Embarking on a journey to Marrakech in January offers an experience filled with cultural richness and unique adventures. This article will guide you through the typical weather conditions in this vibrant city during January and offer valuable travel tips to make your visit unforgettable. Here’s our guide to the weather in Marrakech in January.
Marrakech experiences a subtropical semi-desert climate, characterized by mild winters and very hot summers. The city is located at 460 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level, which helps to lower nighttime temperatures. Rainfall is scarce, averaging around 250 millimeters (9.8 inches) per year, mainly occurring from October to May.
So, what is Marrakech like in January? Imagine starting your day with an epic hot air balloon ride as the sun peeks over the Atlas Mountains. Back in the city, you can shop for freshly ground spices at the lively souks, savor a cup of mint tea in the tranquil Majorelle Garden, and round out your day in a warm, opulent hammam spa. Discover these exciting experiences in Marrakech and more in this wintertime travel guide.
Marrakech in Winter! Weather, What to Pack & Things to Do... Should you visit Morocco in Winter?
Average Temperatures and Conditions in January
The coldest month of the year in Marrakesh is January, with an average low of 44°F and high of 66°F. The average temperature in Marrakech in January is 12.5 °C, with a minimum of 5.9 °C and a maximum of 19.2 °C.
Read also: Morocco's Red City: Marrakech
The average temperature in Marrakech in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 64°F (18°C) to a low of 41°F (5°C). Some would describe the temperature to be moderately chilly, and the general area may also feel breezy.
Here are the average temperatures:
| Month | Min (°C) | Max (°C) | Mean (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5.9 | 19.2 | 12.5 |
| February | 7.7 | 20.8 | 14.3 |
| March | 10.4 | 23.7 | 17 |
| April | 12.4 | 25.8 | 19.1 |
| May | 15.1 | 29.5 | 22.3 |
| June | 18 | 33.7 | 25.8 |
| July | 20.6 | 37.7 | 29.2 |
| August | 21 | 37.4 | 29.2 |
| September | 18.1 | 32.4 | 25.2 |
| October | 15.3 | 28.4 | 21.8 |
| November | 10.5 | 23.3 | 16.9 |
| December | 7.4 | 20.2 | 13.8 |
| Year | 13.6 | 27.7 | 20.6 |
Daily high temperatures are around 66°F, rarely falling below 56°F or exceeding 76°F. The lowest daily average high temperature is 65°F on January 15. Daily low temperatures are around 44°F, rarely falling below 38°F or exceeding 51°F. The lowest daily average low temperature is 44°F on January 14.
For comparison, the hottest month in Marrakech, August, has days with highs of 101°F (38°C) and lows of 71°F (21°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 64°F (18°C) and lows of 41°F (5°C).
The weather in Marrakech in January is generally warm and sunny from late morning to evening, and significantly cooler during the night. The average high temperature in Marrakech in January is around 20°C / 68°F, although when we went, it was more like 23°C / 73°F. This felt lovely and warm to us coming from the freezing cold UK.
Read also: Apartments for Rent
In January, Marrakech experiences very little rainfall, making it a prime destination for travellers seeking a dry and sunny escape. The skies are predominantly clear, and rain showers are infrequent.
Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech
Rainfall and Sunshine
In Marrakech in January, there's a 12% chance of rain on an average day. And on the average day it rains or snows, we get 0.37 in (9.5 mm) of precipitation. In more common terms of how much that is, some would describe it as light rain.
Precipitation amounts to 30 mm, distributed over 8 days.
The wettest month in Marrakech is November where a typical day has a 17% chance of precipitation and gets 0.05 in (1.2 mm) of precipitation, while the dryest month in Marrakech is June where a typical day has a 2% chance of precipitation and gets 0.05 in (1.2 mm) of precipitation.
Read also: A Vibrant Retreat in Marrakech
The average sliding 31-day rainfall during January in Marrakesh is essentially constant, remaining about 1.3 inches throughout, and rarely exceeding 3.6 inches.
There are on average 7 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 68% of the time.
Cloud Cover and Humidity
The average amount of time that the sky is clear or sunny (partly cloudy or less) in Marrakech during January is 15.9 hours (66% of the day). For comparison, the month with the most clear, sunny days in Marrakech is July with an average of 21.3 hours per day while October has the shortest amount of cloud-free hours with only 13.6 hours per day.
The month of January in Marrakesh experiences essentially constant cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy remaining about 35% throughout the month. The clearest day of the month is January 31, with clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy conditions 67% of the time.
April has the highest relative humidity at 54% and is the least humid in August at 34%. The average humidity is 62%.
Wind Conditions
Historically, the wind in Marrakech during January blows at an average speed of 10.0 mph (16.1 kph). The windiest month is June with an average wind speed of 11.5 mph (18.5 kph), while the calmest month is September with an average wind speed of 10.0 mph (16.1 kph).
The average hourly wind speed in Marrakesh is essentially constant during January, remaining within 0.1 miles per hour of 6.5 miles per hour throughout. The calmest month of the year in Marrakesh is January, with an average hourly wind speed of 6.5 miles per hour. The average wind speed is of 6.3 kph.
