What Is the Time Zone in Morocco?
Quick answer
Morocco uses GMT+1 year-round (Western European Time), but it puts the clocks BACK by one hour during Ramadan, returning to GMT+1 afterwards. So it’s usually the same as the UK in winter and one hour behind UK summer time — with a temporary extra change during Ramadan.
Morocco’s time can confuse visitors because of one quirk: the clocks shift for Ramadan. Otherwise it’s simple and close to UK/European time, meaning little or no jet lag.
Here’s how it works.
The basics
Morocco officially observes GMT+1 (Western European Time) permanently — the same as Central European countries like Spain and France for part of the year. There’s no regular spring/autumn daylight-saving change like Europe’s; instead Morocco holds GMT+1 throughout.
In practice that means it’s very close to UK and Western European time, so travellers from those regions feel essentially no jet lag.
The Ramadan clock change
The exception: during the month of Ramadan, Morocco moves the clocks BACK one hour (to GMT) to make the daytime fast a little shorter, then forward again to GMT+1 when Ramadan ends. So if you visit during Ramadan, the time will be an hour different from the rest of the year — double-check local time and transport schedules around the changeover dates.
Because Ramadan’s dates shift earlier each year, the timing of this change moves too.
Comparisons and practical tips
Relative to the UK: Morocco (GMT+1) is one hour ahead of UK winter time (GMT) and the same as UK summer time (BST) — except during Ramadan, when it’s the same as UK winter time. Relative to Spain/France (CET/CEST), it’s usually one hour behind in their summer.
Check your phone updates automatically, and around Ramadan confirm times for flights, trains (ONCF) and tours, as schedules follow the official clock change.
Key takeaways
- Morocco runs on GMT+1 year-round (Western European Time).
- Clocks go BACK one hour during Ramadan, then return.
- Same as UK summer time; one hour ahead of UK winter time.
- Essentially no jet lag from the UK/Western Europe.
Frequently asked questions
What time zone is Morocco in?
GMT+1 (Western European Time) year-round, but the clocks go back one hour to GMT during Ramadan, then return to GMT+1 afterwards.
Is Morocco the same time as the UK?
It’s the same as UK summer time (BST) and one hour ahead of UK winter time (GMT) — except during Ramadan, when it matches UK winter time. Either way, no real jet lag.
Does Morocco change the clocks?
Not for regular daylight saving — it stays on GMT+1 — but it does shift the clocks back an hour during Ramadan and forward again when it ends.
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