What to Wear in Morocco in Winter

If you’re planning to spend some of the winter in Morocco then you’ll want to be prepared. Many people think that the sun shines and it’s nice and hot all year long. This just isn’t true. In the winter months, the temperature in Morocco really can plummet. Knowing what to wear in Morocco really makes a difference based on when you’ll visit.

Depending on where you plan to spend your time, you’ll want to be prepared for whatever can happen.

There’s a saying that Morocco is a cold country with a warm sun and this couldn’t be more true than from November – March.  This means layers, layers, layers!

Even though you should be prepared this is also one of the best times to visit Morocco. Save for the 3 weeks around Christmas and New Year’s most of the months of December, January and February are a low season meaning you’ll have more options that are much lower priced.

To get you started on your preparations I’ve put together a few different scenarios with suggested items to pack. You can also download a packing list to make sure you’ve got it all!

Women’s Outfit for a Moroccan City Break

Women’s Straight-Fit Stretch Twill Chino Pant

While denim is the go-to for most packing, try something a little different with these burgundy chino pants. They’re a little looser fit and can transition from day to night easily. The darker color means any accidental stains won’t show as easily and lighter fabric means if you do need to do a quick wash they’ll air dry much quicker than jeans.

Basic Crew Neck Sweater

This medium-weight sweater is a great idea for winters in Morocco.  When it’s warmer you can simply pair it with a tank top underneath for coverage or when colder add something longer and warmer underneath. A simple piece like this is great because it can be used in several ways and dressed up or dressed down.

Waterproof City Boots

These boots are fantastic because you don’t lose any style while still staying dry! No one will ever guess they are rain boots while you’re wandering the medinas of Morocco. Available in multiple colors to suit your needs and personality.

Men’s City Break Outfit Idea

Eddie Bauer Men’s Downlight Hooded JacketGoodthreads Men’s Skinny-Fit 5-Pocket Chino PantSailwind Men’s Crewneck Sweater

 

Men’s Athletic Fit 5-Pocket Chino Pant

Pack a pair of dark-colored chino-style pants that are ideal for adventure activities or a night out. A darker color means any stains are a little more covered up. Choosing a lighter-weight fabric is also helpful for packing as well as if you need to wash and dry your pants while on vacation. These also have a wide variety of inseam and length options.

Sailwind Pullover Sweater

A simple medium or lightweight sweater like this one is ideal for traveling to Morocco in winter. It can be used for hiking a mountain or going out to dinner. Choose a color that won’t show use as easily (so avoid lighter colors) and you won’t have to worry too much about doing laundry!

CirrusLite Down Jacket

This is a really lightweight jacket that is packable in your luggage as well as in your daypack. A jacket is a must for evenings in winter in Morocco and this one has been weather-tested up to -10F, cold enough that you should stay plenty warm wherever you go. It is water resistant though not a rain jacket, but pair with an umbrella and you’ll be set just in case it does rain.

Trekking in Morocco in Winter: Outfit Idea

 Columbia Women’s Redmond Boots Extra Warm Merino Wool Socks Columbia Women’s Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pant Smartwool Women’s Base Laye

 

Women’s Mid-Rise Waterproof Hiking Boot

If you plan to do hiking in the mountains you should be prepared for cold, wintery weather. Having a pair of waterproof winter hiking boots is really important to make sure your feet are properly cared for. If you’ll be hiking just a few hours you may not need something as hardcore as these but do make sure you have waterproof boots/shoes.

Winter Warm Knit Wool Crew Socks

A few pairs of good wool socks are going to be much appreciated when you’re at higher elevations. These will work for a hike (though if you plan to do several days or hard hiking, I recommend sourcing socks made specifically for that). If you’re in the city or even just curled up in your room at night they’ll also help keep you warmer.

Columbia Women’s Anytime Outdoor Boot Cut Pant

These pants are great because they’re made for the outdoors and can be layered in cold weather or worn as is when out and about. They’re a great transition piece if you plan to spend time hiking as well as in the city because they’ll easily work in both situations without being too hot or too cold. Add a layer beneath in higher altitudes or on colder days.

Merino Wool 1/4 Top

This is another great layering piece that is perfect for hiking or a trip to the desert in winter and can be bulked up to be even warmer with an underlayer or a jacket if needed. It’s also ideal for colder nights in the city when you don’t want to wear something bulky.

Outfit Three: An Evening Out in Morocco

When it’s time to dress up and head out for an evening this is where to look! Morocco is a moderate Muslim country so it’s always advisable to be a little more conservative than you might be at home. That being said in most large cities night clubs and bars do exist and in the newer districts of these cities you’ll find people dressed much as they would in any other city across the world.

Here again you’ll find the key is layers so that you can dress up or down depending on the situation and comfort level. Oh and don’t forget people go all out for parties like New Year’s Eve!

 Vintage Square Neck Swing Dress Women’s Round Neck Pencil Dress Eddie Bauer Men’s Ultimate Voyager Travel Blazer

 

Vintage Square Neck Floral Lace 2/3 Sleeve Cocktail Swing Dress

This dress is modest enough to wear in the medina areas of cities while still being able to wear to other areas that are more trendy. The fabric is a mixture of cotton, nylon and spandex so you won’t have to worry too much about wrinkles – easy to pack and store while you travel. Dress it up with some jewelry and shoes for a complete look.

Sleeveless Pencil Dress

If you want something with a little more pop than consider something like this pencil dress. Do keep in mind most places DO NOT have central heating so you likely will want to have something to wear along with this dress unless you’re tearing up the dance floor. This dress would be suitable for newer areas of cities but I would recommend wearing a jacket over the top in other areas of the city.

Men’s Voyager 2.0 Travel Blazer

Every guy should have a blazer in his arsenal and this one is the perfect option. It looks great but it also packs incredibly well and is water repellant. It comes equipped with an interior zippered pocket to put your identification or travel documents. Unlike most blazers this one you can toss in a washing machine and dry.

Extras

These are a few extra items that I think are useful for winter travel. You can also see some of my favorite products by visiting my Amazon shop. Everything on the list are items I own and think are great for travel to Morocco or anywhere else your travels take you!

Black and White Cashmere Scarf

Having a nice scarf on hand is a must in the winter. It can be just what you need to keep warm on cooler days and is a must for winter al fresco dining. You’ll find that it will come in handy on more than one occasion.

Anti-Theft Classic Lite Slim Bag

This gender neutral bag is great to carry all the items you need to have on hand like your credit cards, cash, and phone; while still remaining safe and not carrying a big bulky bag or needing to reach under your clothing to retrieve items. The bag is lightweight and fits compactly making it a perfect day bag when you really don’t want to carry around something bulkier.

Collapsible Silicone Water Bottle with Air Release Valve

Stay hydrated while helping our local environment. Chances are you’ll be drinking bottled water while you’re in Morocco. Instead of purchasing the small, single use bottles every time you need a drink, opt instead for a reusable bottle. You can purchase 1.5 liter and 5 liter bottles of water just about anywhere. Refilling this bottle will cut down on your plastic consumption while in Morocco. It compacts easily taking up almost no luggage space.

Reusable Hand and Pocket Warmers

Take along a pair or two of these hand warmers to make night times (and cooler days) a little warmer. When they cool off simply place into boiling water, allow to cool and they’re ready to go again. Slip them into your socks or between your sheets before going to bed at night to warm a little. Ideal if you plan to visit mountain areas or the desert during your stay.

Looking for More Packing Ideas?

Best Backpack for Traveling | The Top-Rated Packs for Morocco

What to Wear in Morocco: The Beach

What to Wear in Morocco: The Sahara

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