Is January a good time to visit Marrakech? While the "Red City" is often the poster child of hot North African cities (and it is scorching here in the summer months), the temperatures are actually pleasantly mild in winter. Marrakech in January offers a wonderful escape from the winter chill if you’re coming from many parts of the Northern Hemisphere and I much prefer it compared to visiting during the height of summer.
The scenery in Marrakech in January is particularly striking, with the earthy red buildings juxtaposed against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The temperatures are perfect for wandering through the medina and shopping in the souks or simply basking in the sunshine on a rooftop terrace. And while Marrakech in January is still a relatively busy time in the medina, the crowds are not as overwhelming as other times of the year.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Marrakech in January, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Marrakech 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.
For more information about exploring the "Red City", check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
Visiting Marrakech in January
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Marrakech weather in January
In January, Marrakech enjoys mild, agreeable weather that is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Daytime temperatures typically reach around 20°C (68°F), with clear blue skies and bright sunshine bathing the city. The air is crisp and fresh in the mornings, perfect for enjoying a hot mint tea or coffee on the terrace of your riad as the city awakens. Afternoons remain pleasantly warm, allowing you to comfortably stroll through the medina and shop in the artisan souks while wearing just a T-shirt.
However, once the sun begins to set, the temperatures drop quite rapidly, with average nightly lows of 6°C (43°F). The evenings and nights can be surprisingly chilly, so it's essential to pack warm layers like a coat or jacket to bundle up in when venturing out for dinner or an evening stroll.
Top tip: As the nighttime temperatures in January can drop significantly, I always love to book into a Marrakech riad with a fireplace when visiting in the wintertime. Riad Mur Akush, Riad Safa and Riad Azzar all have fireplaces where you can cosy up either before or after heading out at night.
You can discover more riads in the Marrakech medina here.
Visiting Marrakech in January
One of the lounges at Riad Safa, one of the many Marrakech riads with a fireplace (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Is January a busy time in Marrakech?
While January in Marrakech isn’t too busy, there are still plenty of tourists around, particularly during the first two weeks of the month when many people are on their Christmas/New Year’s break. If you are visiting Marrakech for New Year’s, I would highly recommend booking well in advance and making a reservation at your restaurant of choice for December 31. Many of the city’s best riads and hotels will book out, especially for the first week or two of January. If you’re travelling to Marrakech in late January, things will start to quieten down, although don’t expect the city to be empty.
Visiting Marrakech in January
What’s on in Marrakech in January
New Year - December 31/January 1
As with most cities around the world, Marrakech celebrates the New Year in style, with parties taking place throughout the medina and beyond. While some of the Agafay Desert camps host celebrations with fireworks, the city itself isn’t so big on explosive displays. Instead, most of the city’s best restaurants host special New Year’s Eve dinners (bookings are essential) and things kick on at rooftop bars and clubs across the city. ViaVia Marrakech, Kabana and Buddha Bar are all really popular places to head or you can just mingle with the masses in Djemaa el-Fnaa.
Proclamation of Independence - January 11
On January 11, 1944, the Istiqlal Party submitted a document calling for Morocco's independence from French colonial control. This event was a crucial turning point in the nation's history, igniting a lengthy battle that ultimately resulted in the liberation of the North African country. Every year, Moroccans unite to celebrate their hard-earned freedom, with festivities taking place in Marrakech and beyond. Parades fill the streets, adorned with colourful banners and flags, showcasing a vibrant expression of national pride.
Yennayer: Amazigh New Year - January 12 and 13
Yennayer is celebrated by the Amazigh community throughout Morocco to signify the beginning of the agricultural year. While Marrakech hosts festivities for this significant cultural event, the most authentic Yennayer celebrations occur in the Middle and High Atlas mountain areas. In these regions, Amazigh tribes gather, coming together to sing, dance and share their aspirations for a fruitful growing season. Elders pass down stories and wisdom to the younger generation while traditional Amazigh dishes are lovingly prepared for grand feasts.
Marrakech Marathon
Held on the last weekend of January each year, the Marrakech Marathon is an annual event that draws runners from around the globe. It takes athletes on a relatively flat course along the edge of the city’s 12th-century ramparts and as it’s not too challenging, it’s ideal if you’re just getting into the sport. For those not quite ready to tackle the full 42-kilometre distance, there is also a half-marathon option available. In 2025, the Marrakech Marathon will be taking place on January 26 and around 12,000 runners are expected to compete! Register here.
Visiting Marrakech in January
Best things to do in Marrakech in January
With its pleasant daytime temps and relatively dry weather, January is a wonderful time for sightseeing in Marrakech. Simply wandering the medina and shopping in the souks is pleasant due to the mild temperatures and you won’t feel the need to escape into air conditioning every few others (as I sometimes feel when visiting Marrakech at other times of the year).
If you’re travelling to Marrakech in January, I’d recommend admiring the architecture of Palais Bahia and Madrasa Ben Youssef, as well as paying a visit to the Dar Si Said Museum. You can learn about Yves Saint Laurent’s links to Marrakech while strolling through the Majorelle Gardens before soaking up views of the Koutoubia Mosque from one of the city’s rooftop restaurants. As the sun sets, make your way to the pulsing heart of Marrakech, Djemaa el-Fnaa, where snake charmers, storytellers and musicians entertain the crowds.
One of the best things to do in Marrakech in January is to take a hot air balloon ride - sunrise is later in the wintertime and you won’t have to set your alarm so early! Floating above the city while enjoying views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains really is special and an experience you won’t forget. When the temperatures drop, there’s no better place to be than a hammam and Marrakech boasts some of the country’s best. Not only will you be toasty warm but you’ll be scrubbed squeaky clean during what is a traditionally Moroccan spa experience.
Is January a good time to visit Marrakech?
While January falls during Morocco’s winter season, it can actually be a great time to visit Marrakech. The weather is mild during the day and chilly at night - for me this is the perfect combination! I love that you can be walking around in single layers during the afternoon with the sun shining on your back before cosying up beside a fireplace at your riad in the evenings. While early January can still be quite busy with tourists on their Christmas/New Year’s break, things quieten down a bit by the end of the month.
It’s worth keeping in mind that there is a slightly higher chance of rain in January compared to other months, with around five rainy days on average. But overall, the temperate weather and sparser crowds make January an ideal time to visit Marrakech and experience the authentic character of the city.
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About the author
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 majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.