Weather in Morocco December: A family travel guide

Weather in Morocco December: A family travel guide

Late December in Morocco is a study in contrasts. In Marrakech, you can eat lunch in a sunlit riad courtyard at 20 Celsius, then drive 90 minutes into the High Atlas and stand in ankle deep snow before dinner. The Sahara is warm at noon and near freezing by midnight. Understanding the weather in Morocco December brings is the difference between a smooth family trip and a suitcase full of the wrong clothes.

This guide walks through what the country actually feels like in December, region by region, with real temperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit. You will find city forecasts for Marrakech, Casablanca, Fes, Tangier, Rabat, Agadir, the Atlas Mountains, and Merzouga. It also covers what to pack, where to stay, which festivals happen in December, what works for kids, and how to build an itinerary that uses the temperature spread instead of fighting it.

If you are weighing December as a travel month, this is the practical version rather than the tourist board version.

Quick takeaways

• Mild days, cold nights: Most cities sit between 15 and 22 Celsius (59 to 72 Fahrenheit) during the day, but inland and desert nights can drop close to zero.
• Marrakech is the sweet spot for families: Comfortable daytime temperatures, fewer crowds than the summer peak, and easy day trips to Atlas snow.
• The Sahara surprises people: Days feel pleasant, but Merzouga nights hit near freezing. Pack like you are going to a ski trip after sunset.
• Coastal cities get wet: Casablanca, Rabat, and Tangier are the rainiest, and the Atlantic wind cuts through thin layers.
• Snow appears in the Atlas Mountains: Oukaimeden ski lifts often start running in late December if snowfall cooperates.
• Two big events anchor the month: The Marrakech International Film Festival typically runs late November into early December, and New Year’s Eve in the desert has become a small pilgrimage of its own.
• Christmas works for family trips: Hotels put up decorations, riads offer festive dinners, and the streets stay calm because Morocco is a Muslim country.

Is December a good time for Morocco?

Yes, December is one of the better months to visit Morocco, especially if you want mild days, thin crowds outside the Christmas week, and a chance to see snow, desert, and coast in the same trip. Daytime temperatures across most of the country sit between 15 and 22 Celsius (59 to 72 Fahrenheit), and rainfall is limited to the coast and the far north.

The reason is timing. December sits at the shoulder between the busy autumn season and the Christmas holiday spike. Prices dip in early and mid month before rising again around December 22. Sunshine averages 6 to 8 hours a day, and even the rainy cities get more dry days than wet ones.

There are real caveats. Nights are cold in the Sahara and the mountains, sometimes near freezing. The Atlantic coast can be wet and windy. Riads without heating become uncomfortable after dark. If you are traveling with toddlers or older parents, book accommodation with proper central heating or in room fireplaces rather than the space heater or extra blanket approach that many budget options rely on.

Practical takeaways:

• Aim for early or mid December for lower prices and quieter medinas
• Book heated riads, not just air conditioned ones
• Pack for four climates: coastal rain, city cool, mountain snow, desert cold nights
• Time the Sahara for the first half of the month if you want warmer daytime temperatures
• Skip Fes if the forecast turns rainy and shift the days to Marrakech instead

For families building a December itinerary, Morocco Vacation Planner designs private winter trips that combine coastal walks, a Sahara night, and a snowy Atlas day trip in one week without moving too fast.

Weather in Morocco December: region by region

The weather in Morocco December delivers is split across four zones, and packing decisions depend on which ones you visit. The Atlantic coast stays mild but wet. The interior cities are cool and dry. The Atlas Mountains get cold and often snowy. The Sahara is warm by day and cold at night.

Here is the practical breakdown.

Atlantic coast (Casablanca, Rabat, Essaouira, Agadir, Tangier): Daytime highs 15 to 22 Celsius (59 to 72 Fahrenheit). Nighttime lows 9 to 12 Celsius (48 to 54 Fahrenheit). Rain averages 60 to 80 mm across the month, mostly in Casablanca and Tangier.

Interior cities (Marrakech, Fes, Meknes): Daytime highs 16 to 22 Celsius (61 to 72 Fahrenheit). Nighttime lows 5 to 10 Celsius (41 to 50 Fahrenheit). Rainfall averages 20 to 30 mm, less than the coast.

Atlas Mountains (Imlil, Ouirgane, Ifrane): Daytime highs 5 to 15 Celsius (41 to 59 Fahrenheit) at altitude. Nights below freezing above 2,000 meters. Snow common in the High Atlas from mid month.

