Unless they are heading off to spend the holidays with relatives, most people don’t think of December as the perfect time to take a vacation. But if you are looking for an early winter escape, you might want to consider visiting Morocco in December.
Even in December, the weather in Morocco is pretty friendly. There’s a bit more rain in the winter than there is in the summer, but the temperatures are quite mild overall. And with so much less tourist traffic to contend with, December is a great time to visit some of the busier areas, like Marrakech.
This may not be the best month for sunbathing on the beach, but if you’ve wanted to go hiking around in nature without suffering from heatstroke, December is one of the best times to visit Morocco.
When booking accommodations, keep in mind that central heat is not all that common, so make sure you know what to expect. It’s always a good idea to have a sleeping bag or blanket among your belongings when traveling to Morocco in the winter if you’ll be staying in lower-cost accommodation. Hotels and most riads will provide in-room heating, space heaters, and/or additional blankets.
Don’t let the holidays stop you from enjoying the Moroccan holiday of your dreams. In fact the week of Christmas and New Year’s are some of the busiest times of the year. If you’re coming in early December you’ll discover it’s one of the cheapest times to travel to Morocco. Plan your trip early so you’re home in time for the festivities. You can tell everyone that your Moroccan vacation was a present to yourself!
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Is December a Good Time to Visit Morocco?
December is actually a great time to visit!
Here are three reasons why:
First, the weather in Morocco is still warm in December, so you’ll be able to enjoy all the outdoor activities and attractions without feeling uncomfortably hot.
Second, December is a quieter time of year for tourism, so you’ll be able to avoid crowds and get better deals on hotels and activities.
And third, whether you want to embrace Christmas celebrations or get away from the festive season you can experience either option. Morocco has a lot to offer visitors and is a great choice for a December destination.
WEATHER IN MOROCCO IN DECEMBER
The weather definitely cools down quite a bit in Morocco in December. Temperatures in Marrakech average 14°C degrees during the day, and are quite a bit cooler after dark. There is also a fair chance that you will run into rain at some point on your visit, as December is one of Morocco’s rainiest months.
Compared with much of the Northern Hemisphere, winter in Morocco is a dream. The weather is much more akin to Autumn than the winter most people experience.
If you plan to spend any time in the Atlas Mountains during your trip, be prepared for some actual winter weather at higher altitudes. Morocco is one of the few places where you can ride camels in the desert one day and go skiing the next!
Wondering what the weather is like in Marrakech in December? Well, you’re in for a treat! The average temperature in December is a balmy 21 degrees Celsius, with highs of 25 degrees and lows of 17. You can expect around six hours of sunshine each day, perfect for exploring all that this stunning city has to offer.
If you’re looking for a winter escape, Morocco is a great place to visit. Because when that North African sun shines down on you, it warms you right down to your heart.
WHAT TO WEAR IN MOROCCO IN DECEMBER
If you are heading to Morocco in December, think about packing clothing that would be comfortable for you in the autumn. Pants/trousers, jeans, sweaters, long skirts of heavier-weight fabric, sweaters, sweatshirts, and hoodies are all excellent ways to stay comfortable when the weather is cooler.
Remember, though, that the sun can still feel quite hot at times, so dressing in layers is a great idea.
Morocco is a cold country with a warm sun.
Winter is Morocco’s rainy season so even if it’s not cold, you may face rain. It is advisable to bring a rain jacket at a minimum and ideal something that has some warmth and rain protection. Double-check the areas you plan to be to determine how cold it will be and adjust your packing list.
It is also a great idea to be prepared for much cooler nights. Accommodations in Morocco are often without central heat, so be prepared with warm pajamas and robes, an extra blanket, and even a sleeping bag if you’ll be staying in a hostel or the desert.
If you plan to visit the mountains, a heavier waterproof jacket, warm socks, hats, and waterproof boots (if you plan to hike) will be helpful. And thermal underwear is a great idea, too, if you plan to ski or hike in the mountains.
Don’t forget to bag a big scarf – it will serve double (or triple!) duty! The cashmere scarves from Ovcio are fantastic quality and super warm and snuggly!
Try this women’s Gray Cashmere Wrap Scarf or Mens Black Cashmere Scarf.
When packing for December in Morocco, the best advice of all is to be prepared for anything!
5 Great Things to Pack for Winter in Morocco
These aren't just for those wanting to hike but good for everyday wear in colder weather.
A warm scarf is a must and this is a great option for travel from both a practical and style point of view.
A good blazer is amazing for layering and also for dressing up an outfit. It's a versatile piece for any trip.
This sweater is a BARGAIN for cashmere (seriously they're around $50) and it's ideal for multiple weather types. I have it in several colors.
Want more packing suggestions? Read my post on packing for winter in Morocco.
FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS IN MOROCCO IN DECEMBER
Marrakech International Film Festival
(to be held in late November 24 – December 2, 2023)
For movie lovers, the Marrakech International Film Festival is a real treat. Gathering together some of the best international writers and actors, the festival is a celebration of some of the best Moroccan and foreign feature films, photography, and shorter video projects. The Marrakech International Film Festival is one of the best reasons to visit Morocco in December.
