Morocco Winter Holiday: The Complete Guide to December, Weather, Winter Sun & Where to Go

If you’re searching for Morocco winter holidays, Morocco in December, or the best Morocco winter sun holidays, you’re in the right place. Unlike many destinations that shut down during winter, Morocco becomes more magical—with sunny coastal cities, snowy mountains, festive souks, warm desert nights, and mild temperatures ideal for exploring.

This guide offers everything travelers never find online: micro-climate secrets, local winter traditions, packing lists, event calendars, hidden destinations, temperature charts, and city-by-city comparisons, and best time to visit Morocco.

Let’s dive into the ultimate guide to visiting Morocco in December.

Why Morocco is Perfect for a Winter Holiday

Morocco is one of the few places in the world where you can:

• Sunbathe on a beach at 25°C

• Ski in the Atlas Mountains

• Explore ancient medinas with mild temperatures

• Ride camels in the Sahara

• Enjoy winter festivals and local traditions

This diversity is why Morocco is a top destination for winter sun holidays.

Morocco Weather in December & January

Morocco has five different climates, meaning winter weather varies dramatically depending on where you go.

🌡 Weather in Morocco in December (City-by-City)

🔥 Hottest Place in Morocco in December

Agadir and Laayoune are typically the hottest spots in December, reaching 25–28°C (77–82°F).

These two destinations are ideal for Morocco winter sun holidays.

🌤 Morocco Weather December & January Summary

• December = best month for comfort

• January = slightly cooler but still sunny

• Desert = warm days but VERY cold nights

• Mountains = snow & skiing season

Where to Go in Morocco in December

Below are the best destinations depending on your interests, combined with secret local insights rarely mentioned online.

1. Marrakech (Warm Days, Vibrant Evenings)

Best for: food, markets, gardens, day trips, winter sun

Why December is perfect:

• Cooler weather for walking through the medina

• Fewer crowds than October

• Cheaper riads and cheaper flights

• Perfect conditions for outdoor activities

Top things to do in Marrakech in December

• Explore the souks without extreme heat

• Visit Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum

• Quad biking in the Palmeraie

• Day trip to Ouzoud waterfalls

• Hot air balloon ride (best visibility in winter)

Morocco weather in December Marrakech
Expect 18–22°C (64–72°F) and sunny days—ideal for exploring.

🌍 Discover More:

• The Ultimate Guide to Markets in Marrakech: Hidden Secrets, Local Tips & Timeless Traditions
• What Language Is Spoken in Marrakech? A Complete Traveler’s Guide
• Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech: A Complete Traveler’s Guide
• Photo Spots in Marrakech: The Most Instagrammable Places in Morocco

2. Agadir – Best Morocco Winter Sun Destination

Best for: beaches, warm weather, surfing, resorts
Temperatures: 20–26°C (68–78°F)

Why it’s ideal in winter:

• Warmest beach city in Morocco

• European-style seaside promenade

• Surf schools in Tamraght & Taghazout

• Perfect for families

🌍 Discover More:

• Agadir Morocco Tours: Why This Coastal City Is 2025’s Hidden Gem
• Top 21 things to do in Agadir

3. Sahara Desert (Merzouga or Zagora)

Best for: camel rides, dunes, starry skies, photography

December offers:

• Clear skies

• Stunning sunsets

• Comfortable day temperatures

• Crisp nights perfect for campfires

👉 Tip: Choose Merzouga for big dunes, Zagora for shorter travel time.

4. Atlas Mountains (Snow & Skiing)

Did you know Morocco has a ski resort?
Yes — Oukaïmeden, near Marrakech.

December brings:

• Snowfall

• Winter trekking

• Berber village experiences

🌍 Discover More:

• The Atlas Mountains: Morocco’s Majestic Mountain Range
• Snow Skiing in Morocco: Best Resorts, Atlas Mountains & Travel Guide

5. Essaouira (Windy but Magical)

Best for: culture, food, photography

December is cooler (16–19°C), but excellent for:

• Seafood

• Medina exploring

• Hammams

• Workshops (cooking, woodcraft, argan oil)

🌍 Discover More:

• Surfing In Essaouira
• Essaouira Day Excursion

Things to Do in Morocco in December

Here are activities that shine particularly during winter:

• Hammam & spa rituals

• Hiking in the Atlas Mountains

• Desert camping

• Casablanca & Rabat historical tours

• Cooking classes

• Christmas & New Year celebrations in Marrakech

• Surfing in Taghazout

• Visiting the Valley of Roses (off-season beauty)

• Hot air balloon rides

What to Wear in Morocco in December

Morocco requires layered clothing, not heavy winter wear.

Day:

• Light sweaters

• Long-sleeve shirts

• Comfortable pants

• Sunglasses (very sunny)

Night:

• Warm jacket

• Scarf

• Thermal top in the desert

For the Sahara:

• Thick jacket

• Gloves (yes, nights can drop to 0°C)

• Comfortable boots

Costs of Visiting Morocco in December

December is shoulder season, so prices are good:

• Riads: 25–80€ mid-range

• Desert tours: 70–200€

• Meals: 3–8€

• Internal flights: 30–70€

• Trains: 5–20€

Christmas/New Year week is more expensive, especially in Marrakech.

Morocco Beaches in December

While the Atlantic Ocean is cold (18°C), the beaches are still excellent for:

• Sunbathing

• Surfing

• Beach walks

Best beach destinations in December

• Agadir

• Taghazout

• Dakhla (windsurfing paradise)

Is Visiting Morocco in December Worth It? Absolutely.

Here’s why travelers love visiting Morocco in December:

✔ Perfect temperatures for exploring
✔ Warm weather in the south & coast
✔ Christmas alternative without crowds
✔ Affordable accommodation
✔ Sahara Desert at its most beautiful
✔ Snow + sun in the same trip

Morocco in December is a rare mix of winter charm and summer sun.

The Ultimate Morocco Winter Holiday Guide

Whether you’re searching for Morocco winter sun holidays, Morocco weather December–January, the hottest place in Morocco in December, or simply the best things to do in Morocco in December, this guide shows the truth:

Morocco is one of the best winter destinations in the world.

You get:

• Beaches

• Mountains

• Desert

• Culture

• Food

• Mild weather

• Affordable prices

Travelers can experience Morocco in December just as locals do—warm days, cool nights, lively souks, and endless sunshine.