Morocco back to GMT: school classes now start at 8 a.m.

This update focuses on Morocco GMT time. From 20 September 2026, Morocco will switch back to GMT and all schools across the country will start classes at 8 a.m.

Morocco GMT time: return to universal time on 20 September

During the night of Saturday 19 to Sunday 20 September 2026, clocks in Morocco will be set back by 60 minutes to return to GMT. The change will apply nationwide.

For families living abroad who are planning a visit or a permanent return, this move to Morocco GMT time means a different time difference with their country of residence. It is important to double-check local time when booking flights, trains or buses, especially via official airline and transport websites.

This return to universal time also affects the daily organisation of schools, administrative appointments and children’s activities in Morocco.

Classes to start at 8 a.m. in every school

The Minister of National Education, Preschool and Sports, Mohamed Saad Barada, has issued a circular to education officials to frame the transition to GMT. The document states that, from 20 September 2026, “classes will start at 8:00 a.m. in all schools”.

The stated goal is to ensure effective management of school time and learning time. The ministry insists on respecting the official teaching hours for each subject and each grade, in line with current regulations.

Schools are instructed to take the necessary steps to design and implement timetables adapted to this new schedule.

Practical impact on families and schools

School principals, the Regional Academies of Education and Training (AREF), regional directorates, inspectors and teachers are all concerned. They must adjust timetables, class rotations and the use of human and material resources.

The circular stresses the need to take local specificities into account, particularly in rural areas. The aim is to guarantee smooth teaching conditions while protecting the “best interests of all pupils”.

For parents based abroad who have children enrolled in Morocco or are preparing a move back, several practical points are worth noting:

• Check the new schedule communicated by the school from 20 September onwards.
• Take into account the updated time difference between Morocco and the country of residence for remote procedures.
• If moving back, help children adapt their sleep and morning routines to the earlier 8 a.m. start.

The shift to Morocco GMT time can also affect remote communication with family members in Morocco, especially video calls with children attending school there.

What this time change means for trips and return projects

For Moroccans living abroad, the time change is not limited to schools. It can have consequences for:

• Flight times and connections to Morocco, which should be checked on official airline websites.
• Administrative, medical or banking appointments scheduled just after 20 September.
• Family visits and intercity travel once in the country.

Before travelling, it remains advisable to confirm Morocco’s exact local time on the day of departure and arrival, and to double-check schedules with transport operators whenever relevant.

At the same time, Moroccan families abroad who closely follow their children’s schooling in Morocco can contact schools to obtain the detailed timetables that will apply after the country switches back to GMT.

For more context, readers can follow Canal212 news for Moroccans abroad.

For official updates, readers can check the relevant official source.