Winter in Morocco is the very best time to explore the Sahara Desert. It's much cooler than the blazing summer months, and you'll still get clear skies during the day.
People Also Ask
Visiting Morocco in Winter – What to See and Do from December to March. Bright pleasant days are perfect for taking a look around some of the sights! We love Morocco in Winter. It's not as crowded, and if you like the comfort of cooler but still really pleasant weather it's probably a better fit for you than the summer ...
What is the winter weather like in Morocco? You can expect to get a taste of all kinds of weather on your winter holiday in Morocco. While the Sahara Desert will be hot, the Atlas Mountains will be quite chilly, and the Mediterranean coastal cities will be warm and mild.
For winter sun seekers, there'll be plenty of sunshine hours during the day particularly in December and January but even February can give some pretty sunny days.
There's a bit more rain in the winter than there is in the summer, but the temperatures are quite mild overall. And with so much less tourist traffic to contend with, December is a great time to visit some of the busier areas, like Marrakech.
Weather in Morocco in DecemberMorocco offers pleasant weather to venture out and experience the country to the fullest. Although December is the start of winter in Morocco, temperatures are still pleasant, with average daytime temperatures between 14 and 20°C, albeit chilly evenings and nights.
Winter sun: December offers a great chance to soak up some winter sun in Morocco. Marrakech enjoys highs of 20°C and seven hours of sunshine a day. Beaches on the Atlantic coastline are still warm enough for sunbathing, although, at temperatures around 19°C, the sea is likely too cold for a dip!
Morocco is a Muslim country so Christmas isn't celebrated in many places excepting for the big hotels who do put on entertainment for tourists, but there are plenty of other events to pique your interest, and some fun things to do for New Year's Eve.
In Morocco the Christmas celebration is confined to Christian churches, hotels and other private venues where private celebrations with dinner and dancing can be held. So, come nightfall you can gather for a festive Moroccan-style dinner with local cuisine and oriental dancing.
Whilst Christmas isn't widely celebrated, Morocco is a popular destination during the festive period. So expect it to get a little busier later in the month. By New Year's Eve, some cities could become crowded again. Here, it's tradition to see in a brand new year sitting under the stars in the desert.
The warm golden sunshine. The heat can get very intense and the skies hazy in Marrakech over the summer. But come in the colder months and you're guaranteed bright, crisp light and stunning skies. The snow also falls on the mountains and the view from the El Fenn rooftop during winter is magical.
There's a bit more rain in the winter than there is in the summer, but the temperatures are quite mild overall. And with so much less tourist traffic to contend with, December is a great time to visit some of the busier areas, like Marrakech.
Morocco allows the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol must be purchased and consumed in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. You can also buy alcohol in most major supermarkets. The alcohol section is usually in a separate room from the main supermarket.
It's not as busy as the high season, so you can often get good deals on accommodations and tours, but the weather is generally more pleasant than in the peak summer heat or the chill of winter. A piece of advice: Morocco is not expensive so even if you visit during the high season, it won't really cost a lot.
In the north, expect rain, too, and moderate temperatures in the fifties in cities like Tangier. Marrakech is warmer, with temperatures reaching almost 70° on sunny days.
One of the main attractions of spending Christmas and New Year in Marrakech is the fact that the city is in full swing, even on Christmas day (primarily because it is predominantly a Muslim country).
In December, the temperature ranges between 6°C and 20°C, ideal for visiting Marrakech without being too hot! During the day you can walk around the Medina in shirtsleeves, while at night a sweatshirt or light jacket will suffice.
In the winter pack warm layers and a waterproof jacket. Merino wool is a good choice to wear against your skin as it naturally helps to regulate your body temperature. It keeps you warm in the cold, wicks away moisture when it's hot, and doesn't retain odours – even after prolonged wear.
Temperatures in Marrakech average 14°C degrees during the day, and are quite a bit cooler after dark. There is also a fair chance that you will run into rain at some point on your visit, as December is one of Morocco's rainiest months. Compared with much of the Northern Hemisphere, winter in Morocco is a dream.