Morocco in December is a good choice if you want winter sun: around 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon in Marrakech and 22 °C (72 °F) in Agadir, but nights are cold inland (7 °C (45 °F) in Marrakech, about 3 °C (37 °F) in Ouarzazate) and snow falls on the Atlas. Verdict: ✅ mild by day, with two caveats: cold nights in the south and very high prices over the holidays.
The choice of region matters more than ever: the Atlantic coast is the mildest, the desert calls for warm clothes at camp and Fez is cooler and wetter. This page covers December in detail; to compare with the rest of the year, see our page on the best time to visit Morocco.
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Morocco in December: key facts
- Verdict: ✅ winter sun, cold nights inland
- Marrakech: 20.1 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon, 7.3 °C (45 °F) at night, 24 mm (0.9 in) of rain
- Agadir: 22.1 °C (72 °F), 10.1 °C (50 °F) at night; Essaouira: 19.4 °C (67 °F), 12.6 °C (55 °F)
- Desert: about 17 °C (63 °F) by day and 3 °C (37 °F) at night in Ouarzazate and Errachidia
- Atlas: snow on the peaks, passes sometimes slowed
- Prices: quiet until mid-December, very high over the holidays
Weather in Morocco in December
Morocco spans several climates, and the differences in December are large: the ocean softens the coast, while the interior and the pre-Saharan south see big swings between day and night. The table compares six official stations.
| City | Max | Min | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 20.1 °C (68 °F) | 7.3 °C (45 °F) | 24 mm (0.9 in) |
| Agadir | 22.1 °C (72 °F) | 10.1 °C (50 °F) | 49 mm (1.9 in) |
| Essaouira | 19.4 °C (67 °F) | 12.6 °C (55 °F) | 56 mm (2.2 in) |
| Fez | 17.2 °C (63 °F) | 5.2 °C (41 °F) | 62 mm (2.4 in) |
| Ouarzazate | 17.7 °C (64 °F) | 3.2 °C (38 °F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) |
| Errachidia (gateway to the desert) | 16.7 °C (62 °F) | 3.5 °C (38 °F) | 8 mm (0.3 in) |
Key points: the Atlantic coast has the mildest nights in the country, but it is also there, and in Fez, that it rains most in December. The south is almost dry, with often clear skies, but nights approach 3 °C (37 °F). In Ifrane, in the Middle Atlas, the average minimum falls below freezing in winter.
Where to go in Morocco in December
Marrakech: the winter sun classic
With 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon and plenty of sunshine, Marrakech is very pleasant to visit: medina, souks, gardens, palaces. Pack a sweater for the evening and check that your riad is heated. For more on the city, see our page on Marrakech in December.
Agadir, Taghazout and the coast
Agadir is the mildest resort in December (22 °C (72 °F) in the afternoon). The air is pleasant for walking or sunbathing, but the Atlantic is cool: swimming is for the hardy. The autumn-winter swell draws surfers to Taghazout. Essaouira, windier, suits a getaway from Marrakech.
The desert: Merzouga, Zagora
The pre-Saharan south is dry and bright, but nights are very cold: about 3 °C (37 °F) on average in Ouarzazate and Errachidia, and probably lower in the dunes. Desert camps remain possible with good blankets and warm clothes; the most comfortable periods remain October-November and March-April.
Fez, Chefchaouen and the north
Fez is the coolest of the main tourist cities (17 °C (63 °F) in the afternoon, 5 °C (41 °F) at night) and the wettest in December (62 mm (2.4 in)). The north can be visited, but bring an umbrella and choose heated accommodation.
The Atlas
Snow falls on the High and Middle Atlas. The snowy landscapes are superb, but passes can be closed or slowed. Climbing Toubkal in winter requires crampons, an ice axe and an experienced guide. Skiing at Oukaimeden depends on snow cover.
Things to do in Morocco in December
- A Marrakech city break, with a day in the Ourika Valley or at Agafay
- Coastal sunshine in Agadir, and surfing at Taghazout
- A tour of the south via Ouarzazate and the valleys, with a night in a well-equipped desert camp
- Snowy Atlas scenery, by car with a driver rather than on a demanding hike
- Year-end holidays in Marrakech, which are in high demand
Events in December
The Marrakech International Film Festival is usually held in late November to early December. The year-end holidays attract many visitors to Marrakech and Agadir. Ramadan, which follows the lunar calendar, does not fall in December in the coming years: in 2027 it is expected to cover roughly February and early March (the UK FCDO says it next starts in February 2027, GOV.UK, updated 19 August 2026). Check festival dates with the organisers.
Crowds and prices in December
December is quiet until mid-month, with average prices. From the Christmas holidays, crowds and prices become very high, in particular for the small, well-located medina riads, which have few rooms. For the holidays, book flights and accommodation 2 to 4 months ahead.
What to pack for Morocco in December
- Light clothes for the afternoon, a sweater and a warm jacket for the evening
- A down jacket, hat and gloves for a night in the desert or the Atlas
- An umbrella for Fez, the north and the coast
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: the winter sun is strong
- Covering clothes, appreciated in the medinas and villages
Before you go
Check the entry requirements, including passport validity for your stay, and the safety advice for border areas on our page on entry requirements for Morocco.
If December does not suit you
Neighbouring months: November is milder (23 °C (73 °F) in Marrakech) and ideal for the desert. Morocco in February is very sunny and a little milder than December; for a full tour, aim for Morocco in April or Morocco in October, among the best months of the year.
Other destinations in December: for more warmth, compare with Tenerife in December, Egypt in December or Dubai in December. All our ideas are on the page where to go in December. To plan your tour, read our Morocco travel guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Morocco in December?
Mild and sunny by day, cold at night inland: around 20 °C (68 °F) in the afternoon and 7 °C (45 °F) at night in Marrakech, 22 °C (72 °F) in Agadir, 17 °C (63 °F) by day and 3 °C (37 °F) at night in Ouarzazate, according to the 1991-2020 normals.
Where is it warmest in Morocco in December?
On the southern Atlantic coast: Agadir has about 22 °C (72 °F) in the afternoon and 10 °C (50 °F) at night. Essaouira has even milder nights (12.6 °C (55 °F)) but cooler afternoons (19 °C (66 °F)).
Can you swim in Morocco in December?
The air is mild in Agadir, but the Atlantic is cool: swimming is possible for the hardy. In Marrakech, choose a heated pool.
Can you go to the desert in December?
Yes, the sky is often clear and there is little rain, but nights are very cold (an average minimum of about 3 °C (37 °F) in Ouarzazate and Errachidia). Pack warm clothes and choose a well-equipped camp.
Where should you go in Morocco for Christmas?
Marrakech for the atmosphere and sightseeing, Agadir for the mildest sun. Book 2 to 4 months ahead: prices are at their highest over the holidays.
Does it snow in Morocco in December?
Yes, on the High and Middle Atlas. Passes can be closed or slowed, and climbing Toubkal requires mountaineering equipment and a guide.
Our sources
- Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology, via the World Meteorological Organization 1991-2020 climate normals (NOAA archive): stations at Marrakech-Menara, Agadir-Inezgane, Essaouira, Fez-Sais, Ouarzazate and Errachidia
- UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Morocco (GOV.UK, updated 19 August 2026; Ramadan dates), read 26 October 2026
- Data already published on our page on the best time to visit Morocco
- Our methodology
Updated November 2026.