Things to Do in Rabat in April
April weather, activities, events & insider tips
April Weather in Rabat
Is April Right for You?
Advantages
- Spring temperatures hit the sweet spot - warm enough for outdoor exploration at 21°C (70°F) during the day, but cool enough at 11°C (51°F) in the evenings that you'll actually enjoy walking through the medina without melting. This is Rabat before the summer heat really kicks in.
- Tourist crowds are noticeably lighter than summer months, meaning you'll get better photo opportunities at Hassan Tower and can actually browse the Kasbah des Oudaias gardens without fighting through tour groups. Hotels typically drop rates 15-25% compared to peak season.
- The gardens and green spaces around Rabat are at their absolute best - the Andalusian Gardens are blooming, Chellah's ancient ruins are surrounded by wildflowers, and the coastal vegetation along the Bouregreg River is vibrant. This is the month locals actually go to the parks.
- April catches the tail end of Morocco's rainy season, which means everything is green and lush rather than the dusty brown you'll see by July. The 10 rainy days spread throughout the month are typically brief afternoon showers rather than all-day washouts, and they clear the air beautifully.
Considerations
- Weather is genuinely unpredictable in April - you might wake up to brilliant sunshine and face a sudden downpour by 3pm. That 70% humidity combined with variable conditions means you'll need to layer clothing and carry rain protection even on seemingly perfect mornings.
- Some coastal activities can be hit-or-miss due to Atlantic winds picking up in spring. The beaches are technically warm enough for sunbathing, but the ocean temperature hovers around 17°C (63°F), which is pretty bracing for swimming unless you're used to cold water.
- April falls during Ramadan in 2026 (roughly March 1 - March 30, depending on moon sighting), so early April might still catch the tail end. While Rabat is relatively relaxed as Morocco's capital, some restaurants close during daylight hours and the pace of business slows. Worth checking exact dates as you plan.
Best Activities in April
Medina Walking Tours and Architectural Exploration
April's moderate temperatures make this the ideal month for spending hours wandering Rabat's UNESCO-listed medina without the oppressive heat of summer. The 21°C (70°F) afternoons are perfect for exploring the narrow streets, and the occasional cloud cover actually helps with photography - you'll avoid the harsh shadows that plague midday summer shots. The medina is less crowded than in peak season, so you can take your time at carpet shops and pottery workshops without feeling rushed. Morning tours (9-11am) offer the best light and coolest temperatures.
Chellah Necropolis and Archaeological Site Visits
This ancient Roman and medieval site is absolutely stunning in April when wildflowers bloom among the ruins and storks nest in the old minarets. The combination of spring greenery and 2,000-year-old columns creates photo opportunities you simply won't get in summer's brown landscape. The site opens at 8:30am, and going right at opening means you'll have the place nearly to yourself until tour buses arrive around 10:30am. The 70% humidity actually works in your favor here - it keeps dust down on the pathways.
Coastal Path Walking and Bouregreg Marina Exploration
The 5 km (3.1 mile) coastal path from the Kasbah des Oudaias to the marina is spectacular in April when temperatures are perfect for longer walks. You'll see locals out jogging and families picnicking - this is when Rabat's residents actually use these spaces before summer heat drives everyone indoors. The Atlantic views are clearest after those brief rain showers wash the air clean. Late afternoon (4-6pm) offers the best light for photography and you'll catch the ocean breeze.
Andalusian Gardens and Kasbah Photography Sessions
April is genuinely the best month for the Andalusian Gardens inside the Kasbah des Oudaias - the roses are starting to bloom, the orange trees still have some fruit, and the famous blue-and-white painted streets photograph beautifully under April's softer light. The gardens are small but perfectly formed, and in April you can actually find quiet corners for contemplation. The 11°C (51°F) evening temperatures make sunset visits comfortable, and the golden hour light on those blue walls is worth planning your day around.
Traditional Hammam and Spa Experiences
Those 10 rainy days in April make hammam visits particularly appealing - there's something perfect about a traditional steam bath when it's drizzling outside. April's variable weather means locals and expats alike take advantage of indoor cultural experiences, and hammams are less crowded than in winter when everyone's seeking warmth. The traditional scrub and massage experience typically takes 90-120 minutes and is genuinely relaxing after days of walking the medina. The humidity outside actually makes the hammam's heat more tolerable.
Day Trips to Casablanca or Sale
April's weather is ideal for day trips since you'll have comfortable temperatures for exploring multiple cities. Casablanca is 90 km (56 miles) away with trains running hourly, and the Hassan II Mosque is less crowded in April than summer months. Sale, just across the Bouregreg River via the modern tram bridge, offers a more traditional medina experience with fewer tourists. The tram connection makes Sale an easy half-day addition, and April's mild weather means you can comfortably do both cities in one ambitious day if you start early.
April Events & Festivals
Mawazine Festival Preparation Period
While the actual Mawazine Festival typically happens in late May or June, April is when Rabat starts buzzing with preparation for Africa's second-largest music festival. You'll see stages being constructed along the Bouregreg and promotional materials going up around the city. It's an interesting time to visit if you're curious about the behind-the-scenes work of hosting 2.5 million festival-goers, though the actual concerts won't happen until after you leave.