Morocco in December is mild by day and cold at night. Marrakech averages about 20°C (68°F) in the afternoon and 7°C (45°F) before dawn. The Sahara is dry and clear, but nights drop to a few degrees above freezing. The High Atlas passes can get snow, and the north is the wettest part of the country. The south and the desert are the best bets. Christmas week and New Year are busy, so book those dates early.
This guide uses official 1991–2020 climate averages for eight Moroccan weather stations, real road-closure reports, and the driving times we plan on our own desert routes. It is written for travellers who want to know what December actually feels like, region by region, before they choose where to go.
What is the weather like in Morocco in December?
December is early winter in Morocco. Days are mostly sunny in the south, nights are cold everywhere, and rain falls mainly in the north and on the Atlantic coast. The country is big, so the gap between regions matters more than the monthly average.
The table below uses the World Meteorological Organization’s climate normals for 1991–2020. The figures come from Morocco’s national weather service (listed by the WMO as the Direction de la Météorologie Nationale) and are published on the WMO World Weather Information Service (checked 27 October 2026). They are long-term averages, so a single December can be warmer, colder or wetter.
| Station (December) | Average high | Average low | Rain days | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 20.2°C (68°F) | 7.3°C (45°F) | 6 | 24 mm |
| Agadir (coast, south) | 22.1°C (72°F) | 10.1°C (50°F) | 6 | 47 mm |
| Casablanca | 18.9°C (66°F) | 10.5°C (51°F) | 9 | 64 mm |
| Rabat-Salé | 18.6°C (66°F) | 8.8°C (48°F) | 10 | 90 mm |
| Tangier | 17.8°C (64°F) | 10.0°C (50°F) | 11 | 114 mm |
| Fes | 17.2°C (63°F) | 5.2°C (41°F) | 9 | 62 mm |
| Ouarzazate (south of the Atlas) | 17.7°C (64°F) | 3.2°C (38°F) | 4 | 9.5 mm |
| Errachidia (nearest station to Merzouga) | 16.7°C (62°F) | 3.5°C (38°F) | 3 | 8 mm |
Three things stand out. First, the south is dry: Ouarzazate and Errachidia average only three or four rain days. Second, the north is wet: Tangier gets almost five times the rain of Marrakech. Third, the daily swing is large inland. In Ouarzazate the average gap between afternoon and night is more than 14 degrees.
That swing is the key to packing and planning. A sunny 20°C lunch in a Marrakech garden and a near-freezing evening in the desert can fall in the same week. For a month-by-month comparison across the year, see our Morocco month-by-month guide.
Is December a good time to visit Morocco?
Yes, for most travellers. December suits people who like cool, bright days for walking, and who would rather avoid summer heat. The souks of Marrakech and Fes are comfortable to explore at midday. The desert is pleasant in the afternoon and spectacular at night.
It suits less well if you want beach weather or long evenings outside. Sunset comes early, the Atlantic is cool, and northern cities can have several grey, rainy days in a row. A riad is a traditional house built around an inner courtyard, so rooms can feel chilly after dark. Ask if your room has heating before you book.
The best December trip usually combines Marrakech with the south. A private desert tour from Marrakech crosses the High Atlas to the dry side of the mountains, where rain is rare and the skies are clear. If you also want Fes and the north, pack for rain there and keep some flexible indoor time.
How cold is the Sahara at night in December?
Cold, but rarely extreme. There is no WMO station in the dunes, so the nearest official guide is Errachidia, the main town of the region. Its average December low is 3.5°C (38°F). Ouarzazate, on the way to the desert, averages 3.2°C (38°F).
The camps sit out in the dunes, away from the towns where the stations stand. Treat these figures as a guide, not an exact camp reading. On a clear, windless night the sand loses heat quickly after sunset, so it can feel colder than the number suggests. By contrast, the afternoons are often lovely, with average highs near 17°C (62°F) and very little rain.
What this means in practice:
- Sunset camel rides start warm and end cold. Bring a warm layer and a hat even if you set off in a T-shirt.
- Sunrise is the coldest moment of the day. Gloves make a big difference if you go out to watch it.
- Camp comfort matters more in December than in spring. A tent with its own bathroom and a hot shower is easier on a cold night than a walk to a shared block.
For the full picture across the year, read our guide to the best time to visit the Sahara desert.
Does it snow in Morocco in December?
Yes, in the mountains. Snow is normal on the High and Middle Atlas in winter, but it is not guaranteed in any given week. The cities on the plains, including Marrakech, Fes and Casablanca, do not get snow in a normal December.
Three places matter for travellers:
- Tizi n’Tichka. This is the High Atlas pass on National Route 9 between Marrakech and Ouarzazate, the main road to the desert. The sign at the top reads 2,260 metres, while a 2022 GPS measurement puts it at about 2,205 metres, according to Wikipedia’s entry on the pass. Snow can fall there from November to March.
- Oukaimeden. The ski area lies about 80 km south of Marrakech, with skiing between roughly 2,600 and 3,200 metres (Wikipedia). Snow cover is not guaranteed, so check conditions before planning a ski day.
