Visiting Fes in January: Weather + Festivals + Things to Do

Is January a good time to visit Fes? In my opinion, winter is an ideal time to visit this ancient city and discover the charms of Morocco’s cultural capital. Yes, it’s chilly (the temperatures only reach the mid-teens Celsius during the day). But the lack of crowds more than makes up for needing an extra layer (or two!) if you’re visiting Fes in January. 

Fes el Bali (the city’s UNESCO-listed medina) is far less busy in January compared to the peak spring and autumn months. This means you can explore the labyrinthine laneways, bustling souks and historic madrasas at a more leisurely pace. Plus, the photography opportunities are comparatively crowd-free.

If you’re visiting Fes in January, you’ll have greater opportunity to interact with locals at the artisan souks. Amidst the colourful stalls, you can pick up everything from Amazigh rugs to traditional ceramics and hand-crafted leather goods. 

While Fes in January sees more rain than other months, the showers are usually brief. Plus, the green hillsides surrounding the city are a lovely sight.

Added to that, you may benefit from lower accommodation rates and cheaper flights. This makes a Fes winter holiday perfect if you’re seeking a budget-friendly experience. 

In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Fes in January, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Fes in January to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.

Planning a longer Moroccan winter escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in January here.

To learn more about things to see and do in the medina and beyond, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Fes. 

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!

Fes weather in January

There’s no denying it – January in Fes is not going to offer a quintessentially warm Moroccan vacation bathed in sunshine. In fact, January is the coldest month in Fes!

During this period, the temperature in Fes hovers around 16°C (61°F) while the mercury plummets to 6°C (43°F) at night. Throughout the month, you can expect roughly nine days of rain and around 65 mm of precipitation across the city. 

Mist often shrouds the city in the mornings, before giving way to slightly warmer afternoons. The sun (when it does manage to pierce through the clouds) only appears for roughly six hours each day.

What all of this means is that you need to bring warm layers (even a beanie, scarf and gloves) if you’re visiting Fes in the wintertime. Drinking hot mint tea is a great way of warming up while sightseeing. The good news? There is no shortage of places where you can find it.

If you want to stay at a Fes riad with a fireplace, check out Riad Al Bartal, Riad Tizwa or Riad Semlalia.

Is January a busy time in Fes?

Generally speaking, January is a slower time for tourism in Fes compared to the peak summer and autumn months. The only real exception to this is the first few days of January when many visitors are still on their Christmas/New Year’s break.

Thanks to the quieter atmosphere, January can be a wonderful time to explore Fes if you don’t mind the cooler temps. Not only will you encounter far fewer crowds at the city’s major attractions but there will be greater opportunities to connect with locals.

Generally speaking, shopkeepers and artisans will have more time to chat. In my opinion, visiting Fes in January is a great time to enjoy an authentic taste of Moroccan life.

With fewer people flocking to Fes in the wintertime, you may also find that prices for accommodations are lower. Compared to busier months at least.

On the flip-side, some restaurants may have limited hours or close entirely during the month. That being said, I think this is becoming less common as tourism in Morocco is on the rise.

Overall, if you’re seeking a relaxed experience in this ancient city, I think visiting Fes in January can be a memorable off-season getaway. 

What’s on in Fes in January

New Year – December 31/January 1

As with most cities around the world, Fes celebrates the arrival of the New Year with parties across the city. That being said, the festivities aren’t as high energy as in places like Marrakech. Fireworks usually ignite the sky at midnight and finding a rooftop terrace to watch them is highly recommended.

Several riads offer special New Year’s Eve dinner packages, including a multi-course meal and performances by folk musicians. Then, a DJ will keep the party going until the early hours of the next morning. 

Riad Alassala and Riad El Amine both put on magical nights to mark the arrival of the New Year in Fes. 

Proclamation of Independence – January 11

On January 11, 1944, the Istiqlal Party presented a document advocating for Morocco’s independence from French colonial rule. This moment marked a pivotal chapter in the country’s history, sparking a prolonged struggle that eventually led to the nation’s liberation.

Each year, Moroccans come together to commemorate their hard-won freedom, with celebrations held in Fes and beyond. The streets come alive with parades and a variety of festive decorations, all reflecting a lively display of national pride.

Yennayer: Amazigh New Year – January 12 and 13 

Yennayer marks the start of the agricultural year and is celebrated by the Amazigh community across Morocco. While cities such as Fes host festivities for this important cultural occasion, the most genuine Yennayer celebrations take place in the Middle and High Atlas mountains. Here, Amazigh communities organise lively gatherings and traditional Amazigh dishes are lovingly prepared for family feasts.

Best things to do in Fes in January

Due to the reduced crowds, January in Fes is the perfect time to wander through the UNESCO-listed medina. Here, you’ll discover artisan workshops, aromatic food stalls, grand mosques and palaces, as well as traditional funduqs (historic caravanserais that once housed travellers).

While non-Muslims are not allowed to enter, the majestic Mosque and University of Al Quaraouiyine (one of the oldest continually operating universities in the world) is still a sight to behold from the outside. Usually, you can get a peek into its elaborate interior through one of the open doors.

For a bird’s-eye view of the medina, head up to the Merenid Tombs, a 14th-century necropolis perched on a hill above the city. Alternatively, you can soak up the panoramas from the 16th-century fort of Borj Nord, with the light during winter much softer for photography.

Fes is also home to some fantastic museums, including some of my favourites in Morocco. I’d highly recommend visiting the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts, which occupies a beautiful old funduq. Also of ntoe is Dar Batha, a recently restored palace with an impressive collection of Islamic art.

To delve deeper into Morocco’s culinary heritage, you can take a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional dishes like tagines and couscous. Fes is considered the “culinary capital of Morocco”, with Fassi cuisine the specialty here. For inspiration, you’ll find some of the best food tours and experiences in Fes here. 

The chilly weather that Fes experiences in January also makes it an ideal time to indulge in a hammam, a steam bath ritual of cleansing and purification. You can either head to a local hammam (find out what to expect here) or be pampered at a hotel hammam.

Most private hammams offer not only body scrubs but also massages as part of their treatment packages. 

If you want to stay at a Fes riad with a hammam, I have some recommendations here!

For more ideas about things to see and do in Fes, check out my suggested one day itinerary here.

Is January a good time to visit Fes?

If the cold weather doesn’t put you off, January can be a great time to visit Fes. The presence of fewer other tourists does make sightseeing in the medina more enjoyable. For photographers, you’ll have more opportunities to capture images without strangers wandering into the frame.

Visiting Fes in January may also mean discounted rates on flights and hotels. However, this is more likely towards the end of the month, once people return to work after the Christmas/New Year’s break.

Overall, if you don’t mind some cool weather and the possibility of rain, January can be a wonderful time for an uncrowded exploration of ancient Fes.

About Me

I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.

Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.

I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.