Is December a good time to visit Marrakech? If you’re someone like me who loves the cold, December is a great time to visit Marrakech. But when I say “cold”, I don’t mean “really cold” - in fact, the temperatures in Marrakech in December are quite mild. While you can expect daytime highs around 20°C (68°F), the mercury dips to around 7°C (45°F) at night, which is ideal for cosying up beside a fireplace at your riad.
December also sees fewer crowds compared to the peak spring and autumn seasons, meaning more room to move at popular sites and better deals on accommodations. But that only rings true at the start of the month. By the end of December, it’s once again peak season, with tourists flocking to Marrakech to enjoy their Christmas/New Year’s break. This is a really busy time in the city and advance bookings are a “must”!
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Marrakech in December, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Marrakech in December to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan summer escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in December here.
For more information about exploring the "Red City", check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech.
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Marrakech weather in December
Despite it being the start of winter, the weather in Marrakech in December is generally really pleasant, with mild daytime temperatures and chilly evenings. During the day, you can expect average highs around 21°C (70°F), perfect for exploring the city's souks, palaces and gardens. Just remember to pack a jacket or sweater, as temperatures drop to an average low of 7°C (45°F) at night.
Marrakech’s December skies are generally clear and sunny, with only a 36% chance of partly cloudy weather. Rainfall is also low, with around 20mm on average during the month, so you're unlikely to encounter more than a brief shower. All in all, December is a wonderful time weatherwise to visit Marrakech, particularly for those who don’t like the heat.
Is December a good time to visit Marrakech?
Is December a busy time in Marrakech?
Yes, December is a busy time in Marrakech, with the city seeing an uptick in visitors eager to escape the cold back home. This is particularly true towards the end of the month with the arrival of the Christmas holidays and in anticipation of the New Year's Eve celebrations. Hotels and riads fill up quickly during this period, so be sure to book well in advance!
If you’re planning to head out to dinner to celebrate the arrival of the New Year, you will need to make advance reservations at Marrakech’s most popular restaurants and bars. While the holidays can mean bigger crowds at attractions and higher accommodation prices, the celebratory spirit makes December an unforgettable time to visit Marrakech.
What’s on in Marrakech in December
International Film Festival of Marrakech
This film festival typically occurs from late November to the first week of December, drawing filmmakers, actors and cinema enthusiasts from all corners of the globe. The streets and squares of Marrakech come alive as directors present their latest works, featuring screenings in both theatres and open-air venues across the city. Alongside the film presentations, the festival hosts engaging panel discussions, master classes and networking events, providing the opportunity for filmmakers to meet, collaborate and share ideas.
New Year’s Eve
In Morocco, New Year's Eve celebrations can be quite low-key in smaller towns and villages, but larger cities, such as Marrakech, really do ignite as they say farewell to the year just passed. Both residents and visitors flock to the streets to join in the festivities or enjoy special New Year’s Eve dinners at the city’s upscale hotels and restaurants. If you’re travelling to Marrakech during this period, it’s essential to make your reservations well in advance - at both hotels and restaurants - to ensure you don’t miss out!
Visiting Marrakech in December
Best things to do in Marrakech in December
Marrakech's mild daytime temperatures in December make it the perfect time to immerse yourself in the medina. You can enjoy leisurely walks through the winding streets and explore the bustling souks where you can haggle for textiles, handicrafts and leather goods. Without the stifling heat of the summer months, you can explore almost endlessly and let your curiosity guide you.
If you're planning a trip to Marrakech in December, be sure to check out some of the city's must-see attractions, including Palais Bahia, Madrasa Ben Youssef and Koutoubia Mosque. You can follow in the footsteps of Yves Saint Laurent at the beautiful Jardin Majorelle or explore the leafy courtyards of Le Jardin Secret. As evening falls, make your way to the lively Djemaa el-Fnaa, where you'll encounter snake charmers, storytellers and musicians.
One of the highlights of visiting Marrakech in December is taking a hot air balloon ride. With sunrise occurring later in the winter, you can enjoy a more leisurely morning! Soaring high above the city and taking in the panoramic views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains is truly unforgettable. When the temperatures dip, indulging in a hammam is a "must" and Marrakech is home to some of the country’s finest. You’ll not only feel wonderfully warm but also emerge feeling refreshed and rejuvenated from this traditional Moroccan spa experience.
Is December a good time to visit Marrakech?
Is December a good time to visit Marrakech?
For those who relish crisp, cool weather, December can be an enchanting time to visit Marrakech. While the term "cold" is relative, the temperatures in Morocco’s “Red City” during the final month of the year are pleasantly mild and perfect for immersing yourself in the city's sights and sounds. The early weeks of December also bring the added bonus of fewer crowds, although numbers ramp up considerably over the Christmas/New Year’s period.
While most people probably associate Marrakech with heat, visiting in December offers a different perspective. The chilly temps are perfect for luxuriating in a steamy hammam and the views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains from a hot air balloon are sublime! Marrakech is also one of the best places in Morocco to experience New Year’s Eve celebrations, with parties happening across the city at hotels, restaurants and bars.
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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.