- Ifrane. This Middle Atlas town sits at about 1,650 metres and often sees snow in winter. It holds Africa’s lowest recorded temperature, −23.9°C on 11 February 1935, as noted on Wikipedia and by Hespress.
Heavy snow can close the Tichka road for a few hours or more. On 3 January 2026, Hespress reported that traffic was fully halted in both directions on the Marrakech–Ouarzazate road after thick snow blocked the pass, and local authorities asked people to postpone non-essential travel. A heavy snowfall in December can close it in the same way.
The practical rule is simple. Keep one spare half-day in a December desert itinerary, and let your driver decide on the day whether the pass is safe. For stops, drive times and the history of the route, see our guide to the Marrakech to Ouarzazate road.
How long are the days in December, and what does that mean for desert drives?
December has the shortest days of the year. Around the winter solstice, Marrakech and Merzouga get only about ten hours of daylight, according to the sunrise-sunset.org calculator (checked 27 October 2026 for 21 December 2026).
Ten hours sounds like plenty until you put a desert route next to it. These are the driving times we plan on our own routes from Marrakech. They are driving times only; photo stops, lunch and visits come on top.
| Route day (our planning) | Driving time | December daylight | What it means |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech to the Dades area, over Tizi n’Tichka (day 1 on our 3- and 4-day desert routes) | About 6 hours | About 10 hours | Leave after breakfast to cross the pass in full daylight |
| Dades to Merzouga via the Todra Gorge (day 2) | About 4 hours | About 10 hours | Easy to reach camp before the sunset camel ride |
| Merzouga back to Marrakech, 3-day circuit (619 km) | About 7 hours | About 10 hours | Leave soon after sunrise; the last stretch may be after dark |
| Return to Marrakech through the Draa Valley | About 8 hours | About 10 hours | The longest day; few stops fit in daylight |
This is why December desert trips work better with an extra night. On our 4-day desert tour from Marrakech, day 3 retraces the same road and stops overnight in Ouarzazate, so there is no very long day. On the shorter 3-day Sahara tour, the return is the long one.
How to plan a December desert day:
- Start after an early breakfast, so mountain driving happens in the brightest hours.
- Cross Tizi n’Tichka before early afternoon, when the light is best and roads are dry.
- Keep lunch short on long days and save long visits for the shorter driving days.
- Aim to reach the camp at least an hour before sunset, so the camel ride starts in daylight.
- On the return day, leave soon after the sunrise and breakfast in the dunes.
- Keep one half-day spare in case snow closes the pass.
Where to go in Morocco in December
The short answer: go south and inland for sun, and treat the north as a bonus. Here is how each region feels in December, based on the averages above.
Marrakech
Marrakech is the most reliable city in December. Afternoons average about 20°C and the city averages only six rain days. Mornings and evenings are cool, so rooftop dinners need a jacket. For events, Christmas and New Year plans, read our detailed Marrakech in December guide.
The Sahara: Merzouga and Zagora
The desert is dry and clear in December, with average lows close to 3°C and only a few rain days at the nearest stations. Days are perfect for walking in the dunes. Nights are cold and the stars are bright. Dress warmly and choose a well-equipped camp.
The High Atlas
The mountains are beautiful with snow on the peaks, but the passes can close and villages get very cold at night. A day trip from Marrakech works well on a clear day. Treks at altitude need proper winter gear and a local guide.
Agadir and Essaouira
Agadir is the warmest station in the table, with an average high of 22°C. It is fine for beach walks and sunshine, though the Atlantic is cool for long swims. Essaouira, further north on the same coast, has no station in the table above; a windproof layer is useful on its seafront.
Fes, Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier
The imperial cities and the north are cooler and wetter. Fes averages a 5°C low and nine rain days, and Tangier more than 110 mm of rain. They are still worth visiting, especially for museums, mosques, food and covered medinas. Plan flexible days, and bring waterproof shoes.
Is Morocco busy at Christmas and New Year?
Christmas is not a public holiday in Morocco, so 25 December is an ordinary day for most businesses. New Year’s Day, 1 January, is an official public holiday. Both appear in the list of public holidays in Morocco.
Even so, demand rises in the last week of December. On 22 December 2025, Hespress reported rising hotel bookings in Marrakech, with historic riads in the medina said to be fully booked during the Africa Cup of Nations, about a week before New Year. The tournament added to demand that year, although the regional hotel association noted that hotels overall were not yet full.
Morocco as a whole keeps growing as a destination. The Ministry of Tourism reported a record 19.8 million arrivals for 2025, as covered by TradeArabia on 6 January 2026.
| Period | What to expect | Planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| 1–20 December | Quieter streets and easier bookings | Best for a relaxed desert trip and city sightseeing |
| 21–26 December | Christmas travellers arrive; 25 December is not a public holiday | Book riads and desert camps early |
| 27–31 December | New Year’s Eve dinners and events | Reserve dinners and transport well ahead |
| 1 January | Public holiday; some offices and banks closed | Plan an easy day, or a travel day |
Ramadan does not fall in December 2026. Based on the Umm al-Qura calendar, Ramadan 1448 is expected to run from about 8 February to 8 March 2027, give or take a day for the moon sighting (Wikipedia); see our Ramadan 2027 travel guide for the projected dates. If you want to celebrate New Year in the city, our Marrakech New Year guide covers where to go.
