National Holidays Morocco 2026:  Start Vacation Planning

“Timing is everything,” an old saying among travel enthusiasts rightly goes. Visiting this fascinating Kingdom of Morocco is no exception.

For instance, picture yourself arriving in Marrakech eager to go shopping in the souks, and you find them deserted and closed because of a big religious holiday. Or picture yourself arriving in Marrakech in time to watch a beautiful horse and gunpowder parade because of a national holiday you never heard of.

As you look forward to planning your dream vacation in 2026, being aware of the calendar is your insider trick.

Morocco is a country where time ticks with a different tempo altogether. They have a combination of both the Gregorian calendar, which is used in Ireland and Europe, and the Hijri Calendar. Hence, they have festivals fixed on dates, but some festivals keep shifting, dancing with the rhythm of the seasons with a different travel experience each year.

At MoroccosGate, our goal is for your travel experience to be a seamless one. Whether you are in search of a romantic honeymoon vacation, a fun-filled vacation with your whole family, or a lone backpacking adventure, this is your go-to definitive guide to National Holidays in Morocco in 2026.

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The Moroccan Calendar: Fixed vs. Lunar

To better grasp these dates before moving into them, it is vital for all travelers to be aware of two kinds of holidays in Morocco.

1. Civil Holidays (Fixed Dates):

These are linked to dates in the Gregorian calendar, such as “New Year’s Day” or “Independence Day.” Their dates never change. “You can book your flights for 2026 now, knowing exactly when these will take place,” she says.

2. Religious Holidays (Lunar Dates):

“Moving targets,” these are. The Islamic holidays are calculated according to the lunar calendar, which is 11 days shorter than a solar year.

• What does this all mean for 2026? Well, this means that holidays such as Ramadan and Eid will come earlier in a given year than they did in 2025.
• Note: The dates for religious holidays are not confirmed until a day or two in advance based on the sighting of the moon. However, they can be calculated with very high accuracy by astronomers, and these dates have been used in this travel planner.

The Full Calendar: National Holidays Morocco 2026

Here is your month-by-month breakdown of what to expect in 2026.

January 2026: Twin Celebrations

January 1: New Year’s Day (Fixed)

• The Vibe: While not a traditional Moroccan festival, the major cities-Marrakech, Casablanca, Agadir-embrace the Western New Year with open arms. Hotels host gala dinners, and clubs are packed.
• Travel Tips-For a peaceful start to 2026, travel to the Sahara Desert. For most, it is a spiritual experience watching the first sunrise of the year over Merzouga dunes.

January 11: Manifesto Proclama de Independencia (Fixed)

• The Vibe: The day marks the demand for independence from France in 1944. It is patriotic.
• Impact on Tourists: Banks and public administrations will be closed, while most tourist attractions, restaurants, and souks will remain open.

January 14: Amazigh New Year (Yennayer) (Fixed)

• The Vibe: This is the newest official holiday in Morocco, instituted recently. It celebrates the indigenous Berber, Amazigh culture. Arguably, it is the most interesting cultural holiday for tourists in January.
• Where to Go: The Atlas Mountains or Agadir. Then come the drumming and singing of traditional music, dancing, and food especially prepared for the celebration, such as Tagoula, a cornmeal dish containing argan oil. It’s a joyous, earthly celebration of the harvest and history.

February & March 2026: Holy Month Starts

February 17/18 (Approx): Beginning of Ramadan 2026

• Note: Ramadan is not a month-long public holiday where everything shuts down, it just changes the cadence of the country.
• The Vibe: During daylight hours, Moroccans fast. The streets are quieter. Cafes might be closed or have limited service during this period.
• The Magic: Nights come alive! After the sunset, when it’s time to break a fast, Iftar, streets get filled with people, lights, and food aromas like Harira soup and some special days Chebakia – honey sesame cookies.

March 19/20 Approx Eid al-Fitr – Religious Holiday – 2 Days

• The Feel: The “Festival of Breaking the Fast.” This is the conclusion of Ramadan. It is one of happiness, new clothes, and visiting relatives.
• Impact on Tourists: This is a major holiday. For 2-3 days, many shops, museums and restaurants will close as staff visit their families.
• Travel Tip: These days, plan to spend them lounging by your hotel’s pool or book a stay at a resort where services remain consistent. Do not plan a shopping spree in the Medina on these dates!

May 2026: Feast of Sacrifice

May 1: Labour Day (Fixed)

• The Vibe: Typical global Labour Day celebrations. Public offices are shut, but this affects tourist activities very marginally.

May 26/27 (Approx): Eid al-Adha (Religious Holiday – 2

• The Vibe: “This is called the ‘Big Eid.’ It marks Ibrahim’s commitment to sacrifice his son. It is performed through sacrificing a sheep. “This is called Bakra Eid“.
• Effect on Tourists: High Alert. This is the most important festival of all. The nation basically grinds to a halt. Prior to this festival, all transport systems are very packed due to people heading to their villages. On the actual sacrifice day, all roads are empty with a smell of barbecue in the air.
• The Experience: To Western tourists, it can be quite a shock to see sheep being transported or slaughtered. Even so, the barbecues in these afternoons are famous. When you have an invitation to join a Moroccan family, you should accept.
• Travel Tip: Make sure you have your transport arranged in advance. Do not attempt to get a train or a bus a day before Eid.

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July & August & September 2026: Summer Celebrations

July 7 Approximate Dates: Fatih Muharram

• The Vibe: A religious holiday observing the beginning of year 1448 in the Hijri date. It is a very quiet day off for locals. Banks and government offices are closed, but tourist operations carry on normally.

