If you hate the cold then December in Marrakech is awesome. No, you won’t be able to go for a swim or walk around in shorts in the evening.
But, you can explore the city in a T-shirt during the middle of the day. You can also bask in the heat of the sun as many cities in Europe experience snow, snow, and more snow.
It’s also a nice month to visit Marrakech since the city isn’t packed with tourists. Yes, you will get a lot of travelers here for Christmas and New Year’s. However, visit earlier in the month and Marrakech can get pretty dang quiet.
It’s not as quiet as January in Marrakech but it’s also not as crowded as September in Marrakech. Overall, I like visiting Marrakech in December.
The weather during the day is warm and you won’t have to deal with intense crowds unless you visit at the end of the month. You can also find some pretty good deals on flights and hotels if you plan ahead.
Trust me, I’ve lived in Morocco since January of 2023 and can honestly say that December in Marrakech is pretty magical.
Just book your riad/tickets to Jardin Majorelle well in advance and you should have an amazing time visiting Marrakech in winter.
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Is December a Good Time to Visit Marrakech?
Overall, I think December is a great time to visit Marrakech. I would avoid visiting at the end of the month since many Europeans come here for sunshine and warm weather during their Christmas vacation.
Many people also flock here for New Year’s Eve since various Marrakech restaurants and Marrakech nightclubs come alive with fun events.
Therefore, if you want to avoid the crowds and high prices for flights/Marrakech riads then visit the city before December 20th. You could also visit Marrakech in November. I like to do this so I can chill and enjoy coworking in Marrakech.
But, if you love a fun and festive atmosphere and want to spend Christmas/New Year’s attending special events then visit Marrakech at the end of the month.
Just be sure to pre-book your Marrakech riad and flights well in advance since New Year in Marrakech is a very popular time to visit Marrakech. Kind of like Marrakech in October or Marrakech in September.
I would also add a lot of layers and warm clothes to your Marrakech wardrobe. Yes, it can get warm enough to wear a T-shirt during the day, but it gets super cold in the evening.
In fact, people tend to underestimate how cold Marrakech is in the winter. So, don’t be afraid to pack warm coats, jackets, hats, and scarves for the evening, especially if you plan to go outside.
Trust me, I visited Marrakech for the first time in January and EVERYONE was freezing. We all severely underestimated how cold Morocco gets in the winter and paid the price for it.
Plus, warm clothes are handy since heating is not standard in hotels. Layers are key though, like in Marrakech in January, since it can get pretty warm during the day and pretty cool at night.
December Weather in Marrakech
December in Marrakech means warm days and cool nights. So, expect daily highs of 20°C (68°F), daily lows of 7°C (45°F), and around three days of rain throughout the month.
Three days may not sound like a lot of rain to you, but Marrakech has a desert-like climate. So, it’s a lot of rain for the city.
Anyway, I wouldn’t worry too much about the rain and would just enjoy the temperate weather. Generally, you should be able to wear a T shirt and pants to walk around the city since it gets quite warm in the afternoon.
However, I would 100% pack warm sweaters, a fleece, and a jacket for the evening since it can get pretty cold at night and in the morning.
But, it’s a great time to explore the city since it’s warm but not brutally hot or cold. Just be aware that the days are only around ten hours long since the sun tends to rise at 8:22 am and sets at 6:30 pm.
However, that should be plenty of time to enjoy a glorious two days in Marrakech.
December Events in Marrakech
There are no public holidays in Marrakech in December. Some local holidays are based on the lunar calendar and can occur in December, but that’s not the case this year.
Yes, Christmas and New Year’s Eve do take place in December, but Marrakech is a city in a Muslim country. So, these holidays aren’t as big of a deal here as they are in the West.
However, there are some cool events you may want to attend during December in Marrakech. These include:
- The International Film Festival – This world-renowned event is attended by A-list celebrities and begins the last week of November. It includes free film screenings in Jemaa el Fna Square each night and continues through the first week of December. Other parts of the festival are held at Palais des Congrès, the Cinéma Le Colisée, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
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Best Things to do in December in Marrakech
There are a ton of things to do in Marrakech in December. These include:
1. Go Skiing in Oukaïmeden
The first thing you need to know about Oukaïmeden is that it’s just under two hours away from Marrakech. So, skiing here would make for a perfect day trip from Marrakech in December.
See, the ski season starts in early December when snow begins to fall in the area. Plus, the area is home to the highest resort in Africa.
The resort sits at 2,600 meters (8530 feet) and is surrounded by Jebel Attar peak, which stands at 3,256 meters tall (10682 feet)
Truth be told, the facilities at Oukaïmeden are a bit outdated. But, it’s still fun to try your hand at skiing in Morocco. So, stop by and join thousands of locals as they ski and sled their way down the mountain.
Just choose from 3 green, 4 blue, 8 red, and 3 black runs. You also don’t have to worry about equipment since you can rent skis and boots upon arrival.
