While Marrakech is famous for its brilliant sunshine, a rare rainy day can offer a unique opportunity to experience the city in a different, more intimate way. The wet cobblestones of the Medina gleam under the lantern light, the air is fresh and clear, and the city reveals a cozier, more tranquil side.

Instead of letting the weather dampen your spirits, embrace it. Here is a complete guide to the best things to do in Marrakech when it rains.

1. Indulge in a Long, Luxurious Hammam & Spa Day

A rainy day is the perfect excuse for an extended spa session. The Moroccan hammam, a traditional steam bath and scrub, is a ritual designed to cleanse and relax. On a cool, wet day, the warmth of the steam rooms is incredibly inviting. Book a full package with a "gommage" (scrub) and a relaxing argan oil massage. You can spend two to three blissful hours indoors and emerge feeling completely renewed.

2. Master the Art of Tagine in a Cooking Class

Escape the weather by diving into the warmth of a Moroccan kitchen. A hands-on cooking class is one of the best indoor activities in the city. You’ll learn the secrets of local spices, prepare a traditional multi-course meal like a tagine or couscous, and then enjoy the delicious feast you created. It's a fun, social, and deeply satisfying way to spend an afternoon.

3. Explore the Covered Corridors of the Souks

While some parts of the souks are open-air, large sections are completely covered, creating a labyrinthine marketplace that is protected from the rain. A rainy day is often less crowded, allowing you to browse the shops for leather goods, spices, and lanterns at a more relaxed pace. The sound of the rain on the tin roofs above adds to the atmosphere.

4. Dive into History at a Museum

Marrakech is home to several wonderful museums that are perfect for a rainy afternoon.

• The Museum of Marrakech: Housed in the stunning Dar Mnebhi Palace, the building itself, with its magnificent central courtyard (which has a roof!), is as much an attraction as the art it contains.

• Musée de la Femme (Women's Museum): A small but powerful museum celebrating the role of women in Moroccan history and society through art and artifacts.

• Dar Si Said Museum: Less crowded than the Bahia Palace, this museum is dedicated to Moroccan crafts, showcasing incredible collections of carpets, woodworking, and jewelry in a beautiful old palace.

5. Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa

This former Islamic college is one of the most stunning examples of Saadian architecture in Marrakech. While the central courtyard is open to the sky, the intricate mosaic tilework, carved stucco, and quiet student dormitories surrounding it are all covered. Exploring the detailed craftsmanship of the prayer halls and rooms is a perfect rainy-day activity.

6. Go Gallery Hopping in Gueliz

Take a taxi to the "new town" of Gueliz and explore Marrakech's contemporary art scene. Galleries like Matisse Art Gallery, Gallery 127, and David Bloch Gallery are all indoors and offer a fascinating look at modern Moroccan and international artists. You can easily spend an afternoon moving from one gallery to the next.

7. Create Your Own Souvenir at a Craft Workshop

There is no better way to spend a cozy afternoon indoors than by creating something beautiful with your own hands. At a hands-on artisan workshop like MyRugy, you can escape the rain completely and immerse yourself in the timeless craft of Berber weaving. Guided by master artisans in a warm and welcoming space, you’ll learn a new skill and create your own unique wall hanging. It’s a productive, mindful, and deeply authentic experience that turns a gloomy day into a creative highlight of your trip.

8. Enjoy a Long, Lazy Lunch in a Riad Restaurant

Many of Marrakech's best restaurants are tucked away inside beautiful riads. A rainy day is the perfect opportunity for a long, leisurely lunch. Find a restaurant with a covered courtyard or a cozy salon with a fireplace and spend a few hours savoring course after course of delicious Moroccan food while you watch the rain fall outside.

9. Go Shopping at Carré Eden

If you need a break from the ancient Medina and want a modern shopping experience, head to the Carré Eden shopping mall in Gueliz. You'll find international brands, a food court, and even a cinema showing films in English and French.

10. Simply Relax at a Cozy Cafe

Sometimes the best thing to do on a rainy day is to do very little at all. Find a cozy cafe with comfortable seating, like the aformentioned Koutoubia Books or one of the many cafes in Gueliz, order a "nus-nus" (half coffee, half milk), and watch the world go by with a good book.