Is Morocco good to visit in December?

December is winter proper, and it splits into two very different experiences. For most of the month it is serene low season: bright, mild days in Marrakech and Fes around 17–20°C, perfect for unhurried sightseeing, with relaxed medinas and excellent value at riads. Then comes the Christmas–New Year window, when Marrakech in particular fills up with festive travellers and prices spike sharply for roughly ten days — book that period far in advance or sidestep it for calm and value.

Days are sunny and pleasant, but the cold after dark is real. The Sahara around Merzouga and Zagora drops to near or below freezing at night, and the High Atlas is firmly snowbound. A December desert overnight is genuinely magical — crystal-clear skies, brilliant stars and cosy, heated luxury camps — but only with a camp equipped for true winter cold (proper heating, thick bedding, hot water bottles). Pack thermals, a warm hat and a real coat for the desert and mountains.

The snow is an asset, not a drawback. Oukaïmeden, 80km from Marrakech, runs as a ski resort, and the white-capped Atlas behind the red city is a spectacular sight. Winter trekking in the lower valleys is crisp and beautiful, and the dramatic snow-and-palm contrasts make December superb for photography. Just allow flexibility, as the highest mountain passes can occasionally close briefly after heavy snowfall.

For winter warmth, head to the Atlantic coast: Agadir is the country's sunniest cool-season escape at around 20°C, and Essaouira stays mild if breezy. December is too cold for beach swimming, but the coast is lovely for walks, seafood and gentle sunshine when the inland nights feel sharp.

In short: December rewards travellers who pack for cold nights and warm days. Outside the Christmas–New Year spike it is peaceful and good value, with sunny cities, snowy mountains and unforgettable (if chilly) desert nights. Plan the festive fortnight carefully or avoid it for the quietest, best-priced experience.