Morocco in December: Weather, Where to Go and What to Do (2026)
December makes Morocco a popular winter-sun destination. While Europe shivers, Marrakech and Agadir offer sunny, mild days, the desert is magically pure, and the year-end holidays (Christmas, New Year) liven up riads and resorts. The nights are cold: that's the contrast of the Moroccan winter.
December makes Morocco a popular winter-sun destination: 18-21 °C in Marrakech, 20-22 °C in Agadir (the mildest and sunniest) by day, but cold nights everywhere (2-8 °C inland, down to -5 °C in the Atlas). The desert stays splendid by day — clear skies, golden dunes, few crowds — but freezing at night: heated camps and heavy layers are essential. At Oukaïmeden (2,600 m), skiing is possible in the snowy High Atlas. The north (Fes) is cooler and sometimes rainy. Early December stays calm and affordable, but Christmas and New Year trigger a peak in footfall and prices on riads and Agadir resorts: book well in advance for the year-end holidays, which come with festive Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations.
Weather in Morocco in December, region by region
| Region | Day | Night | In short |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech / interior | 18-21 °C | 5-8 °C | Mild sun, cold nights |
| Coast (Agadir) | 20-22 °C | 11-13 °C | The mildest and sunniest |
| Desert (Merzouga, Zagora) | 18-22 °C | 2-6 °C | Splendid by day, freezing at night |
| Atlas (Oukaïmeden) | 2-8 °C | -5 to 0 °C | Snow, skiing possible |
| Fes / north | 15-18 °C | 5-8 °C | Cool and sometimes rainy |
December is sunny and dry in the south, cool and wet in the north, with snow at altitude.
Where to go in Morocco in December?
Agadir and the southern coast
The best sun destination of the month: Agadir enjoys a mild, sunny microclimate, perfect for escaping the European winter.
Marrakech
Mild, bright days for the medina, gardens and sunlit terraces. Festive vibe in the riads at Christmas and New Year.
Riads and hotels in Marrakech (Christmas/New Year)· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
The desert (Merzouga, Zagora)
The Sahara in winter is magical: clear skies, golden dunes, few crowds. But the nights are freezing — heated camps and heavy layers are essential.
Desert tours from Marrakech· 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
The Atlas and the snow
Oukaïmeden, a ski resort at 2,600 m near Marrakech, lets you ski in December. Spectacular snowy landscapes in the High Atlas.
Crowds and prices in December
What to pack in December?
- Light to mid-season day clothes (the sun warms things up)
- Essential warm layers: sweater, warm jacket, beanie for the evening and the desert
- Rain gear for the north
- A warm outfit for the desert night (it almost freezes)
- Sunscreen (the winter sun is deceptive)
See: what to pack for Morocco.
Events and highlights in December
- Marrakech International Marathon (often late January, the sports season)
- Festive Christmas and New Year's Eve in riads and resorts
- Independence anniversary and a wintry atmosphere in the Atlas
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The tours and excursions that actually run in December are listed in activities in Morocco in December.
Travelling over the holidays? Our guide to New Year's Eve in Marrakech compares gala dinners, an Agafay party and a night in the dunes, and our guide to Morocco in winter shows where to find the sun from December to February.
For the festive season, see Christmas in Morocco: where it is warm, atmosphere and bookings.
Fancy some snow? See skiing in Morocco at Oukaimeden, 1.5 hours from Marrakech.
Going between November and February? See the Moroccan desert in winter: night temperatures, heated tents and what to pack.
FAQ — Morocco in December
Is the weather good in Morocco in December?
Is Morocco a good winter-sun destination?
Can you visit the desert in Morocco in December?
Can you ski in Morocco in December?
What should I pack for Morocco in December?
In summary
December offers two Moroccos in one: the mild sun of Agadir and Marrakech by day, and the sharp cold of the nights, the desert and the snowy Atlas. An ideal winter-sun destination — as long as you bring real warm layers and book early for the holidays.
My 3 key tips:
- Aim for Agadir and Marrakech for winter sun.
- For the desert, choose a heated camp and wrap up.
- Book very early if traveling at Christmas or New Year.
