses where men and women, in separate facilities, enjoy steam baths and rejuvenate their skin with special exfoliating gloves.

In Marrakech, you’ll find two types of hammams: public and private. Public hammams feature shared spaces where you can cleanse and exfoliate alongside other people of the same gender.

In contrast, private hammams offer a more personalized experience, where an attendant guides you through the ritual in a private room.

For an authentic experience, visit Hammam Mouassine. It’s a fantastic public hammam where local guides (some English-speaking) will walk you through the traditional bathing process.

If you prefer a more private hammam, try Les Bains de Marrakech. Here, a personal attendant will bathe you in warm water and exfoliate your skin in an intimate setting.

You can also visit other high-end hammams in Marrakech like La Mamounia, Riad Tarabel, or Es Saadi, where you can enjoy the ultimate in relaxation and pampering.

Personally, though, I reallyed enjoyed my time at Hammam Mouassine since the experience felt a bit more authentic.

Conclusion

That wraps up this guide to the best things to do in Marrakech in March. I hope you found this post useful and now know about the awesome things you can do at this time of year.

As I mentioned earlier, try to avoid visiting during Spring Break or Easter since this is when the city is PACKED with people. I would also research a bit more about Ramadan so that you know what to expect during your trip.

Other than that, enjoy this beautiful time of year in Marrakech. It is the perfect time to get out there and explore the many beautiful gardens that Marrakech is known for.

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