Is January a good time to visit Fes? In my opinion, winter in Fes is an ideal time to visit this ancient city, which is considered Morocco's cultural capital. Yes, it’s chilly (the temps 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!
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 alleyways, bustling souks and historic madrasas at a more leisurely pace and the photography opportunities are blissfully crowd-free. You'll have greater ability to interact with locals at the artisan souks, where you can pick up everything from Amazigh rugs to traditional ceramics and hand-crafted leather goods.
While January sees more rain than other months, the showers are usually brief and the vivid green hillsides surrounding the city are a lovely sight. Added to that, you may benefit from lower prices on riads and flights, making Fes in winter perfect if you’re seeking a budget-friendly, authentic 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 Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
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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, Morocco hovers around 16°C (61°F) while the mercury plummets to 6°C (43°F) at night. Throughout the month, you can expect approximately nine days of rain, collectively depositing an average of 65 mm of precipitation across the city.
Mist often shrouds the city in the mornings before giving way to slightly warmer afternoons and the sun (when it does manage to pierce through the clouds) only bathes the city for roughly six hours each day. What this all means is that you need to bring warm layers (even a beanie, scarf and gloves) if you're visiting Fes in winter to ensure you remain comfortable while out and about in the medina. Drinking hot mint tea is a great way of warming up while sightseeing and there is no shortage of places where you can find it.
Top tip: Many Fes riads have open fireplaces where guests can warm up throughout the day and I always book one if I’m visiting Fes in January. Check out Riad Al Bartal, Riad Tizwa or Riad Semlalia if you’d like to do the same.
Visiting Fes in winter
The opulent interior courtyard of Riad Tizwa in Fes (photo courtesy of Expedia)
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 the city if you don’t mind the cooler temps. Not only will you encounter far fewer crowds at the major attractions but there will be greater opportunities to connect with locals. Shopkeepers and artisans will have more time to chat - it really is a great time to enjoy an authentic taste of Fes life.
With fewer people visiting Fes in winter, you may also find that prices for accommodations are lower compared to busier months, although the flipside is that some restaurants may have limited hours or close entirely during the month. Overall, if you’re seeking a tranquil experience in this ancient city, visiting January in Fes can be a memorable off-season getaway.
Visiting Fes in January
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, although 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 an important 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 joyfully celebrated by the Amazigh community across Morocco. While cities such as Fes offer a range of festivities for this important cultural occasion, the most genuine Yennayer celebrations take place in the Middle and High Atlas mountains. Here, Amazigh tribes unite in lively communal gatherings, engaging in singing, dancing and sharing hopes for a bountiful harvest. Elders share their stories and wisdom with the youth and traditional Amazigh dishes are lovingly prepared for family feasts.
Is January a good time to visit Fes?
Best things to do in Fes in January
Due to the reduced crowds, January in Fes is the perfect time to wander through the labyrinthine medina, the largest in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 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 can't 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.
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 renowned for its opulent royal sites, like the 13th-century Royal Palace with its golden doors and exquisite zellij mosaics.
To delve deeper into Morocco's rich culinary heritage, I’d highly recommend taking a cooking class and learning 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 steam bath, a time-honoured 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 of which offer not only body scrubs but also massages as part of their treatment packages.
Is January a good time to visit Fes?
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 and for photographers, you’ll have more opportunities to capture images without strangers wandering into the frame. Visiting Fes in winter may also mean discounted rates on flights and hotels, although this is more likely towards the end of the month once people return to work after the Christmas 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.
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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.