The closest airport to Rabat is the Rabat-Sale Airport, about six miles north of the city center. However, most international flights to Morocco arrive the Mohammed V International Airport in Casablanca. After arriving in Casablanca, the easiest way to get to Rabat is via the express train, which takes about 1 1/2 hours and arrives in Rabat Ville station.
Rabat has a mild and pleasant climate year-round. The warmest months are July and August, when the average daytime temperatures are in the low 80s Fahrenheit, and the coldest months are January and February, when the average daytime temperatures are in the mid 60s.
However, unless you are only visiting Rabat, also keep in mind the climate for other parts of the country. Some cities in Morocco, such as Fez, can become unbearably hot in the summer, while other parts of the country are quite chilly in the winter. The best time to visit Morocco as a whole is during the early fall and late spring.
The most visible landmark of Rabat is the Hassan Tower, the minaret of a large and unfinished mosque. When construction on the tower began in 1195, the intention was to build the largest minaret in the Islamic world, about 260 feet tall. When the sultan died, building of the minaret ceased, and the unfinished minaret now stands at a mere 140 feet.
The Kasbah des Oudaias is located in what was once the citadel of medieval Rabat. Strolling through the maze of streets dotted with picturesque white houses is a Rabat highlight. Within the Kasbah is a palace, gardens and a terrace that offers lovely views of the sea. Nearby the Kasbah is the Kasbah Mosque. Built in the 11th century, it is the oldest mosque in Rabat.
If you're planning a visit to Rabat, try to coincide it with one of Rabat's festivals. One of the most popular is the Mawazine Festival, a world music festival each spring that features top musicians from countries around the world.
May also features the Candles Festival in the neighboring city of Sale, which celebrates the city's patron saint. A parade of colorfully dressed men carrying large sculpted and dyed wax lamps travels through the city, accompanied by flag bearers and musicians.
The International Alternative Film Festival takes place during June, and the Plucked String Instrument Festival is held in November.
