Things to Do in Rabat in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Rabat
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Pleasant daytime temperatures around 64°F (18°C) make walking the medina and exploring outdoor sites like Chellah genuinely comfortable without the summer heat that can push past 86°F (30°C). You'll actually want to spend hours wandering rather than ducking into cafes every 30 minutes.
- February sits squarely in low season, meaning accommodation prices drop 25-40% compared to March-April peak periods, and you'll have the Hassan Tower and Kasbah des Oudaias largely to yourself. Mid-morning at major sites, you might share the space with only 15-20 other visitors instead of tour group crowds.
- The Atlantic coast gets surprisingly good surf conditions in February, with consistent swells and fewer crowds at spots near Rabat. Water temperature hovers around 61°F (16°C), which is cold but manageable with a 4/3mm wetsuit.
- Almond trees bloom across the city's gardens and surrounding countryside in late February, creating unexpected pockets of pink and white blossoms. The Royal Palace gardens and Andalusian Gardens become particularly photogenic, and locals actually time weekend picnics around the blooms.
Considerations
- Rain happens about 10 days throughout the month, and when it comes, it tends to be persistent rather than quick tropical showers. You might lose half a day to gray skies and steady drizzle, which makes the medina's narrow lanes slippery and outdoor archaeological sites muddy and less appealing.
- Evening temperatures drop to 46°F (8°C), and most traditional riads and budget accommodations lack central heating. You'll want layers for dinner and might find yourself genuinely cold in your room at night, which catches travelers off guard in a North African destination.
- The 70% humidity combined with variable conditions means the weather feels unpredictable day-to-day. One morning might be brilliantly sunny requiring SPF 50+, while the next feels damp and gray, making it tricky to plan specific outdoor activities more than a day ahead.
Best Activities in February
Medina Walking Tours and Artisan Workshops
February's mild temperatures make this the ideal month for spending 3-4 hours navigating the medina's narrow lanes without overheating. The souks are quieter than spring peak season, and artisans in the carpet, leather, and pottery quarters actually have time to demonstrate their crafts rather than rushing through sales pitches. Morning tours work best, starting around 9:30am when shops open but before any afternoon rain rolls in. The cooler weather also means the tannery district is more tolerable than summer months.
Chellah Necropolis and Archaeological Site Visits
This ancient Roman and medieval necropolis becomes particularly atmospheric in February when winter rains keep the gardens green and stork nests are active. The site sits about 2 km (1.2 miles) from the medina and takes 90 minutes to explore properly. February's cooler temperatures make the uphill walk through the ruins comfortable, and the lower UV index means less harsh shadows for photography. Aim for late morning around 10:30am when any morning mist has cleared but before potential afternoon clouds.
Coastal Surfing and Beach Activities
February brings consistent Atlantic swells to beaches within 20-30 minutes of central Rabat. Water temperature around 61°F (16°C) requires a 4/3mm wetsuit, but the trade-off is uncrowded breaks and clean conditions. Beginners can take lessons at beaches south of the city, while intermediate surfers find decent reef breaks. The beach scene is locals-only in February, giving you an authentic experience without summer tourist crowds. Morning sessions from 8am-11am typically offer the best conditions before wind picks up.
Day Trips to Casablanca and Hassan II Mosque
Casablanca sits just 90 km (56 miles) south, making it an easy day trip by train or private transport. February's mild weather is perfect for exploring the Hassan II Mosque, one of the few mosques in Morocco open to non-Muslims. The massive seaside structure is spectacular in winter light, and guided tours run throughout the day. Visiting in low season means you can actually appreciate the interior details without being rushed through by crowds. The 1-hour train journey costs under 50 MAD each way and runs every 30-60 minutes.
Moroccan Cooking Classes and Food Market Tours
February brings seasonal produce to Rabat's markets, including citrus at peak ripeness and winter vegetables. Cooking classes typically start with a market tour around 9am when vendors are setting up, then move to a kitchen for 3-4 hours of hands-on cooking. The cooler weather makes standing over tagine pots and hot ovens more comfortable than summer months. You'll learn dishes like chicken tagine with preserved lemons, couscous, and Moroccan salads using ingredients you select at the market. Classes accommodate dietary restrictions if you mention them when booking.
Kasbah des Oudaias and Andalusian Gardens Exploration
This blue-and-white clifftop kasbah overlooking the Atlantic becomes particularly beautiful in February when gardens are green from winter rains and almond blossoms start appearing in late month. The narrow residential streets are quiet in low season, and you can spend 2-3 hours wandering without feeling rushed. The Andalusian Gardens offer genuine tranquility, and the clifftop platform provides dramatic ocean views. February's lower UV index and mild temperatures make afternoon visits around 2pm-4pm pleasant, though bring a light jacket for wind off the ocean.
February Events & Festivals
Almond Blossom Season
While not an organized festival, late February marks when almond trees across Rabat and surrounding areas burst into bloom. Locals take weekend drives to rural areas about 30-50 km (19-31 miles) outside the city to see orchards in full flower. The Royal Palace gardens and public parks throughout Rabat also feature almond trees that create photogenic spots. It's a subtle seasonal marker rather than a tourist event, but if you're here in the final week of February, you'll notice the blooms.