July 30: Feast of the Throne

• The Vibe: This celebrates the accession of King Mohammed VI to the throne.
• What to Expect: Parades, fireworks, speeches. The whole day is very patriotic, with lots of flags waving.

August 14: Oued Ed-Dahab Day

• The Vibe: Marks a return of the region of Oued Ed-Dahab to Morocco. Public spaces are decorated, but this is hardly relevant for tourist activities.

August 20: Revolution of the King and the People (Fixed)

• The Vibe: A historical event remembering the struggle for independence.

August 21: Youth Day (Fixed)

• The Vibe: This is the birth anniversary of King Mohammed VI. Usually celebrated with anniversary celebrations of the previous day, thus making late August a festive time in larger cities.

September 15/16 (Approx): Eid Al Mawlid (Prophet

• The Vibe: This festival celebrates the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad.
• Where to Go: The city of Salé, right next to Rabat, holds an “Candle Procession” called Moussem des Cires. It is a sight with men carrying huge wax lanterns in the streets. A colorful and very different event from all others, ideal for taking photos.

November 2026

The Month of History

November 6: Green March Day (Fixed)

• The Vibe: Pays tribute to the strategic mass protest in 1975 where 350,000 Moroccans marched into the Sahara.
• Impact: “You’ll see massive events on television, and you’ll see flags all over the place. It’s a day of national pride,” said Patty Wooton

November 18 : Independence Day (Fixed)

• The Vibe: Symbols of an end to French protectorate status and the return of King Mohammed V from France.
• Impact: Bank Holiday. A good time to be in Rabat in order to experience the official atmosphere of the capital.

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How to Plan Your 2026 Holiday Around These Dates

Now you have your list, but how do you apply it? Here is our strategic advice on how to organize your trip to Morocco in 2026.

1. The “Ramadan Experience” (Feb 17 – Mar 19)

Is it a good time to visit? Yes, if you want culture. No, if you want to party.

• Pros: Fewer tourists, unique nightlife atmosphere, spiritual vibe.
• Cons: No bars in most establishments, difficulty in finding a place to have lunch if not a tourist hotel, monuments have a closing time of 3pm.
• Verdict: “Perfect for the culturally curious traveler.”

2. The Spring Sweet Spot (April – May)

• Timing: April and early May 2026 will be after Ramadan and before Eid al-Adha.
• Why go? : The climate is ideal with temperatures of 20°C – 25°C. The flowers in the Atlas Mountains are in bloom. Everyone is in high spirits because of Eid al-Fitr.
• Verdict: The ideal time for a honeymoon or a visit to all four Imperial Cities.

3. Steering Clear of “Eid al-Adha” Logistical Nightmare

• The Warning: If you come towards May 26 and 27, you will face a nightmare in taking inter-city taxis and trains for 3 days before the festival.
• Strategy: Remain in one spot during the holiday festivities. Find a good riad in Marrakech or a resort in Agadir and settle in for 3 days. A good hotel with a good pool can make a big difference when Morocco is celebrating.

4. Winter Sun (January & December)

• Why go ?: “Ireland is freezing,” says Steve, “But Agadir and Taghazout have 20°C sunshine
• Events: The Amazigh New Year takes place on January 14. The event is a great addition to a sun holiday in a winter sun location.

Tips for Irish Travelers in 2026

As MoroccosGate is your bridge from the Emerald Isle to the golden dunes, in this instance, below are a few tips in particular for our Irish readers:

1. School Holidays vs. Moroccan Holidays

• Easter 2026: Easter Sunday falls on April 5th, 2026. It’s a great time of year to visit Morocco. Ramadan will have ended, but it will not be too hot yet either. Flights from Dublin to Marrakech/Agadir will cost more, so don’t leave it too long to book!
• October Mid-Term: Normally in late October. “The Desert Season” begins at this point. The Sahara Desert climate is ideal—cool in daytime, cold nights.

2. Direct Connectivity

• Typically, they have flights from Dublin. While booking flights for 2026, one will have to keep an eye on the schedule release, which is normally 9-11 months in advance.
• Pro Tip: Traveling during a Moroccan holiday such as Moroccan Independence Day will never have a high impact on ticket prices. While travel during a European holiday will cause prices to soar.

3. Money Matters

• Remember, during Moroccan bank holidays (above), banks will be closed. However, ATM machines will be functioning. For cash exchanges above money thresholds or if you need to see a bank teller, you will have to plan for these holidays.

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Your 2026 Bucket List Trip Agenda

The following, therefore, is the ultimate Morocco’s Gate 2026 Recommendation based on the holiday calendar:

• Arrival: Mid-April 2026 (Post-Ramadan/Post-Easter).
• Route: Start in Casablanca -> Train to Fez -> Desert Trip to Merzouga -> Cross the Atlas to Marrakech.
• Why? You get the beautiful green landscapes of spring, the festivals are over so the shops are open, and the weather is perfect for both hiking and sunbathing.

Let us plan your 2026 Adventure!

Puzzled by the shifting lunar calendar? Apprehensive about booking a tour during a holiday when everything is closed?

Relax, that is why we’re here.

We are the ones who don’t just book trips at MoroccosGate; we curate experiences. We know exactly which Riad hosts the best Eid dinner, which roads are busy during the holiday, and what part of the city can give the best sunset while sleeping.

Start planning your 2026 getaway today.

• WhatsApp our Team: +353-892614066
• Email for Custom Itineraries: travel@moroccosgate.com
• Follow us: Stay tuned to our blog for monthly updates as we get closer to 2026.

Whether you want to celebrate the Amazigh New Year in the mountains or relax by the ocean during the quiet days of Ramadan, Morocco is waiting for you.