I Thought December Would Be Too Cold for This North African Destination — I Couldn’t Have Been More Wrong
If you’re craving a hit of winter sun without committing to a long-haul flight, Marrakech in winter is such a good shout.
Days are usually warm enough to explore comfortably, prices tend to be better than peak season, and the city keeps that lively buzz, just without the intense summer heat that can make sightseeing feel like a workout.
We visited to escape the UK’s grey skies, and it was exactly what we needed: sunny days, comfortable exploring weather, and just the right amount of chaos in the souks.
It’s still got that energy that makes Marrakech so fun… but winter makes it way easier to enjoy.
Should You Visit Marrakech in Winter?
Winter in Marrakech is December, January, and February, the coolest months of the year.
It really depends on the type of trip you’re after.
If your dream holiday is lounging by the pool all day, winter might not be ideal. Even if the sun’s out, it can feel a bit too cool for a proper pool day, especially if you’re not staying somewhere with a heated pool.
But if you want a trip packed with culture, markets, food, day trips, and exploring, winter is honestly one of the best times to go.
Crowds are generally smaller than spring and summer, and you’ll be able to enjoy the medina without feeling like you’re melting.
Weather in Marrakech in Winter
Winter in Marrakech is typically mild and sunny during the day, but it can get surprisingly chilly in the evenings.
In general, you can expect daytime temperatures that feel comfortable for walking around, but at night you’ll want a proper jacket or warm layer, especially if you’re sitting outside on a rooftop.
There’s also a chance of rain here and there in winter, but it’s usually short-lived, so even if you get a shower, it tends to pass quickly, and the blue skies come back.
Daylight is shorter in winter, so it’s worth planning your sightseeing earlier in the day, especially if you want to catch sunset from a rooftop (which you absolutely should).
Things To Do in Marrakech in Winter
There are so many places and experiences that feel even better in winter, when you’re not battling extreme heat.
Explore The Souks
Whenever I think of Marrakech, I picture the winding markets through the pink city. The souks are a treasure trove of rugs, jewellery, art, colourful spices, lamps, and all kinds of trinkets.
You’ll almost definitely get lost at some point (the paths all intertwine)… but honestly, that’s part of the experience!
There are three main souks in Marrakech:
- Souk Semmarine – the heart of the medina near Jemaa el-Fna. Textiles, lamps, spices, clothes, food… total sensory overload in the best way. Download offline maps because it’s easy to lose your bearings.
- Souk Nejjarine – known for beautiful woodwork and carpentry.
- Souk El-K – just outside the medina in the Mellah area, great for homewares and brassware.
Visit Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle is a vibrant oasis in Marrakech, originally created in the 1920s by French painter Jacques Majorelle, and later bought by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé to protect it from redevelopment.
Even in winter, it gets busy, so go early if you can, and if you’re able to book tickets online, you’ll save yourself time.
It’s such a nice break from the medina: bold blues, exotic plants, calm pathways… perfect for resetting your brain after the chaos.
Spend The Night In The Agafay Desert
Agafay is only about an hour from Marrakech, and winter is the perfect season for it.
Unlike the Sahara, it’s not a sandy desert—Agafay is a dramatic, rocky landscape with the Atlas Mountains in the background. You can do ATV rides, sunset experiences, dinners under the stars… and because it’s cooler, you can actually enjoy being outside.
You don’t have to stay overnight, but if you do, there are desert camps for every budget:
If you’ve got longer in Morocco, you can also look at the Zagora or Merzouga deserts (both much further).
Quick note: You might be tempted by camel rides, but I’d recommend skipping them, sadly, animal welfare can be an issue. An ATV ride is way more fun anyway.
Wander The Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is a winter favourite because you can actually enjoy wandering through the courtyards without being baked by the sun.
Built in the late 19th century, it’s full of intricate details, tiled rooms, and peaceful courtyards that feel like a calmer version of Marrakech.
Maison De La Photographie
If you want something a bit different, this is a great way to see Marrakech through another lens.
The photography collection covers images taken between 1870 and 1950, showing how the city has changed over time, plus glimpses into Berber life.
And the rooftop terrace is a lovely spot for a mint tea with views over the city.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
I think this has to be my favourite building in all of Marrakech, I mean, it’s just stunning!
The Ben Youssef Madrasa was built in the 14th century and was originally the largest Islamic school in North Africa! It was later abandoned in the 18th century and was left empty until it was restored and reopened as a school in the 19th century.