Spending Christmas in Morocco
Morocco is a Muslim country so there aren’t the normal festivities you might expect around Christmas-time. In cities like Marrakech or Rabat that have quite a bit of tourism you will see some shops decorated or lights but don’t expect too much.
There are churches in many larger Moroccan cities if you would like to attend a service though most are held in French or Spanish. If you’d like to know more about what to expect or insights please make sure to read my full post on this topic!
New Year’s Eve in Morocco
In small cities you won’t find much going on but in larger cities there are quite a few special New Year’s eve dinners and celebrations (see this post on Marrakech celebrations). That being said many are quite expensive so do some research before you make your plans. Also, many do require reservations so book in advance where possible.
I’ve typically found information about what will be happening starts to come out in the beginning of the month and closer to the middle/end of December it’s easier to find.
If you aren’t game for going out, you can always enjoy a pot of tea or bottle of champagne on your riad rooftop, or in the Sahara Desert to celebrate the New Year!
WHAT TO DO IN MOROCCO IN DECEMBER
December is a great time to make a winter escape to Morocco. Although it is one of the colder months of the year, it is quite comfortable during the day when the sun is out. Even after dark, you’ll be fine with a jacket and hat.
There is so much beautiful land to explore in Morocco, and a sunny December day is a great time to head out for a long hike. Whether walking along the beach or strolling through a city market, hiking a mountain trail, or enjoying a day in the Sahara desert, the sun keeps you warm while cool temperatures keep you comfortable.
And if you find the day too chilly or rainy to suit your mood, there are wonderful places to relax over a bowl of couscous or other Moroccan dishes, listen to some music, or enjoy some beautiful works of art.
From large cities to friendly villages, Morocco is as diverse as the geography of the land. There is something here for every explorer, in December and throughout the entire year!
BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN MOROCCO IN DECEMBER
Marrakech
No visit to Morocco is complete without a trip to Marrakech and in December, you might get the chance to catch the Marrakech International Film Festival. Be sure to take the time to visit the Jemaa el-Fnaa marketplace in the old Medina, and spend some time getting lost in all the sights and sounds.
While spending time in the old Medina, make sure you take some time to visit the tanneries. Watch luxurious fabrics hand-dyed by skilled workers, preparing them to be used to make dresses, coats, bags, and any number of other beautiful items. It’s like taking a brightly colored step back in history.
If you are looking for a beautiful place to walk on a sunny day in Marrakech, the Majorelle Garden is one of the most beautiful locations you’ve ever seen, even in December. This magical garden was created by French painter Jacques Majorelle, who spent forty years of his life creating the garden of his dreams.
One of the most popular activities in Marrakech is taking a cooking class and I’ve rounded up some of my favorites in this post. Plus, it’s a great way to stay warm if the December days are too cold! You could also book a guided walking tour of Marrakech.
Marrakech is also a great base for your Morocco adventures. There are at least 9 day trips that you can take from the city when you want to get away.
Taroudant
Taroudant is a lovely little city, approximately an hour and a half east of the coastal city of Agadir, on the road to Ouarzazate. Located a bit south of Marrakech, Taroudant is sometimes referred to as the “Grandmother of Marrakech” because it is so similar in many ways. But this charming city also has much to offer travelers, all on its own, especially for travelers looking for amazing crafts, jewelry, carpets, and other handmade items.
The city of Taroudant is a wonderful place to just walk around. You will often find street artists painting something beautiful on one of the many walls. Berbers come to Taroudant to sell produce and other wonderful things. It is a great place to connect with the locals without the market crowds found in the bigger cities.
Rabat
One great place to visit in December is Rabat. The Moroccan capital city has all the modern conveniences you could want, with a busy European vibe. With so many great places to dine and shop, it’s easy to head inside anytime you need a break from the chilly weather or the rain.
One great place to escape the chill is the Mohammed VI Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. It opened in 2014 and shows a lovely collection of modern, contemporary Moroccan and international art.
As fun as this modern city is to explore, be sure to leave plenty of time to visit the Rabat Medina. The walled original city is beautiful and small enough you can explore it in less than a day. The Medina is built on a grid dating back to the 17th century, and walking within its walls reminds you of that for all its modern charms, the historic roots of Rabat run deep.
If Rabat is on your radar, head over and read my complete guide to Rabat!
Safi
Two-and-a-half hours south of Casablanca, on the Atlantic coast, is the picturesque city of Safi. There is a strong Portuguese influence in the area and it is known for great beaches, friendly people, and beautifully ornate Safiot pottery.
Head over to the National Ceramics Museum to learn more about Safiot pottery. The museum is located in the Kechla citadel, which was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, and is worth seeing even without the ceramics. But the collection housed inside is breathtaking and nearly indescribable.
While walking around taking in the sights in Safi, make sure you make it to the Ksar el-Bahr – the “castle of the sea.” A fortress that was built by the Portuguese in the 16th century, it is a great place to enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and the medina.
Need a place to stay once you decide? We like booking.com to search for riads and hotels! Booking.com
If those cold winter temperatures are getting you down and you need a great place to escape for the holidays, the friendly country of Morocco is right here waiting to make you feel at home. What are you waiting for?
Read More about Visiting Morocco in December
Deck the Halls: Moroccan Christmas Ornaments for Your Tree
Moroccan Christmas Party Guide