Discover Morocco in January: A Winter Travel Guide

Nov 06, 2025 0

Wondering if you should visit Morocco in winter? Yes, it’s worth going to Morocco in winter. Morocco has a mild climate during the winter months, and you’ll still enjoy plenty of blue skies and sunny days. During winter, Morocco continues to have plenty of sunny days, and the temperatures are mild.

Winter in Morocco begins in December and ends in March. January is the coldest month in Morocco. Although Morocco is the chilliest month of the year, the winters are mild and can be very sunny. During winter in Morocco the sun shines and there’s far less crowds.

January is essentially the coldest and wettest month in Morocco. Temperatures usually range from around 50-68°F, but it can get hotter in the desert and cooler in the mountains. So carry layers!

Generally speaking, temperatures peak in the high 60s (Fahrenheit), with lows in the 40s, though it can get much colder in the Atlas mountains and much warmer in the desert. Though it gets chilly after dark, January days are often warm and sunny in Morocco.

Temperatures are relatively mild throughout the country in January, but major cities like Marrakesh and Tangier tend to see more precipitation than usual. Bring an umbrella-or skip the rain entirely and head for the desert or the mountains. Another great option is the Atlantic coast, including the seaside city of Essaouira, where conditions are warmer than elsewhere in the country.

January marks the heart of winter in Morocco, bringing cooler temperatures and diverse weather conditions depending on the region. January in Morocco offers a diverse range of weather conditions across its regions. From the mild, damp coastal areas to the chilly desert nights and snowy mountains, Morocco in January is a land of contrasts.

10 Reasons Why You Should Visit Morocco In Winter

Here are ten compelling reasons to consider a winter trip to Morocco:

There are less tourists and crowds. One of the best ways to avoid mass tourism when traveling is to visit destinations in their shoulder season or off-season. Morocco in winter is the off-season, making it the best time to travel there with minimal crowds.
More accommodation availability. Less tourists in Morocco means more availability and more choice when it comes to choosing your lodging. In the off-peak season, you’ll find not only that there is more availability, but it is slightly less expensive, and can be booked more last-minute.
Morocco in winter is slightly cheaper. As a result, prices for tourism-related things drop a bit during these months. Depending on where you are flying to Morocco from, you’ll find that airlines drop prices for flights to Morocco in winter.
Off-peak means fewer lineups for attractions. Peak season in Morocco is busy, especially in the popular cities like Marrakech and Fes. Visiting Morocco in winter is the best way to avoid waiting in line to see the popular sites, like Bahia Palace and Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech.
The weather is pleasant during Morocco’s winter. Despite it technically being winter in Morocco, the winter months stay pretty mild if you aren’t visiting the mountainous regions. In the summer, Morocco becomes very hot, and so the winter months mean you’re able to enjoy Morocco’s outdoors comfortably because of this mild weather.
Winter in Morocco is the best time for surfing. Did you know that Morocco is a surfing destination? Surf season for Morocco is best in September through to March. While it’s fun to watch surfers on the huge waves in Morocco’s surfing hotspots like Imsouane, it’s also fun to take a surf lesson! In Essaouira, a small city on the coast, you can take a beginner surf lesson.
Visiting Morocco in winter benefits tourism and communities. During the off-peak season in any tourist destination, locals working in tourism earn less income. When you visit Morocco in the off-peak season, you’re able to spend your tourist dollars at a time of year when they’re more needed.
Attend the Almond Blossom Festival. The Almond Blossom Festival is a unique festival held usually in the second week of February. The best place to see the blossoming almond trees is in the Almond Valley in Toundoute, the village of Tafraoute, and other surrounding sites. The hills and ruins in this region come alive with pink-white almond blossoms. During the festival, you can see and experience traditional dance, Berber folklore, blossoming trees, and of course delicious food.
Celebrate Berber New Year. This day marks the first day of the Berber (or Amazigh) agricultural year. Berber people in Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, and parts of Egypt all celebrate Yennayer. To experience the biggest celebrations, head to the Amazigh regions of southeast Morocco for January 12th and 13th. There’s lots of traditional foods like chicken and couscous, live music, and parades.
Skiing in the Atlas Mountains. Morocco in winter means enough snow for skiing in some regions of the country! Morocco has a couple ski resorts, but the most well-known one is Oukaïmeden, which is the biggest ski resort in Morocco. The resort is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Marrakech, making it easily accessible from the city. You can both ski and snowboard at Oukaïmeden.

