December is one of Morocco's most underrated months. While Northern Europe disappears into cold and darkness, Morocco offers mild days, empty medinas, some of the best hotel deals of the year, and a winter atmosphere in the Sahara that most people never see. Christmas and New Year in Marrakech has become increasingly popular — and for good reason.
This guide covers everything about visiting Morocco in December 2026: what the weather is actually like, where to spend Christmas and New Year, what events happen, and how to navigate the holiday pricing.
December in Morocco at a Glance
| Factor | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Weather (Marrakech) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | 12-20°C days, 5-10°C evenings |
| Crowds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Very few tourists (except Dec 22-Jan 5) |
| Hotel prices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Lowest of year (except Christmas week) |
| Sahara experience | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Perfect temperatures |
| Atlas Mountains | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Snow at altitude, skiing possible |
| Beach (Agadir) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Mild but not hot, 18-22°C |
| Photography | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Incredible winter light |
December Weather: City by City
Marrakech
Days: 12-20°C (mild, mostly sunny) Evenings: 5-10°C (need a jacket) Rain: Rare (maybe 3-4 days in the month) Sunshine: Average 7 hours/day
What this means: You can explore the medina comfortably all day. Evenings require layers. No AC needed, no sweating through the souks.
Casablanca
Days: 13-18°C Evenings: 9-13°C Rain: More likely than Marrakech (Atlantic influence) Sunshine: 5-6 hours/day
Agadir
Days: 18-22°C Water: 18-20°C (too cold for most swimmers, but beach walks are lovely) Sunshine: 8 hours/day — the sunniest Moroccan city in December
Fes
Days: 10-16°C Evenings: 4-8°C (cold) Rain: Possible Best for: Winter medina exploration without summer heat
Sahara (Merzouga)
Days: 15-22°C (perfect) Nights: 0-5°C (cold — bring warm sleeping gear) Sunshine: Full days of sun Best for: Desert experience without brutal heat
Atlas Mountains
Altitude 2000m+: Snow possible from November Skiing at Oukaïmeden: Usually open December-February Toubkal summit: Requires crampons and ice axe in December — serious mountaineering
Christmas in Morocco
Morocco is predominantly Muslim, so Christmas isn't a national holiday. But international hotels, riads catering to European guests, and Marrakech's cosmopolitan dining scene create a recognizable festive atmosphere.
What you'll find
- Luxury riads and hotels often decorate and offer Christmas dinner packages
- International restaurants in Gueliz (Marrakech's French district) run Christmas menus
- Christmas markets are small but exist in some international neighborhoods
- New Year's Eve events at rooftop bars and hotels are well-organized
What you won't find
- Christmas lights across medinas (except in tourist-facing spots)
- Everything closed on December 25 (it's a normal working day for locals)
- The commercial Christmas saturation of European cities
Honest assessment: If you're looking for a classic Christmas atmosphere, Morocco isn't trying to replicate it. But if you want an escape from the commercialism with warmth, good food, and different culture — it's excellent.
Best Places in Morocco for Christmas & New Year
Marrakech
The most popular choice. Hundreds of riads offer Christmas packages including decorated common areas, Christmas Eve dinner, and New Year's countdown events. The cosmopolitan dining scene — French, Italian, modern Moroccan — is excellent.
Christmas highlights:
- Christmas dinner at La Mamounia (legendary hotel, book 3+ months ahead)
- Rooftop dinner at Nomad with medina views
- Traditional Moroccan Christmas Eve dinner at most riads (included in packages)
- New Year's Eve on a medina rooftop — countdown with view of city
Practical: Marrakech in December is 12-20°C. Pack layers. The medina is pleasant for walking all day.
Sahara (Merzouga)
The most magical choice. Spending Christmas Eve in the Sahara — camel trek at sunset, Berber camp dinner under stars, Christmas morning watching the sun rise over dunes — is an experience that no European Christmas competes with.
December temperatures in the desert are perfect for camping: 15-22°C by day, 0-5°C at night (quality sleeping bags provided by good camps).
Christmas highlights:
- Christmas Eve Berber dinner around a fire in the dunes
- Christmas morning Sahara sunrise
- New Year's countdown far from city lights under the Milky Way
Book well ahead: December Sahara tours sell out. Best luxury camps are booked 3-4 months in advance for Christmas week.
Essaouira
The bohemian alternative. Morocco's most artistic coastal city is quieter in December but charming. Smaller expat community, some festive events at international restaurants, excellent fish tagine, and the dramatic December Atlantic makes for atmospheric walks along the ramparts.