Sahara and gateway towns (Merzouga, Zagora, Ouarzazate): Daytime highs 18 to 22 Celsius (64 to 72 Fahrenheit). Overnight lows 0 to 5 Celsius (32 to 41 Fahrenheit), sometimes colder.

The southern desert is the hottest place in Morocco in December during daylight hours. Merzouga can feel like a sunny spring day at noon. By 8 pm, the same spot is cold enough to see your breath, and by 3 am it may be below freezing. This gap is why so many travelers underpack for a Sahara camp.

Humidity is generally low across the country in December. Coastal cities sit around 75 percent, which makes 15 Celsius feel damp. Inland cities run at 40 to 50 percent, so 8 Celsius at 7 am feels crisp rather than piercing.

Rain patterns matter more than average. Casablanca sees rain on about 10 days in December. Marrakech sees rain on 4 to 5. Merzouga sees rain almost never. If you are watching a forecast a week out, look at rain probability, not the temperature.

Marrakech in December

Marrakech in December runs cooler than most travelers expect and warmer than most winter destinations. Daytime highs sit around 18 to 21 Celsius (64 to 70 Fahrenheit) for most of the month. Nights drop to 6 to 10 Celsius (43 to 50 Fahrenheit). The pink walls that trap heat in summer turn into cool stone in winter, so the medina alleys can feel chilly in the shade even at midday.

The city is drier than the coast. December averages 4 to 5 rainy days, usually short afternoon showers rather than day long soaks. The famous Marrakech light stays photogenic through most of the month. Sunrise sits around 8 am and sunset around 5:45 pm, so plan sightseeing between 10 am and 4:30 pm to catch the warmest window.

What works in Marrakech in December

• Jemaa el Fna at dusk when the food stalls light up around 6 pm and the air cools fast
• Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs on cold sunny mornings
• The Majorelle Garden at 10 am when the light hits the cobalt blue walls
• A day trip to the Atlas for snow or a mountain lunch
• Riad terraces at sunset for the low winter light on the medina rooftops

Christmas week is the exception. Prices climb, restaurants require reservations, and the airport gets busy. Hotels decorate the courtyards, and higher end riads run festive dinners on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. If you want the low season quiet, aim for December 1 to 20.

Marrakech Christmas temperatures average 20 Celsius (68 Fahrenheit) at midday. Warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt if the sun is out, though everyone I know who has been there in late December brings a jacket for after dark. The gap between noon and midnight can be 15 degrees.

Casablanca, Rabat, and the Atlantic coast in December

The Atlantic coast in December is where most of Morocco’s winter rain lands. Casablanca daytime highs sit at 17 to 18 Celsius (63 to 64 Fahrenheit). Nighttime lows drop to 9 to 11 Celsius (48 to 52 Fahrenheit). Rainfall averages 78 mm across 10 rainy days, the highest in the country.

Casablanca works well for a one or two night stop rather than a base. The Corniche walk along the Atlantic is pleasant on dry days, and Hassan II Mosque tours run year round. The Old Medina is small and manageable. Winter here is when locals get to enjoy the seafront cafes without the summer crowds.

Rabat runs slightly drier than Casablanca, with about 13 mm of rain in December. The capital feels calmer, and the Kasbah of the Udayas is one of the prettiest walks in the country when the sky is clear. Highs sit at 18 Celsius (64 Fahrenheit).

Essaouira is the coastal escape most December travelers underrate. Wind picks up in winter, so the port and beach can feel raw, but the medina is protected and quiet. Highs at 18 to 20 Celsius (64 to 68 Fahrenheit). Excellent seafood, fewer tourists.

Agadir in the south stays the warmest coastal city in December. Highs reach 22 Celsius (72 Fahrenheit), sea temperature around 18 Celsius. The beach is walkable, the resort hotels run kid programs through Christmas, and rain is limited to 20 mm across the month.

Tangier at the northern tip is the wettest of the major cities. Highs at 16 Celsius (61 Fahrenheit), rain on 10 to 12 days. Winter light off the strait is dramatic, and the Kasbah stays worth a slow morning walk even in drizzle.

Fes and the imperial cities in December

Fes runs colder than Marrakech in December for one reason: elevation and basin geography. The city sits at 410 meters in a bowl that traps morning mist and evening chill. Daytime highs 15 to 18 Celsius (59 to 64 Fahrenheit). Nighttime lows 5 to 8 Celsius (41 to 46 Fahrenheit). Damp air makes both ends feel colder than the numbers suggest.

