Things to Do in Rabat in May

May Weather in Rabat

23°C (74°F) High Temp

13°C (55°F) Low Temp

18 mm (0.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect beach weather - consistent 23°C (74°F) highs with minimal rainfall make it ideal for Salé and Témara beaches before summer crowds arrive
Ramadan typically ends in early May 2025, meaning restaurants resume normal hours and street food vendors return to full operation
Spring blooms at Chellah Gardens peak in May, with 14 hours of daylight for extended sightseeing without summer heat exhaustion
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than summer months while weather remains excellent for walking medina tours

Considerations

Atlantic ocean temperature still cool at 18°C (64°F) - fine for beach walks but swimming requires tolerance for chilly water
10 rainy days means pack layers - morning can be 13°C (55°F) requiring light jacket, afternoon reaches 23°C (74°F)
Popular rooftop restaurants and cafés may have inconsistent hours as they transition from Ramadan schedules to summer operations

Best Activities in May

Kasbah of the Udayas Exploration

May's mild temperatures make this cliff-top fortress perfect for extended walking. The 70% humidity feels comfortable rather than oppressive, and spring light creates ideal photography conditions. Crowds are manageable compared to summer peak season.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for self-guided visits. Entry fee typically 20-30 MAD. Visit early morning (8-10am) when temperatures are coolest and light is best. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Bouregreg River Valley Tours

Spring runoff makes the river most scenic in May. Comfortable 23°C (74°F) highs perfect for boat tours and riverside walking paths. New tramway extension completed 2024 provides easy access to both Rabat and Salé sides.

Booking Tip: River boat tours typically 150-250 MAD per person. Book 3-5 days ahead through licensed marina operators. Weather delays rare in May. Current tour options available in booking section below.

Hassan Tower and Mausoleum Complex

May's moderate UV index of 8 and pleasant temperatures make this extensive outdoor site comfortable for the 2-3 hours needed. Spring crowds are present but manageable, unlike overwhelming summer tour groups.

Booking Tip: Free entry but guided tours typically 100-200 MAD. Best visited 9-11am or 4-6pm to avoid midday sun. No advance booking required for entry. See guided tour options in booking widget below.

Chellah Necropolis Gardens

Peak blooming season for ancient gardens with comfortable walking temperatures. May's 18mm (0.7 inches) rainfall keeps vegetation lush. Stork nesting season adds wildlife viewing opportunities unavailable other months.

Booking Tip: Entry typically 70 MAD. Self-guided visits ideal in May weather. Allow 2-3 hours for full exploration. Early morning visits (8-10am) offer best lighting and bird activity. Current guided tours available in booking section.

Rabat Medina Walking Tours

May temperatures perfect for navigating narrow medina streets without summer heat exhaustion. Post-Ramadan restart means all shops and workshops fully operational. Comfortable humidity levels for extended walking.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration free, guided tours typically 200-400 MAD per person. Book through certified guides association. 3-4 hour tours comfortable in May weather. See current options in booking widget below.

Salé Beach and Marina Activities

Beach walking perfect in 23°C (74°F) weather, though ocean swimming cool at 18°C (64°F). New marina development offers restaurants with extended May daylight hours. Less crowded than summer months.

Booking Tip: Beach access free. Marina restaurants typically 150-300 MAD per meal. Surfing lessons available but wetsuit required. Water sports operators resume full schedules post-Ramadan. Current activity options in booking section below.

May Events & Festivals

Late May

Mawazine Festival

One of the world's largest music festivals typically held late May, featuring international and Moroccan artists across multiple venues in Rabat. Free concerts at outdoor stages plus ticketed premium shows.

Mid to Late May

Rose Festival Season

While main rose festivals occur in Kelaat M'Gouna, Rabat markets feature special rose product displays and traditional rose water demonstrations during May harvest season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket - May's 10 rainy days typically bring brief afternoon showers lasting 15-20 minutes

Layers for 10°C (18°F) temperature swing - light sweater for 13°C (55°F) mornings, cotton shirts for 23°C (74°F) afternoons

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 with strong Atlantic reflection off white medina walls

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - medina cobblestones can be slippery when wet from May showers

Light cotton or linen clothing - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable for extended medina exploration

Compact umbrella - more convenient than rain jacket for brief May downpours while sightseeing

Light scarf or shawl - for mosque visits and cool evening Atlantic breezes

Waterproof phone case - protect electronics during unpredictable May weather changes

Breathable hat - sun protection for extended outdoor site visits without overheating

Light evening jacket - temperatures drop to 13°C (55°F) after sunset

Insider Knowledge

Ramadan ends early May 2025 - first week may have limited restaurant hours, but second week onward everything operates normally with extended celebration atmosphere

Local hammams resume normal operations post-Ramadan - May is perfect weather for traditional bath house experiences without summer heat intensity

Friday prayers at Hassan II Mosque draw larger crowds in May as weather makes attendance more comfortable - plan visits to nearby sites accordingly

Phosphate train line upgrades completed 2024 - new express service to Casablanca cuts travel time by 25 minutes, making day trips more feasible

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all restaurants open normal hours first week of May - some may still transition from Ramadan schedules

Packing only summer clothes - 13°C (55°F) morning temperatures require light layers

Expecting warm ocean swimming - Atlantic stays cool at 18°C (64°F) until July