Morocco in December: Winter Sun, Desert Nights and New Year
December is one of Morocco's smartest months: sunny 18 - 22 degree days on the coast and in Marrakesh, empty-ish medinas between the holiday peaks, and the season's only real crowd moment around Christmas and New Year. Here is what to expect.
The Weather in December
| Where | What you get |
|---|---|
| Marrakesh | Sunny 18 - 21 degrees by day, 6 - 8 at night - perfect sightseeing, pack layers for evenings |
| Agadir and the south coast | The winter-sun champion: 20 - 23 degrees, ocean swims for the brave |
| The Sahara (Merzouga) | Glorious clear days around 18 - 20 degrees, but near-freezing nights - desert camps provide thick blankets |
| The Atlas and Ifrane | Real winter: snow on the peaks, skiing at Oukaimeden when conditions allow |
| North (Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes) | Cooler (14 - 17) with rain possible - beautiful light, few tourists |
Christmas and New Year in Morocco
- Christmas is a normal working period in Morocco (December 25 is not a public holiday) - everything is open, which is precisely why it is a great escape. International hotels and riads aimed at visitors put up trees and serve Christmas menus.
- New Year's Eve is big: Marrakesh is one of Africa's top NYE destinations - gala dinners in riads and palaces, rooftop parties, and Jemaa el-Fna at midnight. Book dinner and rooms well ahead; prices peak December 27 - January 2.
- Desert New Year: spending the night of the 31st in a Sahara camp under the stars has become a classic - operators sell out by November.
Why December Works
- High season, low stress: outside the Christmas - New Year fortnight, December is quiet with excellent hotel value.
- Trekking weather: the south (Anti-Atlas, Agafay, coastal walks) is at its best; only the High Atlas summits are off-menu.
- The snowbird scene: the coast south of Agadir fills with European motorhomes - see our camping guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Morocco warm in December?
Pleasantly warm by day in Marrakesh, Agadir and the south (18 - 23 degrees), cool to cold at night everywhere. It is winter sun, not summer heat.
Is everything open at Christmas in Morocco?
Yes - December 25 is an ordinary day in Morocco, so souks, monuments, restaurants and transport all run normally.
Can you swim in Morocco in December?
The Atlantic is around 17 - 19 degrees - fine for surfers in wetsuits (Taghazout's high season), brisk for swimmers. Hotel pools in the south are often heated.
See also: the best time to visit Morocco, what to wear and Moroccan public holidays.
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