Morocco, a beautiful North African country full of landscape contrasts. From golden deserts and snowy mountain peaks to historical cities and calm coastal towns, the country offers many different landscapes and climates. December is a special month to visit Morocco because it shows this diversity at its best.
During this time, you can expect mild and sunny days that are perfect for exploring. Nights, however, can get quite cold, especially in the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains, where snow is also possible. Rain may fall in some regions, but overall, most days in December are clear and pleasant. This balance of cool nights and sunny days makes December a great period to enjoy Morocco’s beauty without the crowds of peak season.
December Weather Overview
| Region | Weather | Highlights/Risk | Temperature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sahara Desert | Warm Days – Cold Nights | Camel Trekking – Camping – Stargazing | 5-24°C (41-75°F) |
| Imperial Cities | Mild Days – Cool Nights – Occasional Rain | Old City Tours | 7-19°C (44-66°F) |
| Atlas Mountains | Cold – Possibly Snow | Skiing – Snow Views / Flauds – Road Blockades | -3-19°C (26-66°F) – Can Be Lower in Higher Elevations |
| Coastal Cities | Milder – Damp At Times | Seafood – Coastal Walks | 10-20°C (50-68°F) |
Pros & Cons of Visiting Morocco in December
December is a great time to visit Morocco because the weather is mostly pleasant. It is not too hot, which makes sightseeing, walking in the medinas, and outdoor activities like camel trekking and camping more comfortable. This is also the perfect month to combine different landscapes in one trip: you can experience the golden dunes of the Sahara Desert, the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains, and even enjoy fresh air along the Atlantic coast. Another big advantage is that during the first weeks of December, Morocco is less crowded with tourists. This gives you more space and peace to discover cities, historical sites, and natural spots without the usual rush.
Although December is considered a good month to travel, there are a few challenges you should keep in mind. Nights can get very cold, especially in the desert and the Atlas mountains, and some areas might have occasional rain or snow that can temporarily block roads. Also, while Morocco is not a Christian country, the last week of December gets very busy with visitors coming for Christmas and New Year celebrations. Marrakech and the Sahara Desert, in particular, see a big rise in tourism at this time. This means higher prices for hotels, tours, and flights. Planning early is important if you want to enjoy this festive period without paying extra.
Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Morocco.
Packing for December in Morocco
This is a list of the essential things to pack if you are travelling to Morocco in December:
- Layered clothes: base, mid, outer
- Warm jackets, thermal wear, sweaters
- Waterproof items (rain jacket, umbrella)
- Good walking shoes/boots
- Accessories: hat, gloves, scarf
- Power/electronics: chargers, portable battery
Popular Itineraries for Visiting Morocco in December
14 Day Morocco December Itinerary: Christmas & New Year’s Eve
- Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca / 24 December
- Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Tangier / 25 December
- Day 3: Free Morning in Tangier – Transfer to Chefchaouen / 26 December
- Day 4: Free Day in Chefchaouen / 27 December
- Day 5: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes / 28 December
- Day 6: Fes Guided Tour / 29 December
- Day 7: Fes – Middle Atlas – Ziz Valley – Merzouga / 30 December
- Day 8: Merzouga Desert Tour / 31 December
- Day 9: Merzouga – Rissani – Todra Gorges – Dades Valley / 1 January
- Day 10: Dades – Skoura – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech / 2 January
- Day 11: Marrakech Guided Tour / 3 January
- Day 12: Marrakech – Essaouira / 4 January
- Day 13: Essaouira – Casablanca / 5 January
- Day 14: Transfer to the Airport / 6 January
4 Day Morocco December Itinerary: Sahara Desert Tour
- Day 1: Marrakech – Atlas Mountains – Ait Benhaddou – Ouarzazate – Rose Valley – Dades Gorges
- Day 2: Boumaln Dades – Todra Canyons- Camel ride – Desert Glamping
- Day 3: Merzouga – Rissani – Nqob – Ouarzazate
- Day 4: Ouarzazate – High Atlas Mountains – Marrakech
Practical Tips for Visiting Morocco in December
Here is a short list of essential tips to follow to effectively enjoy your Moroccan trip during December.
- Accommodation: Check for heating, blankets, especially in the desert and the Atlas mountains.
- Road & transport issues in December: Expect snow and rain in some areas of the Atlas mountains.
- Booking ahead for holiday periods (Christmas, New Year).
- Health & safety (hydration, sunscreen during the days in the desert, and some imperial cities).
- Bring Extra Layers: jackets, gloves, scarf.
- Rain Gear: Umbrella, waterproof jackets, & boots.
FAQs
Yes, December is a good period to visit Morocco, the weather is mostly pleasant with a few cold nights in some areas like the desert and the Atlas Mountains.
Yes, the Sahara Desert is perfect to visit during December, with warm days and chilly nights, excellent for camel trekking and camping under the stars.
Yes, it usually snows in Morocco during December, especially in the Atlas Mountains.
It occasionally rains in different places in Morocco during December, except snowy peaks in the Atlas mountains.
