Morocco will move its clocks back by one hour and return to GMT on Sunday 15 February 2026 at 3 a.m., according to the Ministry of Digital Transition, as the country gets ready for Ramadan.
Ramadan is expected to begin on 19 February, based on astronomical calculations. The final date will be announced by the Ministry of Islamic Affairs after the new moon is seen.
The clock change happens every year before Ramadan to make fasting easier. As time moves back, sunset comes earlier, so people can break their fast sooner and evening prayers do not finish too late.
After Ramadan, Morocco will move the clocks forward again. One hour will be added at 2 a.m. on Sunday 22 March.
Morocco first started using daylight saving time in 2008 to save energy and match the working hours of its main trade partners. In 2018, the government decided that GMT+1 would be used all year round.
Many people were unhappy with the change, so the government kept the tradition of going back to GMT during Ramadan. This has now become normal.
During Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from dawn to sunset. Working hours are often shorter, with many public offices open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., as daily life slows down during the holy month.