The Fes medina is steeper and narrower than Marrakech, which means less sunlight reaches the alleyways in winter. Dress warmer than you think. A thin waterproof shell over a wool sweater handles most days. If the forecast turns rainy, the tanneries lose most of their appeal, and slippery ceramic tiles in the medina become a real concern with kids.

Meknes, an hour west of Fes, sits at similar temperatures but has a wider layout that gets more sun. It works as an easier single day stop.

Volubilis, the Roman ruins between Fes and Meknes, is one of the best winter visits in the country. No shade, but no summer heat either. Cool light on the mosaics and columns. Bring a hat and a warm layer.

Ifrane, one hour further south in the Middle Atlas, sits at 1,665 meters and often gets snow in December. It looks like a Swiss alpine village at Christmas. Barbary macaques in the cedar forests, small hotels with fireplaces, and one of the few Moroccan towns that leans into the winter feel.

If you are combining Fes with a snow experience, base yourself in Fes and drive to Ifrane and the Michlifen ski area for the day. That trade gives you both worlds without the high altitude cold overnight.

The Atlas Mountains and hiking in December

Hiking in December in Morocco is possible, sometimes excellent, and sometimes canceled by weather. The High Atlas gets its first meaningful snow between mid and late December in most years. Trails below 2,000 meters remain open. The Toubkal summit becomes a serious winter climb requiring crampons and a guide.

Imlil at 1,800 meters is the standard base. Daytime highs sit at 8 to 12 Celsius (46 to 54 Fahrenheit). Nights drop below freezing. Walnut trees drop their leaves, and the mud brick houses stand out against the bare ground. Local guides run village walks and half day hikes suitable for kids over eight.

Oukaimeden at 2,600 meters hosts Africa’s highest ski resort. The lift system is dated, snowmaking is nonexistent, and conditions depend on natural snowfall. Late December through February gives you the best odds. Snow chains are required on the road when snow falls above 2,000 meters.

Ourika valley at lower elevation stays warmer and drier. Family day trips run stream side walks near Setti Fatma, then lunch at a mountain restaurant with a view of snow peaks. This is often the most popular Atlas trip for December visitors staying in Marrakech.

Aroumd, Sidi Chamharouch, and the villages around Imlil are all reachable in day walks. The trails are dry when the weather is clear, muddy when it rains, and dusted with snow above 2,200 meters.

For anyone considering a longer trek, guides on the mountain check conditions daily and cancel if snow closes routes. This is a good thing. December weather in the High Atlas shifts fast, and pushing forward against a storm at 3,500 meters is how people get into serious trouble.

Merzouga and the Sahara in December

Merzouga in December runs one of the wildest temperature spreads in the country. Days can hit 22 Celsius (72 Fahrenheit) under clear sun. Nights drop to near freezing. The sand cools faster than you expect, so by 8 pm the dunes are cold, and by 3 am the desert can feel like winter in the Alps.

The good news is that mornings and afternoons are near perfect. Camel rides at 3 pm feel comfortable in a t-shirt and a light long sleeve. Sunset over Erg Chebbi at 5:30 pm produces the pink and orange colors that people fly in for. The winter sky over the desert is one of the clearest in the country, with almost no light pollution, which makes New Year’s Eve in the Sahara a genuine experience rather than a marketing line.

Sahara tips for December

• Choose a heated camp, not a basic canvas tent
• Sleep with layers on, including a hat
• Bring a real winter jacket for evenings, plus gloves for the camel ride at dawn
• Time day trips for 10 am to 4 pm, when the sand is warm to walk on
• Book stargazing tours if your camp offers them, the night sky is exceptional

New Year’s Eve in the dunes has grown from a small tradition into a common family choice. Camps organize dinners, music, and midnight campfires. Book at least three months in advance if you want to go, since the good camps fill fast for December 31.

The drive from Marrakech to Merzouga takes 9 to 11 hours and usually needs an overnight stop in Ouarzazate or the Dades valley. Do not try it in one day.

What to wear in Morocco in December

Packing for the weather in Morocco December brings requires planning for four zones in one suitcase. Layers do the heavy lifting.

