Marrakech in Winter: Weather, What to Wear and the Best Things to Do
Winter in Marrakech (December to February) brings mostly sunny days of about 17–21°C, cold nights around 4–8°C, occasional rain, and snow-capped Atlas peaks on the horizon. It is a pleasant season for sightseeing and day trips, with fewer crowds outside Christmas and New Year. Pack warm layers: riads can be chilly, and desert nights drop close to freezing.
Winter weather in Marrakech
| Month | Typical day | Typical night |
|---|---|---|
| December | About 18–20°C | About 5–7°C |
| January | About 17–19°C | About 4–6°C |
| February | About 19–21°C | About 6–8°C |
Averages vary from year to year.
What to pack
- A warm jacket or down coat for evenings
- Sweaters and layers; sunny afternoons can feel warm
- Warm pyjamas and socks: riads have thick walls and open courtyards
- For the desert and the Atlas: hat, gloves, scarf
Full list in our Morocco packing list.
Best things to do in winter
- Sightseeing in comfortable temperatures: palaces, souks and gardens without summer heat; follow our 3-day itinerary.
- Hammam: the perfect way to warm up; see the hammam guide.
- Snowy Atlas views: the Imlil day trip or the Ourika Valley, or even skiing at Oukaimeden; read snow in Morocco.
- Balloon at sunrise: clear winter air gives great views of the snowy peaks: sunrise balloon ride.
- Agafay dinner by the fire: with blankets and a campfire.
- The Sahara: winter days are ideal in the desert, nights are cold; good camps provide heavy blankets.
Christmas and New Year
Marrakech is popular for festive breaks: riads and desert camps fill up and prices rise. Book early. Christmas is not a public holiday in Morocco, but many hotels organise festive dinners.
Tips for a winter stay
- Choose a riad with heating or air-conditioning units that heat.
- Start days a little later; mornings are cold until the sun reaches the streets.
- Check the Tizi n'Tichka conditions before desert trips; snow can briefly close the pass.
Compare seasons in the best time to visit Morocco. Long-term climate data is available from the Moroccan meteorological service.
Book it with a local operator
- From Marrakech: Imlil & Three Valleys Atlas Day Trip with Berber Lunch — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- Marrakech: Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Berber Breakfast — from €120 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour to Merzouga with Camel Trek — from €145 per person, pay on the day.
Frequently asked questions
Is Marrakech warm in winter?
Days are usually sunny and mild, around 17–21°C, but nights are cold, around 4–8°C.
Does it snow in Marrakech?
Snow in the city is extremely rare, but the High Atlas peaks visible from Marrakech are often snow-covered in winter.
Is December a good time to visit Marrakech?
Yes for sightseeing and day trips, with fewer crowds except around Christmas and New Year. Bring warm clothes for evenings.
Can I visit the Sahara in winter?
Yes. Days are pleasant, but desert nights can be close to freezing, so pack warm layers.
Main photo: Zemmama Chaimaa, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Comments (0)