To visit Casablanca is to discover Morocco’s largest city through a different door from the imperial cities: the Hassan II Mosque built over the ocean, a city center rich in Art Deco facades, the new medina of the Habous and the Ain Diab corniche. What to do in Casablanca, when to go and how to use it as the starting point of a circuit in Morocco: here are the essentials, based on official sources.
Many travelers only pass through Casablanca between Mohammed V Airport and another city. Yet one or two days on site are enough to see the highlights, as long as you know where to go: the city is vast and its sights are spread between the port, the center and the coast. About an hour away by train, our guide to Rabat, the capital of Morocco lets you extend your stay on the Atlantic coast.
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Casablanca at a glance
- Location Atlantic coast, west-central Morocco; the country’s largest city
- Airport Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN)
- Train station Casa-Voyageurs, terminus of the high-speed trains from Tangier
- Entry US and UK citizens can visit without a visa for up to 90 days (travel.state.gov, GOV.UK)
- Safety petty crime is common in tourist areas, including theft by motorcyclists (UK FCDO)
- Currency Moroccan dirham (MAD)
- Ideal length 1 to 2 days
Things to do in Casablanca: the highlights
The Hassan II Mosque
Built on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, the Hassan II Mosque was inaugurated on 30 August 1993 after seven years of work. Its minaret reaches 210 meters (689 ft). The prayer hall can hold 25,000 worshippers and the esplanade 80,000. Its foundations required major works to withstand the swell. It is run by the Hassan II Mosque Foundation of Casablanca, which sets the conditions of access for visitors (tours, days, times, price): check them on site or with the Foundation, as its official website could not be consulted when we checked. Wear clothing that covers your arms and legs.
The old medina and Bab Marrakech
The medina, the historic heart of the city, is surrounded by a wall pierced by gates, the best known of which, Bab Marrakech, opens to the south. Smaller and less touristy than those of Fez or Marrakech, it can be explored in an hour or two, keeping an eye on your belongings.
The Habous quarter
Also called the new medina, the Habous quarter was built during the protectorate in a style inspired by traditional architecture. Its lanes and craft shops make it the most pleasant place in the city for shopping.
The Art Deco center and Mohammed V Square
East of the medina lies the former European quarter, rich in Art Deco facades, especially along Boulevard Mohammed V and Boulevard du 11-Janvier. On Mohammed V Square, the wilaya, with its Tuscan-inspired bell tower, faces the Hispano-Moorish courthouse. The Arab League Park and the former Sacré-Cœur church, another Art Deco building, are close by. Look up: the interest is often on the upper floors.
The Ain Diab corniche
To the west, the corniche runs along the beaches of Ain Diab, with cafés, restaurants and shopping centers, including the Morocco Mall. It is the place for a late-afternoon stroll. The UK FCDO notes, however, that many beaches in Morocco have limited or no lifeguard cover and that strong currents and unexpected waves can occur.
Museums and cultural venues
The Villa des Arts hosts contemporary art exhibitions; the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum displays antique jewelry, posters and illuminations; the Museum of Moroccan Judaism is presented as the first museum devoted to Judaism in the Arab world. Check opening hours before you go.
Itinerary: Casablanca in 1 or 2 days
| Time | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | The Hassan II Mosque (depending on visiting conditions) | The Habous quarter |
| Midday | The old medina, Bab Marrakech | The Central Market |
| Afternoon | Mohammed V Square, the Art Deco boulevards, the Arab League Park | The Villa des Arts or the Abderrahman Slaoui Museum |
| Evening | Back to the mosque at sunset | The Ain Diab corniche |
Casablanca as a gateway to Morocco: where next?