City layers (Marrakech, Fes, Meknes):

• Long pants (jeans, cords, or lined trousers)
• A wool or thick sweater
• A light waterproof shell jacket
• Comfortable walking shoes with grip for slippery medina tiles

Coastal layers (Casablanca, Tangier, Rabat):

• A proper rain jacket, not just water resistant
• A warm sweater
• Waterproof shoes if you plan a lot of walking
• A scarf for wind protection

Atlas Mountain layers (Imlil, Oukaimeden, Ifrane):

• Thermal base layers
• A down or fleece mid layer
• A waterproof shell
• Hiking boots
• Gloves and a wool hat

Sahara layers (Merzouga, Zagora):

• Light long sleeves for daytime
• A heavy jacket for evenings
• A wool hat and gloves for the desert night
• A scarf for wind and dust
• Warm socks for sleeping

One layer that fixes almost everything

A packable down jacket. Warm enough for the Sahara at night. Compact enough for a Marrakech day pack. Light enough for a mountain day walk. Almost every experienced December traveler ends up recommending one.

Jeans work fine in December. They stay warm during the day and dry quickly if you get caught in rain. Save the linen and cotton for a summer trip.

Festivals and events in Morocco in December

December in Morocco has fewer festivals than June or April, but the ones that do land in the month tend to be memorable.

Marrakech International Film Festival: The FIFM usually runs late November into early December, and the free outdoor screenings on Jemaa el Fna are the best public part. Films are projected on a giant screen, watched from plastic chairs, with a bowl of harira soup for one dollar. Hollywood stars walk the red carpet at the Palais des Congres. Hotels near the medina fill quickly during the festival week, so book early. The 2026 edition runs November 20 to 28.

Christmas week in Marrakech: Not an official festival, but riads and higher end hotels build the atmosphere. Fireplace dinners, mulled Moroccan wine, decorated courtyards, and kid friendly events. Christmas Eve dinner at a well run riad is one of the more unusual Christmas memories you can bring home.

New Year’s Eve in the Sahara: The tradition of sitting under the stars in the dunes at midnight on December 31 has spread across most desert camps in Merzouga. Live music, dinner, campfires, and a countdown under an open sky. Book three months ahead for the good camps.

Local moussems: Smaller religious and cultural gatherings continue in villages across the country during December, though the most famous ones (Tan Tan, Imilchil) sit in other months. If you are staying in an Atlas or coastal village, ask your host if anything local is happening the week you visit.

For families, the mix of Marrakech festival energy, a mountain snow day, and a Sahara night makes December one of the most flexible months on the calendar.

Visiting Morocco in December with kids

December works for family trips because the daytime temperature spread lets you do outdoor sightseeing without the summer heat concerns. Kids handle 20 Celsius and sun much better than they handle 40 Celsius and sun.

The cold nights are the real challenge with kids. Riads without proper central heating turn cold by 10 pm. Space heaters help but do not solve it. Book accommodation with confirmed central heating, or with in room fireplaces, and check reviews from other winter travelers before you commit.

What works with kids in December

• Morning souk walks in Marrakech when the sun warms the air
• Camel rides in the Sahara at sunset in your warmest clothes
• A snow day in Oukaimeden for kids who have never seen snow
• Beach walks in Essaouira for wind and seagulls
• Christmas dinner in a riad if you want a holiday feel abroad

What does not work in December

• Long open air walks in Fes on rainy days
• Overnight Sahara camps for kids under five in unheated tents
• Ski attempts in early December when Oukaimeden may not have opened yet
• Beach swimming, even in Agadir

The formula that repeats across December family trips is Marrakech plus one Atlas day plus two nights in the Sahara plus a return through Ait Ben Haddou. A week fits comfortably. Ten days lets you add Essaouira or Fes.

Where to stay in Morocco in December

Accommodation choice matters more in December than in most months. A riad without heating in Fes at 6 Celsius is a rough night. A luxury desert camp with proper insulation makes New Year’s Eve in the dunes a highlight.

Marrakech: Choose a riad in the medina with central heating and a fireplace in at least one common area. Riad Kniza, Riad Yasmine, and La Sultana all handle winter well. For higher end, La Mamounia and Royal Mansour deliver full climate control.

Fes: Riad Fes and Palais Amani heat properly. Cheaper riads in the medina often rely on space heaters, which struggle in December. Read winter reviews carefully before booking.

Essaouira: Villa Maroc and Heure Bleue Palais both handle the Atlantic damp well. The wind is what you need to insulate against, not the temperature.

Sahara: Erg Chebbi Luxury Desert Camp and Sahara Stars run heated tents that hold up in December. Basic budget camps run cold. The difference between 60 euros a night and 200 euros a night matters more in winter than in any other season.

Atlas Mountains: Kasbah du Toubkal and Kasbah Tamadot have fireplaces and are built for cold weather. Homestays in Imlil vary widely, so ask specifically about heating.