Morocco Weather in January by Region

When planning a trip to Morocco, remember that the weather can vary depending on the region.

Here's a breakdown of typical conditions in various locations:

Region	Conditions	Activities
Coastal Cities: Casablanca, Tangier	Generally mild and wet, with frequent rain showers.	Sightseeing, exploring medinas, enjoying coastal views. Well-connected by train and bus.
Agadir	Relatively warmer temperatures and less rain compared to Casablanca and Tangier.	Beach relaxation, surfing.
Inland Cities: Marrakech, Fes	Cooler temperatures and dry weather. Nights can be quite cold, often dropping below freezing.	Exploring historical sites, visiting markets.
Meknes	Cool, dry weather.	Historical tours, exploring Roman ruins.
High Atlas Mountains	Cold with significant snowfall in higher elevations.	Skiing, snowboarding, mountain trekking (with proper gear and guidance).
Middle Atlas Mountains	Cold with the possibility of snow.	Hiking, exploring Berber villages.
Sahara Desert (Merzouga, Zagora)	Mild during the day but extremely cold at night.	Camel Trekking: Experience camel treks and spend a night in a desert camp. Be prepared for long drives and fluctuating temperatures.

Packing Essentials: Layering: Bring layers to adjust to varying temperatures. Sun Protection: Despite cooler temperatures, the sun can be strong, especially in the desert.

Read also: Morocco Weather: Rabat in Winter

Chefchaouen

Where to visit in Morocco in January

Here are some popular destinations to visit in Morocco in January:

Casablanca: The weather during this month is pleasant and comfortable, with temperatures hovering between 63°F and 48°F. This makes it a perfect time to explore the city's many attractions, including the Hassan II Mosque, medinas, and art deco buildings.
Rabat: The weather is pleasant, with an average temperature of 63°F/45°F, making it a comfortable time to explore the city's many attractions. Don't miss the chance to visit the Royal Palace, Kasbah des Oudaias, and Hassan Tower.
Fès: The weather in Fès in January is pretty comfortable, with highs at 62°F and lows at 41°F. The Medina of Fès, a Unesco World Heritage Site, and its bustling markets are particularly popular, offering traditional crafts, spices, and handmade leather goods.
Marrakech: With temperatures ranging from 66°F to 43°F in January, it's an ideal time to explore the city's many attractions. You'll be spoilt for choice, from browsing the vibrant markets to exploring historical landmarks you cannot find anywhere else. Be sure to visit Jemaa el-Fnaa, a cultural landmark serving as a marketplace for locals and tourists.
Chefchaouen: Although January temperatures can range from 59°F to 38°F, and you may encounter some rainfall along the way, visiting Chefchaouen is still well worth it. Don't miss out on the stunning beauty of Derb El Assri's stairs, as they are truly a sight to behold.

Events in January

Yennayer (January 12): Morocco celebrates Yennayer, also known as the Amazigh New Year, on January 12-13. The festival marks the start of the crop year in traditional Berber communities across the country; celebrations are particularly lively in the Berber villages of the Middle Atlas mountains, where the locals sing, dance, and prepare traditional foods.
Anniversary of the Independence Manifesto / Proclamation of Independence, Nationwide (January 11): Morocco's official independence day is in March, but the country also celebrates its first attempt at independence from French colonial rule on January 11.

Sample Itineraries

Moroccan Desert & Hiking in the Atlas Mountains - 8 Days: The desert is cool, dry, and clear in January.
Morocco Grand Tour: Cities, Desert & the Coast - 10 Days: Take in a bit of everything, from imperial cities to the mountains to the desert to the coast, on this grand tour of Morocco that begins and ends in Casablanca.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO | 10 BEST Things To Do In & Around Marrakech

Visiting Morocco in January was undoubtedly the best decision I've made. The weather is perfect - cool and comfortable during the day and slightly chilly in the morning and at night. It is one of the best times of the year to visit Morocco if you prefer comfortable weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices on plane tickets.

Read also: Marrakech Weather Guide