Enjoy sunshine and spice with this inside guide to winter in Marrakech.
Why You Should Visit Marrakech in Winter
When the temperature drops, it’s natural to dream of warmer climates and I regularly see Morocco listed as a top spot for winter sun. Between the traditional riads, with their fountains and intricately tiled courtyards, and the villas for rent in Marrakech, you’ll find plenty of beautiful places to stay for some rest and relaxation.
But I wanted to talk a little more about winter in Marrakech because it has so much more to offer than simply respite from harsh winter temperatures. Palaces, traditional Moroccan cooking lessons, gardens, souks and UNESCO World Heritage Sites await the curious at all times of the year.
But there’s a moment, usually mid-morning, when Marrakech in winter quietly makes its case. The sun is out, the air is clear, and the sounds of the city sing amid the scent of spice. Because, let’s be clear, Marrakech is not hot in winter. It’s just not as cold as London, so you can walk and explore without wiping frozen tears on your numb cheeks as you go.
The wind will not give you whiplash. Instead, you can stroll. You can pause. You can even sit outside with a glass of mint tea.
A trip to Marrakech during the winter months, which run from December to March, is well worth your time.
Let’s go into a few more details.
The Weather in Marrakech in Winter: Mild but Not Roasting
Daytime temperatures typically sit in the high teens to the low twenties (Celsius). That’s mild but not scorching and the temperature in Marrakech during winter means you can spend a full day exploring the medina and drifting through the souks without wilting and searching for shade.
That said, temperatures can drop after sunset. Evenings can feel chilly, particularly in January and February, and early mornings call for layers. Marrakech is warm enough during the day, but pack a jumper or light jacket for the evening.
Bear in mind that if you plan to take an excursion up to the Atlas Mountains or out to the desert, these will be colder still. When we visited in February, snow blocked some mountain passes.
Top tip: riads can feel cold first thing, thanks to their tiled floors and courtyards, so slippers help as well.
December, January and February: Which is the Best Time to Visit?
Marrakech in December offers cooler December days and a distinct absence of Christmas markets and festivities. Morocco is a mainly muslim country, so life continues as normal, although if you look hard, you can find some celebrations of Christmas through expats and the smaller groups of Moroccan Christians.
January and February are cooler at night but tend to be bright and clear during the day. Late January, in particular, is one of the best times to enjoy the city if you like walking and photography. Visiting in January or February also tends to mean fewer tourist numbers and fewer crowds overall, as many Europeans take advantage of the school Christmas holidays to travel around Christmas and New Year.
By March, winter begins to blend into spring, with warmer afternoons and longer days – but also rising visitor numbers as peak season approaches.
The Best Places to Stay in Winter in Marrakech
Choosing the right base for your winter stay in Marrakech can shape the entire trip. The city’s accommodation ranges from atmospheric riads tucked inside the medina to stylish hotels with terraces designed for winter sun. Where you stay affects how you experience the city, especially during the cooler months.
Riads in the Medina
For many travellers, staying in a riad is central to a visit to Marrakech. These traditional Moroccan houses are built around a central courtyard and are particularly well suited to winter. Their thick walls help regulate temperature, and sunny courtyards often feel pleasantly warm during the day.
A riad in the medina puts you within easy walking distance of the souks, the main square and the evening food stalls. This matters in winter, when you’re more likely to explore on foot throughout the day rather than retreating from the heat. Many riads also have rooftop terraces where you can sit outside with mint tea, watching the light fade over the city.
Winter mornings in a riad tend to be calm and unhurried, and evenings are ideal for candlelit dinners or reading in quiet corners after a long day in the streets.
One thing to note? They’re not generally known for good soundproofing, though.
Central Hotels with Rooftop Terraces
Rooftops come into their own during winter in Marrakech. Hotels with roof terraces or rooftop bars offer a welcome place to sit outside in the sunshine without the intensity of summer heat. Afternoon light is softer, sunsets are slower, and views often stretch as far as the Atlas Mountains on clear days.
These hotels can be a good option if you like a little more space or prefer shared areas designed for lingering, particularly after a day in the medina.
Staying Outside the Medina
If you prefer more space or quieter surroundings, neighbourhoods beyond the medina walls offer larger hotels and villas, often with gardens. These can work well in winter, especially for longer stays or for travellers who value a slower pace, though you’ll rely more on taxis to reach the old city.
If you’re hoping to rest and relax more than charge around sightseeing, then staying in a villa beyond the centre of town makes sense for you.
