Morocco in January: Weather, Where to Go and What to Do (2026)
January is the coldest month of the year in Morocco, but also one of the most affordable and peaceful. The south offers pleasant winter sun (Marrakech, Agadir), the Atlas turns snowy (skiing at Oukaïmeden), and the desert reveals an utterly pure sky — as long as you wrap up well for the nights.
In January, Morocco is in winter: 18-20 °C by day in Marrakech, 20-21 °C in Agadir, but cold nights (4-7 °C) with possible frost inland and in the desert. The Atlas is snowy (skiing at Oukaïmeden). It's the low season: low prices, few crowds. Ideal for winter sun in Agadir/Marrakech, the desert (freezing nights) and the snow.
Weather in Morocco in January, region by region
| Region | Day | Night | In short |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marrakech / interior | 18-20 °C | 4-7 °C | Mild sun, cold nights |
| Coast (Agadir) | 20-21 °C | 8-11 °C | The mildest, sunny |
| Desert (Merzouga, Zagora) | 16-20 °C | 0-5 °C | Pure by day, freezing at night |
| Atlas (Oukaïmeden) | 0-6 °C | -7 to -2 °C | Snow, skiing |
| Fes / north | 13-17 °C | 4-7 °C | Cool, rainy |
January is dry and sunny in the south, cold and wet in the north, with good snow cover at altitude.
Where to go in Morocco in January?
Agadir and the southern coast
The best sun destination of the month: Agadir enjoys a mild, sunny climate, perfect for escaping the European winter (the water is cool).
Marrakech
Bright, mild days for the medina, gardens and sunlit terraces; cool evenings by the fire in the riads.
Riads and hotels in Marrakech (low season)· Booking.com
The desert (Merzouga, Zagora)
Pure skies and golden dunes, but freezing nights (sometimes below 0 °C). Choose a heated camp and heavy layers.
Desert tours from Marrakech· GetYourGuide
The Atlas and skiing
Oukaïmeden (2,600 m), 1.5 h from Marrakech, is one of the few ski resorts in North Africa — January usually offers the best snow cover.
Crowds and prices in January
What to pack in January?
- Warm clothes: sweater, warm jacket, scarf, beanie
- Light layers for the sunny midday
- Rain gear for the north
- A very warm outfit for the desert night (frost possible)
- Sunscreen (winter sun in the south)
See: what to pack for Morocco.
Events and highlights in January
- Yennayer (Amazigh/Berber New Year, mid-January): traditions and regional dishes
- Marrakech International Marathon (often late January)
- Spectacular snowy landscapes in the High Atlas
Morocco eSIM to stay connected· Airalo eSIM
FAQ — Morocco in January
Is it cold in Morocco in January?
Can you get sun in Morocco in January?
Can you visit the desert in January?
Can you ski in Morocco in January?
Is January a good time to visit Morocco?
In summary
January is the month of wintry Morocco: mild sun in Agadir and Marrakech, snow in the Atlas, a pure but freezing-at-night desert and, above all, the best prices of the year. Ideal for a budget-friendly, quiet trip — as long as you pack real warm layers.
My 3 key tips:
- Aim for Agadir and Marrakech for winter sun.
- Take advantage of low off-season prices.
- For the desert, choose a heated camp and wrap up.
