Morocco in December 2026: Is It Worth a Holiday Trip?

Morocco in December is a wonderful destination whether you're seeking a special place to spend your Christmas and New Year vacation or chasing some warm sunshine in winter. Read on to discover weather conditions across the country, what to expect in terms of crowds and costs, the best destinations to visit in December, and practical tips for planning your Morocco tour in winter and the holidays.

Why December Is a Great Time to Visit Morocco

Morocco in December offers mild weather for sightseeing and special experiences to make your holiday trip memorable. As a popular winter escape with European travelers, Morocco's sunny winter days feel like a blissful retreat, and nights stay within a manageable range.

Beyond the weather, the country has a diverse mix of landscapes and cultural experiences. Few winter holidays offer such a contrast: wandering through centuries-old medinas in the morning, looking out over snow-capped mountains in the afternoon, and ending the day beneath a sky full of stars in the desert.

Morocco does see an increase in crowds and prices in December, but this trend is not unique, as the Christmas and New Year period is a peak travel season around the world. If you're looking for a comfortable and truly special Christmas and New Year getaway, Morocco is well worth every bit of your budget.

Planning Tips:

• December 15 to January 10 is one of Morocco's busiest periods. Holiday crowds flood in, and prices reach levels comparable to other peak seasons like October and April.
• If you're coming specifically to celebrate Christmas or New Year's Eve, plan ahead. Book 2-3 months in advance or even earlier, especially if your itinerary includes high-demand destinations like Marrakech and the Sahara Desert.
• If you're hoping to avoid the crowds, aim for the first week of December, consider November, or travel after January 15, when the peak rush thins out.

Weather in Morocco in December

Even in December, Morocco's weather remains quite pleasant. Southern destinations such as Marrakech, the Sahara Desert, and Agadir typically see daytime temperatures around 20-22°C (68-72°F), with plenty of sunshine.

However, the evening cool-down is not to be underestimated. After sunset, temperatures can drop to around 5°C (41°F) in many places. We recommend choosing accommodations with good heating throughout your trip and packing enough warm layers for evenings and early mornings.

Northern Morocco enters the rainy season in December. If you are flying into Casablanca, we'd suggest an itinerary like Casablanca - Rabat - Fez. These cities are generally drier than areas farther north, while also offering plenty of indoor attractions and activities. And if you travel with Odynovo, your private guide and driver can also help adjust the day's plans around the weather, so you'll still be able to enjoy sightseeing without disruption.

Chefchaouen and Tangier, the further north, need more consideration. They have a higher chance of rain, and since the main sightseeing there is outdoors, the weather can have a greater impact on your experience.

What to Keep in Mind:

• If warm, sunny weather is a priority, consider focusing your itinerary on southern areas like Marrakech and Agadir.
• Trekking in the Atlas Mountains in December can be challenging. With higher rainfall this month, low-altitude trails can become muddy, while high-altitude routes are often snowy and icy.

December Temperatures by Region

Destinations	Average Temperatures	What to Expect
Marrakech	7-20°C (45-68°F)	Mild, sunny days ideal for sightseeing; cool evenings
Sahara Desert	5-20°C (41-68°F)	Warm days and cold nights; heated camp is essential
Agadir and South Coast	10-23°C (50-73°F)	Warmest winter weather in Morocco; Sunny beach days
North (Chefchaouen, Tangier, Fez)	6-18°C (43-64°F)	Cooler and wetter, with 8-10 rainy days on average
Atlas Mountains	0-15°C (32-59°F)	Cold at higher elevations, with snow possible

Where to Go in Morocco in December?

Marrakech: Winter Sunshine & Holiday Festivities

Marrakech in December is more than wonderful. With plenty of sunshine and daytime highs around 20°C (68°F), the weather is perfect for spending hours sightseeing. The pink walls of the medina and the cobalt blue of Jardin Majorelle look especially beautiful under the soft winter sunlight. From a rooftop restaurant or café terrace, you can even see the snow-capped Atlas Mountains clearly on the horizon.

As Christmas and New Year approach, the souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa become particularly lively. Stalls are filled with Moroccan handicrafts, colorful textiles, and leather goods, making it easy to find distinctive gifts and souvenirs. Around the holidays, many luxury hotels add festive decorations and special menus, while some riads and restaurants also offer Christmas Eve dinners and New Year's celebrations. Gueliz, the modern district, hosts a variety of festive parties and special events.

Marrakech is also an exceptional base for day trips into very different landscapes. Just about 40 minutes away, Agafay Desert offers a dramatic rocky desert setting that feels worlds apart from the city. For winter sports, Oukaïmeden Ski Resort is around 1.5 to 2 hours away. The ski season typically gets underway in late December, and good conditions can even bring fresh powder.

A Couple of Practical Tips:

• If you're visiting around Christmas and New Year, book your Marrakech accommodation well in advance. Many hotels require a minimum stay of three nights during this holiday period, and demand can rise sharply.
• If skiing is on your wish list, check the snow and road conditions before heading to Oukaïmeden. Snowfall varies from year to year, and the most reliable ski conditions usually come later in the winter.

Sahara Desert: Warm Days & Starry New Year's Eve

December is a great time to visit the Sahara Desert. Daytime temperatures typically reach 18-22°C (64-72°F), warm enough to spend hours among the dunes, yet cool enough to keep you from breaking a sweat.

