Is December a Good Time to Visit Morocco?
December is a welcoming month to visit Morocco, though it coincides with the start of the winter holiday rush. Prices tend to climb, yet the air is crisp, the skies are often clear, and sightseeing feels pleasantly cool rather than sweltering.
Is December a Best Time to Visit Morocco?
With festivities on the horizon, many riads, boutique hotels, and desert camps raise their rates. If you plan to visit Morocco in December, it’s wise to secure rooms, tours, and transport well ahead to steer clear of last-minute spikes and limited availability.
Weather in Morocco in December
December ushers in real winter across Morocco. Yes—Morocco can be chilly, especially after sunset and at higher elevations. If you’re going to visit in December, bring layers, a warm jacket, and something rainproof for the north and coast.
In Marrakech, average daytime highs hover around 17–20°C (63–68°F), with evenings dipping to roughly 6–9°C (43–48°F). Rabat and Casablanca, tempered by the Atlantic, often see 15–18°C (59–64°F) by day, but wetter spells are common.
Fez and Meknes run a touch cooler, and nights can bite. Venture toward the Sahara (Merzouga, Zagora) and you’ll find mild, sunny days—often 15–20°C (59–68°F)—but after dark temperatures can drop toward freezing. In the Atlas Mountains (Ifrane, Oukaïmeden), expect true winter: cold mornings, frosty nights, and snow at elevation.
The Cost of Visiting Morocco in December
If you’re wondering whether December is a Good Time to visit Morocco, the answer is yes—but budget for seasonal premiums. Accommodation and guided experiences can cost significantly more in late December and early January than in shoulder months. Booking well in advance helps secure fair rates, preferred rooms, and reliable guides.
Peak Season Crowds
Travel picks up steadily through December. As the weather cools and holiday breaks begin, visitor numbers swell in hotspots like Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa, Chefchaouen’s blue alleyways, and the medieval lanes of Fez. Desert camps near Erg Chebbi or Erg Chigaga also fill quickly, and popular day trips may run at capacity.
If you’re keen on quieter experiences, consider smaller riads on side streets, sunrise or late-evening visits to headline sights, and opting for a more intimate desert camp with fewer tents.
Why So Many People Visit in December
Crowds aside, it’s easy to see the appeal: brisk air makes city walks and medina explorations comfortable; desert light is glorious for photography; and mountain vistas feel especially sharp. Seasonal markets, cultural festivals, and New Year celebrations create a lively mood without the summer heat.
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Where to Visit in December
December suits a broad range of itineraries. The cooler temperatures are ideal for Marrakech’s gardens and palaces, Fez’s artisan quarters, and Meknes’s historic gates. On the coast, Essaouira and Agadir offer breezy days for seaside strolls and seafood, though showers can roll through.
For desert lovers, December is one of the nicest months for camel treks and 4×4 adventures—clear skies by day and star-filled nights by the dunes. If you’re drawn to the mountains, base yourself in Imlil or Azilal for crisp hikes, or aim for skiable snow at Oukaïmeden when conditions allow.
And yes—December is a Good Time to visit Morocco’s imperial cities on foot. Without summer’s blaze, you can wander souks, admire zellige tilework, and linger in courtyards comfortably for hours.
Book Your December Holiday in Morocco Today
Still debating whether December is a Good Time to visit Morocco? It’s a fine choice for culture, scenery, and comfortable touring. Craft a private itinerary with a licensed guide, or combine city stays with a Sahara overnight and an Atlas day hike for variety.
Consider arranging airport transfers, medina walking tours, and select restaurant reservations in advance, and customize your route to match your interests—handicrafts in Fez, photography in Chefchaouen, food tours in Marrakech, surf lessons in Taghazout, or snow-dusted panoramas in the High Atlas.
With thoughtful planning and early bookings, you can look forward to memorable markets, golden-hour deserts, and warm Moroccan hospitality—an inspiring way to close the year.
