Things to Do in Rabat in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Rabat
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Comfortable temperatures for walking the medina - mornings start cool at 11°C (51°F) and warm to a pleasant 20°C (69°F) by afternoon, which is genuinely ideal for exploring the kasbah's narrow streets without overheating. You'll actually want to be outside.
- Fewer European tourists compared to spring and fall peak seasons - accommodation prices typically drop 20-30% from October rates, and you won't be fighting crowds at Hassan Tower or Chellah Necropolis. The medina feels more authentically local.
- Atlantic conditions are perfect for intermediate surfers - water temperature holds around 18°C (64°F), swells are consistent without summer's overwhelming power, and surf schools in nearby Témara and Skhirat offer better rates during this shoulder period, typically 300-450 MAD for group lessons.
- Fresh seasonal produce floods the markets - November brings the first of Morocco's famous citrus harvest, plus pomegranates, persimmons, and winter squash. The Sunday souk at Salé becomes particularly vibrant, and tagines feature ingredients at their absolute peak.
Considerations
- Rain is genuinely unpredictable - those 10 rainy days don't follow a pattern, and when storms roll in from the Atlantic, they can last several hours rather than quick showers. You'll want indoor backup plans, and the medina's uneven stones get slippery.
- Ocean swimming becomes uncomfortable for most people - 18°C (64°F) water requires a wetsuit for anything beyond a quick dip, and beach weather is hit-or-miss. The Rabat Beach corniche can feel windswept and empty on overcast days.
- Daylight ends early at 5:45 PM by late November - this cuts into afternoon exploration time, and some attractions like the Andalusian Gardens close by 5 PM. Evening activities shift indoors earlier than summer visitors might expect.
Best Activities in November
Medina and Kasbah Walking Tours
November weather is actually perfect for the 2-3 hours you'll spend navigating Rabat's UNESCO-listed medina and the Kasbah des Oudaias. Morning temperatures around 13°C (55°F) make the uphill climb to the kasbah comfortable, and by afternoon when it warms to 18-20°C (64-68°F), you'll appreciate the shaded alleyways. The occasional rain clears out day-trippers, leaving you with more authentic interactions with shopkeepers. The blue-and-white painted kasbah looks particularly photogenic under November's softer light.
Chellah Necropolis Visits
This Roman and medieval Islamic ruin complex becomes magical in November when stork colonies are actively nesting in the ancient minarets. The 70% humidity actually helps - the site's gardens stay lush and green unlike the brown summer months. Early afternoon visits around 2-3 PM offer the best combination of warmth and light, and you'll often have sections nearly to yourself midweek. The 10-minute walk from the medina is pleasant in November temperatures.
Atlantic Coast Surfing Sessions
November brings consistent Atlantic swells to beaches within 15-20 km (9-12 miles) of Rabat without summer's overwhelming power or crowds. Spots like Plage de Témara and Sables d'Or offer waves suitable for intermediate surfers, and the cooler weather means you'll actually need that wetsuit the rental shops provide. Morning sessions from 9-11 AM typically have the cleanest conditions before afternoon winds pick up. Water at 18°C (64°F) is cold but manageable with 3-4mm wetsuits.
Moroccan Cooking Classes
November's rainy days make cooking classes particularly appealing, and you'll work with seasonal ingredients at their peak - the new citrus harvest, fresh pomegranates, and autumn vegetables. Classes typically run 3-4 hours and include market visits in the morning when produce arrives freshest. The comfortable temperatures mean you won't be sweating over a tagine pot in an un-air-conditioned kitchen. You'll learn techniques that work with what's actually available in November markets.
Mohammed VI Museum of Modern Art Tours
This museum, which opened in 2014, provides perfect rainy-day refuge and showcases contemporary Moroccan and African art in a climate-controlled space. November's variable weather makes having quality indoor options essential, and this museum is genuinely world-class. The building itself is architecturally significant, and rotating exhibitions mean there's usually something new even for repeat visitors. Plan for 2-3 hours to see the permanent collection and current exhibitions properly.
Day Trips to Salé and Its Markets
Cross the Bou Regreg river to Rabat's sister city Salé, where November brings fewer tourists and more authentic market experiences. The Thursday and Sunday souks are particularly vibrant with seasonal produce, and the cooler weather makes wandering the pottery quarter and medina comfortable for several hours. The tram connection from Rabat takes 15 minutes and costs 7 MAD. Salé's medina feels distinctly different from Rabat's - less polished, more working-class, with better prices on ceramics and textiles.
November Events & Festivals
Mawlid al-Nabi Celebrations
The Prophet Muhammad's birthday typically falls in mid-to-late November in 2026, and Rabat marks this with religious processions, special prayers at the Grand Mosque, and family gatherings. While not a tourist event per se, you'll notice shops closing early, special sweets appearing in patisseries, and a festive atmosphere in residential neighborhoods. It's a fascinating cultural window if you're respectful and observant rather than intrusive.
Rabat African Film Festival Potential Programming
While the main festival typically runs in other months, November sometimes features special screenings and cultural events at venues like Cinema Renaissance. Check current programming as the cultural calendar has been expanding. These events offer air-conditioned entertainment during rainy evenings and insight into contemporary African cinema.