Fes in January: the Medina to Yourself
January is the coldest month in Fes, and also the one when the medina truly belongs to its residents. With a good heated riad, it is a cultural trip of rare authenticity.
Fes in January means around 16 °C by day and 4 °C at night, with cool, damp weather and a few rainy days. The Fes el-Bali medina is very quiet and riad prices are often gentler than in December. The cold is felt mostly at night, so a riad with heating or a fireplace is essential. The Middle Atlas and Ifrane, about an hour away, are frequently snowy: the Ifrane-Azrou day trip (from €17) shows you snow and the Barbary macaques of the cedar forest. 11 January and 14 January (Yennayer) are public holidays in Morocco, with no impact on sightseeing. Trips to Chefchaouen (from €17) and Volubilis-Meknes (from €14) run all winter.
Plan your stay
The guides and experiences our readers book most for this destination.
Things to Do in Fes in January
The most-booked activities from Fes, to mix between dry days and rainy days:
| Experience | Rating | Reviews | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fes: Chefchaouen day trip (shared group) | 4.6 | 3,336 | €17 |
| Fes: Volubilis, Moulay Idriss and Meknes (full day) | 4.7 | 2,992 | €14 |
| Fes: medina walking tour with a local guide (3h) | 4.7 | 1,538 | €9 |
| Fes: Middle Atlas and Ifrane National Park (day trip) | 4.6 | 987 | €17 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they may change.
See things to do in Fes in January· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
Compare activities on ViatorYou will be redirected to our partner Viator.- Dry day: guided medina, Chouara tannery, Bou Inania madrasa, then sunset over the Merinid tombs.
- Rainy day: cooking class, hammam, Nejjarine and Batha museums.
- Snow: Ifrane and the Azrou cedar forest.
- Antiquity: Volubilis and Meknes.
- Blue city: Chefchaouen from Fes, but expect it to be even cooler there.
Where to Stay in Fes in January
Aim for a boutique riad well rated for comfort: heating in the room, thick blankets, constant hot water. January is the time to trade up for the same budget. See the best riads in Fes and where to stay in Fes.
See Fes riads in January· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
Compare Fes hotels on Expedia· ExpediaFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
Compare flights and hotels on Trip.com· Trip.com
Book your arrival transferYou will be redirected to our partner GetTransfer.See also Fes in December, when to visit Fes and Morocco in January.
Going a little later? See Fes in February.
FAQ — Fes in January
What is the weather like in Fes in January?
Is Fes too cold in January?
Can you see snow near Fes?
Is the medina open on January public holidays?
Is Fes cheaper in January?
In Short
- 16 °C by day, 4 °C at night.
- An almost empty medina and gentle prices.
- Snow in Ifrane an hour away.