Who it's for: Couples who want something low-key and genuine over a packaged Christmas experience.
Chefchaouen
The wintery mountain choice. December in the blue city is cold (6-14°C) but beautiful — fewer tourists, misty mornings in the Rif Mountains, the blue alleys in winter light. Some riads stay open with heating and create small Christmas dinners.
Who it's for: Photography enthusiasts, those who prefer authenticity over festive trappings.
December Pricing: The Truth
The pricing reality
December has two very different pricing zones:
Early December (Dec 1-20): Some of the lowest prices of the year. Hotel rates drop 30-50% from peak season (October). You can get riads for €60-100/night that cost €150-200+ in October.
Christmas week (Dec 22-Jan 5): Prices surge 50-200% at popular hotels. La Mamounia, Royal Mansour, and luxury riads charge premium Christmas packages (€500-1,500/night). Even budget riads triple rates.
Strategy:
- Budget travelers: Come Dec 1-20, leave before Dec 22
- Luxury travelers: Book Christmas packages 3-4 months ahead to get the best properties
- Mid-range: Early December for best value, or wait for January
Things to Do in Morocco in December
Best December activities
1. Sahara overnight tours Peak season for desert. Comfortable temperatures, clear skies, no sandstorms. Book verified operators through GetYourGuide.
2. Atlas Mountains skiing Oukaïmeden ski resort (2,600m), 74km from Marrakech, usually has snow cover December-February. Small ski area but genuinely fun — skiing in Africa is an experience. Day trip from Marrakech.
3. Imperial cities circuit Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, Fes — all pleasant in December with mild temperatures and far fewer tourists than spring.
4. Medina photography December light in Moroccan medinas is extraordinary: low sun angle creates long golden-hour windows in the morning and evening. The lack of summer crowds means better compositions.
5. Hammam season December is when hammam culture makes the most sense. A traditional steam bath and scrub in a chilly medina afternoon. Most riads can book hammam experiences.
What to Pack for December Morocco
Marrakech/cities
- Light jacket + warm layer for evenings
- Comfortable walking layers (remove as day warms up)
- Scarf (sun, modesty, evening warmth)
- Light rain jacket (just in case)
Sahara overnight
- Everything from cities PLUS
- Warm sleeping clothes (good camps provide blankets but bring thermals)
- Warm hat and gloves for pre-dawn dune climbs
Atlas skiing
- Full ski layers if you plan to ski
- Very warm jacket even if just watching
December Events Worth Planning Around
| Event | When | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Christmas Eve dinners | Dec 24 | All major cities |
| New Year's Eve countdowns | Dec 31 | Marrakech (most organized) |
| Sahara Festival | Late December | Merzouga |
| Oukaïmeden ski season opens | December | Atlas Mountains |
FAQ
Is Morocco warm in December? Marrakech and Agadir: mild (12-20°C days). Not beach weather but very comfortable for sightseeing. Fes and the north: cooler (8-15°C). Sahara: perfect days (15-22°C) but cold nights.
Is Morocco good for Christmas? Genuinely good if you adjust expectations. You won't find reindeer and carol singers. You will find great food, fascinating culture, mild weather, and luxury riads doing excellent Christmas packages. For escaping commercial Christmas while having a memorable festive holiday — excellent.
When should I book for Christmas in Morocco? For luxury properties (La Mamounia, Royal Mansour, top riads), book 3-4 months ahead. Christmas week sells out in quality properties.
Is the Sahara too cold in December? Days are perfect (15-22°C). Nights are cold (0-5°C) but luxury camps provide warm sleeping equipment. It's actually one of the best Sahara experiences — no brutal heat.
Can I celebrate New Year's Eve in Morocco? Yes. Marrakech has the most organized scene with rooftop countdowns at hotels and restaurants. Casablanca has restaurant events. It's not Times Square but it's warm and festive.
Is Morocco expensive in December? Early December: among the cheapest time to visit. Christmas week: premium pricing, especially at popular properties.
Final Thoughts
December Morocco is the best-kept secret in European winter travel. Early in the month: lowest prices, emptiest medinas, perfect Sahara conditions. Christmas week: festive but different, genuinely special if you embrace what Morocco offers rather than what European cities replicate.
The Sahara at Christmas, skiing in the Atlas, and hot hammams in cold medinas — these are December Morocco experiences that don't exist anywhere else.
Planning Morocco for Christmas or New Year? Our team helps with riads, Sahara tours, and custom festive itineraries. Get a free consultation →
