Weather in December in Marrakech: Rain & What to Pack for Families

Weather in December in Marrakech: What Families Should Really Expect

Is Marrakech Warm in December? The Short Answer

December in Marrakech is mild by day and cold after dark. Long-term averages put daytime highs near 19°C and night lows near 6°C, with about 7 hours of sunshine a day. Rain is possible but not constant. Sources differ on exact totals, so treat any single number as a range rather than a promise.

Most families searching this want to know three things: whether the city is comfortable for sightseeing, whether the nights will be a problem for young children and grandparents, and whether rain could ruin the plan. Short answer: yes, it works well for sightseeing, nights need real planning, and rain is usually a brief interruption.

Quick Takeaways

• Expect pleasant sightseeing days around 19°C, but plan for nights near 6°C.
• The temperature swing between midday sun and evening shade is the main thing families underestimate.
• Rain is limited. Averages show roughly 6 rainy days and about 35 mm for the month, though other datasets show lower totals.
• Daylight is short, with sunset around 5:30 pm, so plan outdoor sightseeing for late morning to mid-afternoon.
• Many riads have limited heating, so ask about it before booking.
• Snow is possible in the High Atlas, but ski conditions in December are not reliable.
• Desert camps get properly cold at night, so the Sahara needs extra bedding and layers.

What Is the Weather Like in Marrakech in December?

Temperatures day and night

Averages from several forecasting sites cluster around a high of 19–20°C and a low of 6–8°C. One regional guide quotes a range of 8 to 20°C. That gap of roughly 12 degrees is what shapes the whole trip.

[Picture 1: Jemaa el-Fnaa or a medina street at midday, people in light layers]

On a sunny afternoon you may be in a T-shirt. Step into a shaded souk alley or a stone riad courtyard and you will want a fleece within minutes.

Does It Rain in Marrakech in December?

How much rain to plan for

Datasets disagree on totals. One source gives about 20 mm for the month, while another gives about 35 mm over six rainy days. The honest summary is that December is one of the wetter months by Marrakech standards, but still a dry month compared with most of Europe.

Showers tend to be short. The practical problem is wet, uneven medina paving, which makes strollers and small children harder to manage on those days.

How Cold Does Marrakech Get at Night?

Evenings, riads and sleeping comfort

Nights near 6°C feel colder than the number suggests because many traditional houses are stone or tile with courtyards open to the sky. Many riads rely on portable heaters rather than central heating, so confirm what your room has. Ask for extra blankets for toddlers, and check whether the dining area is covered or heated, since dinner on a cold rooftop is not much fun for grandparents.

Daylight, Sunshine and Sunset Times

Days are short. Sunrise on 16 December 2026 is around 07:25 and sunset around 17:31, which is about 10 hours of daylight. Plan your biggest sightseeing for late morning to mid-afternoon, keep lunch relaxed, and head back by sunset, when the temperature falls quickly.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Marrakech?

Yes for most families, with conditions. The cooler air suits walking-heavy sightseeing far better than summer does, and you avoid the heat that makes the medina tiring for little children. The trade-offs are cold evenings, short days, and the occasional wet day. Families who want swimming or long outdoor lunches may find it too cool.

Crowds, Prices and Holiday Periods

December is not uniformly quiet. One regional guide notes most December visitors come during school holidays and suggests the first 20 days as the calmer window. Expect the busiest and most expensive stretch around Christmas and New Year, so book accommodation and drivers early for those dates.

Note for 2026: the 23rd Marrakech International Film Festival runs 20 to 28 November, so it ends before December this year. Its dates move yearly, so check before assuming it overlaps your trip.

What to Pack for Marrakech in December

Clothing for children, teens and adults

Pack in layers rather than heavy coats: T-shirts, a warm mid-layer, a light waterproof jacket, closed shoes, hat and gloves for evenings, and sunscreen, since the UV index averages about 4 in December. For modest dress in the medina, long sleeves and trousers also double as warm layers. Bring pajamas that suit cold rooms, and thin thermal tops for toddlers.

Best Things to Do in Marrakech in December

Daytime activities that suit the weather

December suits Jardin Majorelle, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the medina souks, and slow morning walks. Gardens are comfortable in the sun, and a hammam is a good warm-up in the evening for older children and adults. On a wet day, switch to museums, a cooking class, or an indoor activity.

Planning Around Rain and Cold

Rainy day backup plan

Keep one indoor option for each sightseeing day rather than rebooking everything. Private transport helps here because you can adjust timing and avoid long waits outside. Families with strollers should expect wet paving in the medina and may prefer a baby carrier.

Day Trips From Marrakech in December

Atlas Mountains and Imlil

The mountains are noticeably colder than the city. One climate dataset puts typical Toubkal highs around freezing and lows near -8°C in December; treat that as a rough guide for the high peaks rather than Imlil village itself. Bring proper layers for any mountain day trip.

Oukaïmeden and snow

The ski season is generally listed as December to March, with the best conditions January to March. Residents report some years with little or no snow all winter. Do not plan a December day trip around guaranteed snow. The mountain road can ice over, and chains or four-wheel drive are recommended when conditions worsen.

Sahara and Desert Trips in December

Southern Morocco is sunnier and drier but swings harder between day and night. Merzouga averages around 18°C by day in December. Desert nights are cold enough that camp bedding matters, and December is one of the driest months. Confirm warm blankets, heating options and tent type before booking. Families with toddlers should think carefully about a tented camp in winter, and may prefer a heated hotel near the dunes.

Weather Differences Across Morocco in December

Marrakech is not representative of the whole country. The coast is typically cooler and breezier, the mountains can be freezing, and the desert is dry with cold nights. If your route covers several regions, pack for the coldest stop rather than the warmest, and check each forecast shortly before departure.

Is December Better Than Other Winter Months?

December sits in the middle. It is often milder than January and February, and generally less likely to deliver reliable snow. It is also a month when school holidays push prices up late in the month. If your priority is sunshine and comfortable sightseeing, early December often balances well; if snow matters, January is the safer bet.

How a Private Tour Can Help With December Weather

Weather is the main reason some families choose private planning in winter. A flexible plan lets you move outdoor days to the sunniest forecast, shorten drives when roads are wet, and book accommodation with proper heating. Morocco Vacation Planner designs private family trips and can help you decide which regions to prioritise in December, but the guidance above applies whoever you book with.

Conclusion

December in Marrakech is mild, bright and good for walking, with cold nights and short daylight hours. Pack layers, choose accommodation with real heating, keep an indoor backup for showers, and treat mountain snow and desert nights as separate planning questions. If you want help matching a December route to your family’s ages and pace, Morocco Vacation Planner can design a private Morocco trip around them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marrakech too cold in December?

Not during the day, when highs are usually around 19–20°C. Nights near 6°C can feel cold, especially in riads without central heating.

Can you swim in Marrakech in December?

Pools are often unheated, so most children will find them too cold. Ask hotels directly about heated pools or indoor spas.

Does it snow in Marrakech in December?

Snow in the city is not typical. Snow falls in the nearby High Atlas, but December coverage is unreliable.

How many days does it rain in Marrakech in December?

Averages suggest about six rainy days, though totals vary by source and by year. Showers are usually brief.

What should families wear in Marrakech in December?

Layers: light tops for midday, a fleece for evenings, a waterproof jacket, closed shoes, and warm sleepwear.