Morocco School Holidays & Calendar
The Moroccan Academic Year
Morocco's school year for public primary and secondary education generally begins in early September and ends in early July. The calendar is set each year by the Ministry of National Education, so precise dates vary annually.
The year is organized into two main semesters, with assessment periods and several scheduled vacation breaks distributed across the months. Both public and many private schools largely follow this national framework.
Main Vacation Periods
The academic calendar typically includes several breaks: an autumn vacation around late October or early November, a longer end-of-year break around late December and early January, a mid-year break in late January or early February, and a spring vacation in March or April.
These breaks usually last from one to two weeks each. The exact timing shifts from year to year, so families and travelers should check the official calendar released before the school year begins.
Religious and National Holidays
In addition to scheduled vacations, schools close for Morocco's national and religious public holidays. National dates such as Throne Day (July 30), the Green March (November 6) and Independence Day (November 18) fall on fixed days.
Religious holidays such as the two Eids, Mawlid, Ashura and the Islamic New Year follow the lunar calendar and move each year, so the precise school closures linked to them vary. Ramadan also affects school schedules, often with shortened hours.
Higher Education and Private Schools
Universities and higher-education institutions set their own calendars, which may differ from the primary and secondary schedule, including different exam periods and semester structures.
Private and international schools in Morocco may follow modified calendars, and some international schools align partly with foreign systems while still observing Moroccan public holidays. Families should confirm dates directly with each institution.
How Schedules Are Set
The Ministry of National Education publishes the official school calendar (calendrier scolaire) for each academic year, detailing the start date, end date, exam windows and vacation periods.
Because national and religious holidays interact with the calendar, and because lunar dates shift, the ministry's annual circular is the authoritative reference. It is typically released in the summer before the new school year.
Tips for Families and Travelers
Families planning trips should align travel with vacation periods and confirm the latest official dates, since they change yearly. Popular vacation weeks can mean busier domestic transport and tourist sites.
During Ramadan, school hours are often reduced, and around the major Eids many institutions close for several days. Travelers should expect heavier traffic and crowded transport around school holiday periods and major national or religious dates.
| Period | Approximate timing |
|---|---|
| School year start | Early September |
| Autumn break | Late October / early November |
| End-of-year break | Late December / early January |
| Mid-year break | Late January / early February |
| Spring break | March / April |
| School year end | Early July |
Typical Morocco school calendar structure
FAQ
When does the school year start in Morocco?
The public school year generally begins in early September and ends in early July, with exact dates set annually by the Ministry of National Education.
How long are school holidays in Morocco?
The main vacation breaks in autumn, end of year, mid-year and spring typically last one to two weeks each, in addition to closures for national and religious public holidays.
Do Moroccan schools close for religious holidays?
Yes. Schools close for national holidays on fixed dates and for religious holidays such as the two Eids, Mawlid and Ashura, which follow the lunar calendar and shift each year.
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