Ramadan and Morroco

Mr. K and I will be in Marrakech later this month for a week.  Yay!   

Has anyone else been a tourist in a Muslim country during Ramadan?  I am looking for some advice on what will be expected from us as tourists.  I want to be respectful of local traditions and customs.  Will we be expected to strictly observe Ramadan?   I don't think it will be hard to observe the non-eating part during the day, but given the warm climate, the not drinking (and I mean drinking in a hydrating sense, not the alcoholic sense) will be a bit more of a challenge.

If anyone has any recommendations, we would love to hear them!

Yes, I have been.

You will not be expected to observe Ramadan.  Of course you can eat and drink during the day.  However, at times it can be difficult to find the variety of restaurants open when you might want (i.e. during the daytime).  Hotels though will definitely have restaurants open, as they are catering to guests.  It should be fine! 

Hope you have a lovely trip.

Hi, i was in Tunisia during Ramadan. not much fun as many restaurants etc were closed of an evening. I would seriously suggest you try and change dates if possible tho Morooco may be better

Hi, i was in Tunisia during Ramadan. not much fun as many restaurants etc were closed of an evening. I would seriously suggest you try and change dates if possible tho Morooco may be better

Cancelling is not possible without it costing £££.  I talked to a client today who just got back from Marrakech yesterday.  She said things are rather mellow in the afternoon regardless of Ramadan because of the heat, and that the souks get interesting at night anyway...so we are going to go and enjoy the experience.

But if anyone has any particular recommendations, we would love to hear them!

You'll be fine!  Enjoy yourselves and let us know how it goes.

That's somewhere I've always wanted to go! Have a great time and share lots of photos when you get back! 

I'm sure it will be ok - the resort i was at in Tunisia was quite self contained - i think Marrakesh will be far far better - enjoy.

love the Riads...!

Friends of mine were over last year and it was okay. Most restaurants were open as it caters to tourist. If you are going on tours or trips outside the city, it would be wise to get supplies from the supermarket esp water before heading out. The further away from the city you'll see most of the restaurants and shops catering to locals close.
In terms of respect: try not to eat in public transportation or in taxis after all the poor folks are obviously hungry and wouldnt want to be reminded about what they cant have. Try to be moderate in your dressing, no revealing clothes or kissing in public. You wont be prosecuted but although Morocco and Tunisia are much more liberal than the Emirates, they are traditional and will offended by such outward gestures.
You can get cool cotton shifts. linen based clothes that will help with the heat.