Marrakech In December: Weather and Best Things To Do
If you’re looking for a winter escape that’s warmer than the UK but just a few hours away by plane, then Marrakech is a bloody good option.
I went to Marrakech in December because, quite frankly, I wanted to get the fuck out of the cold for a few days. I wasn’t expecting scorching temperatures, but I was hoping for a bit of winter sunshine, and that’s pretty much what we got.
During the day, temperatures can reach around 20°C, which I found perfect for exploring. You can wander around the souks without feeling like you’re about to melt, spend hours exploring the medina, or sit on a rooftop with lunch and actually enjoy being outside.
But if your plan is to lounge by the pool all day, this probably isn’t the best month for you. While the weather is warm, it’s not necessarily going to be warm enough for a dip in the pool. Trust me, I tried and quickly regretted it!
And once the sun goes down, it gets surprisingly chilly, and I was very glad I’d packed a jacket and scarf.
It’s also a quieter time to visit, particularly outside Christmas and New Year. Marrakech is still a popular city break destination, but you’ll generally have fewer crowds to contend with, and you can often find better deals on flights and accommodation too.
So, let’s get into what it’s really like, what there is to do and what you need to know before you go.
Weather in Marrakech in December
So, as I’ve already mentioned, December in Marrakech tends to be warm during the day, with average highs around 20˚C and lows around 7˚C.
When we visited during the first week of December, it was between 18˚C and 20˚C every day, and all I needed in the evenings was my denim jacket. Just a few days after we left, the daytime temperatures even crept up to 25˚C!
I’d still suggest bringing a few jumpers and a jacket, just in case, it can get as cold as 5˚C in the evenings. We just got lucky that it didn’t drop that low when we were there.
While there’s a small chance of rain, about three days on average, you can still expect plenty of blue skies at this time of year. A very welcome change from the UK!
If you’re into photography or just love catching the sunrise, you’ll be happy to know there’s no need for early alarms in December! The sun doesn’t rise in Marrakech until around 8:15 a.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to find a good spot.
The same goes for sunset. You won’t need to stay up late to catch it, as the sun sets around 6:30 p.m. The winter sun also makes the sky pop, so it’s a great time for photos.
Things To Do In December
There are plenty of places to visit in Marrakech during the winter months, some I think are probably more enjoyable without the extreme heat and crowds of the high season!
Explore The Souks
Whenever I think of Marrakech, I always picture the sprawling markets that wind through the pink city. The souks are a treasure trove of trinkets, rugs, jewellery, art, and colourful spices! You’ll probably get lost in them at some point since the paths all intertwine, but that’s just part of the experience!
There are three main souks in Marrakech: Souk Semmarine, Souk Nejjarine, and Place des Ferblantiers (although this is more of a square rather than a souk!).
Souk Semmarine is the heart of the medina, located near Jemaa el-Fna square. Here, you’ll find beautiful woven textiles, colourful lamps, clothes, spices, and food! I actually loved walking through the chaos, and you can find some really unique pieces.
Just make sure you download Google Maps before heading here, it’s really easy to get lost in the maze!
Souk Nejjarine, also in the medina, specialises in intricate woodwork, while Place des Ferblantiers sits on the edge of the Mellah and is the place to go for handmade metalwork, including brass and copper lanterns, trays and mirrors.
Visit Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle is a vibrant oasis in the middle of Marrakech, originally created in the 1920s by French painter Jacques Majorelle. The garden was later purchased by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé to save it from destruction to build hotels.
The garden is filled with bold blue buildings, exotic plants, and peaceful pathways that make it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
It does get busy, even in December, so I recommend arriving as early as possible! You can also purchase your tickets online beforehand so you don’t have to queue to get in.
We didn’t do our research and ended up having to wait for about 30 minutes just to buy our ticket!
Spend The Night In The Agafay Desert
The Agafay Desert is actually just outside of Marrakech, about an hour away, and it’s one of my favourite things we did during our December trip!
As you probably know, deserts and summer don’t go hand in hand unless you don’t mind melting in the heat, so the cooler months are the perfect time for you to visit.
Although it’s a desert, Agafay isn’t the sandy kind like the Sahara, instead, it’s a grey, rocky landscape with the Atlas Mountains as a stunning backdrop. There’s plenty to do here, including ATV rides through the rugged hills.
You don’t have to stay the night if you only have time for a day trip, but if you do stay there are plenty of desert camps to choose from for all types of budgets! We loved sitting around the fire at night with a drink and some music. It was such a fun evening.
These are some of the best desert camps.
If you have a little longer in Morocco, the Zagora Desert is about 6 hours from Marrakech, and the Merzouga Desert is about 10 hours away.
You might be tempted to book a camel ride while you’re visiting the desert, but please don’t. The animal welfare situation around these experiences is fucking grim, and it actually broke my heart.
If you want a bit more adventure, do an ATV ride instead, it looks way more fun anyway.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
The Ben Youssef Madrasa was originally founded back in the 14th century and was once the largest Islamic school in North Africa. The beautiful building you see today was actually rebuilt by the Saadians in the 16th century, and it continued as a school right up until 1960.
After that, it sat closed for years before being restored and reopened as a historic site in 1982, and then again in 2022 after another major restoration.
It’s obviously not a school anymore, but it is now part of the UNESCO-listed medina of Marrakech.
I was honestly blown away by the intricate designs throughout the building. There are so many tiny details to look at, so definitely give yourself a bit of time to wander around rather than rushing through.
We arrived early as it does get very busy here, and I’d definitely recommend doing the same if you can.
Entrance fee: 50 dirhams
Wander The Bahia Palace
We actually didn’t have time to visit the Bahia Palace, but it’s definitely a popular spot in Marrakech, and December is no exception.
Built in the late 19th century by a former slave who became the grand vizier, the palace was meant to be the most impressive of its time. The architecture is full of intricate details, with beautiful courtyards that offer a peaceful escape from the city.
While we didn’t get to explore it ourselves, it’s easy to see why so many visitors make it a must-see during their trip.
The entrance fee to go into the palace is 100 dirhams, or you can book onto this half-day tour, which also includes the Saadian Tomb.
Maison De La Photographie
One of the riads we stayed in was right next to the Maison De La Photographie, which also isn’t far from the Ben Youssef Madrasa.
This is a great spot to get a look into the past of Marrakech, with photos taken between 1870 and 1950 that really show how the city has changed over time, as well as offering glimpses into Berber life.
Once you’ve explored the Maison, you can relax on the roof terrace with a mint tea and enjoy the views over the city.
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 December 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 1 – 2 hours 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 December
Heading to Marrakech in December 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. We stayed here for 2 nights and loved it! 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 December 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, December 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, with shops, markets and restaurants all open as usual.
So, When Should You Visit Marrakech?
When you should visit Marrakech really depends on what you want from your trip.
December is an amazing time to visit, and I actually really enjoyed having fewer crowds around. I think I’d find the city quite overwhelming if it was much busier, so being able to explore without constantly feeling surrounded by people was a definite bonus for me.
It was also a more affordable time to visit, which meant we could treat ourselves to experiences like the Agafay Desert and some stunning riads.
Riad L’Atelier actually made our whole trip. The courtyard was so peaceful, the room was incredibly comfortable, and they made us the most delicious vegan breakfast spread every morning.
The downside is that this time of year isn’t going to give you the hottest weather. Daytime temperatures are lovely for exploring, but if you want guaranteed heat, long afternoons by the pool and warm evenings, I’d visit earlier in the year.
But if you’re more interested in exploring the city, eating good food and having a bit of winter sunshine without dealing with huge crowds, I’d happily come back at this time of year.