The hourly average wind direction in Marrakesh throughout January is predominantly from the south, with a peak proportion of 41% on January 1.
Daylight Hours
Over the course of January in Marrakesh, the length of the day is increasing. From the start to the end of the month, the length of the day increases by 32 minutes, implying an average daily increase of 1 minute, 5 seconds, and weekly increase of 7 minutes, 33 seconds. The shortest day of the month is January 1, with 10 hours, 8 minutes of daylight and the longest day is January 31, with 10 hours, 40 minutes of daylight.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 25 minutes.
The latest sunrise of the month in Marrakesh is 8:32 AM on January 9 and the earliest sunrise is 7 minutes earlier at 8:25 AM on January 31. The earliest sunset is 6:39 PM on January 1 and the latest sunset is 26 minutes later at 7:05 PM on January 31.
What to Wear in Marrakech in January
When travelling to Marrakech in January, it's essential to pack appropriately for the winter weather. Daytime temperatures are generally mild and pleasant, but evenings can be quite chilly.
With an average high of 64°F (18°C) and a low of 41°F (5°C), it generally feels moderately chilly and breezy. Plan to wear layers, such as long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and jackets to adapt to varying temperatures throughout the day. Plan to wear a snug base layer and a light mid-layer for insulation, along with a cozy jacket or coat to ward off the chill of the morning and evening hours.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as you'll likely do a fair amount of exploration. Additionally, consider packing a scarf or shawl for additional warmth and to respect local customs of modesty. For ladies, it’s also recommended to dress modestly around the medina/ old town, particularly if you want to avoid a lot of attention and catcalling. So think cool floaty trousers or skirts below the knee. Maxi skirts and dresses were my favourite thing to wear in Marrakech in January.
Moroccan Outfit Ideas
Is January a Good Time to Visit Marrakech?
Visiting Marrakech in January allows you to explore colorful souks, idyllic gardens, and cozy hammam spas without the usual crowds. If you're craving a healthy dose of winter sunshine, Marrakech in January is just the ticket you're looking for. Wintertime in Marrakech is a photographer and art lover's paradise, offering sunny days, mild temperatures, and fewer crowds at the city's most popular attractions.
You'll save on accommodations and activities. Prices for hotels, tours, and other activities often drop during the wintertime, so visiting Marrakech in January is ideal for budget-conscious travelers. With all the money you'll save on your hotel room, you'll have more to spend on fun things in Marrakech, like riding quad bikes across the desert or learning how to make the perfect cup of mint tea.
Cool sunny days and typically dry conditions make January a terrific time to explore not only Marrakech but also many spectacular sights nearby. Popular day trips from Marrakech include the fertile Atlas Mountains, the waterfalls of Ouikra Valley, and the ancient port city of Essaouira.
What to Do in Marrakech in January
If you're wondering what to do in Marrakech in January, don't worry - there's plenty going on to keep you entertained.
- Celebrate New Year's Eve: Ring in the new year in Marrakech by celebrating New Year's Eve in the city. Many hotels and restaurants offer special events, festive dinners, and entertainment. Enjoy the lively atmosphere and fireworks as you welcome the year ahead.
- Visit Palais de la Bahia: Explore the stunning Palais de la Bahia, a historical palace known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens. Wander through its labyrinthine rooms, courtyards, and lush greenery for a taste of Morocco's rich history.
- Go on a day trip: Take advantage of Marrakech's proximity to various day trip destinations. Visit the Atlas Mountains, Ouzoud Waterfalls, or the desert city of Ouarzazate. These excursions offer unique landscapes and cultural experiences.
- Relax during Hammam: Indulge in the quintessential Moroccan experience by hammam. These traditional bathhouses provide a relaxing and rejuvenating spa experience. Enjoy a traditional scrub and massage for ultimate relaxation.
- Celebrate Amazigh New Year (Yennayer): Celebrate the Amazigh New Year, known as Yennayer, which usually falls in January. This holiday is a significant cultural celebration in Morocco, featuring traditional music, dances, and delicious Amazigh cuisine.
- Run a Marrakech Marathon: For active travellers, consider participating in the Marrakech Marathon, typically held in January. January 12 is the Amazigh New Year, the first day of the year on the Berber calendar, which brings traditional feasting and candlelit festivities to Marrakech.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa: Tucked away in the heart of the city's Medina, Ben Youssef Madrasa is an exquisite example of Islamic architecture. Originally built in the 14th century as a religious university and mosque, today it's a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its magnificent floral motifs and intricately carved cedar doors. Arrive early on a January morning and you'll have this historical masterpiece all to yourself, where you can capture unspoiled photos of the elaborate archways, mosaic-tiled fountains, and a dizzying array of geometric patterns.
- Majorelle Garden: Located adjacent to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Jardin Majorelle (Majorelle Garden) is an oasis of calm in a bustling city. Designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, the luxurious grounds include elaborate water features, an exotic cactus garden, and an exquisite cobalt blue villa.
Popular articles:
tags: #Morocco