It’s now a UNESCO site, and although it is no longer a school, its beauty still remains.
I was actually blown away by the intricate designs you can find all around the building. We arrived early, as it does get very busy here.
The entrance fee to Ben Youssef Madrasa is 50 dirhams.
Visit A Hammam
Hammams are a huge part of Moroccan culture, and Marrakech has loads to choose from, whether you’re after a traditional local spot or a more luxurious spa vibe.
A hammam is basically a steam bath where you go through a few cleansing rituals, like exfoliating with black soap made with olive oil and rinsing off. It’s a pretty good way to warm up on the cooler winter days.
Just a little word of warning—don’t be alarmed if you’re asked to strip right down for the experience! This can seem a little confronting, but they typically give you disposable underwear to wear, so it’s not too awkward!
You’ll find hammams all over the city, from super affordable local spots to fancier ones in riads and hotels. Hammam de la Rose is a popular choice.
Catch An Awesome Sunset
As I mentioned earlier, the winter sun means pretty amazing sunsets this time of year, and the sky lights up!
Marrakech is made for watching sunsets, with rooftop cafes and restaurants everywhere. We always made sure to grab a table with a good view, but this does mean arriving about 45 minutes before sunset.
Two of our favourite rooftops were Ayaso, where they also serve great vegan food, and Nomad, where you can see the Atlas Mountains and overlook the colourful Place des Epices.
Ski The Oukaïmeden
Now, we aren’t skiers, and we went to Morocco to escape the cold, but if you enjoy skiing, did you know you can hit the slopes not far from Marrakech?
Oukaïmeden, just an hour away from Marrakech, is said to be Africa’s highest and best ski resort! The ski season is quite short and can run from December to March, but this does depend on snowfall.
You can also go hiking and bouldering in the area if you enjoy these types of activities too.
What To Pack for Marrakech in Winter
Heading to Marrakech in winter means that you’ll need to pack a little of everything, as the days are warm but the nights can be chilly.
In the daytime, I was fine wearing a pair of jeans and a top or shirt, but in the evening, I definitely needed my denim jacket.
I would say it’s best to pack some light clothing for the daytime, like trousers or dresses, t-shirts and shirts that you can then layer with a jumper or jacket in the evening.
Something to know before visiting Marrakech is that Morocco is a conservative country, and women dress modestly there. Even though I don’t personally believe that women should have to cover their legs, chest and shoulders anywhere in the world, it’s best to be respectful of local customs when exploring, especially while in the medina.
Where To stay In Marrakech
With the exception of our night in the Agafay Desert, we stayed at 2 different riads in the old town (the medina), which is the more traditional part of the city.
If you stay outside the medina walls, the most popular area is Gueliz, known as the new town. This is where you’ll find bars, clubs, and shopping malls.
Riad Be
When I picture Moroccan architecture, Riad Be is what comes to mind. Right in the heart of the Medina, it’s got a rooftop terrace that’s perfect for breakfast.
Riad L’Atelier
Just one look at the photos of Riad L’Atelier, and you can tell it’s a peaceful oasis tucked away in the madness of the Medina. The rooms are beautifully designed, and the courtyard is a great place to chill after a busy day of exploring. And the breakfast? Definitely worth it!
Riad El Hara
If you’re looking to stay just outside the Medina, Riad El Hara is only a few minutes walk from the city’s pink walls. It’s got all the traditional riad vibes, plus there’s a bar on-site for when you want to unwind.
Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge
If you’re after a more social vibe or travelling on a budget, Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge is a solid pick. It’s a great spot to meet other travellers and is in a good location for exploring the city.
Is Winter a Good Time To Visit Morocco?
As long as you’re not planning on sun baking and dipping in and out of the pool, then yes, winter is a great time to visit Morocco!
Flights and accommodation are cheaper, it’s the low season, and the weather is usually mild and sunny!
What Is Christmas Like In Marrakech?
Christmas in Morocco is pretty low-key since it’s mostly a Muslim country, so you won’t see the usual festive decorations or celebrations.
In places like Marrakech, you might spot a few Christmas trees in hotels and some restaurants doing special menus, but Christmas Day itself is just like any other day; shops, markets, and restaurants are all open as usual.
Final Thoughts
I really loved visiting Marrakech in winter. The weather was ideal for exploring, we found some great deals on accommodation, and the city felt lively without being overwhelming.
If you want sunshine, culture, rooftop sunsets, and that beautifully chaotic medina energy, winter is such a good time to go.