What should you pack for Morocco in December?
Pack for a range of roughly 0°C to 22°C. Layers work better than one heavy coat, because you will take things off at midday and put them back on at sunset. Modest clothing is also practical: long sleeves and long trousers keep you warm and are respectful in the medinas and villages.
| Where you will be | Day | Night | What to pack |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | Mild, sunny | Cool, about 7°C | Light sweater, jacket, comfortable walking shoes |
| Sahara camp | Pleasant, about 17°C | Cold, near freezing at the coldest | Warm jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, thermal layer for sleeping |
| High Atlas | Cool, sunny or snowy | Can drop below freezing at altitude | Insulated jacket, boots with grip, warm socks |
| Fes and the north | Cool, often wet | Cold, about 5°C in Fes | Rain jacket, waterproof shoes, umbrella |
| Agadir and the coast | Warm, about 22°C | Mild, about 10°C | Sun hat, sunscreen, windproof layer |
Small items help a lot. Bring lip balm and moisturiser for the dry desert air, a headtorch for the camp, and sunglasses for the bright winter light. A scarf is useful against dust and wind. For complete lists, see our Sahara desert packing list. For the rest of the country, see the full Morocco packing list.
How we plan a December trip
All our circuits are private: the vehicle is yours alone, chosen for the size of your group. On our private desert tours from Marrakech, your driver-guide picks you up at your riad at the time you choose, in an air-conditioned vehicle that only your group uses, and departures run every day. On our Marrakech desert tour, the guides are Berber guides from the Sahara, and our team plans and runs every trip.
In December, we use the driving times in the table above to shape the days. We set the first day over Tizi n’Tichka at about six hours of driving and the second, to Merzouga, at about four. On camps, we can arrange luxury tents with their own bathroom and a hot shower, which matters on a cold desert night.
Planning Morocco in December
December rewards travellers who plan around the light and the temperature swing. Base yourself in Marrakech, head south over the Atlas for the dry desert, and keep a spare half-day for the mountain pass. Book Christmas and New Year dates early, and pack layers for both a sunny afternoon and a cold camp night. To compare routes and lengths, browse all our Morocco desert tours. If you want a plan built around your dates, tell us what you have in mind: we answer for free, with no obligation.
Morocco in December: frequently asked questions
Is it cold in Morocco in December?
It depends on where you are and the time of day. Afternoons are mild in most places: Marrakech averages about 20°C (68°F) and Agadir about 22°C (72°F). Nights are cold, especially inland. Fes averages 5°C at night, and Ouarzazate and Errachidia, the stations nearest the desert, average about 3°C. These figures are official 1991–2020 averages from the WMO. In the High Atlas, nights can fall below freezing. Pack layers and a warm jacket for the evenings.
Does it rain in Morocco in December?
Mostly in the north and on the Atlantic coast. Tangier averages 11 rain days and about 114 mm of rain in December, and Rabat about 90 mm. The south is much drier: Marrakech averages six rain days and about 24 mm, while Ouarzazate and Errachidia average three or four rain days and less than 10 mm. If you want dry weather, spend most of your trip south of the High Atlas.
Can you visit the Sahara desert in December?
Yes, it is a good time to go. The desert is dry, the afternoons are pleasant at around 17°C at the nearest station, and the night sky is clear. The trade-off is cold nights, close to freezing at the coldest, and short days of about ten hours. Choose a camp with good bedding and, if possible, a private bathroom, and plan the drive so you reach the dunes before sunset.
Is the road over the Atlas open in December?
It is the main road to the desert and it is used all winter, but heavy snow can close the Tizi n’Tichka pass on the Marrakech–Ouarzazate road for a few hours or more. On 3 January 2026, Hespress reported traffic fully halted in both directions after a snowfall, and local authorities asked people to postpone non-essential travel. Check the weather the day before, travel with a driver who knows the road, and keep a spare half-day in your plan.
Is Christmas celebrated in Morocco?
Christmas is not a public holiday in Morocco, so 25 December is an ordinary day for most businesses. Even so, Marrakech gets busier through the last week of December: Hespress reported on 22 December 2025 that historic riads in the Marrakech medina were said to be fully booked. New Year’s Day, 1 January, is an official public holiday.
Can you swim in Morocco in December?
You can, but the Atlantic is cool for long swims. Agadir is the warmest place on our list, with an average December high of about 22°C (72°F), so it is good for sunshine, beach walks and short dips. Heated hotel pools are the comfortable option. Further north the coast is cooler: Casablanca averages about 19°C (66°F), and Tangier is the wettest of the stations above.