The Best Things to Do in Marrakech in Winter
In all honesty, many of the best things to do in Marrakech are simply more pleasant without the heat of summer. Such as…
Shopping in the Souks of Marrakech
The medina is dense, noisy and endlessly fascinating but in summer it can feel overwhelming. In winter, it’s manageable. Shopping in the souks becomes less about endurance and, dare I say it, a bit more fun.
And for the uninitiated, it’s not exactly about shopping itself. It’s about learning about the arts and crafts of the area. Polished bright lamps dripping like stalactites and glittering through narrow streets, spices piled high, incense and maze-like passageways, dyed leather, opaque crystals and sapphire slippers.
Drifting Through the UNESCO Approved Main Square
The city’s pulse still beats through UNESCO-approved Jemaa el-Fnaa, with its snake charmers and orange juice pressers and more. By evening, it transforms into a patchwork of food stalls, smoke, sound and ritual. But without the sweat.
Rooftops and Terraces
A lunch outside in the sunshine or a sunset drink on a terrace is one of winter’s quiet pleasures. No need to run for shade at this time of year.
Warm Up in A Hammam or Spa
Cooler weather makes a hammam irresistible. Whether you choose a neighbourhood traditional hammam or a polished spa, winter is the right season to embrace steam, heat and ritual cleansing – without feeling that it’s all been undone as soon as you step outside into the heat.
Even More UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Beyond the street life of the medina, Marrakech’s historic sites reveal layers of power, faith and craftsmanship. The Bahia Palace offers a glimpse into 19th-century court life, with its quiet courtyards, intricate zellij tilework and carved cedar ceilings. Nearby, the Medersa Ben Youssef speaks to the city’s intellectual past: it was once the largest Islamic college in North Africa.
The Saadian Tombs, sealed for centuries and only rediscovered in the 20th century, reveal another side of dynastic ambition through finely detailed mausoleums.
More coming soon…
Riads in Marrakech: Winter’s Secret Advantage
Riads in Marrakech were built for climate control before air-conditioning existed. In winter, their thick walls and inward-facing courtyards trap warmth during the day and in the summer, the cool tiles and architecture keep the heat out.
And, let’s face it, they’re beautiful.
You’ll find greater availability, in general, in Marrakech during the winter if you travel in the off-peak season (winter except for the Christmas holidays.)
Day Trips that Work Best in Winter
If you ask me, it’s worth spending a few days in Marrakech and then driving around the rest of Morocco, either on your own or with a group. However, if you need to keep Marrakech as a base, then these are the day trips worth looking into.
The Atlas Mountains
This striking mountain range is perfect for hiking and in winter, the snowy peaks make the views even better. Bear in mind that snow can close off some mountain passes, though, which can be hard to imagine from the sunny comfort of Marrakech.
Essaouira
The Atlantic coast at Essaouira is brisk but still eye-catching in winter. With fewer visitors, it’s easier to navigate the photogenic streets of this 18th century fortified town and its blue shutters without trying to dodge too many Instagrammers.
Sahara Desert
If your visit to Marrakech is part of a longer trip to Morocco, winter is the safest and most comfortable season to head towards the Sahara Desert. Camel treks, desert camps with Berbers, and long drives are far more manageable without extreme heat.
Moroccan Cuisine is Made for This
Perhaps surprisingly, winter suits Moroccan cuisine. Slow-cooked tagines, soups, bread pulled from communal ovens – all of these dishes make sense during the cooler months. Evenings in the medina often revolve around warmth: hot food, hot drinks, conversation. I’d highly recommend taking a cooking class to get a deeper appreciation of the Red City.
Sitting at a stall in the square with something steaming in front of you, wrapped in a scarf, is one of those small travel moments that you’ll remember forever.
Travel Tips for Visiting Marrakech in the Winter
- Pack layers: a light jacket, scarf, and closed shoes at the very least. I’d recommend thick socks too.
- Days are warm enough, nights can be cold.
- Don’t assume all accommodation is heated – make sure to ask in advance.
- Remember that Morocco is a Muslim country, so winter clothing should still be modest. This guide can help you work out what to wear in a muslim country.
- Winter is popular but not overwhelming; book ahead for Christmas and New Year travel.
For more details, see our article on what to pack for Morocco.
Is Marrakech Worth Visiting in Winter?
Absolutely. In fact, it’s one of my favourite times to visit.
For travellers looking for winter sun, culture, and depth, Marrakech in winter makes a very strong case.
Enjoy your winter trip!