Casablanca is often the arrival point of a circuit. Here is a decision grid based on your plans, using the connections available from the city.
| If you want… | Then continue to… | How |
|---|---|---|
| The imperial cities and the souks | Marrakech or Fez | Train or road (timetables on the ONCF website) |
| The north and the Mediterranean | Tangier, then Chefchaouen | High-speed train to Tangier, then road |
| The ocean and a relaxed atmosphere | Essaouira | Road or coach |
| The beach in winter | Agadir | Highway via Marrakech, or plane |
When to go to Casablanca
April-May and September-October are the best times to visit Casablanca, with 20.6 to 22.7 °C (69 to 73 °F) in the afternoon in spring and 25.9 °C (79 °F) in September. Summer is warm but not excessive thanks to the ocean: the average high does not exceed 26.7 °C (80 °F) in August, far less than inland. June, July and August are almost rainless. The rain is concentrated from November to January, peaking in November (84.4 mm / 3.3 in). Winter stays mild by day (17.6 °C / 64 °F in January) but cool at night.
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain mm (in) | Rainy days | Sun per day | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 17.6 (64 °F) | 8.9 (48 °F) | 61.9 (2.4 in) | 6.5 | 6.5 h | ⚠️ Mild, rainy |
| February | 18.1 (65 °F) | 9.7 (49 °F) | 49.7 (2.0 in) | 6.1 | 7.1 h | ⚠️ Mild, showers |
| March | 19.7 (67 °F) | 11.6 (53 °F) | 42.5 (1.7 in) | 6.0 | 8.0 h | ✅ Mild, fairly dry |
| April | 20.6 (69 °F) | 13.3 (56 °F) | 33.5 (1.3 in) | 4.7 | 9.0 h | ✅ Pleasant |
| May | 22.7 (73 °F) | 15.9 (61 °F) | 13.6 (0.5 in) | 2.2 | 9.9 h | ✅ Ideal, dry |
| June | 24.6 (76 °F) | 18.7 (66 °F) | 2.5 (0.1 in) | 0.7 | 9.9 h | ✅ Warm, dry |
| July | 26.1 (79 °F) | 20.5 (69 °F) | 0.5 (0.0 in) | 0.1 | 9.8 h | ⚠️ Warm, humid, busy |
| August | 26.7 (80 °F) | 21 (70 °F) | 0.4 (0.0 in) | 0.0 | 9.6 h | ⚠️ The warmest |
| September | 25.9 (79 °F) | 19.5 (67 °F) | 11.7 (0.5 in) | 1.8 | 8.8 h | ✅ Warm, pleasant sea |
| October | 24.3 (76 °F) | 16.8 (62 °F) | 45.3 (1.8 in) | 5.1 | 7.8 h | ✅ Mild, sunny |
| November | 21 (70 °F) | 12.8 (55 °F) | 84.4 (3.3 in) | 6.7 | 6.9 h | ⚠️ The wettest |
| December | 18.9 (66 °F) | 10.5 (51 °F) | 62.2 (2.4 in) | 6.5 | 6.3 h | ⚠️ Mild, rainy |
A very steady climate
The ocean smooths out temperatures. Between the coldest and warmest months, the average high varies by only 9.1 °C (16 °F). The gap between afternoon and night stays moderate all year: it is largest in January (8.7 °C / 16 °F) and smallest in July (5.6 °C / 10 °F). In winter, when it rains, showers are heavier: about 12.6 mm (0.5 in) per rainy day in November. Destination de Voyage calculation based on the WMO 1991-2020 normals for Casablanca-Anfa.
| Month | Day/night range °C (°F) | Rain per rainy day mm (in) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 8.7 (16 °F) | 9.5 (0.4 in) |
| February | 8.4 (15 °F) | 8.1 (0.3 in) |
| March | 8.1 (15 °F) | 7.1 (0.3 in) |
| April | 7.3 (13 °F) | 7.1 (0.3 in) |
| May | 6.8 (12 °F) | 6.2 (0.2 in) |
| June | 5.9 (11 °F) | – |
| July | 5.6 (10 °F) | – |
| August | 5.7 (10 °F) | – |
| September | 6.4 (12 °F) | 6.5 (0.3 in) |
| October | 7.5 (14 °F) | 8.9 (0.4 in) |
| November | 8.2 (15 °F) | 12.6 (0.5 in) |
| December | 8.4 (15 °F) | 9.6 (0.4 in) |
To compare with the rest of the country, see the best time to visit Morocco.
Getting there and getting around Casablanca
- By plane: Casablanca is served by Mohammed V International Airport. Routes vary by airline and season: check with the airlines.
