This complete guide to Morocco in December covers everything you need to know: Morocco in December — cold Sahara nights, empty medinas, and the world’s best stargazing from desert camps. The underrated winter season.
December is Morocco’s best-kept secret — the medinas are quiet, the Sahara nights are cold and extraordinarily clear, prices drop by 20–30% outside the Christmas-New Year spike, and the desert photography is at its absolute peak. Here’s the honest winter guide.
Morocco December Weather by Region
| Region | Daytime | Night | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 16–20°C | 6–8°C | Sunny days, cold evenings |
| Fes | 13–17°C | 4–6°C | Cool, occasional rain |
| Sahara (Merzouga) | 18–22°C | 2–6°C | Cold nights, crystal clear skies |
| Atlas Mountains day trip | 8–14°C | -5–2°C | Snow above 1,800m likely |
| Chefchaouen travel guide | 12–16°C | 4–6°C | Cool, some rain |
| Essaouira travel guide | 16–20°C | 10–12°C | Mild, very windy |
The Sahara in December — The Best Month for Stargazing
December nights in Merzouga drop to 2–6°C — cold enough to need a sleeping bag inside your desert tent, and cold enough to keep the atmosphere crystal clear. The Milky Way over Erg Chebbi vs Erg Chigaga in December is the most spectacular sky most visitors have ever seen. Bring a proper warm layer (not just a fleece), and the desert camp experience in winter is unparalleled. camel trekking in Morocco at sunset, a campfire, traditional music, and the entire galaxy overhead.
December daytime in the Sahara is warm and pleasant (18–22°C) — comfortable for dune walks and quad biking without summer’s brutal heat.
Marrakech in December
Marrakech in December is distinctly different from the summer city. The medina is cool and navigable — jacket weather. The souks are full of seasonal goods: dates, pomegranates, sellou (winter nut paste), and tangerine pyramids. The crowds are manageable except for the Christmas–New Year week (December 23 – January 2), when premium riads fill with European sun-seekers and prices spike 40–80%.
Outside the Christmas spike, December is excellent in Marrakech — lower prices, fewer touts, and the city in its winter pace.
The High Atlas in December
Above 1,800m, snow is likely in December. The Tizi n’Tichka pass (2,260m) on the Marrakech-Ouarzazate road is generally open but can close briefly after heavy snowfall. Always check conditions before crossing mountain passes in winter. Imlil (1,740m) is accessible, but Mount Toubkal above the refuge requires crampons and winter mountaineering experience in December. The snowbound Atlas villages are extraordinarily picturesque — one of Morocco’s most beautiful winter scenes.
Christmas and New Year in Morocco
Morocco is not a Christian country but the tourist infrastructure fully accommodates Christmas travellers. Marrakech riads and restaurants offer Christmas Eve dinners (book months ahead). New Year’s Eve in Marrakech: rooftop parties at El Fenn, La Mamounia, and many other properties ($80–200pp for set dinners with music).
Important: Book Christmas–New Year accommodation 3–4 months ahead. The best Marrakech riads are fully booked by September for this period.
What to Pack for December
- Warm jacket: Essential for evenings everywhere and throughout the day in the mountains
- Thermal underlayer: For Sahara nights — temperatures below 5°C feel genuinely cold in a tent
- Layers: Midday temperatures can reach 20°C in the south while mornings are near freezing
- Waterproof: Rain is possible in northern Morocco — a packable rain jacket is useful
- Warm hat and gloves: For mountain sections and desert nights
December Prices and Value
Outside of the Christmas–New Year spike (Dec 23 – Jan 2), December offers excellent value:
- Riad prices: 20–35% lower than spring peak
- Desert camp prices: 15–25% lower than October (peak autumn month)
- Flights from Europe: significantly cheaper than July, August, or October
- Tour prices: same as off-peak (desert tours don’t vary much by season)
Frequently Asked Questions: Morocco In December
Is Morocco warm in December?
Warmer than most of Europe — Marrakech days reach 18–20°C. But it’s not beach weather. Think mild autumn days with cold evenings. The south (Sahara, Ouarzazate) is warmer than the north. Pack layers and don’t expect summer temperatures.
Can you swim in Morocco in December?
Sea temperatures on the Atlantic coast drop to 17–18°C in December — cold for most swimmers. Riad pools are rarely heated. December is not a swimming holiday; it’s a cultural and desert holiday.
Is the Sahara open in December?
Yes — the Sahara is fully accessible in December and tours run daily. It’s one of the best months for the desert experience (cold nights = incredible stargazing, comfortable days). See: best desert camps in Merzouga.
Further Reading & Official Resources
Further Reading & Official Resources
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