Is Morocco worth it in winter?
Yes. While Europe is grey and cold, the sun usually shines in Morocco, and the days are pleasantly mild at around 18 to 20 degrees. There is snow in the High Atlas, the desert is warm during the day, and it is far less hot than in summer.
Two things to know: the nights are cold, especially in the desert. And around Christmas and New Year it is high season, because many Europeans are on holiday.
The weather in December and January
| Place | Day | Night | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | about 18 to 19 °C | cool | Sunny, take a jacket for the evening |
| Sahara (Merzouga) | about 18 to 19 °C | about 2 to 3 °C | Sunny days, very cold nights |
| High Atlas | cold | frost | Snow on the peaks, the pass is usually open |
| Essaouira | about 19 °C | mild | Often windy, calm and pleasant |
More about the climate month by month in our article Best time to visit Morocco.
Christmas and New Year in the desert
Morocco is a Muslim country, so Christmas is not a public holiday. That has an upside: everything is open as usual, the souks are lively, and you experience the holidays in a completely different way.
New Year’s Eve in the Sahara is especially popular: by the campfire in the desert camp, with drums, mint tea and a starry sky you hardly see in Europe any more. On New Year’s morning the sun rises over the Erg Chebbi dunes. Some camps offer a special dinner on New Year’s Eve; we are happy to tell you what is possible this year.
Our tip: plan the tour so the night of 31 December is in the camp. Everything about the night in the dunes is in our article Merzouga desert tour and desert camp.
Book early: here is why
Between 20 December and 5 January desert camps, riads and flights are in high demand. If you book early, you can choose your date and accommodation freely. Ideally, write to us by mid-November. If you are flexible, the first half of December is quieter and cheaper.
Which tour fits in winter?
- 3 days Marrakech, Merzouga, Marrakech: compact, ideal for New Year in the desert
- 6 days Oases and Sahara: two nights in Merzouga, more relaxed
- 4 days Erg Chegaga: the quieter dunes, calmer at New Year too
- 11 days Deep south and Atlantic: with two mild days in Essaouira
In winter we only recommend climbing Toubkal to experienced mountaineers with crampons.
Winter packing list
- Warm jacket, hat and gloves for the night in the desert
- Several layers: during the day a jumper is often enough
- Thermal underwear or a fleece to sleep in at the camp
- Sunglasses and sun cream: the winter sun is strong
- Lip balm: the desert air is dry
Frequently asked questions
How cold is it at night in the desert in December?
During the day it is about 19 °C in Merzouga, but at night only about 3 °C, and in January sometimes around freezing. With warm clothes and the blankets in the camp it is easy to cope with.
Is the Tizi n’Tichka pass open in winter?
Most of the time, yes. After heavy snowfall the pass can be closed for a few hours. Your driver knows the situation and plans the drive accordingly.
When should I book for Christmas or New Year?
As early as possible, ideally by mid-November. Between 20 December and 5 January desert camps, riads and flights are in high demand.
Can you spend New Year’s Eve in a desert camp?
Yes. Many guests see in the new year by the campfire under the starry sky of Merzouga. Plan the tour so the night of 31 December is in the camp, and book early.
Christmas or New Year in Morocco?
Send us your travel dates. We will tell you honestly which dates are still free, in English.
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