Things to Do in Tangier in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Tangier
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Wildflower season transforms the hills around Tangier into rolling carpets of color - the countryside between Tangier and Cape Spartel is particularly stunning, with poppies and wild iris blooming across the coastal cliffs. Local hiking groups organize weekend walks specifically to catch this short window.
- Spring weather means you can comfortably explore the medina without the brutal summer heat - temperatures hover around 19°C (66°F), perfect for climbing the steep alleyways and spending hours wandering the souks without breaking a sweat. Mornings are especially pleasant for photography.
- Shoulder season pricing kicks in after the Easter rush - you'll find accommodation rates 20-30% lower than summer peaks, and restaurants in the Kasbah aren't packed with tour groups yet. Flight prices from Europe are reasonable since it's outside school holiday periods.
- The Atlantic is warming up but beaches aren't crowded - locals haven't started their beach season in earnest, so you'll have spots like Achakkar Beach largely to yourself. Water temperature reaches about 16°C (61°F), which is swimmable if you're hardy, though most save actual swimming for May onward.
Considerations
- April weather in Tangier is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three days of brilliant sunshine followed by two days of Atlantic drizzle. That 70% humidity combined with variable conditions means you're constantly adjusting plans. The wind off the Strait can be fierce some afternoons, making beach time less appealing than you'd hope.
- Ten rainy days spread across the month means you need solid indoor backup plans - and honestly, Tangier doesn't have the museum infrastructure of Marrakech or Fes. When it rains, your options narrow quickly to cafes, hammams, and the American Legation Museum.
- Ramadan timing varies year to year, and if it falls in April 2026 (which is possible depending on the lunar calendar), expect reduced restaurant hours during daylight, quieter streets until sunset, and a different rhythm to the city. Many cafes close or operate on limited schedules until iftar.
Best Activities in April
Coastal Hiking Between Cape Spartel and Cape Malabata
April is genuinely the best month for the coastal cliff walks that locals favor but tourists rarely discover. The trails along the northern coast offer dramatic Atlantic views, and the wildflowers are at peak bloom. The temperature sits in that sweet spot where you can hike 10-12 km (6-7 miles) without overheating, and the occasional cloud cover actually makes for better photography than harsh summer sun. Start early morning around 8am before the wind picks up - by afternoon, the Atlantic breeze can be strong enough to be annoying rather than refreshing.
Medina Food Walking Tours
Spring vegetables hit Tangier markets in April - you'll find fresh broad beans, artichokes, and the first strawberries from Larache arriving daily. The cooler weather makes spending 3-4 hours walking through the medina, stopping at food stalls, and sitting in small restaurants actually pleasant rather than sweltering. The Grand Socco market is particularly vibrant in morning hours when vendors are setting up produce displays. Look for tours that include visits to working bakeries where you can see khobz being made, spice merchants who'll explain ras el hanout blends, and traditional tea houses.
Day Trips to Chefchaouen
The drive to Chefchaouen takes about 2 hours through the Rif Mountains, and April weather makes this journey spectacular - the mountainsides are green from winter rains, and you'll pass through valleys filled with wildflowers. Chefchaouen itself is less crowded than summer months but warm enough to enjoy wandering the blue-painted medina comfortably. The town sits at 600 m (1,970 ft) elevation, so it's typically 3-4°C cooler than Tangier, which feels refreshing rather than cold in April.
Traditional Hammam Experiences
April's variable weather and occasional drizzly days make hammam visits particularly appealing - there's something perfect about spending a rainy afternoon in a steam bath. Unlike tourist hammams that operate year-round at the same pace, local hammams in neighborhoods like Beni Ider and Marshan are busiest in cooler months when Tangerines seek warmth. A proper hammam session with gommage scrub takes 90-120 minutes and leaves you thoroughly relaxed. The ritual of heating up, scrubbing down, and cooling off gradually feels especially restorative when the weather outside is grey.
Hercules Caves and Atlantic Coast Exploration
The caves themselves are worth maybe 30 minutes, but the real draw is the coastal area around them - tidal pools, rock formations, and small beaches that are empty in April. The drive along the coast road from Tangier passes through areas where you'll see local fishermen, small cafes overlooking the Atlantic, and spots where Moroccans come for weekend picnics but tourists rarely venture. April weather means you can explore without summer crowds, and the dramatic skies when clouds roll in off the Atlantic make for better photos than flat blue summer skies.
Kasbah Museum and Dar el Makhzen
April's unpredictable weather makes having solid indoor cultural options essential, and the Kasbah Museum delivers. Housed in the former sultan's palace, it offers genuinely interesting collections of Roman mosaics from Volubilis, traditional Moroccan crafts, and a beautiful Andalusian garden courtyard. The building itself is worth the visit - intricate tile work, carved cedar ceilings, and that particular light that filters through mashrabiya screens. When rain hits, this becomes your refuge, and it's never overcrowded even during busier periods.
April Events & Festivals
Tanjazz Festival
If the dates align - Tanjazz typically happens in late April or early May - you'll catch one of North Africa's better jazz festivals. International and Moroccan artists perform across multiple venues including outdoor stages in the Kasbah. The vibe is relaxed, locals actually attend (it's not just a tourist event), and the mix of traditional Gnawa fusion with contemporary jazz creates something you won't hear elsewhere. Evening concerts take advantage of April's comfortable temperatures.