Morocco in Winter in 7 Days: Marrakech, the Sahara and the Atlantic
A week is enough to experience Morocco’s three winter faces: Marrakech’s medina in the sun, Sahara dunes under the stars and the ocean at Essaouira. Here is the most efficient plan.
For 7 days in Morocco in winter, the most efficient combination is: 2 days in Marrakech (medina, souks, gardens, Agafay at sunset), a 3-day desert tour to Merzouga (from €86-118, via Aït Ben Haddou and the Dadès, back in Marrakech on the third evening), then Essaouira as a day trip or overnight (2.5-3 hours by road, from €7-12 as a day trip) and a final morning in the Ourika valley or a hammam. Weather: around 19 °C by day in Marrakech, nights close to 0 °C in the desert and 19 °C on the coast. Over Christmas and New Year, book the desert tour and riads several weeks ahead. Beach variant: swap Essaouira for Agadir (around 21 °C), 3 hours away by road.
The Plan at a Glance
| Day | Stage | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, medina, Jemaa el-Fna | Marrakech |
| 2 | Majorelle, souks, Agafay at sunset | Marrakech |
| 3 | Atlas, Aït Ben Haddou, Dadès valley | Dadès |
| 4 | Todra gorges, Merzouga, camel ride | Camp in the dunes |
| 5 | Sunrise, drive back to Marrakech | Marrakech |
| 6 | Essaouira: medina, port, ramparts | Marrakech or Essaouira |
| 7 | Ourika or hammam, departure | — |
The Key Bookings for This Itinerary
The experiences to book ahead, in itinerary order:
| Experience | Rating | Reviews | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Marrakech: 3-Day Merzouga and Sahara Desert Tour | 4.9 | 22,297 | €118 |
| Agafay desert: quad, camel ride and dinner show | 4.8 | 36,771 | €20 |
| Essaouira from Marrakech: coast, medina and lunch in a small group | 4.9 | 9,880 | €12 |
| Ourika and Setti Fatma waterfalls: Atlas, guide and lunch | 4.9 | 19,327 | €15 |
| Marrakech: hot air balloon flight with Moroccan breakfast buffet | 4.8 | 10,196 | €61 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they may change.
Book the itinerary’s tours· 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.Day by Day
Days 1-2: Marrakech. Medina, Bahia Palace, souks, then the Majorelle Garden on the second morning. Keep late afternoon on day 2 for the Agafay Desert with dinner. See Marrakech in 2 days.
Days 3-5: the Sahara. The 3-day tour crosses the Tizi n’Tichka pass, stops at Aït Ben Haddou, sleeps in the Dadès, then in the Merzouga camp. Bring warm clothes for the night. See the 3-day desert tour and Merzouga in December.
Day 6: Essaouira. A day trip or a night there to enjoy sunset on the ramparts. See Essaouira in December.
Day 7: Ourika or hammam. A gentle half day before your flight. See the Ourika valley.
Where to Stay on This Itinerary
Keep the same riad in Marrakech for nights 1, 2, 5 and possibly 6: you can leave some luggage there during the desert tour. Choose one that is heated and close to car access for early departures. See the best riads in Marrakech and where to stay in Marrakech.
See heated riads in Marrakech· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
Compare flight + hotel to Marrakech on Expedia· ExpediaFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
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Book your arrival transferYou will be redirected to our partner GetTransfer.See also the 5-day Morocco itinerary, Morocco in winter and New Year in Morocco.
FAQ — Morocco in Winter in 7 Days
Is one week enough for Morocco in winter?
Is Morocco cold in December and January?
How much is a 3-day desert tour?
Do I need a rental car for this itinerary?
Which variant for more beach time?
In Short
- Marrakech + Sahara + ocean in 7 days.
- 3-day desert tour at the heart of the trip.
- Heated riad and early bookings.
