TRAVEL TIPS
Morocco in Winter: What December to February Is Really Like
Is Morocco good in winter? Sunny days, cold desert nights and snow on the Atlas. What December–February is really like, from a Sahara-born local.
Quick answer: Winter is a good time for Morocco if you pack for the swing between warm days and cold nights. Days in Marrakech and the Sahara are often sunny and mild. Nights in a desert camp are genuinely cold, and the High Atlas gets real snow. In return you get fewer crowds, clear blue skies and better rates outside the Christmas and New Year peak.
By Mohamed Karaoui, founder of Marvels of Morocco, who grew up in Merzouga
Winter at a glance
| December–February | |
|---|---|
| Marrakech | Mild, sunny days (around 20°C on a good February day), cool evenings |
| Sahara (Merzouga) | Days around 19–20°C; average night lows around 6°C, the coldest nights close to freezing |
| High Atlas | Real snow on the peaks and passes; the Tizi n’Tichka road can close for short periods |
| Coast (Essaouira) | Mild but windy, better for medina walks than beach days |
| Crowds | Fewer at major sites, except over Christmas and New Year |
Figures from our Sahara temperature guide and best time to visit guide.
Is it worth going to the Sahara in winter?
Yes, if you prepare for the night. I grew up in Merzouga, and winter is when the desert is quietest. Days are pleasant for a camel ride, and the skies are often very clear. But once the sun goes down, the temperature drops fast: the camp night is genuinely cold, not just “fresh”. Pack warm layers, a hat and warm socks for the evening and for sunrise on the dunes.
Snow on the dunes themselves is extremely rare. It is the mountains on the way that get snow.
The mountain roads in winter
The road from Marrakech to the Sahara crosses the High Atlas over the Tizi n’Tichka pass. In winter it sometimes closes for short periods after snowfall, so itineraries may be adjusted for weather or road conditions.
The upside: snow-capped Atlas peaks, often visible from Marrakech, are one of the most striking sights of a winter trip.
What to pack for Morocco in winter
- Warm layers: a fleece or down jacket for desert nights and mountain stops
- Hat, scarf and warm socks: for the camp evening and sunrise on the dunes
- Light layers for the day: city days can still be sunny and mild
- Sunglasses and sunscreen: the winter sun is strong, especially in the desert
See our full Morocco packing list.
Christmas and New Year
The weeks around Christmas and New Year are the busiest of the winter, so book early if you want those dates.
Best winter trips
- 3 days from Marrakech to Merzouga: the classic desert trip, good for a short winter break → 3-day desert tour
- 4 days with 2 desert nights: more time in the dunes, a slower pace → 4-day Sahara tour
- Marrakech and the coast: mild winter days in the cities → 8-day Marrakech, Sahara and Essaouira tour
Frequently Asked Questions
During the day, often yes: mild and sunny in Marrakech and the desert. Evenings and nights are cold, especially in the Sahara and the mountains.
Average lows are around 6°C in December and January, and the coldest nights get close to freezing.
Yes, in the High Atlas mountains. Snow on the Sahara dunes is extremely rare.
Yes, if you pack warm layers: fewer crowds, clear skies and better rates outside the holidays.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
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Planning a winter trip? Tell us your dates and we’ll suggest the best route for the season.