The essentials in 30 seconds
- 1
A time regime changing in 2026
Since 2018, Morocco stayed on permanent GMT+1 year-round (except during Ramadan). An official decree ends this from September 20, 2026.
- 2
Before September 20, 2026
Morocco stays on GMT+1: no time difference with Paris in French winter time, -1h versus Paris in summer time (April-October).
- 3
The special case of Ramadan
Every year during Ramadan (February 15 to March 22, 2026), Morocco temporarily switches back to standard GMT time, creating a -1h difference with Paris even in the middle of winter.
- 4
After September 20, 2026
Morocco permanently adopts fixed GMT time (UTC+0), with no more seasonal switches. The difference becomes -1h with Paris in winter and -2h in summer.
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A short flight despite the time difference
About 3h15 to 3h25 of direct flight between Paris and Marrakech, 3h05 to 3h20 for Casablanca, one of the shortest long-haul-feeling trips for such a change of scenery.
Time difference with Paris by period
Morocco's regime changes mid-year 2026, check your travel period carefully.
| Period | Moroccan regime | Difference with Paris | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| French winter, before 02/15/2026 | GMT+1 | 0h (same time) | ||
| Ramadan, Feb 15 to Mar 22, 2026 | GMT (temporary) | -1h | ||
| French summer, until 09/20/2026 | GMT+1 | -1h | ||
| After 09/20/2026, winter | Fixed GMT | -1h | ||
| After 09/20/2026, summer (following years) | Fixed GMT | -2h |
Morocco time difference 2026: Paris, Ramadan, GMT switch
Moroccoโs time regime is changing mid-year 2026. Until September 20, 2026, the country stays on permanent GMT+1 (as it has since 2018), with a difference of 0h to -1h versus Paris depending on the season. An official decree ends this regime from that date, with a permanent switch to fixed GMT time.
Moroccoโs time regime before September 20, 2026
Since 2018, Morocco has applied a permanent GMT+1 regime year-round, unlike France which alternates between winter time (GMT+1) and summer time (GMT+2). Concretely, before September 20, 2026:
- In French winter (November to March, outside Ramadan): no time difference with Paris, both countries share the same time
- In French summer (April to October): a -1h difference, Morocco stays one hour behind Paris
The special case of Ramadan
Every year, Morocco temporarily switches back to standard GMT time (UTC+0) during the month of Ramadan, a practice meant to virtually move up sunset time and therefore when the fast breaks (iftar). In 2026, this period runs from February 15 to March 22. During these weeks, the difference with Paris becomes -1h even in the middle of winter.
If your trip falls during this period, check the actual time difference carefully before scheduling flights or appointments.
The major change of September 20, 2026
An official decree published in the Official Bulletin of June 29, 2026 ends the permanent GMT+1 regime applied since 2018. From September 20, 2026 at 2 AM, Morocco permanently adopts GMT time (UTC+0), with no more seasonal or Ramadan-linked switches going forward.
Concretely, after that date:
- Morocco stays 1 hour behind Paris in French winter
- Morocco stays 2 hours behind Paris in French summer
- No more adjustment during Ramadan in following years
Flight time from France
Morocco remains one of the fastest long-haul-feeling destinations to reach from France:
- Paris-Marrakech: about 3h15 to 3h25 direct
- Paris-Casablanca: about 3h05 to 3h20 direct
With a maximum time difference of 2 hours, no significant jet lag is expected, a clear advantage for a short extended-weekend trip.
Other practical info Morocco
- Visa: no visa for French nationals, stay under 90 days
- Power plug: type C/E, same as France
- Currency (Dirham): cash, cards and withdrawals
- Airports: Marrakech, Casablanca, Fez, Agadir
Page written by Thomas B., Africa and Middle East specialist, LโHeure du Voyage. 15 years of experience, 35 countries covered. Updated: August 5, 2026. Verified by 2 experts.
Sources
FAQ
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Thomas Bernard
Verified authorGeographer and seasoned traveler.