December is one of the most underrated months to visit Morocco: mild sunny days in Marrakech, snow on the Atlas, quiet medinas and New Year's Eve under the Sahara stars. Here is what the weather is really like, what to pack and where to go.
Short answer: yes, December is a very good month to visit Morocco. Days are sunny and mild across Marrakech and the south, the Atlas Mountains are capped with snow, the medinas are calm, and the Sahara is at its clearest. The trade-off is cold nights and short days, both easy to plan around.
Morocco has several climates in one country, so the answer depends on where you go. These are typical December conditions.
| Place | Typical day | Typical night | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 18–20°C | 6–8°C | Sunny, crisp, occasional rain |
| Merzouga (Sahara) | 17–20°C | 0–5°C | Clear skies, cold nights |
| Fes | 15–17°C | 4–6°C | Cool, some rainy days |
| Chefchaouen | 13–15°C | 4–6°C | Cool and often wet |
| Essaouira and Agadir | 18–21°C | 10–12°C | Mild, breezy coast |
| High Atlas (Imlil) | 8–12°C | Below 0°C | Snow on the peaks |
The pattern is simple: the further south you go, the drier and sunnier it gets. The north (Tangier, Chefchaouen, Fes) has most of the rain. For a month-by-month comparison, see our best time to visit Morocco guide.
Winter is arguably the best season for the dunes. The air is clear, the light is soft all day, there are no sandstorms to speak of and you can walk or ride a camel at midday, which is impossible in summer. Night skies are spectacular.
What you need to prepare for is the cold after sunset. Temperatures in Merzouga drop close to freezing, so choose a camp with proper bedding and heated tents. Our luxury vs standard desert camp comparison explains the difference, and it matters most in winter.
One practical point: the Tizi n'Tichka pass between Marrakech and Ouarzazate can close for a few hours after heavy snow. A private driver simply waits or adjusts the schedule; a tight group itinerary has less room. Allow a spare day if the desert is the centre of your trip.
Morocco is a Muslim country and 25 December is a normal working day: shops, museums, restaurants and transport all run as usual. That is exactly why many travellers come: there is no closure to plan around. Larger hotels and riads in Marrakech decorate and serve a Christmas dinner, and churches in Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier hold services.
New Year's Eve is the busiest night of the winter. The two most popular ways to spend it:
Expect a supplement for the gala dinner at most camps and hotels on 31 December, and book early. If you prefer quiet, travel in the first three weeks of the month, when prices are at their lowest of the season.
Our full Morocco packing list covers dress codes in more detail.
We are a Marrakech-based agency and run private desert tours all winter with heated camps and flexible routing when the passes are affected by snow. Browse our Sahara desert tours, or tell us your dates and we will build a December itinerary around them.
Yes. December brings mild, sunny days in Marrakech and the south (around 18 to 20°C), far fewer visitors than spring or autumn, and lower prices outside the Christmas and New Year week. Nights are cold, especially in the desert and mountains, so pack warm layers.
Daytime temperatures in Merzouga are pleasant at roughly 17 to 20°C, but nights regularly fall to between 0 and 5°C. Good desert camps provide thick blankets and heating, and a warm jacket, hat and gloves make the evening around the campfire far more comfortable.
It snows in the High Atlas and Middle Atlas, usually above about 1,800 metres. You will see snow-capped peaks from Marrakech, and towns such as Ifrane and the Oukaimeden ski area often have snow. Marrakech, Fes, the coast and the desert dunes stay snow-free.
The first three weeks of December are quiet. From about 23 December to 2 January is a peak period: riads, desert camps and private drivers sell out, and many camps and hotels add a compulsory gala dinner on 31 December. Book that week at least two to three months ahead.
Pack layers: T-shirts and a light jumper for sunny afternoons, plus a warm jacket, scarf, hat and closed shoes for evenings. Add gloves and thermal layers for the desert or the Atlas, sunglasses and sunscreen for the strong winter sun, and a light rain jacket for the north.
