What's a good winter-sun Morocco itinerary?

Morocco is a brilliant winter-sun escape, but only if you go to the right half of it — the south and the Atlantic southwest are warm and bright in December to February while the north and the mountains are cold and wet. For a winter trip I'd base first in Marrakech, where the days are typically mild and sunny (think pleasant t-shirt-by-day, jacket-by-evening), the medina and gardens are blissfully uncrowded, and the rooftop terraces and pool-side riads make the most of the low winter sun. It's the easiest soft landing and a lovely contrast of warmth and the snow-capped Atlas glinting on the horizon.

For the most reliable warmth, though, the prize is the Atlantic southwest. I'd move to the Agadir and Taghazout coast, which enjoys some of the mildest, sunniest winter weather in the country — properly beach-able days, gentle sea breezes, golden light. Agadir gives you a long sandy promenade and resort comfort; Taghazout and Tamraght give you the surf scene and a loose, laid-back vibe (winter is actually prime surf season here). It's the part of Morocco where you can genuinely lie on a beach in January, and I usually anchor a winter-sun trip on three or four nights along this coast.

To add some adventure without losing the sunshine, the deep south delivers crisp, brilliant, dry days. The Draa Valley's endless palmeries, the kasbah road and a night in the dunes near Merzouga or Zagora are at their most comfortable in winter — warm, clear daytime sun for exploring, and you simply layer up for the genuinely cold desert nights around the campfire. Winter light on the dunes is gorgeous and the heat that punishes summer visitors is gone. It's my favourite season to send people to the Sahara, frankly.

Two honest caveats so nobody is disappointed. First, set expectations: winter Morocco is mild and sunny rather than tropical-hot — daytimes are lovely, but evenings everywhere get cool and desert and high-ground nights are properly cold, so pack layers and a warm jacket even for a 'sun' trip. Second, steer clear of the wrong places in winter: the High Atlas trekking routes are snowbound, Chefchaouen and the north can be grey and rainy, and even Fes gets chilly. Stick to the southern and southwestern arc, and you'll get the reliable winter sun you came for. Tell us your dates and we'll keep you on the warm side of the country.