- By train: Casa-Voyageurs station has been the terminus of the high-speed trains from Tangier since 2018. Check timetables and destinations on the ONCF website. The U.S. Department of State notes that the train system has a good safety record.
- In the city: a tram line opened on 12 December 2012 links the east of the city to Ain Diab via the center. The U.S. Department of State recommends using petit taxis, red in Casablanca, at night and in unfamiliar areas, and considers city buses unsafe.
- Time: Morocco is on UTC+1, UTC+0 during Ramadan: see our page on the time difference in Morocco.
Where to stay
The city center, around Boulevard Mohammed V, puts you close to the Art Deco districts and the tram. The Ain Diab corniche suits a stay by the ocean, further from the sights. For a night before or after a flight, accommodation near the station or the airport simplifies logistics.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated July 30, 2026), you need a valid passport with at least one blank page; no visa is required for visits of less than 90 days. If you stay beyond 90 days without requesting an extension, you will have to appear before a judge before leaving. Carry a copy of your passport at all times.
- UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 19 August 2026), you can visit without a visa for up to 90 days for tourism. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the date you arrive and must not be damaged; make sure it is stamped on entry. A polio vaccination certificate is required if you come from a polio-affected country.
- Drones: flying a drone requires permission from the Directorate General for Civil Aviation, or you risk fines and confiscation (UK FCDO).
- Health: adequate medical care is available in the largest cities, particularly Rabat and Casablanca, but most providers only accept cash and may require a deposit before admission (U.S. Department of State). Insurance covering medical costs and repatriation is essential. Check vaccine recommendations with TravelHealthPro (UK) or the CDC (US).
- Crime: petty crime is common in tourist areas, especially in medinas and on beaches (pickpocketing, bag-snatching, theft by motorcyclists), and criminals have used knives in street attacks in major cities and along beaches (UK FCDO, updated 19 August 2026). People posing as official guides commonly harass tourists: use a guide with an official badge.
- Terrorism: the UK FCDO considers that terrorists are likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco, including in places popular with tourists and in crowded places; stay aware of your surroundings and follow the advice of the local authorities. Protests can occur without warning in large cities.
- Local laws: drinking alcohol anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar is illegal; possession of any drugs, including cannabis, carries severe penalties; same-sex relations are illegal (UK FCDO). There have been deaths caused by alcoholic drinks containing methanol.
- Emergencies: police 190, gendarmerie 177, ambulance and fire 150 according to the UK FCDO; the U.S. Department of State gives 15 for emergency services and 190 for police from a mobile phone. Check locally on arrival.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need to visit Casablanca?
One day for the Hassan II Mosque, the medina and the Art Deco center; two days to add the Habous, a museum and the corniche.
How do you visit the Hassan II Mosque?
The conditions of access for visitors are set by the Hassan II Mosque Foundation. Check days, times and price on site or with the Foundation before you go, and wear covering clothing.
Do I need a visa for Casablanca?
No, not for US or UK citizens visiting for less than 90 days. You need a valid passport (with at least one blank page for US citizens, valid at least 3 months after arrival for UK citizens).
What is the best time to go to Casablanca?
April-May and September-October. November is the wettest month (84.4 mm / 3.3 in) according to the WMO 1991-2020 normals; summer is dry and tempered by the ocean.
Is Casablanca safe?
The UK FCDO reports common petty crime in tourist areas, including bag-snatching by motorcyclists, and knife attacks in major cities. Use official petit taxis, keep valuables out of sight and avoid deserted places at night.
Our sources
- NOAA, World Meteorological Organization 1991-2020 normals for Casablanca-Anfa (sunshine 1981-2010), via the Wikipedia climate box (article « Casablanca »), consulted on 23 October 2026
- Entry, health and safety information read on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Morocco country information (travel.state.gov, last updated July 30, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Morocco (GOV.UK, updated 19 August 2026)
- Wikipedia: « Casablanca » and « Hassan II Mosque », consulted on 23 October 2026
- Destination de Voyage calculations and summaries: day/night range, rain per rainy day, « gateway » grid
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To go further, see our Morocco guide, Marrakech and our other destinations in Africa.