Agadir: Big resort hotels stay comfortable regardless of weather. Royal Atlas, Sofitel Royal Bay, and Riu Tikida Beach all handle December well.

Booking timing helps. Early December often costs 30 to 40 percent less than the Christmas and New Year week. If your dates are flexible, aim for December 1 to 20.

Photography in Morocco in December

December light in Morocco is one of the reasons photographers keep coming back. The sun sits lower, shadows are longer, and golden hour stretches across a longer window than in summer. Fewer tour groups also means cleaner shots at the main sites.

Best times of day:

• 8:00 to 10:00 am: Marrakech medina alleys, Atlas villages, cedar forests
• 4:30 to 5:30 pm: Sahara dunes, coastal ramparts, Ait Ben Haddou
• After dark: Star trails over Erg Chebbi, riad courtyard candlelight

Spots worth planning around:

• Jemaa el Fna at blue hour, around 5:45 pm
• The Essaouira ramparts with Atlantic winter swell
• Erg Chebbi dunes at first light
• The road through the Tizi n Tichka pass with snow on the peaks
• Chefchaouen alleys after a rain, when the blue walls saturate

Winter light can shift fast. A clear morning can turn cloudy by 11 am. Check forecasts the night before and set alarms early. The reward is a set of photos that most tourists do not have because they only visit in summer.

Final thoughts on the weather in Morocco December

The weather in Morocco December offers is the best case for a family winter trip in North Africa. Mild days, cold nights, a real chance of snow in the Atlas, warm sun in the Sahara, and Christmas hotel prices below what you would pay in Europe for a fraction of the weather.

Build the trip around the temperature spread. Base in Marrakech for warm daytime medina walks. Add one day trip to the Atlas for snow or a mountain lunch. Spend two nights in a heated desert camp for the Sahara sky. Finish on the coast in Essaouira or Agadir if you want the winter Atlantic experience.

Pack layers, book heated accommodation, aim for early to mid month if you want lower prices, and remember that Moroccan winter is still gentler than most European winters. Travelers who understand the temperature swings tend to leave planning their next trip before the plane lands home.

Morocco Vacation Planner designs Private Family Tours in Morocco for Kids, Teens & Toddlers. Plan your perfect family trip to Morocco with custom private tours built for families traveling with toddlers, kids, and teens. You get family friendly experiences, trusted local guides, and handpicked comfortable stays from the medinas all the way to the Sahara.

FAQs

How hot is Marrakesh in December?

Marrakech in December is mild rather than hot. Daytime highs sit at 18 to 21 Celsius (64 to 70 Fahrenheit), with nights dropping to 6 to 10 Celsius (43 to 50 Fahrenheit). Christmas week averages around 20 Celsius at midday, warm enough for a t-shirt in the sun but chilly the moment you step into shade. Marrakech is drier than the Atlantic coast, with only 4 to 5 rainy days across the month.

What is the coldest month in Morocco?

January is the coldest month in Morocco, followed closely by December. The weather in Morocco December brings feels warmer than January by 1 to 2 Celsius on average, especially in the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara at night. Mountain temperatures in Oukaimeden regularly drop below minus 5 Celsius at night in January, while Marrakech overnight lows sit around 7 Celsius. Coastal cities stay milder.

Can I sunbathe in Morocco in December?

Sunbathing is possible in December but only in a few spots and with realistic expectations. Agadir is the best option, with highs of 22 Celsius (72 Fahrenheit) and about 8 hours of sunshine per day. The water sits at 18 Celsius, too cold for most swimmers. You can lie on the beach in a swimsuit under strong sun at midday, but the air cools fast in shade or after 4 pm. Marrakech pool days work at higher end riads with heated pools, not the standard courtyard plunge pool.

What is the hottest place in Morocco in December?

Agadir on the southern coast and the Sahara Desert around Merzouga are the two hottest places in Morocco in December during daylight hours. Agadir highs reach 22 Celsius, and Merzouga can hit the same by midday. The Sahara cools sharply at night, dropping toward freezing, while Agadir stays milder overnight at around 12 Celsius. For a warm December daytime trip, Agadir is the safer bet.

What festivals happen in Morocco in December?

The Marrakech International Film Festival is the biggest event, running in late November into early December most years. Free outdoor screenings on Jemaa el Fna square are open to the public. New Year’s Eve in the Sahara has become a popular tradition, with desert camps organizing music, dinner, and a countdown under the stars. Smaller local moussems continue in villages, though most of the country’s famous festivals sit in other months. The weather in Morocco December is mild enough that outdoor events run comfortably.