December is one of the best months to visit Marrakech. Expect mild, sunny days around 19–20°C, crisp cool nights, and very little rain — ideal weather for the souks, the monuments and day trips without the summer heat. The city is pleasantly quiet for most of the month, with the only busy spells around Christmas and New Year. Here is exactly what the weather is like, what to pack, and the best things to do.
Marrakech weather in December
December is winter in Marrakech: warm, bright afternoons and genuinely cold nights, under mostly clear skies. The averages:
| Measure | Typical December |
|---|---|
| Average daytime high | about 19–20°C |
| Average night-time low | about 6–8°C (coldest nights ~4°C) |
| Rainfall | ~30 mm over ~5–6 days (short showers) |
| Sunshine | ~7–8 hours a day |
| Daylight | short days; sunset around 17:30–18:00 |
The big thing to plan for is the swing between day and night: you can be in a t-shirt at midday and reaching for a jacket by 6pm. Many riads have limited heating, so the evenings feel cold indoors too.
What to wear and pack in December
Layering is the whole game. Pack:
- T-shirts or light tops for the warm middle of the day.
- A warm jacket, jumper or fleece, plus a scarf, for cold mornings and evenings.
- Comfortable closed shoes for the medina’s uneven lanes.
- A light raincoat or compact umbrella for the occasional shower.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen — the winter sun is still strong at midday.
- Warm layers for day trips to the Atlas or the desert, where it is colder.
Things to do in Marrakech in December
The mild weather makes December perfect for exactly the activities the summer heat spoils:
- Explore the souks and medina in comfort — no midday furnace. A guided walk around Jemaa el-Fna is a great start.
- Visit the monuments — the Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs and Koutoubia are a pleasure to walk between in cool weather. See fees and hours in our Marrakech monuments guide.
- Warm up in a hammam — a steam bath and scrub is especially welcome in winter.
- Eat on the square at night — the night food stalls are cosy in the cold, with hot harira soup and grilled brochettes.
- Take a day trip — see the snow-capped Atlas (more below).
For the full list, see our guide to the best things to do in Marrakech.
Christmas in Marrakech
Morocco is a Muslim country, so Christmas is not a public holiday and the city does not shut down — shops, monuments and restaurants stay open as normal. That said, Marrakech is well used to international visitors: many riads and hotels put on Christmas decorations and special festive dinners, and the souks make for atmospheric gift shopping. It is a relaxed, sunny alternative to a cold Christmas at home, and the week draws a steady crowd, so book accommodation and any festive meals ahead.
Because the weather is reliably mild and bright, Christmas in Marrakech has become a popular winter-sun city break for families and couples from Europe — close enough for a short flight, warm enough to spend the day outdoors, and a complete change of scene from a grey December at home. Expect carols and decorations in the bigger hotels alongside the everyday rhythm of a working Moroccan city.
New Year’s Eve in Marrakech
New Year is the busiest moment of the month. Riads, rooftop restaurants and hotels host gala dinners and parties, Jemaa el-Fna fills with crowds, and the city has a real buzz. Prices peak and the best venues sell out early, so if you are coming for New Year, lock in your riad and your dinner well in advance — and wrap up warm for the countdown outdoors.
Day trips from Marrakech in December
Day trips run all year, and winter adds one spectacular bonus — snow on the High Atlas peaks as a backdrop. Good December options:
| Day trip | Why it suits December |
|---|---|
| Ourika Valley | Atlas foothills and villages with snow-capped peaks above; wrap up warm. |
| Agafay desert | Clear, mild days for a camel ride; very cold after sunset, so dress warmly. |
| Essaouira | Mild Atlantic coast; breezy but a pleasant change of scene. |
| Ouzoud waterfalls | Full flow after autumn rains; cooler but scenic. |
Browse them all on our day trips from Marrakech page. For the Sahara, note that desert nights in December are freezing — bring serious warm layers.
Is December a good time to visit Marrakech? Pros and cons
The upside: comfortable sightseeing weather, plenty of sunshine, low rainfall, thinner crowds for most of the month, and a sunny festive escape. The trade-offs: cold nights, short daylight hours, chilly riads, and peak prices and crowds over Christmas and New Year. For most visitors the pros win easily — December is firmly a good time to come.
Crowds and prices in December
Early and mid-December are among the quieter, better-value weeks of the year — a great time for a calmer medina and easier bookings. That flips over the holidays: from around the 23rd through New Year, demand and prices spike. If your dates are flexible, the first three weeks give you the same lovely weather with fewer people.
