Yes, December is a good time to visit Morocco. Days are sunny and mild in Marrakech (around 18–20°C / 65–68°F), the Sahara is pleasant by day but cold at night (close to 0°C / 32°F), the High Atlas is often capped with snow, and the southern coast around Agadir stays the warmest. Crowds are low until the Christmas and New Year week, which is the busiest and most expensive period of the month.
We run private tours all winter, and December is one of our favourite months: clear skies, soft light for photography, empty trails in the Atlas and cosy evenings by the fire in riads and desert camps. Here is what to expect, region by region, and how to plan a December trip that stays comfortable.
Weather in Morocco in December
Morocco is a big country with mountains, desert and two coastlines, so the weather in December changes a lot from one place to the next. As a general rule, days are bright and comfortable, while mornings and nights are cool everywhere, and truly cold in the desert and the mountains.
- Marrakech: daytime highs around 18–20°C, nights around 5–7°C. Mostly dry and sunny.
- Fes and Meknes: highs around 15–17°C, nights around 4–6°C. December is one of the wetter months in the north, so expect a few rainy days.
- Sahara (Merzouga, Zagora): pleasant 17–20°C during the day, but nights can drop to around 0°C. Good luxury camps provide heaters or thick blankets and hot water bottles.
- High Atlas: snow is common on the peaks and sometimes in the passes; villages such as Imlil are cold but beautiful.
- Essaouira and Agadir: the mildest spots, with highs around 19–22°C. Essaouira is often windy.
- Chefchaouen and Tangier: cooler and the most likely to see rain.
Is December a Good Time for the Sahara Desert?
Yes, as long as you pack for cold nights. The dunes of Erg Chebbi near Merzouga are at their most photogenic in winter light, camel rides in the afternoon are comfortable, and you avoid the heat of summer. Sunrise on the dunes is cold, so bring a warm jacket, a hat and gloves. For the best comfort, choose a luxury desert camp with private tents, en-suite bathrooms and heating. See our luxury desert camps in Merzouga and our guide to the best time to visit the Sahara.
One practical point: the road from Marrakech to the desert crosses the High Atlas at the Tizi n'Tichka pass. After heavy snowfall the pass can close for a few hours or occasionally a day. With a private driver this is easy to manage, because we can adjust the route or timing, which is much harder on a fixed group tour.
Marrakech in December
Marrakech is lovely in December. The sunny afternoons are perfect for the medina, the souks, the Bahia Palace and the Majorelle Garden, and the snowy Atlas makes a spectacular backdrop from rooftop terraces. Evenings are cool, so a riad with a fireplace or heated rooms makes a real difference. It is also a good month for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise and for an evening in the Agafay Desert, just 45 minutes from the city.
Christmas and New Year in Morocco
Morocco is a Muslim country, so Christmas is not a public holiday, but hotels, riads and desert camps welcome many international visitors over the festive season, and many organise special dinners. New Year's Eve is popular in Marrakech and in the Sahara, where a night under the stars is a memorable way to start the year.
From about 20 December to 3 January, demand is high: the best riads and desert camps fill up, and prices rise. If you plan to travel in that window, we recommend booking two to three months in advance. The first half of December is quieter, better value and has the same good weather.
What to Pack for Morocco in December
- Layers: T-shirts for sunny afternoons, plus a fleece or sweater.
- A warm down jacket, hat and gloves for the desert nights and the Atlas.
- A light waterproof jacket if you are visiting Fes, Chefchaouen or the north.
- Comfortable walking shoes for the medinas.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: the winter sun is still strong.
- A scarf, useful against the cold, the wind and the dust, and for visiting religious sites.
A 7-Day Morocco Itinerary for December
This private itinerary balances city time with the desert while keeping driving days reasonable in winter:
- Day 1–2: Marrakech. Medina, souks, gardens and a rooftop dinner; optional sunrise balloon flight.
- Day 3: Marrakech to the Dades Valley over the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with a stop at the kasbah of Ait Benhaddou.
- Day 4: Todra Gorge to Merzouga, camel ride at sunset and night in a heated luxury desert camp.
- Day 5: Merzouga to Fes through the Ziz Valley, the cedar forests of the Middle Atlas and Ifrane.
- Day 6: Fes with a local guide: medina, tanneries and madrasas.
- Day 7: Departure from Fes, or continue to Chefchaouen or Casablanca.
Prefer to return to Marrakech? Our 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour is a good short option, and our 7, 10 and 14-day itinerary guide gives longer routes. Every tour can be tailored to your dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Morocco?
Yes. December brings sunny, mild days in Marrakech and the south, few crowds before Christmas, and beautiful winter light. Nights are cold, especially in the Sahara and the Atlas, so pack warm layers.
How cold is Morocco in December?
Daytime temperatures are around 18–20°C in Marrakech and 15–17°C in Fes. At night it drops to around 5°C in the cities and close to 0°C in the Sahara and the mountains.
Does it snow in Morocco in December?
Yes, in the High and Middle Atlas. Snow on the peaks is common and sometimes reaches mountain passes and towns such as Ifrane. It does not snow in Marrakech or the Sahara.
Is it worth going to the Sahara in December?
Yes. The days are comfortable and the light is beautiful, but nights are near freezing. Choose a luxury camp with heating or good blankets and bring a warm jacket for sunset and sunrise.
Where is the warmest place in Morocco in December?
Agadir and the southern Atlantic coast are the warmest, with daytime highs above 20°C. Marrakech is also pleasantly warm in the afternoon.
Is Morocco busy at Christmas and New Year?
Yes. From around 20 December to early January, riads and desert camps fill up and prices rise. Book two to three months ahead for that period, or travel in early December for better availability.
Planning a Winter Trip to Morocco?
Tell us your dates and we will design a private December itinerary with heated riads, a luxury desert camp and a route adapted to the winter weather.
Plan My December Trip