Morocco, a land of contrasts, attracts travelers year-round with its vibrant markets and breathtaking desert landscapes. Understanding the country's climate is key to planning the perfect Moroccan adventure. This article delves into the weather in Rabat, Morocco, in January, helping you determine if this is the ideal month for your journey.
January is typically the coolest month in Rabat. However, compared to much of the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, Morocco’s weather in January is downright balmy.
There are also some significant advantages to planning a January vacation in Morocco. Mid to late January is also a time of year when tourist-traffic is lower. This means that things are a bit less crowded, and many travel-related expenses are reduced.
You’ll find it easier to book that hotel room or riad you have been dreaming about, and you might pay a lot less to visit Morocco in January.
If you're looking for a quieter and more budget-friendly experience, January is a great choice for Morocco. It is considered the low tourist season, so you can expect fewer crowds compared to other months.
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Moreover, January hosts some cultural festivals that can add charm to your visit. It is also a good time to embark on desert tours, as the scorching heat of summer becomes more manageable.
In Rabat, the summers are warm, muggy, arid, and mostly clear and the winters are cool and partly cloudy. Based on the beach/pool score, the best time of year to visit Rabat for hot-weather activities is from late June to early September.
Here, we provide a detailed look at what you can expect in terms of temperature, rainfall, and other weather conditions during this time of year.
Temperatures in Rabat During January
January is typically the coolest month in Rabat. The temperature reaches around 17℃ (63°F) during the daytime, falling away to 11℃ (47°F) at night.
The coldest month of the year in Rabat is January, with an average low of 47°F and high of 63°F. Daily high temperatures are around 63°F, rarely falling below 58°F or exceeding 69°F. The lowest daily average high temperature is 63°F on January 20. Daily low temperatures are around 48°F, rarely falling below 41°F or exceeding 55°F. The lowest daily average low temperature is 47°F on January 20.
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For reference, on July 28, the hottest day of the year, temperatures in Rabat typically range from 66°F to 80°F, while on January 20, the coldest day of the year, they range from 47°F to 63°F.
The average temperature in January is of 12.1 °C, with a minimum of 6.8 °C and a maximum of 17.4 °C. On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 2 °C.
Temperatures (°C) in Rabat from 1991-2020:
| Month | Min | Max | Mean |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6.8 | 17.4 | 12.1 |
| February | 7.4 | 18.1 | 12.7 |
| March | 9.1 | 20.2 | 14.7 |
| April | 10.5 | 21.2 | 15.9 |
| May | 13.1 | 23.8 | 18.4 |
| June | 15.7 | 25.6 | 20.6 |
| July | 17.7 | 27.2 | 22.5 |
| August | 18.1 | 27.8 | 23 |
| September | 16.6 | 26.6 | 21.6 |
| October | 14.2 | 24.8 | 19.5 |
| November | 10.4 | 21 | 15.7 |
| December | 8.5 | 18.6 | 13.6 |
| Year | 12.4 | 22.7 | 17.5 |
However, it dropped to -3.2 °C in January 2005. On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22.5 °C. However, it reached 28.4 °C in January 2014.
With moderate air temperatures, any breeze will feel cool.
Read also: Weather Guide: Zambia in July
When visiting this time of year, the first thing to remember is that the temperature in Morocco in January can vary a LOT. When the sun is out during the day, it can feel quite warm at times. But at night, temperatures can drop very low.
Rainfall in January
On average, there will be 3 rainy days during the month, amounting to 58.2mm in total. That's broadly comparable with the amount of rain we see in England during the summer months, and would be considered dry.
Precipitation amounts to 85 mm, distributed over 9 days. The chance of a wet day over the course of January is gradually decreasing, starting the month at 20% and ending it at 18%. For reference, the year's highest daily chance of a wet day is 23% on December 7, and its lowest chance is 0% on July 21.
The average sliding 31-day rainfall during January in Rabat is gradually decreasing, starting the month at 2.1 inches, when it rarely exceeds 5.2 inches or falls below 0.1 inches, and ending the month at 1.9 inches, when it rarely exceeds 4.3 inches or falls below 0.1 inches.
The average precipitation in Rabat:
| Month | Rain (mm) | Days |
|---|---|---|
| January | 85 | 9 |
| February | 55 | 8 |
| March | 60 | 7 |
| April | 40 | 8 |
| May | 20 | 5 |
| June | 4.3 | 2 |
| July | 2.5 | 1 |
| August | 2.7 | 1 |
| September | 30 | 3 |
| October | 40 | 6 |
| November | 75 | 9 |
| December | 95 | 9 |
| Year | 510 | 69 |
There's a small chance that you'll catch a thunderstorm during your trip.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 10 minutes in January. There are on average 6 hours of sunshine per day. So, the sun shines 57% of the time.
Over the course of January in Rabat, the length of the day is increasing. From the start to the end of the month, the length of the day increases by 36 minutes, implying an average daily increase of 1 minute, 11 seconds, and weekly increase of 8 minutes, 19 seconds. The shortest day of the month is January 1, with 9 hours, 56 minutes of daylight and the longest day is January 31, with 10 hours, 32 minutes of daylight.
The latest sunrise of the month in Rabat is 8:33 AM on January 7 and the earliest sunrise is 9 minutes earlier at 8:24 AM on January 31. The earliest sunset is 6:29 PM on January 1 and the latest sunset is 28 minutes later at 6:57 PM on January 31.
