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Morocco in December is a wonderful winter sun destination to escape the cold European winter days. From the bustling souks of Marrakech and the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains to the warm beaches and surf towns of Taghazout, Tamraght, Agadir, and Essaouira, winter offers a unique chance to experience this diverse and welcoming country. Here’s everything you need to know before planning your trip.

How to Use This Guide

Use the contents table above to jump straight to the sections you need, whether that’s deciding if Morocco in December is right for you, figuring out how to get here, or planning your ideal places to stay.

This guide is based on real experiences and is designed to help you plan a flexible and enjoyable winter trip. Feel free to customise your itinerary based on your interests and travel pace. Whether you want to focus on exploring Marrakech, trekking in the Atlas Mountains, enjoying the Sahara, or relaxing along Morocco’s coast, this guide will help you plan a trip that suits you best.

Why December is Actually a Great Time to Visit

Morocco has become an increasingly popular winter sun destination for Europeans. The country offers a vibrant culture, stunning mountain hikes, bustling souks, and an incredible surf scene. With mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, it’s no wonder so many travelers choose Morocco to escape the cold European winter.

Fewer Crowds | If visiting earlier in December. However, Morocco becomes busier during the Christmas and new years period.

Mild Coastal Weather | Taghazout, Tamraght, Agadir, and Essaouira enjoy comfortable temperatures ideal for beach walks, surfing, or exploring local markets.

Unique Landscapes | The Atlas Mountains often have snow, while the Sahara Desert offers crisp nights perfect for stargazing.

💡 TOP TIP | Layered clothing is key. Days are generally mild, but nights can get chilly, especially in the mountains and desert.

The City of Marrakech

Marrakech is vibrant year-round, but December brings cooler, more comfortable weather. Situated at just over 400 meters in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, the city can be surprisingly chilly in winter. Daytime temperatures average around 20°C, while evenings can drop to as low as 7°C, so be sure to bring something warm for nighttime strolls.

You can explore:

The bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square, and don’t forget to try the evening food stalls
The serene Jardin Majorelle and Saadian Tombs
The historic Ben Youssef Madrasa
The old medina with its beautiful, winding streets
Traditional Moroccan cuisine in cozy riads or street food stalls

Read our Marrakech city guide

💡 TOP TIP | Visit the souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa in the late afternoon, then stay for dinner at the food stalls to enjoy the lively atmosphere as the city lights up in the cooler December evenings.

The Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert in December is a magical experience. Days are pleasantly warm, making it perfect for camel treks, 4x4 adventures, and exploring the vast dunes without the intense summer heat. At night, temperatures drop sharply, creating crisp, clear evenings ideal for stargazing around the campfire. Rainfall is rare, so you can expect dry conditions and stunning sunsets over the sand.

Daytime:| Warm enough for camel treks and desert tours.
Nighttime | Crisp desert nights perfect for campfires and stargazing.
Minimal rainfall ensures dry, clear skies.

Read about our journey into the Sahara

💡 TOP TIP | Bring warm layers for evenings; temperatures can drop significantly.

The Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains in December offer a striking contrast to Morocco’s warmer regions. Snow often dusts the peaks, especially around the High Atlas, creating dramatic winter scenery. Days are cool and crisp, ideal for hiking and exploring Berber villages, while nights can be very cold, particularly at higher altitudes. It’s a peaceful time to visit, with clear skies and fewer tourists. Whether you’re trekking to Mount Toubkal or enjoying the mountain views from a cozy riad, the Atlas Mountains are breathtaking in winter.

The High Atlas Mountains often see snow in December.
Hiking opportunities abound, from gentle trails to summiting Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak.
Villages offer traditional Berber hospitality and winter landscapes.
Depending on the conditions, climbing Mount Toubkal might not be possible

Safety Note| Following the 2018 terrorist attack near Mount Toubkal, it is now compulsory to hire a registered local guide for treks in the Atlas Mountains. This rule is strictly enforced to ensure visitor safety. Always book with an official, licensed guide or tour company when hiking or climbing in the area.

Read about our journey hiking Mount Toubkal

💡 TOP TIP | Having an experienced guide ensures both safety and a richer experience exploring Berber villages and mountain routes.

The Moroccan Coast

Our favourite part of Morocco is the coast. We love spending time in the surf towns of Taghazout, Tamraght, and Imsouane. These laid-back destinations offer beautiful beaches, great surf, and plenty of relaxed places to stay and eat.

Taghazout

Mild temperatures with refreshing ocean breezes.
Ideal for surfing, yoga, or just relaxing in seaside cafés.

Read about our Taghazout guide

Tamraght

Less busy than nearby Taghazout

Ideal for surfing, and digital nomads

Read about our Tamraght guide

Agadir

Warm and sunny, perfect for strolls along the promenade.
Good base for exploring nearby coastal attractions.

Read about our Agadir guide

Essaouira

Famous for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
Offers a historic medina, artisan markets, and charming coastal scenery.

Imsouane

Home to Africas longest wave, perfect for longboarding
Eat fresh fish cooked on the fire by the harbour.

Read our Imsouane guide

💡 TOP TIP | Coastal evenings are cooler, so bring a jacket or sweater.

Local Culture, Food & Festivities

Morocco’s winter isn’t festival-heavy, but cultural experiences abound: cooking classes, music performances, and medina explorations.
Traditional Moroccan cuisine is especially comforting in cooler weather – think tagines and harira soup.
Dressing modestly is important in rural and religious areas.

Practical Travel Tips for visiting Morocco

Health | Stay hydrated and protect against occasional rain or sun exposure. Wash hand before eating and after using toilet facilities. Drink bottled water only.

Transport | Road conditions vary; local guides recommended for mountain or desert regions. If self driving then keep a little spare cash as police road checks are common.
Safety | Morocco is generally safe for tourists; just be mindful in crowded markets as petty crime can happen.
Packing | Layered clothing, a warm jacket for mountains, desert nights and evening exploring.
Rabies | In 2025, a UK traveler sadly died after contracting rabies from a stray dog in Morocco. If you are bitten or scratched by any animal, seek immediate medical attention and begin treatment as soon as possible. Rabies is almost always fatal if the correct medical care is not received promptly.

💡 TOP TIP | You should take any animal bite or scratch extremely seriously and seek immediate medical attention.