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Tangier - Things to Do in Tangier in March

Things to Do in Tangier in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Tangier

18°C (64°F) High Temp
10°C (50°F) Low Temp
71mm (2.8 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

  • Spring weather that actually feels like spring - temperatures hover around 18°C (64°F) during the day, which is warm enough for comfortable walking but cool enough that you won't be sweating through your shirt climbing up to the Kasbah. The evenings drop to 10°C (50°F), perfect for those rooftop dinners without needing heavy layers.
  • Tourist numbers are genuinely manageable in March - you're visiting after the European winter escape crowd has mostly left but before the summer crush begins. The medina's narrow alleys feel atmospheric rather than claustrophobic, and you can actually get a table at popular cafes without booking days ahead.
  • The city transitions into its most photogenic season - March brings occasional rain that washes the whitewashed buildings clean, making them practically glow in the soft spring light. The surrounding hills turn green after winter rains, and the Strait of Gibraltar tends to be clearer for those views across to Spain.
  • Hotel rates drop significantly compared to peak months - you're looking at 30-40% lower prices than July-August, and you'll have better negotiating power for longer stays. Many riads offer early spring deals, especially if you book midweek stays.

Considerations

  • Weather unpredictability means you need to pack for multiple seasons in one day - mornings might start at 10°C (50°F) requiring a jacket, afternoons warm to 18°C (64°F), then evenings cool down again. Those 10 rainy days are scattered throughout the month with no real pattern, so outdoor plans need flexibility built in.
  • Some beach clubs and seasonal restaurants haven't fully opened yet - March sits in that awkward shoulder season where certain coastal establishments are still in winter mode or undergoing pre-summer renovations. The beach scene at Achakkar or Malabata won't have the full energy you'd find in warmer months.
  • Wind can be surprisingly intense off the Atlantic - Tangier's position at the strait means March brings gusty days that make beach time less appealing and can turn a pleasant terrace meal into a napkin-chasing exercise. Locals call it the sharqi when it comes from the east, and it can last for days.

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Best Activities in March

Medina Walking and Photography Tours

March's softer light and cleaner air after winter rains make this the best month for photographing Tangier's old town. The temperature sits in that sweet spot around 15-18°C (59-64°F) where you can wander for hours without overheating. The medina's white and blue buildings practically glow after rain showers, and the lower tourist numbers mean you can actually compose shots without crowds. The souks are fully active but not overwhelmingly busy - you'll see locals doing their actual shopping rather than just tourist transactions.

Booking Tip: Most walking tours run 3-4 hours and cost 250-400 MAD per person for small groups. Book 5-7 days ahead during March, though you can often arrange same-day tours through your riad. Look for guides who focus on photography angles and are willing to adjust timing for the best light - typically starting around 9-10am when the morning sun hits the medina walls. The booking widget below shows current options with verified guides.

Cap Spartel and Hercules Caves Excursions

The northwestern tip of Africa offers dramatic Atlantic views that are actually clearer in March before summer haze sets in. The 14km (8.7 miles) coastal route from Tangier to Cap Spartel is stunning when the surrounding hills are green from winter rains. The Caves of Hercules are less crowded in March, and the cooler temperatures make the walk down to the cave openings more comfortable. On clear days - which are more common in March than you'd expect - you can see across the strait to Spain with unusual clarity.

Booking Tip: Half-day trips typically run 300-500 MAD including transport and guide. Book through licensed drivers who can adjust timing based on weather - you want to avoid visiting during those gusty wind days that are common in March. Most tours last 3-4 hours and work best starting around 10am when morning fog has cleared. Check the booking section below for current tour availability and pricing.

Tangier Food Market Tours and Cooking Experiences

March brings spring produce to Tangier's markets - you'll find the first strawberries from Larache, fresh fava beans, artichokes, and the tail end of citrus season. The Grand Socco and surrounding food markets are at their most interesting when locals are shopping for seasonal ingredients. Cooking classes work particularly well in March because you're working with ingredients at their peak, and the cooler weather means spending time over a hot tagine pot isn't miserable. The 70% humidity actually helps with bread-making if you're doing hands-on baking.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range from 400-700 MAD for half-day experiences including market visit and meal. Book 7-10 days ahead as many are hosted in private homes with limited spots. Morning sessions starting around 9am let you experience the markets at their busiest. Look for experiences that emphasize seasonal cooking rather than generic tagine classes. See current cooking tour options in the booking widget below.

Chefchaouen Day Trips

The blue city in the Rif Mountains is about 2 hours south and absolutely spectacular in March when the surrounding mountains are green and snow-capped peaks are still visible. The 110km (68 miles) drive takes you through landscapes that are brown and dusty in summer but lush in spring. Chefchaouen itself is less crowded than peak season, and the cooler temperatures around 15°C (59°F) make walking the steep blue streets much more pleasant. March weather can be changeable up there, so you might catch dramatic cloud formations over the mountains.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips cost 500-800 MAD depending on group size and whether lunch is included. Book 3-5 days ahead, and confirm your guide has flexibility for weather - March can bring mountain fog that clears by midday. Most tours leave Tangier around 8-9am and return by 6-7pm. Private tours give you more control over timing and photo stops. Check the booking section for current Chefchaouen day trip options.

Kasbah Museum and Dar el Makhzen Visits

March's moderate temperatures make exploring Tangier's hilltop fortress district actually enjoyable - you're not dripping with sweat by the time you reach the top. The Kasbah Museum in the former sultan's palace showcases Moroccan art and archaeology in rooms that stay cool even on warmer March days. The surrounding Kasbah quarter has stunning viewpoints over the medina and port, and March's clearer air means better visibility. The gardens at Place de la Kasbah are starting to bloom, and you'll find locals gathering there in the afternoon sun.

