Thinking about Morocco in December? It is one of the best-kept secrets of the year: sunny days in Marrakech and the south, quiet medinas in the first half of the month, and festive weeks at the end. Here is what to expect, region by region.
Short answer
December brings mild sunny days (about 18–20°C in Marrakech), cold nights, snow on the Atlas and near-freezing nights in the Sahara. The first two weeks are quiet; Christmas and New Year are peak season.
Morocco in December: weather by region
| Region | Days | Nights |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | Sunny, around 18–20°C | Cool, around 5–7°C |
| Sahara (Merzouga) | Mild and sunny | Cold, close to 0°C |
| High Atlas | Cold, snow on the peaks | Below freezing |
| Fes and the north | Cooler, some rain | Cold |
| Atlantic coast | Mild, often windy | Cool |
Early December vs the holidays
Early December is one of the quietest and best-value times to travel: fewer visitors, easy riad availability and comfortable sightseeing. From about 20 December, Christmas and New Year make it peak season. Read Christmas in Morocco and New Year in the Sahara desert.
Best December routes
- 3 days Marrakech to Merzouga, from €500 per person.
- 7 days Morocco tour from Marrakech.
- Jbel Saghro trek, the best winter trek.
For the whole season, see Morocco in winter.
What to pack
Light layers for the day, a warm jacket, hat and gloves for the evenings and the desert. See what to wear in Morocco.
Morocco in December: FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Morocco?
Yes, for sunny sightseeing and the desert, as long as you pack for cold nights.
Is it busy in December?
The first half is quiet; the last 10 days are very busy.
Does it snow in December?
Yes, in the Atlas. The Tizi n’Tichka pass can close for a few hours.
Is the Sahara good in December?
Yes, days are pleasant, but nights are near freezing.
How much does a December tour cost?
See our Morocco tour cost page; holiday weeks cost more for hotels.
Ready to plan your Morocco trip?
Tell us your dates and group size. We will send you a private route with your own driver, hand-picked riads and the price.
- Send us your dates and group size.
- We reply with a private day-by-day route and the price.
- You change anything you like; nothing is paid until you agree the plan.
★★★★★ 5.0 from 522 reviews on Tripadvisor
Main photo: Angeline A. van Achterberg, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0.