Every autumn I get the same question: is Morocco worth it in winter? My honest answer is yes, often more than in spring. The light is clear, the big sights are quieter, and you can walk the medina at noon without melting. But Morocco in winter is not the warm escape some people imagine, and a few things catch travellers out every year.
Here is what December, January and February actually feel like, region by region, and how I plan trips around it.
Marrakech in winter: sunny days, cold evenings
Most winter days in Marrakech are bright and mild, often around 18 to 20°C in the afternoon. You can sit on a rooftop terrace for lunch in a light jumper. Then the sun drops and the temperature falls fast. Evenings can get close to 5°C, and nobody warns you how cold a medina alley feels after dark.
The other surprise is indoors. Riads are built around open courtyards to stay cool in summer, which also means they can be chilly in January. Most good riads have heating in the rooms, but not all, and the courtyard itself stays cold. When I choose where my clients stay in winter, heating and hot water pressure are the first things I check.
On a clear morning you can see snow on the High Atlas from the city. It is one of my favourite winter sights. If you only have a few days, my Marrakech and Agafay trip works well at this time of year.
The Sahara in winter: the best and the coldest part of the trip
The desert in winter is beautiful. Days are sunny and pleasant for walking in the dunes, and there is no heat haze, so the colours at sunrise and sunset are sharp. The night sky is extraordinary because the air is so dry and clear.
But desert nights in winter are cold, close to freezing. A good camp gives you thick blankets, and the better ones have heated tents or hot water bottles. Bring a warm hat and layers for sunset and the early morning. If you only pack summer clothes because “it’s the Sahara”, you will regret it around 6 a.m.
The drive is the other thing to think about. The road from Marrakech to the desert crosses the High Atlas at the Tizi n’Tichka pass, and snow can close it for a few hours or, now and then, a day or two. It does not happen often, but in winter I keep a spare half day in every desert itinerary so a closed pass changes the plan rather than ruins it. If you are deciding how long to give the desert, I compared the options in Sahara desert tour from Marrakech: 3 vs 4 vs 5 days, and you can see how I put together a private Sahara desert tour.
Short on time? The Agafay desert, an hour from Marrakech, works well in winter too, and the evenings around the fire are lovely.
Fes and the north: wetter and greyer
Fes, Meknes and Chefchaouen are colder than Marrakech in winter and more likely to see rain. That does not make them a bad choice. The Fes medina is fascinating in any weather, and it is much quieter than in spring. I just plan more indoor time there: a cooking class, a long lunch, a slow afternoon in a museum or a hammam. Not sure which city to start with? Read Fes or Marrakech: where to start your Morocco trip.
Chefchaouen can be misty and damp in January. If the blue town is a must for you, I usually suggest keeping it flexible or visiting at the end of February when the days start to lengthen.
The coast: mild, windy, quiet
Essaouira stays mild in winter but it is often windy, so think long walks on the ramparts and fresh fish at the port rather than beach days. Further south, the Agadir area is the warmest part of the coast in winter. My coastal escape is built around this side of Morocco.
Shorter days change the plan
This is the one people forget. In winter the light goes early, so long driving days end in the dark. I keep drives shorter in December and January, break the trip to the desert with a night on the way, and avoid arriving anywhere new after sunset. It makes the whole trip calmer.
Christmas and New Year in Morocco
The last two weeks of December are the busiest of the winter, especially in Marrakech and the desert camps. The best riads and camps fill up early and prices go up. If you want to travel over the holidays, it is worth booking by October or November. Early January and February are much quieter and often better value.
What to pack for Morocco in winter
- A warm jacket or down layer for evenings and the desert
- A hat and gloves if you are going to the Sahara or the mountains
- Layers you can take off at midday
- Comfortable shoes for cold stone floors and medina streets
- Sunglasses and sun cream: the winter sun is still strong
Morocco in winter: quick answers
Is Morocco warm in winter?
During the day, yes, in most of the south. Marrakech is often around 18 to 20°C in the afternoon. Evenings are cold, close to 5°C in Marrakech and close to freezing in the desert.
Is it worth going to the Sahara in winter?
Yes. Days are sunny, the light is sharp and the night sky is at its clearest. Just pack warm layers for the evening and the early morning, and leave a little slack in the plan for the mountain pass.
When is the best month to visit Morocco in winter?
For quiet sights and good value, early January and February. For the holidays, the last two weeks of December, booked early. For the full year, see the best time to visit Morocco, month by month.
Is winter the right time for you?
If you want sunshine, fewer crowds and dramatic desert light, and you don’t mind cold evenings, winter is a great time to come. If you want warm swimming weather, wait for late spring. For planning the length of your trip, read how many days you need in Morocco.
Thinking about a winter trip? Send me your dates and how you like to travel, and I’ll draft a private route that works with the season, not against it. Get in touch here.
