Is March a good time to visit Fes? As the days grow longer, March marks the arrival of spring in Fes and there’s a palpable sense of optimism in the air. The temperatures are gradually climbing (usually in the low-20s Celsius during the day) and while the winter chill is gradually losing its grip, the nighttime temps are still quite low, making for a really cosy atmosphere.
Fes el Bali, the city’s UNESCO-listed medina, is much quieter in March than during the busy spring and autumn seasons, allowing you to explore its winding alleyways, vibrant souks and beautiful madrasas at a far more relaxed pace. There are also great photographic opportunities without the crowds, making this an ideal time to visit Fes for architecture enthusiasts.
In March 2025, Ramadan will take place (from around February 27 to March 29), which will alter the experience of visiting Fes somewhat. Some restaurants, shops and attractions might have reduced opening hours, so planning ahead is vital to ensure you get to see and experience everything you want. If you happen to be in the city around March 30 to 31, you’ll get to witness the Eid al-Fitr festivities, a big celebration to mark the conclusion of the holy month.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Fes in March, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Fes in March to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in March here.
For more information about visiting this ancient, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
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Fes weather in March
March marks the start of spring in Fes and temperatures are on the rise, with average highs ranging from 18 to 21°C (65 to 70°F) during the day. These make for comfortable sightseeing conditions, particularly once the sun reaches high enough to penetrate the narrow laneways of the medina. That being said, rainfall is not uncommon and can be expected on around 10 days of the month, resulting in around 65 mm of precipitation. I’d recommend bringing a light waterproof to be on the safe side.
While the daytime temperatures are really pleasant during March in Fes, nighttimes can drop to between 8 and 10°C (46 and 49°F). Definitely bring layers and a warm sweater or jacket to wear when heading out in the evenings. Due to the chilly conditions after sunset, I’d also recommend finding a hotel or riad in Fes with central heating. Many also have fireplaces (which I absolutely love for cosying up in the evenings!) - Riad Al Bartal, Riad Tizwa and Riad Semlalia are among the best.
Visiting Fes in March
Is March a busy time in Fes?
Generally speaking, March is a slower time for tourism in Fes, with things picking up in April or around the Easter holidays. Thanks to the quieter atmosphere, it can be a wonderful time to explore the city, although I can’t guarantee that all of the souks and stalls will be open in March 2025 due to Ramadan. Some shopkeepers will take a break during Ramadan to focus on family and faith while others will operate with reduced hours (and will probably close at prayer times).
With fewer people visiting Fes in March (particularly as it coincides with Ramadan in 2025), you may find that prices for accommodations are lower compared to April. That being said, it may be more difficult to find restaurants open during the day - check with your Fes hotel or riad and order meals in advance with them if required. But if you're looking for a peaceful escape in this historic city and a unique insight into Moroccan cultural traditions, a trip to Fes in March could be an unforgettable off-season adventure.
Is March a good time to visit Fes?
What’s on in Fes in March
Ramadan
In 2025, Ramadan will take place in March and will be observed by most of the Muslim community in Fes. This important occasion in the Islamic calendar encompasses fasting, prayer and the act of forgiving others, serving as an opportunity to deepen one's faith and connect with loved ones.
Many restaurants and cafes in Fes will shut their doors during fasting hours, except for those catering to tourists, particularly in the old medina. Some shops and businesses will also modify their operating hours to accommodate those observing the fast. As the sun sets, the city will once again come to life (after the Maghrib call to prayer), with family and friends gathering for the iftar meal that breaks the fast.
As Ramadan wraps up, the city welcomes Eid al-Fitr, a joyous festival filled with feasting as loved ones congregate to share daytime meals for the first time in a month. Those visiting Fes during this period can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere as the city transitions from Ramadan back to everyday life. After a day or two of celebrations, normal business hours will resume.
You can learn more about travelling to Morocco during Ramadan here.
Best things to do in Fes in March
Best things to do in Fes in March
March offers a wonderful opportunity to explore Fes el Bali, which has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While many of the artisan workshops and souvenir stalls will close up shop during Ramadan, there’s a greater opportunity to explore the medina's unique architecture without the crowds.
I’d highly recommend visiting the centuries-old madrasas of Bou Inania and Al Attarine, both of which are renowned for their gorgeous tilework and cedar wood carvings. Although non-Muslims are not permitted inside, the stunning Mosque and University of Al Quaraouiyine, one of the oldest universities in the world, is definitely worth admiring from the outside.
For spectacular views of the medina, make your way to the Merenid Tombs, a 14th-century burial site located on a hill overlooking the city. Alternatively, you can enjoy the vistas from the 16th-century fort of Borj Nord, which also houses an impressive collection of European and Middle Eastern weaponry.
One of the best things to do in Fes in March 2025 is simply experience the comings and goings of Ramadan. Aside from visiting the mosque wearing traditional djellabas, most locals will venture out at some point during the day to pick up food supplies for the evening iftar meal. If you get invited to one of these feasts, don’t hesitate to say “yes!” as it really is a wonderful cultural experience.
The chilly nighttime temperatures experienced in Fes in March also create the perfect opportunity to enjoy a hammam, a traditional steam bath designed for cleansing and rejuvenation. You can choose to visit a local hammam or treat yourself at a hotel hammam, many of which provide body scrubs and massages as part of their offerings.
If you want to stay at a Fes riad with a hammam, I have some recommendations here!
Is March a good time to visit Fes?
Is March a good time to visit Fes?
If the Ramadan closures and changes don’t put you off, March can be a great time to visit Fes. The presence of fewer other tourists makes sightseeing in the medina a far more relaxed experience and for photographers, there’s the opportunity to capture images without crowds of tourists in the frame. I think Ramadan is a fantastic time to visit Morocco - you just have to be a bit more organised with checking opening hours and restaurant operations.
If you book ahead of time, visiting Fes in March may also result in some discounted rates on flights and hotels - ideal for those looking to plan a budget trip to Morocco. While the brisk nighttime temperatures and passing showers make warm and waterproof layers a "must", the reward is experiencing the enchantment of Fes without the usual tourist hubbub.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.