2. Skip Christmas
Because this city is in a Muslim country, most people don’t celebrate Christmas in Marrakech. In fact, most people don’t celebrate Christmas in Morocco at all.
Therefore, you won’t find heaps of Christmas decorations and Christmas markets around every turn – perfect for any digital nomads from Morocco who want to escape the chaos of the holiday season.
Add in warm, desert-like temperatures and you’ll probably forget about Christmas altogether.
However, you can find some pretty awesome nativity scenes and Christmas decor at hotels like the Royal Mansour and La Mamounia hotels.
This is also where you’ll find some festive Christmas feasts since many restaurants inside these high-end hotels create special holiday menus for European tourists.
If you want, you can even attend Christmas services at Protestant and Catholic churches in the Gueliz area.
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3. Explore Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle is easily one of the best places to visit in Marrakech. To enjoy the serene beauty of this magical place, arrive early (around 8:30 am) to avoid the crowds.
Also pre-book your ticket online to avoid long queues since this is easily one of the most popular attractions in the city.
If you can, get a combo ticket that includes admission to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum since both places are fantastic. Plus, the combo ticket is cheaper than buying both tickets separately.
Once inside, immerse yourself in the lush greenery of this exquisite space.
Originally created by Jacques Majorelle in 1924 and later transformed into a stunning garden by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980, this garden features over 300 plant species from around the globe.
For an additional 30 Dirhams ($3.00), you can explore the Musée Berbère inside Majorelle’s vibrant, electric-blue studio, which houses over 600 artifacts that celebrate Morocco’s Indigenous culture.
Local Tip: I recommend exploring on the garden and skipping the Musée Berbère since I didn’t find this Marrakech museum all that impressive.
4. Enjoy the Beauty of Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is easily one of the most majestic and impressive buildings in the entire city and is hands down one of the coolest palaces in Marrakech.
However, you only begin to realize this when you understand that “Bahia” translates to “brilliant” in English.
Now, this 8,000-square-meter palace is definitely brillant since it showcases stunning tilework, exquisite plasterwork, and exceptional traditional Moroccan wood carving known as zouak.
So, if you visit only one building in the city, let this be it since the craftsmanship in both the Petit Riad and the Grand Riad is extraordinary.
However, I liked the Cour d’Honneur the most since this charming courtyard is filled with stunning Italian Carrara marble.
Sure, only a few of the building’s 150 rooms are open to the public. But, it’s still a great place to visit in December in Marrakech since tickets cost just 70 Dirham ($7.00).
5. Visit the Maison de la Photographie (Photography Museum)
The Maison de la Photographie (photography museum) was established by Parisians Patrick Menac’h and Hamid Mergani, who share a passion for collecting antique Moroccan photographs.
In fact, their love for old-school photos led them to convert a traditional riad into a museum where they can showcase an extensive collection from 1870 to 1950.
Today, visitors can explore this remarkable collection, which includes 4,500 photographs, 2,000 glass negatives, and 80 significant documents.
Organized across three floors that are separated by region and theme, this meticulously curated museum gives you the unique opportunity to view stunning photos and purchase limited-edition prints made using original museum negatives.
Yup, talk about one of the coolest souvenirs from Marrakech.
Then, after exploring the museum, relax on the rooftop terrace with a coffee or tea and enjoy panoramic views of the city.
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6. Go Shopping in the Souks
Want to do some Christmas shopping in Marrakech? Then make your way to Souk Semmarine and pick up some of the best souvenirs in Morocco.
This lively pedestrian street buzzes with activity and offers an authentic shopping experience in Marrakech.
As you stroll through the market, you’ll come across a collection of colorful carpets, intricately crafted brass lanterns, exquisite leather goods, and traditional babouche slippers.
Afterward, walk through the narrow alleyways that lead to Rahba Kedima (the spice market) and visit Souk Haddadine. It is a fun alley lined with working blacksmiths.
I love coming here to watch locals working with metal before getting lost in some of the other souks in Marrakech.
Remember to bring cash and brush up on your haggling skills if you want to get the best deal possible. I also wouldn’t purchase antiques or jewelry since they are often overpriced and not genuine.
Other exciting souks to explore include Souk Cherratine for leather goods, Souk des Teinturiers for vividly dyed wool, Souk des Babouche for traditional slippers, and La Criée Berbère for genuine Berber carpets.
7. Catch a Beautiful Sunset
It’s common knowledge that winter sunsets are better than sunsets at any other time of year. That’s because the rotation of the Earth brings it closer to the sun.
The angle of the sun also enhances the vibrancy and duration of the sunset. If there are clouds present, the sunset becomes even more dynamic with vibrant colors bouncing off unique cloud formations.
