Morocco's 14 public holidays: what actually closes and when to book transport

Morocco has 14 official public holidays a year — a mix of fixed dates and Islamic calendar dates that shift annually — and the honest answer on planning is: you don't need to avoid them, but you should book transport early and expect government offices, banks, and post offices to be shut.

What actually closes on public holidays?

Government offices, embassies, post offices, and banks close on every public holiday. ATMs keep working 24/7, so cash access isn't an issue. Some tourist-oriented restaurants and shops may stay open, but it's worth confirming with individual businesses rather than assuming. City buses can switch to Sunday schedules on holidays, which is worth factoring in if you're relying on local transit that day.

Which dates should I know?

Fixed-date holidays include New Year (1 January), Independence Manifesto Commemoration (11 January), Amazigh New Year (14 January), Labour Day (1 May), Throne Day (30 July), Oued Ed-Dahab Day (14 August), Revolution Day (20 August), Youth Day (21 August), Green March (6 November), and Independence Day (18 November). Islamic calendar holidays — Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Islamic New Year, and Mawlid — move each year based on the lunar calendar, with exact dates announced shortly before the holiday since they depend on the sighting of the crescent moon.

Should I plan around Eid or toward it?

Toward it, if you want to see Morocco at its most social — but plan transport carefully. Millions of Moroccans travel during Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha to be with family, so trains, buses, and domestic flights run but get significantly busier. Book ONCF train tickets and CTM bus tickets at least a week in advance around these holidays. In the public sector, both Eids give 2 paid days off; in the private sector, typically only the first day of each is paid, which affects how long some businesses stay closed. Islamic New Year and Mawlid each bring 1 paid day off in both sectors.

Does Ramadan affect holiday planning?

Ramadan itself isn't a public holiday, but its dates vary yearly and it's worth checking before you visit, since daily rhythms shift and certain behaviors should be avoided during the month. It sits alongside — not instead of — the fixed and Islamic public holidays above, so check both calendars when timing a trip.

FAQ

Are ATMs available on public holidays? Yes — ATMs operate 24/7 even when banks, government offices, and post offices are closed.

Do I need to book transport differently around holidays? Trains, buses, and flights run as normal but get much busier around Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha; book ONCF and CTM tickets at least a week ahead.

Will my hotel or riad be open on a public holiday? Likely, but tourist-facing businesses aren't guaranteed to follow the same closures as banks and government offices — confirm directly with the establishment.

Sources

• https://life-in-morocco.com/bank-holidays-morocco-labour-law
• https://citytoursmorocco.com/morocco-public-holidays
• https://mjcc.gov.ma/fr/maroc-ma-met-a-votre-disposition-une-page-dediee-aux-fetes-nationales-et-religieuses-calendrier-2026/
• https://espace-paie.ma/264/fr/jours-feries
• Travel advice and advisories for Morocco - Travel.gc.ca