10 things to do in Marrakech in April

April is the perfect time to visit Marrakech, as it is one of the most interesting times due to the events taking place in this beautiful city.

Spring and autumn are the best seasons of the year to visit Marrakech and, for me, the best time is the month of April, as the temperatures start to rise and the weather becomes drier and sunnier. In short, it is the perfect month to discover the most special traditions of Marrakech.

April usually coincides with the month of Ramadan, so you will find many places closed. Therefore, it is the perfect time to get to know the Medina in a very particular way.

During this month, the rhythm of life in the city changes: the markets close in the mornings, but open at midnight. After the Ramadan meals, the inhabitants take to the streets and the atmosphere becomes lively and pleasant to get lost in the streets of the Medina of Marrakech.

You can take the opportunity to do some shopping, enjoy street shows in Yamaa el Fna, go to the souk in search of souvenirs, taste Moroccan specialties or book a tour of Marrakech.

The chebakia is one of the most coveted sweets of the month of Ramadan, because of their high caloric content, they are the perfect way to break the fast at the end of the day.

They stand out for their particular flower shape and are made mainly with flour, toasted almonds and dipped in honey. It is a very special sweet for Moroccans and it is usual to meet at nightfall to taste them with the family.

You can savor them in cafes, while enjoying a typical mint tea or order them for dessert in many of the best restaurants in Marrakech. And for sure, when you book a gastronomic tour of Marrakech during Ramadan, the guide will take you to taste them.

April is a month of high season for tourists in Marrakech, so you will be grateful to enjoy some plan away from the bustle of the city. I invite you to get lost in the less explored streets of the Medina by tourists such as Dar el Bacha street or the mysterious Secret Garden.

You will have to watch out and use common sense to avoid ending up in some unwanted alleys. Make sure you always have internet on your cell phone. The streets of Marrakech are somewhat labyrinthine, so it is essential to have internet access to avoid getting lost.

If on the other hand you are worried about safety in Marrakech and you prefer to be accompanied by a local, you can choose to hire a private tour of Marrakech with a guide so that he is the one who tells you all the secrets of the city.

If you have enough time on your trip to Marrakech in April, I recommend booking an excursion to Essaouira from Marrakech. It is a very nice and quiet place, with fascinating beaches and beautiful narrow streets.

April is the perfect time for it, thanks to the good weather and the warm and dry climate.

You can enjoy the best views of Essaouira from the Skala du Port fortress and the unparalleled sunsets that are already a symbol of the city. As a curious fact, Essaouira is the scene of some scenes of Game of Thrones, so it is very likely that some locations are familiar to you.

How to get to Essaouira

If you prefer to do the getaway on your own, the easiest way to get from Marrakech to Essaouira is by bus and it costs about 10€.

Please note that Ramadan may affect schedules and fares for transportation and activities.

If you feel like discovering the city from another perspective, I recommend you to book a hot air balloon ride at sunrise. April is an ideal month to live the experience to the fullest, as it will allow you to fly over the city over a clear and cloudless sky.

Not only will you fly over the most spectacular landscapes of the Atlas Mountains under a unique sunrise, but at the end you can enjoy a tasty traditional Moroccan breakfast and freshly brewed Berber tea.

Must be booked in advance as they tend to be very popular excursions. I assure you it's worth the early start!

A perfect plan to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakech during your April visit is to book a full-day getaway to the Ouzoud waterfalls, just over 150 kilometers from the city.

A local guide will show you all the points of interest until you reach an amazing natural waterfall where the water descends from 110 meters high. You will be able to take a dip in the inviting cool waters of the Abid River in the middle of the wild nature with the company of the friendly local monkeys that inhabit the area.

The excursion lasts about 7 hours and costs approximately 21€ per person.

The Marathon des Sables is considered one of the toughest races in the world. It consists of a 250-kilometer run in just seven days over dunes and rocky terrain in extremely hot temperatures.

The race is usually held during the first week of April and is open to all daredevils who wish to sign up, the only condition being that they are in good health.

So, if you consider yourself a great athlete and think you are ready to face this difficult race, do not miss the opportunity to participate in this adventure, I assure you it will be a once in a lifetime experience.

One of the events par excellence is the Grand Prix Hassan II, which takes place every year between the first and second week of April at the Royal Tennis Club of Marrakech.

It is one of the most important events in the city, being the only professional tennis tournament (ATP) held in Morocco. Moreover, it is entirely financed by the King of Morocco Mohammed VI.

In April, the Jardin'art Festival is also held in the Jardin des Arts in the city. It consists of several events related to botany, which adorn the park with exhibitions, ephemeral sculptures and other magnificent floral displays.

It is an ideal place to go with children, as they can enjoy gardening workshops and other activities for them. In the evenings, concerts are organized where local artists perform and create a very pleasant atmosphere.

Admission is free.

The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) World Touring Car Cup (WTCR) is one of the most exciting international car championships, where the best drivers in the industry compete alongside the most prestigious car brands.

Every year, the championship stops in Marrakech, usually on the first weekend of April. It is held at the Moulay El Hassan Circuit, a fascinating urban course that runs through the city.

If you are a fan of speed, take advantage of your visit to Marrakech in April to stop by the most impressive car tour in Africa: excitement and adrenaline are guaranteed.

Ramadan is the most important holy event in Morocco. It is celebrated every year and usually takes place between March and June.

During this holy month, which lasts 29 or 30 days, Muslims around the world are obliged to abstain from eating and drinking during the day, until sunset.

Due to this celebration, the pace of the city changes, and slows down. It is very likely that stores, transport, restaurants and cultural monuments will be closed or change their opening hours.

If you are going to visit Marrakech, the month of April is the best time to do it, as spring temperatures will allow you to comfortably visit every corner of the city and make your excursions without suffering from the sweltering heat of summer or the bad weather of winter.

In summer, temperatures usually reach over 40ºC and winter is the rainy season. Therefore, spring, and more specifically the month of April, is the perfect time to visit Marrakech, as the average temperature is 26ºC.

• Light clothing made of fresh and breathable fabrics, such as linen or cotton.
• At night it gets cooler so don't forget to pack a sweater and some warmer long pants.
• Marrakech is a fairly conservative city, so I recommend that you choose loose-fitting clothes that cover your legs and shoulders.
• Comfortable and breathable shoes, with which you can walk without suffering from possible chafing and injuries.
• Remember that the sun is very intense there, so you should always wear a hat or cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.
• Mosquito repellent.