Average hours of sunshine per day:
| Month | Average | Total |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6 | 180 |
| February | 6.5 | 185 |
| March | 7.5 | 230 |
| April | 8.5 | 255 |
| May | 9.5 | 290 |
| June | 9.5 | 290 |
| July | 10 | 315 |
| August | 10 | 305 |
| September | 8.5 | 260 |
| October | 7.5 | 235 |
| November | 6.5 | 190 |
| December | 6 | 180 |
| Year | 8 | 2920 |
Wind and Humidity
You're unlikely to experience any strong winds. Expect a light breeze that picks up slightly at times in January.
The average hourly wind speed in Rabat is essentially constant during January, remaining within 0.2 miles per hour of 8.8 miles per hour throughout. The lowest daily average wind speed during January is 8.6 miles per hour on January 29. The hourly average wind direction in Rabat throughout January is predominantly from the north, with a peak proportion of 33% on January 29.
The average humidity is 82%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
Sea Temperature
The water around Rabat is around 17℃ during January. It will feel a little on the cool when first entering, but you'll warm up quickly. Most kids will have no problem with this temperature, but those who feel the cold are unlikely to want to swim.
The average sea temperature is of 17.3 °C. Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.
The sea temperature:
| Month | Temperatures (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | 17.5 |
| February | 16.5 |
| March | 17 |
| April | 17.5 |
| May | 19 |
| June | 21 |
| July | 22.5 |
| August | 23.5 |
| September | 23 |
| October | 21.5 |
| November | 20 |
| December | 18.5 |
| Year | 19.8 |
UV Index
The UV index will be moderate at this time of year, so not something to worry about for the average person. However, if you're going to be outside for long periods it's worth wearing a broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and UV-blocking sunglasses.
Remember that bright surfaces, such as water and sand increase UV exposure.
What to Pack for Morocco in January
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Packing for Morocco in January requires careful consideration of the weather and the country's cultural norms. In January, the weather can be quite cold, so packing is crucial. Make sure to bring warm layers, such as sweaters, jackets, and scarves, to stay comfortable in the chilly temperatures. Don't forget to include rain gear like a waterproof jacket and an umbrella as Morocco can experience occasional rainfall.
Some items to consider when packing are: light and heavy sweaters, lightweight jackets, hoodies, fleece, long johns and thermals, t-shirts, jeans, trousers, long skirts, hats, gloves, scarves (heavy and light), and lots of socks!
Dressing in layers gives you the invaluable ability to add or subtract clothing as your needs change throughout the day. In addition, although you may not need them every day, it is a good thing to pack warmer items such as thermals, gloves, and hats.
Events and Festivities in January
While planning your trip to Morocco in January, keep an eye on vacation celebrations that might be taking place during your visit. Here are some notable events:
- January 1st - New Year’s Day - As in most of the world, January 1st is New Year’s Day in Morocco. Morocco's major cities like Marrakech and Casablanca come alive with festive events, parties, and fireworks to welcome the new year.
- January 11th - Proclamation of Independence - On January 11, 1944, Morocco declared its independence from French colonial power. While they didn’t actually receive it until 1957, the Proclamation of Independence is celebrated as a national holiday.
- January 12 and 13 - Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year - Yennayer is a holiday celebrated by the Amazigh (Berber) community to honor the beginning of the crop year. You may find celebrations of Yennayer held in Agadir and many other locations in Morocco. But in the Middle and High Atlas areas, you will find more traditional festivals.
Things to Do in Rabat in January
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January is a great time of year to explore the country of Morocco. Outdoor adventurers will find January to be a great time to experience the beautiful land of Morocco. From the gorgeous Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines to the breathtaking, snowy Atlas mountains, to the vast and stunning Sahara desert, Morocco is a country filled with rich geographical diversity.
Here are several wonderful options to consider during your visit:
- Celebrate New Year's Eve and Amazigh New Year (Yennayer): Enjoy festive events, parties, and fireworks as you welcome the new year in a Moroccan atmosphere filled with energy and joy. Join in the festivities, including traditional music, dances, and delicious Amazigh cuisine.
- Explore rooftop cafes: Morocco is famous for its charming rooftop cafes, offering stunning views of the cities and a relaxing ambiance. Sip on mint tea or enjoy local dishes while taking in the breathtaking landscapes.
Is January a Good Time to Visit Morocco?
January offers a unique perspective on Morocco. It's the heart of winter, and while the temperatures may be cooler, especially inland, coastal cities like Casablanca and Rabat enjoy mild weather ranging from 50°F to 64°F (10°C to 18°C).
If you’ve always wanted to see the Sahara Desert, January is the time to do it. The cooler temperatures make it more comfortable for those who wish to explore the warmer areas of the country.
January beckons adventure seekers to the Atlas Mountains. Lower elevations may enjoy daytime highs of 57°F to 63°F (14°C to 17°C), making it an ideal time for hiking and immersing in the mountain landscapes. However, at higher altitudes, be prepared for cooler conditions.
Coastal regions may see occasional, isolated showers, but overall, the country remains mostly dry. This means you can explore Morocco's diverse landscapes, from the bustling medinas to the tranquil deserts, without the worry of getting caught in the rain.
January in Morocco unveils a secret known to seasoned travelers: it's a budget-friendly paradise. With thinner crowds than the peak months, you'll have the opportunity to explore without the rush. Accommodation and excursion prices tend to be at their lowest, ensuring that you can experience the magic of Morocco without straining your wallet.
To ensure a memorable trip and make the most of your journey, follow these helpful tips and explore the diverse range of activities that await.
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