With mild temperatures and sunny blue skies, Morocco shines during winter. Far fewer tourists visit between December and March, making it the ideal time to explore Morocco’s imperial cities, storied medinas, and stunning natural landscapes.
Read on for 10 convincing reasons to visit Morocco during the cooler winter months.
Overview of Winter Weather in Morocco
Before detailing why winter is a fantastic time to visit Morocco, let’s look at what the weather is like.
- December to March are the coolest months, with average temperatures of 45°F to 68°F (7°C to 20°C).
- January is the chilliest month. Mountainous regions and the Sahara Desert can dip below freezing at night.
- Snow falls in the Atlas Mountains. Lower elevations stay mild with sunny, spring-like days.
- Precipitation is low across Morocco during winter. Expect ample sunny days.
While Moroccan winters are too cold for sunbathing at the beach, the moderate temperatures make sightseeing, hiking, and exploring cities comfortable. Next, let’s look at 10 specific reasons why winter is a great time to visit Morocco!
1. Avoid Crowds at Top Sights
During July, August, and other peak travel months, popular destinations like Marrakech’s Jemaa El Fna square overflow with tourists. Visiting in winter provides a more relaxed experience.
For example, you can leisurely stroll through Marrakech’s atmospheric souks and admire the gardens of Jardin Majorelle without jostling past hordes of other travelers. Winter is the best for avoiding crowds and taking your time sightseeing.
2. Book Hotels and Riads Easily
With fewer visitors, hotel availability jumps during Morocco’s winter off-season. Top-rated riads in medina quarters typically have vacancies and discounts.
You can often book a room last-minute without hassle. Or enjoy significant savings by planning a couple months ahead. With demand lower, winter is the best for flexibility and deals on accommodations.
3. Take Advantage of Lower Prices
In addition to lodging, winter visitors enjoy better prices on transportation, tours, restaurant dining, and more. For example, airfares often drop during winter months.
Restaurants and guides offer discounted rates too. Overall, you’ll find traveling around Morocco costs noticeably less compared to peak season. Winter appeals to budget-conscious travelers.
4. Enjoy Cultural Festivals
Fun festivals like the Almond Blossom Festival brighten Moroccan winters. The festival celebrating almond tree blooms takes place each February in the Anti-Atlas Mountains.
Moroccans also celebrate Amazigh New Year in January. The lively holiday honors Berber cultures across North Africa. By coinciding your visit with a festival, you’ll experience Moroccan culture at its best.
5. Hit the Slopes at Oukaïmeden
Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains receive enough snow for skiing and snowboarding from December through March. The largest resort, Oukaïmeden, offers prime conditions.
Just 50 miles from Marrakech, Oukaïmeden has chairlifts accessing 10 kilometers of trails plus equipment rentals. Its high elevation provides reliable snow cover through winter.
6. Grab Surfboard and Wetsuit
Surprisingly, winter is surf season on Morocco’s western shores. Powerful Atlantic swells pound coastal spots like Imsouane from December through March.
While too cold for sunbathing, wetsuits allow braving the waves during the winter surf peak. Lessons and rentals are available in surf towns like Essaouira on Morocco’s coast.
7. Support Local Communities
Tourism drops off in winter, reducing income for Moroccan guides, artisans, restaurants and more. Visiting during winter injects more money into communities when tourism spending declines.
Rather than overcrowded spots, consider lesser-known towns like Chefchaouen. Spreading your travel dollars across the country benefits Moroccans year-round.
8. Marvel at the Milky Way
Morocco’s skies shine brilliantly during winter. With dry air and minimal light pollution in the desert, stargazing is phenomenal.
Head to the Sahara on a winter night to be mesmerized by shooting stars and the Milky Way ribboning overhead. Escape city lights to fully experience Morocco’s celestial winter skies.
9. Birdwatch Migrating Species
Morocco sits along major migration flyways. Lakes and wetlands teem with ducks, geese, and other birds overwintering in or passing through Morocco.
Pack binoculars to spot species like flamingos and white storks. Top birding spots include Merja Zerga lagoon, Sidi Bou Ghaba hot springs, and the Straits of Gibraltar.
10. Explore the Desert in Comfort
Summer Sahara Desert excursions can be grueling once temperatures skyrocket over 100°F (38°C). But during winter, the desert cools to comfortable levels.
Camel trekking, camping under the stars, and exploring desert oases become enjoyable activities in winter. The cooler temperatures let you make the most of the marvelous Moroccan Sahara.
Booking Your Winter Morocco Trip
Convinced to visit Morocco during the cooler months? Use these tips to start planning an unforgettable winter adventure:
- Book accommodations in advance for the widest selection and best rates.
- Fly into major hubs like Marrakech, Casablanca, or Tangier.
- Rent a car for flexibility exploring regions like the Atlas Mountains.
- Pack warm clothing layers, especially for desert nights.
- Reserve excursions like balloon rides before your trip.
- Time your trip with a winter festival for a cultural immersion.
- Book multi-city flights to experience different regions of Morocco.
By following these tips and avoiding the scorching summer months, you’re sure to have an incredible trip to Morocco during winter. Let me know if you have any other questions! I’d be happy to offer guidance for planning your winter Morocco itinerary.