Nights do get cold, dropping to around 5°C (41°F), but with proper preparation, it's still very manageable. In fact, around 80% of our travelers include a Sahara Desert camping experience in their December Morocco tour. Traveling with Odynovo means you'll spend your desert nights in high-quality camps with private bathrooms, hot showers, reliable heating, and comfortable beds. So you can fully enjoy the magic of the desert without sacrificing comfort.

Some travelers even choose to spend New Year's Eve in the Sahara for a celebration unlike anything in the city. Under a sky full of stars, you'll gather around the campfire, share stories, and listen to traditional Gnawa music. We can also arrange a special Christmas or New Year's dinner at your camp. The following morning, wake before sunrise and watch the first light spread across the golden dunes. It's a special moment of tranquility and beauty that sets the perfect tone for the year ahead.

Things to Know Before You Go:

• Keep an eye on the road conditions of Tizi n'Tichka Pass, where occasional heavy snowfall can lead to temporary road closures in December. And with Odynovo, our travel experts and experienced drivers will adjust the route when necessary, helping keep your journey safe, smooth, and comfortable.
• If camping isn't your preference, we recommend you choose to spend the mild daytime hours in the desert and depart by sunset, staying overnight in a hotel in nearby areas like Skoura instead.
• If you're planning to book a desert camp for Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve, reserve 3-4 months in advance. High-quality camps are limited and fill up quickly during the holiday season.

Ouarzazate: Morocco's Mini Hollywood

In December, Ouarzazate enjoys warm, sunny weather. This desert city is home to striking kasbahs, palm-fringed oases, and iconic film sets.

The Taourirt Kasbah is a good place to see the region's traditional architecture, while Atlas Film Studios offers a behind-the-scenes look at the sets used in films and TV productions. Just outside the city, Aït Ben Haddou is the real highlight for many travelers. This beautifully preserved fortified village has appeared in productions such as Gladiator and Game of Thrones and is one of the most recognizable sights in southern Morocco.

Beyond those landmarks, you can also visit nearby Berber villages, browse local markets, and share a meal with a local family, or even join them in preparing a traditional dish.

For most travelers, we usually recommend making Ouarzazate a stop between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert. A half day is enough to cover the major highlights, but if you'd like to explore more of the surrounding area or spend a night here to soak up the atmosphere, we can also adjust your itinerary to match your pace.

Combine Morocco & Egypt: Make Most of the Holiday

If you're already planning a trip to Morocco and you have 15 days or more, consider adding Egypt to your itinerary. Both countries offer mild, sunny weather in December, but each gives you a completely different experience. With average daytime temperatures around 24°C (75°F), you can comfortably explore Egypt's ancient wonders and also give your trip a special festive experience.

One of our top recommendations is taking a Nile cruise from Cairo to Aswan in December. During the day, you'll explore magnificent temples and ancient tombs under the warm golden sunlight. In the evening, return to the ship for a festive dinner and live entertainment shows, with Christmas trees and lights brightening the deck. You can even dress in traditional Egyptian clothing and join the dancing. Best of all, you'll enjoy the journey without changing hotels or packing and unpacking your luggage every day.

With Odynovo, your Morocco and Egypt journeys can be planned as one seamless private trip. With years of experience designing customized journeys across the world, our travel experts know how to bring multiple destinations together into one well-paced itinerary. Whatever your preferences or needs, simply share them with us and we'll make them happen.

Review from our traveler:

"We had used Odynovo to organize and manage a fabulous trip to Southeast Asia in 2019, so we used Odynovo again to put together a fantastic tour to Egypt and Morocco for our group of 6. The service was topnotch everywhere we went. Our accommodations were five-star in every location. When we travel again, we certainly will be contacting Odynovo tours and Don Li again for our next world adventure." - Bob W

FAQs About Morocco in December

What is Christmas like in Morocco?

Christmas in Morocco is celebrated differently from place to place. In Marrakech, hotels and restaurants put on festive dinners and holiday events, while Casablanca has some lively parties along the coast. In the Sahara, travelers can spend Christmas at a desert camp with a campfire, Berber music, and dinner under the stars. In the Atlas Mountains, you can enjoy snowy views, cozy lodges, and Christmas dinners by the fireplace.

*Christmas is not a public holiday in Morocco, so regular sightseeing and daily activities continue as usual.

How is New Year's Eve celebrated in Morocco?

Most cities host New Year's Eve celebrations. In major tourist destinations such as Marrakech, Casablanca, and Rabat, luxury hotels, restaurants, and nightlife venues often host special dinners, live music, parties, and countdown events.

*When booking your accommodation, check whether the New Year's Eve gala dinner is included or required, as some hotels bundle it with the room rate.

If the usual parties no longer excite you, consider spending the night in the desert instead. The Sahara Desert is the classic choice, while the Agafay Desert, located just outside Marrakech, offers a more accessible alternative.

What should I pack for Morocco in December?

Layering is key. Pack lightweight, breathable clothes for daytime, along with a sweater or fleece and a windproof jacket for cooler weather.

If your itinerary includes the Sahara Desert or high-altitude areas of the Atlas Mountains, bring extra warm layers, such as a down jacket, warm hat, and thick socks. Comfortable walking shoes are also essential for exploring medinas.

Can I swim in Morocco in December?

It depends on the destination, the weather, and your tolerance for cooler water. The Atlantic Ocean temperatures are around 18°C (64°F) in December. Agadir generally offers warmer conditions than Essaouira, but neither destination can guarantee beach weather every day. For a more reliable swim in December, it's better to choose a hotel or resort with a heated pool.