January is a great time to visit Morocco, with pleasant weather and clear days across most of the country’s regions. Nights can be cold, especially in the Atlas Mountains, where you may even see snow, while the Sahara Desert offers the perfect mix of warm days and chilly nights. This period is less crowded with tourists, meaning better prices, more availability in riads and hotels, and a calmer, more authentic experience. Whether you are exploring imperial cities, hiking mountain trails, or riding camels in the desert, January lets you enjoy Morocco at its most genuine.
January Weather by Region in Morocco
| Region | Temperature |
|---|---|
| Desert (Merzouga/Draa) | Warm days (up to 20 °C), cold nights below 4 °C |
| Imperial Cities (Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, Rabat) | Comfortable 18–21 °C during the day |
| Atlas Mountains (Toubkal area) | Chilly, often below freezing; snow possible |
| Coastal Cities (Tangier, Casablanca, Essaouira) | Mild and breezy, 15–18 °C during the day |
Things to Do and See During January in Morocco
These are the top things to do and see when travelling to Morocco during January:
- The Sahara Desert: Experience Camel Trekking and camping.
- The Imperial cities: Explore old Cities and wander around colorful markets.
- The Atlas Mountains: Hike up the mountains, go skiing.
- Coastal Cities: Relax on Charming beaches and enjoy fresh seafood.
- Visit the blue city of Chefchaouen.
Itinerary Ideas For January in Morocco
7 Day Morocco Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrive in Marrakech – Visit Marrakech
- Day 2: Marrakech – Atlas mountains – Ait Benhaddou – Dades Gorges
- Day 3: Dades Gorges – Merzouga – Camel Trekking & Camping
- Day 4: Merzouga – Fes
- Day 5: Visit Fes – Chefchaouen
- Day 6: Chefchaouen – Rabat – Casablanca
- Day 7: Departure
10 Day Morocco Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
- Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Chefchaouen
- Day 3: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Fes
- Day 4: Exploring Fes
- Day 5: Fes – Merzouga Desert – Camel Trekking – Camping
- Day 6: Merzouga Desert – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges
- Day 7: Dades Gorges – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech
- Day 8: Exploring Marrakech
- Day 9: Marrakech – Casablanca
- Day 10: Departure
Two Week Morocco Itinerary:
- Day 1: Arrival in Casablanca
- Day 2: Casablanca – Rabat – Asilah – Tangier
- Day 3: Tangier – Akchour Waterfalls – Chefchaouen
- Day 4: Free Day in Chefchaouen
- Day 5: Chefchaouen – Volubilis – Meknes – Fes
- Day 6: Exploring Fes
- Day 7: Fes – Merzouga Desert – Camel Trekking – Camping
- Day 8: Merzouga Discovery Tour
- Day 9: Merzouga – Todra Gorges – Dades Gorges
- Day 10: Dades Gorges – Ouarzazate – Ait Benhaddou – Marrakech
- Day 11: Explore Marrakech
- Day 12: Marrakech – Essaouira
- Day 13: Essaouira – Casablanca
- Day 14: Departure
What to Pack for Morocco in January
Here is a concise list of the essential things to pack for Morocco during January:
- Warm Layers: Jacket, Sweater, Scarf, Boots.
- Hat and sun creams for the desert.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Umbrella
Read More Here: What to pack for a trip to Morocco.
Morocco Travel Tips for January
- Learn basic Arabic and Berber Phrases.
- Check the Weather beforehand and pack accordingly.
- Bring warm clothes.
- Book Accommodation as early as possible. Look for Riads instead of Hotels.
- Check for heating in Accommodations.
Read more here: Do’s and Don’ts in Morocco.
