Things to Do in Tangier in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Tangier
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect transition weather - daily temperatures around 19°C (66°F) make walking the medina comfortable without the oppressive summer heat that can reach 35°C (95°F)
- Ramadan timing creates unique cultural experiences - in 2025, Ramadan runs March 30-April 29, offering authentic iftar experiences and quieter daytime exploration of religious sites
- Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs drop 30-40% compared to peak season (December-February), with quality riads averaging €60-80 instead of €100-120
- Ideal hiking conditions in the Rif Mountains - 1.5 hours south, temperatures at 800m (2,625 ft) elevation hover around 16°C (61°F) with clear visibility before summer haze
Considerations
- Unpredictable rain patterns - 61mm (2.4 inches) falls over 10 days, often as sudden afternoon downpours that flood narrow medina alleys within 15 minutes
- Wind factor intensifies - Atlantic gusts regularly exceed 40 km/h (25 mph), making ferry crossings from Spain rougher and outdoor dining uncomfortable
- Reduced evening atmosphere during Ramadan - many restaurants close until sunset, and the usual bustling evening energy doesn't start until after 8pm
Best Activities in April
Medina Photography Walks
April's soft lighting and 70% humidity create perfect conditions for capturing the medina's blue and white architecture. The variable weather adds dramatic cloud formations over the Strait of Gibraltar. Morning light (8-10am) offers golden hour effects before crowds build, while afternoon showers clear dust from the air for crystal-clear shots.
Rif Mountains Day Hiking
Perfect hiking temperatures of 16°C (61°F) at elevation, with wildflowers in bloom and clear mountain visibility before summer haze. The 61mm (2.4 inches) of April rainfall creates lush green landscapes rarely seen other months. Chefchaouen routes are particularly stunning with snow-capped peaks visible on clear days.
Traditional Hammam Experiences
April's humidity and variable weather make hammams especially appealing after walking damp medina streets. Local women frequent hammams more in April as preparation for Ramadan purification rituals, offering authentic cultural immersion. Temperature contrasts between cool outdoor air and warm hammam rooms feel perfect.
Strait of Gibraltar Dolphin Watching
April marks peak dolphin migration through the strait, with pilot whales and striped dolphins most active. Calmer morning seas (before afternoon winds pick up) offer 85% success rates for sightings. The 19°C (66°F) weather makes deck time comfortable without summer's scorching sun.
Cooking Classes with Iftar Preparation
April 2025 coincides with Ramadan, offering unique opportunities to learn traditional iftar dishes like harira soup and chebakia pastries. Local families open their homes for authentic breaking-of-fast experiences. Cooler kitchen temperatures make learning tagine techniques more comfortable than summer months.
Atlantic Coast Surfing Lessons
April brings consistent 1-2 meter (3-6 foot) swells to beaches like Plage Malabata, with water temperatures around 17°C (63°F) - perfect for beginners in wetsuits. Fewer crowds than summer months and optimal wind conditions in early mornings before afternoon gusts exceed 40 km/h (25 mph).
April Events & Festivals
Ramadan Evening Markets
Throughout April 2025, special evening souks emerge after iftar (around 8pm) selling traditional sweets, dates, and Ramadan decorations. The Grand Socco transforms into a vibrant night market with local families shopping for suhoor ingredients. Non-Muslims can respectfully observe and purchase traditional foods.
Spring Almond Blossom Festival
Rural areas around Tangier celebrate the end of almond harvesting season with traditional music and local food festivals. Villages like Ksar es-Seghir host weekend celebrations featuring fresh almond-based pastries and Berber cultural performances.