In short: Morocco in December is mild by day, cold at night, and much quieter than the peak months, which makes it a fine time to travel if you pack for the swing. The cities are pleasant for walking, the desert is beautiful under crisp skies, and prices ease off outside the holiday week. It falls squarely in the good October to April season. Below is the weather region by region, where to go, and how to handle the cold desert nights.
The weather, region by region
December weather depends entirely on altitude and how far you are from the coast. Marrakech and the lowland cities are mild and often sunny in the day, cool once the sun drops. The Atlas mountains are genuinely cold with snow on the peaks, and Oukaimeden even runs as a small ski resort. The desert gives you warm afternoons and cold nights that can drop near freezing. The coast is soft and gray at times but rarely harsh.
| Place | Typical daytime | Nighttime |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | 18 to 20C | 6 to 8C |
| Essaouira and coast | 17 to 19C | 10 to 12C |
| Fes | 15 to 17C | 4 to 6C |
| Sahara (Merzouga) | 18 to 22C | 2 to 6C, can dip near freezing |
| High Atlas | 5 to 10C | below freezing, snow |
The desert in December: cold nights, clear skies
Winter is one of the best times to see the desert, as long as you’re ready for the cold after dark. Days are comfortable for a camel ride, the light is clean, and the skies are often clear enough for real stargazing away from the cities. The catch is the night; temperatures at Merzouga can fall close to freezing, so a good camp gives you thick blankets and often a fire, and you’ll want warm layers, a hat and gloves for the evening.
If you’d rather not commit to a long, cold night far south, the stone desert at Agafay is 40 minutes from Marrakech and works well as a daytime or sunset trip you return from the same evening. Our Agafay desert tours are the low-effort way to see the desert in winter. For the full Sahara circuit and what a cold-season camp involves, our Morocco desert guide lays it out.
Where to go in December
Point yourself at the lowlands and the south, where the winter sun is kindest. Marrakech is at its most walkable now, the gardens quiet and the medina less crushed. From there the desert is the headline trip. The Atlantic coast at Essaouira and Agadir stays mild and is good for a slow few days. Skiers and snow-lovers can head up to Oukaimeden in the Atlas, an easy day from Marrakech, for a novelty most visitors never expect from Morocco.
Christmas and New Year are the exception to the quiet; Marrakech fills up and riads charge holiday rates over that week. Either lean into the festive buzz or travel early or mid-December to miss it.
What to pack for December
This is the month people underpack for, then shiver in the desert. Layers are the whole game. Bring warm clothes for evenings everywhere, a proper jacket, a hat and gloves for the desert and mountains, and thermal layers if you feel the cold. During the day the sun is still strong, so sunglasses and sunscreen come too. Add a light rain layer for the coast and the north, which see the odd wet day this time of year.
Closed, warm shoes beat sandals. And don’t assume “Africa” means hot; a desert night in December will teach you otherwise fast.
Crowds, prices and daylight
Outside the Christmas and New Year window, December is one of the calmer, better-value months. Rooms are cheaper, the big sights are uncrowded, and you’ll bargain more easily in the souk. The trade-off is shorter days; the light fades by late afternoon, so start early and don’t over-pack your itinerary. It’s a rewarding month for people who prefer their Morocco calm and clear over hot and crowded.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Morocco? Yes, especially the cities and the south. Days are mild and sunny and crowds are thin, apart from the Christmas and New Year week.
How cold does the Sahara get in December? Days are comfortable, but nights can fall close to freezing. A good camp provides heavy blankets, and you’ll need warm layers, a hat and gloves for the evening.
Does it snow in Morocco in December? Yes, in the High Atlas. Oukaimeden even runs as a small ski resort, an easy day trip from Marrakech.
What should I pack for Morocco in December? Layers for warm days and cold nights, a proper jacket, hat and gloves for the desert and mountains, plus sunglasses and a light rain layer for the coast.
Thinking of a winter desert trip? Message us on WhatsApp and we’ll set you up with a camp that’s ready for the cold nights.