Seasonal Guide
Morocco in December
Mild weather, low-season prices, uncrowded souks, and the best desert conditions of the year. December is one of Morocco's best-kept travel secrets.
15-20°C
daytime temperature
3-4
rainy days (south)
20-30%
lower hotel prices
Low
crowd level
Why December Is an Excellent Time to Visit
December catches Morocco in its quiet, comfortable winter mode. The scorching summer heat is months away, tourist crowds thin dramatically after the autumn peak, and hotel prices drop 20-30% below high-season rates. For travelers who prefer mild weather and authentic local atmosphere over packed attractions, December delivers.
The Sahara Desert is at its best in December. Daytime temperatures of 18-22°C make camel treks, dune walks, and 4x4 excursions genuinely pleasant — unlike the 45°C summer heat that limits activities to early morning and evening. Luxury desert camps are fully operational with blankets, heaters, and clear skies for extraordinary stargazing.
Marrakech, Fes, and the imperial cities enjoy crisp, sunny days with temperatures around 15-20°C — perfect walking weather. Evenings cool to 5-10°C, making rooftop terraces with blankets and mint tea atmospheric rather than uncomfortable.
December Weather by Region
Marrakech
High: 18°CLow: 6°CRain: 3-4 days
Sunny and mild. Comfortable for medina walks. Cool evenings.
Fes
High: 15°CLow: 5°CRain: 5-6 days
Cooler than Marrakech. Some rain possible. Medina less crowded.
Sahara Desert
High: 20°CLow: 2°CRain: 0-1 days
Perfect desert weather. Warm days, cold nights. Bring warm layers for camping.
Essaouira (Coast)
High: 18°CLow: 10°CRain: 4-5 days
Mild and breezy. Surfing season. Less wind than summer.
Chefchaouen
High: 14°CLow: 4°CRain: 7-8 days
Wettest month. Misty mornings create atmospheric blue street photography.
Atlas Mountains
High: 8°CLow: -3°CRain: Snow above 2000m
Cold. Skiing at Oukaimeden. Lower valley treks still possible.
Agadir (South Coast)
High: 21°CLow: 10°CRain: 2-3 days
Warmest city. Beach weather persists. Good for sun seekers.
What to Do in Morocco in December
Best Activities
- Sahara Desert tours — Peak season for comfortable desert exploration. Camel treks, luxury camps, and 4x4 adventures.
- City exploration — Marrakech and Fes medinas without summer heat or autumn crowds. Walk for hours comfortably.
- Atlas Mountains skiing — Oukaimeden resort opens December through March. North Africa's highest ski resort.
- Surfing — Essaouira and Taghazout offer excellent winter swells. Water temperature 17-18°C.
- New Year celebrations — Marrakech hotels host galas. Casablanca has vibrant nightlife events.
- Cooking classes — Indoor activities for occasional rainy days. Tagine and pastilla workshops.
What to Skip
- Northern mountain treks — Rif Mountains can be wet and cold. Save Chefchaouen hiking for spring.
- Beach sunbathing — Unless in Agadir, beach weather is marginal. Water is cold (16-17°C).
- High Atlas summit treks — Toubkal requires winter mountaineering gear and experience above 3,000m.
December Prices: What to Expect
December is low to mid season in Morocco (except the Christmas/New Year week, which sees a brief price spike). Accommodation is 20-30% cheaper than March-May and September-November.
Budget
$50-80
per person per day
Basic riad, street food, shared transport
Mid-Range
$120-200
per person per day
Boutique riad, guided tours, private taxi
Luxury
$300-500+
per person per day
5-star hotels, private guide, premium dining
Prices spike 30-50% during Christmas week (Dec 23-Jan 2). Book 2-3 months ahead for this period. Early and mid-December offer the best value.
What to Pack for December
Essentials
- Warm jacket or fleece for evenings
- Layers (temperatures vary 20°C between day and night)
- Comfortable walking shoes (waterproof if visiting the north)
- Scarf and warm hat for desert nights
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (sun is still strong)
- Light rain jacket (especially for Fes, Chefchaouen)
For Desert Trips
- Thermal base layer for desert nights (0-5°C)
- Down jacket or puffer
- Warm socks and gloves
- Sand-proof camera bag
- Headlamp or flashlight for camp
See our complete Morocco packing list for detailed guidance.
Suggested December Itinerary: 7 Days
Day 1-2
Marrakech
Arrive, settle into a riad, explore the medina and Jemaa el-Fna in cool, crowd-free conditions
Day 3
High Atlas
Day trip to Imlil valley or Ourika. Snow-capped peaks make stunning winter photography
Day 4
To the Desert
Drive via Ait Benhaddou and Ouarzazate to Todra Gorge
Day 5
Sahara Desert
Camel trek, luxury desert camp, sunset and sunrise over Erg Chebbi in perfect December weather
Day 6
Desert to Fes
Cross the Middle Atlas via Midelt. Cedar forests and monkey spotting
Day 7
Fes
Full day exploring the medieval medina. Tanneries, craft workshops, rooftop dinner
December Travel FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Morocco?+
Yes. Mild temperatures, low-season prices, uncrowded attractions, and ideal Sahara Desert weather make December one of the best value months to visit.
How cold is Morocco in December?+
Daytime highs of 15-21°C depending on region. Nights drop to 2-10°C. The Sahara sees warm days (20°C) but cold nights (0-5°C). Layers are essential.
Does it rain in Morocco in December?+
Moderate rainfall in the north (Fes, Chefchaouen: 5-8 rainy days). Marrakech sees 3-4 rainy days. The Sahara and deep south are dry.
Is the Sahara too cold in December?+
No — December is ideal. Days are 18-22°C, far more comfortable than summer. Nights are cold but luxury camps provide heating and warm bedding.
Are there Christmas events in Morocco?+
Morocco does not celebrate Christmas officially, but major hotels host special dinners and events for international guests. New Year celebrations are more common.
What should I pack for Morocco in December?+
Layers, warm jacket, waterproof shoes for northern cities, thermal base layer for desert nights, sunscreen, and sunglasses.
Plan Your December Morocco Trip
Let our team design a winter itinerary tailored to your interests. Private guides, warm riads, luxury desert camps, and 24/7 support included.
Or call: +212 701 664 704