December vs other winter months
December, January and February share a similar pattern — mild sunny days and cold nights — with January the coolest. If you want the festive atmosphere, December wins; for the quietest, cheapest winter break, mid-January is hard to beat. For the full year-round breakdown, see our guide to the best time to visit Marrakech, and how to plan your stay in how many days you need.
Tips for visiting Marrakech in December
- Book Christmas and New Year accommodation and dinners weeks ahead.
- Choose a riad with heating or a fireplace if you feel the cold.
- Start sightseeing early — daylight is short and the best light is in the morning.
- Keep a warm layer with you even on sunny days; the temperature drops fast after sunset.
- For day trips to the Atlas or desert, pack gloves and a hat — it is genuinely cold up high.
Marrakech in December with kids
December suits families well: the mild days mean children are not wilting in the heat, and the shorter programme of morning sightseeing plus an afternoon rest fits young ones nicely. The square’s performers, a gentle camel ride in Agafay and the Ourika Valley are all winter-friendly — just dress everyone in warm layers for the evenings and any trip up into the mountains, where it is noticeably colder.
Seasonal food and markets
Winter is citrus season, so December is prime time for the square’s famous fresh orange juice, pressed to order for a few dirhams. The cold evenings are made for the night market’s hot harira soup, steaming tanjia and grilled brochettes, while the souks are full of winter produce — olives, dates and spices — and make atmospheric, well-stocked gift shopping in the run-up to the holidays.
December events in Marrakech
Beyond Christmas and New Year, December’s highlight is the Marrakech International Film Festival (FIFM) — a major event that brings stars and screenings to the city, usually held in late November or early December (the exact dates change each year). Some screenings on Jemaa el-Fna are free and open to the public, giving the square an extra buzz. Combined with the festive hotel dinners and the New Year celebrations, it makes December one of the liveliest months on the calendar. Check the current year’s festival dates if you want to catch it.
Getting around and daylight
Within the medina you walk, as always; for the gardens, Gueliz or the Menara, use a petit taxi (agree the fare or ask for the meter). The one thing December changes is daylight — the sun sets around 17:30–18:00, so plan outdoor sightseeing and photos for the morning and early afternoon, and save the evenings for the lamplit souks, a hammam or dinner on the square. Day trips leave early to make the most of the short day.
Where to stay in December
Because the nights are cold and many traditional riads have limited heating, it is worth choosing your accommodation with winter in mind. Look for a riad or hotel that mentions heating, a fireplace or a heated pool, and a sunny courtyard or rooftop to enjoy the warm afternoons. Staying inside the medina keeps you within walking distance of the square and the souks; Gueliz and Hivernage offer more modern hotels a short taxi ride away. For Christmas and New Year, book early — the best riads fill first and prices climb over the holidays.
Plan your December trip
December rewards a bit of planning — especially around the holidays. Tell us your dates and what you would like to do, and we will build the right mix of guided walks, monuments and day trips, and hold your spots.
Plan your December trip on WhatsApp See things to do in Marrakech
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time to visit Marrakech?
Yes — December is one of the most comfortable months. Days are mild and sunny (around 19–20°C), perfect for sightseeing and the souks, and the only busy spells are around Christmas and New Year. Just pack warm layers for the cold evenings.
How cold does Marrakech get in December?
Daytime highs average about 19–20°C, but nights are cold — typically 6–8°C and occasionally down to around 4°C. Riads can feel chilly in the evening, so bring a jacket and warm layers.
Does it rain in Marrakech in December?
A little. December sees roughly 30 mm of rain across about five or six days, usually as short showers. Most of the month is dry and sunny, with around 7–8 hours of sunshine a day.
What should I wear in Marrakech in December?
Dress in layers: t-shirts or light tops for the warm middle of the day, and a warm jacket, jumper and scarf for the cold mornings and evenings. Comfortable shoes for the medina, and a light raincoat or umbrella just in case.
Is Marrakech busy in December?
It is quieter than spring or autumn for most of the month, but Christmas week and especially New Year are peak — riads and the best tours fill up and prices rise. Book those dates well in advance.
Can you do day trips from Marrakech in December?
Yes. Day trips run all year. The Atlas Mountains are often capped with snow and make a spectacular backdrop; the Ourika Valley, Agafay desert and Essaouira are all doable — just wrap up warm, as the desert and mountains are cold after dark.
Is it warm enough to enjoy Marrakech in December?
For sightseeing, yes — the mild, sunny days are ideal for walking the medina and visiting monuments without the summer heat. It is not beach or pool weather, but it is excellent city-break weather.
How do I book a tour or guide for December?
Message us on WhatsApp at +212 661 454 738 with your dates and group size — no prepayment, you pay on the day. For Christmas and New Year, book early as spots are limited.