One of the best places to watch the sunset in Marrakech is Jemaa el Fna Square. Simply head to one of Marrakech’s amazing rooftop cafes, sit along the edge of the square, and get ready for an amazing sight.
I love looking out at Koutoubia Mosque and watching the sky turn a vibrant array of colors as I sit on the rooftop terrace of local spots like L’Adresse Cafe & Restaurant.
Just be sure to arrive at least two hours before sunset since seats at the best tables fill up fast.
Another great spot to watch the sunset is the Menara Gardens. Sadly, though, the park closes at 5:00 pm which is a bit before sunset. However, you could also head to the Palmeraie and catch the sunset there.
8. Visit the Zagora Desert
I love visiting the desert in winter. Yes, it gets a bit cold in the evening, but the daytime temperatures are much more comfortable and perfect for exploring.
In particular, the Zagora Desert is fantastic. Because the desert is about 355 kilometers (220 miles) away from Marrakech, and a Supratours or CTM bus will take 7+ hours each way, I highly recommend at least spending the night in the area.
This way you have plenty of time to do cool things like climb to the top of Jebel Zagora hill. Other highlights include camel riding, quad biking, a visit to the Ksar of Tissergate (a medieval fortification) and day trip to Draa Valley.
Local Tip: If you don’t want to head all the way out to Zagora then you can always head to the Agafay Desert and try one of the best quad biking tours in Marrakech. They also have some of the best camel rides in Marrakech.
9. Explore the Saadian Tombs
Try to visit this spot early in the morning since the tombs are situated inside a really compact area. Yeah, the Saadian Tombs will have you feeling very claustrophobic once tour groups descend upon the area in the afternoon.
I also like visiting early since this is when you can get the best photos possible. See, the Saadian Tombs were built for Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi.
He wanted a tomb as magnificent as the palaces he lived in and constructed a stunning mausoleum adorned with exquisite Italian Carrara marble and muqarnas (intricate plasterwork highlighted with gold).
However, the first thing you’ll probably notice upon entering is how well-preserved the building is. This is because Sultan Moulay Ismail boarded up the entire place in an effort to erase the memory of his predecessor.
Therefore, the tombs weren’t actually rediscovered until 1917. Today, you can explore the marvelous Chamber of the 12 Pillars, the Garden Tombs, Lalla Massouda’s Tomb, and the Chamber of Three Niches and Prayer Room.
It’s also an affordable place to visit since tickets cost just 60 Dirhams ($6.00) per person. So, stop by any time between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm to enjoy one of the best things to do in Marrakech in December.
10. Warm Up at the Hammam
If you want to warm up after sightseeing in Marrakech on a cold winter’s day then try visiting the hammam.
See, a hammam is a communal bath separated by gender, where people enjoy steam baths and use exfoliating gloves to remove dead skin.
There are generally two types of hammams: public hammams and more exclusive, private hammams.
Public hammams are shared spaces where visitors can undress, bathe in hot water, and scrub dirt and dead skin off with memebrs of the same gender.
I visited Hammam Mouassine and had a great experience at this public hammam. It offers an authentic experience with the benefit of having a (sometimes) English-speaking guide to walk you through the process.
However, if communal bathing isn’t for you, try a private hammam like Les Bains de Marrakech.
During my first trip to Marrakech, I went to this place and appreciated that a personal assistant bathed me in hot water and scrubbed off the dead skin.
Additionally, hotels like La Mamounia, Riad Tarabel, and Es Saadi have excellent hammams on-site if you’re seeking more pampering from as you enjoy some of the nicest hammams in Marrakech.
What to wear in Marrakech in December?
My #1 suggestion for what to wear in Marrakech in December is to pack lots of warm layers. It is quite cold in the morning and in the evening.
So, I would pack a warm jacket, closed-toes shoes, heavy socks, a hat, a scarf, long-sleeve shirts, a fleece, and warm pants.
I know this may sound like over kill but mornings and evenings in Marrakech can be quiet chilly in December. Heat is also not standard in some hotels. Therefore, I recommend packing lots of warm clothing.
This way, you can stay warm and toasty, especially if you plan on visiting the desert or exploring the Atlas Mountains (both are very cold in the winter).
However, don’t forget some T-shirts and lighter layers since temperatures can warm up in the afternoon, to the point that you can comfortably walk around in a T-shirt (maybe even shorts depending on how cold-tolerant you are).
Personally, though, I would put shorts on my what not to wear in Marrakech list since the weather is a bit cold at this time of year.
Conclusion
Overall, December is a lovely time to visit Marrakech. If you hate crowds and want to save money on flights and hotels then visit before December 20th.
Otherwise, visit after December 20th and you can enjoy a warm and sunny Christmas in Marrakech. Just be sure to book your riads and tours well in advance since many Europeans like to vacation in Marrakech over Christmas.
It’s a bit too cold for swimming but the weather is warm enough for you to walk around in a t-shirt in the afternoon.
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