Booking Tip: Museum entry is typically 20-30 MAD. Consider hiring a guide for 150-250 MAD to really understand the historical context - the museum itself has limited English signage. Allow 2-3 hours to explore the museum and surrounding Kasbah area properly. Mornings around 10-11am offer the best light for photography from the ramparts. The area is walkable but involves hills and stairs, so factor in the effort.

Strait of Gibraltar Boat Excursions

March offers some of the clearest visibility across the strait before summer haze sets in, though you need to pick your day carefully around wind conditions. Boat trips let you see Tangier's coastline from the water and potentially spot dolphins that migrate through the strait. The cooler temperatures mean being on the water is refreshing rather than harsh, and the lower tourist season means more personalized experiences. That said, March wind can make seas choppy, so this activity requires flexible scheduling.

Booking Tip: Boat excursions range from 300-600 MAD for 2-3 hour trips depending on boat size and route. Book through the port's licensed operators, and always check weather forecasts - March can bring 2-3 day stretches of wind that make boat trips uncomfortable. Morning departures around 10-11am typically offer calmer conditions than afternoons. Some tours combine coastal viewing with fishing opportunities. See the booking widget for current strait crossing and boat tour options.

March Events & Festivals

Late March

Tangier Jazz Festival

This multi-day music event typically happens in late March and brings international and Moroccan jazz artists to venues around the city. Performances happen in theaters, cultural centers, and occasionally outdoor spaces when weather permits. It's worth checking if your March dates align - the festival attracts a mix of locals and cultural tourists, and tickets are reasonably priced compared to European jazz festivals. Evening concerts work perfectly with March's cool but not cold temperatures.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering pieces you can add and remove throughout the day - a light sweater or cardigan over a t-shirt handles the 10°C (50°F) mornings, then you strip down to short sleeves when it hits 18°C (64°F) by afternoon. Avoid heavy jackets that become a burden to carry.
Lightweight waterproof jacket or packable rain shell - those 10 rainy days mean you'll likely hit at least 2-3 showers during a week-long visit. Rain typically doesn't last all day but comes in bursts, so you want something that stuffs into a daypack easily.
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - the medina's streets are often slick after rain, and the hills up to the Kasbah involve uneven stone steps. Skip the brand-new shoes that need breaking in. Closed-toe shoes work better than sandals in March's variable weather.
Sun protection despite the moderate temperatures - that UV index of 8 is no joke, especially with reflection off white buildings and water. SPF 50+ sunscreen and a hat for exposed areas like Cap Spartel. The spring sun feels deceptively gentle until you realize you're burned.
Scarf or light shawl that serves multiple purposes - useful for modest dress when visiting mosques, protection from wind at coastal areas, and an extra layer for cool evenings. Cotton or linen works better than heavy wool in the 70% humidity.
Small umbrella for sudden showers - more practical than relying solely on a rain jacket, especially if you're carrying camera equipment or want to keep shooting photos during light rain. The compact folding type that fits in a bag.
Power adapter for Moroccan outlets - Type C and E plugs with 220V. Most accommodations have adapters but not always enough for multiple devices. March's variable weather means more time charging devices indoors during rainy spells.
Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees - particularly important if you're visiting religious sites or traditional areas of the medina. Lightweight long pants and shirts that breathe work better than heavy fabrics in the humidity.
Daypack for carrying layers and rain gear - you'll be adding and removing clothes throughout the day as temperatures shift. Something water-resistant helps protect electronics and documents during unexpected showers.
Cash in smaller denominations - many medina shops and local restaurants don't take cards, and breaking large bills can be difficult. ATMs are available but having 20 and 50 MAD notes makes transactions smoother, especially in markets.

Insider Knowledge

The wind patterns matter more than the rain forecast in March - locals check whether the sharqi (east wind) is blowing before planning beach or coastal activities. If you wake up to gusty conditions, shift your plans to the medina or indoor sites rather than fighting the wind at Cap Spartel or the beaches.
Midweek visits to popular sites work significantly better than weekends in March - Tangier gets domestic tourists from Casablanca and Rabat on weekends, so Tuesday through Thursday offers the quietest medina experience. Hotels also offer better rates for Sunday through Thursday stays.
The afternoon prayer call around 3-4pm is when many shops in the medina close for 30-45 minutes - use this time for photography when the narrow streets are emptiest, or grab mint tea at a cafe. Trying to shop during this window means waiting around or missing the places you wanted to visit.
March is when riads negotiate longer-stay rates most aggressively - if you're staying a week or more, you can often get 25-30% off by booking directly and asking about monthly rates. Many owners are trying to fill gaps between winter and summer bookings and have flexibility you won't find in peak months.

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only for warm weather because it's North Africa - that 10°C (50°F) evening temperature catches tourists off guard, especially when combined with wind off the Atlantic. You'll see visitors shivering at outdoor restaurants because they brought only summer clothes and maybe one light jacket.
Booking beach-focused accommodations in March - the beach season hasn't really started, water temperatures are still cool around 16°C (61°F), and wind makes beach time hit-or-miss. You're better off staying in or near the medina where you have more activity options regardless of weather.
Assuming all restaurants and attractions keep the same hours as summer - March is shoulder season, so some places have reduced hours or are closed for maintenance. Always confirm opening times the day before, especially for restaurants outside the main tourist areas that might close early on slow nights.

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February

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April

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Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Tangier

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