One of the best months of the year with temperatures into the high twenties and an average 9 hours of daily sunshine, April is a lovely time to be in Marrakech both for the ideal climate and range of special visitor attractions and events.
April 2017 Events
Events kick off with the two final days of the Marrakech Dance Festival which starts on the 27th March. In addition to intensive dance sessions, including mock battles, there are workshops, classes, conferences and shows.
The legendary Marathon des Sables desert footrace takes place from 7th to 15th April while, for those looking for something a little less gruelling, the Grand Prix Hassan II tennis tournament takes place between 10th and 16th April.
Golf enthusiasts may wish to fit the Trophée Hassan II tournament (part of the European Tour) into their schedule; the event takes place in the capital, Rabat, a long but interesting train ride from Marrakech, between 13th and 16th April.
‘Petrol-heads’, by contrast, have the season-opening WTCC Race of Morocco (April 7th to 9th) to look forward to.
More April 2017 Events
Between the 13th/16th April, Merzouga (on the edge of the Sahara, under 9 hours from Marrakech) will host the International Worldwide Music Festival. By contrast, lovers of classical/chamber music should note that the 17th annual festival of the Printemps Musical des Alizés takes place in Essaouira between 27th and 30th April.
A major sporting event, the Marrakech Atlas Etape is a cycle race providing both professionals and amateurs with a choice of three routes (60, 104 and 140 km) from Marrakech to the ski resorts of the Atlas Mountains and back on April 30th.
Marrakech in April
April is also a great time to take a leisurely excursion into the Atlas Mountains to admire the profusion of flora, lush green valleys and waterfalls, high mountain passes and Portuguese fortresses.