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Climate month by month

Marrakech weather in December

In December Marrakech averages 20 °C in the afternoon and 7 °C at night, with about 7.25 hours of sunshine a day and 4 rainy days. Days are sunny and mild, nights cold, and the Atlas is often snow-capped.

Average high20°Records 31°
Average low7°Records -2°
Rain24 mm4.1 rainy days
Sunshine7.3 hh a day · UV index 3
Sunrise / sunset07:25 – 17:31GMT · 15/12
Humidity65 %Average
Sea at Essaouira≈ 19°Essaouira
Score72/100Our score

Temperatures and sunshine

December brings a bright winter: afternoons around 18-22 °C in the sun, cold mornings (5-8 °C, sometimes near 0 °C) and the shortest days of the year, about 10 hours, with sunset around 5:30 pm. Rain (24 mm) comes in spells of a few days.

Christmas and New Year in Marrakech

The festive season is the busiest time of winter: top prices and bookings needed months ahead for riads and New Year’s Eve dinners. Hotels are festive while the medina keeps its usual rhythm. On New Year’s Eve temperatures drop fast: dress warmly for rooftops.

Things to do in December

Culture, hammams and Moroccan cooking take centre stage. On clear days, climb to a rooftop to see the snowy Atlas, or drive up to Oukaïmeden if the snow has arrived. Nights in the Agafay Desert are magical but cold: choose a heated camp.

Good to know

Riads are rarely well heated: check before booking. Before 20 December, calm streets and lower prices make early December a great window for a weekend.

Marrakech vs Europe in December

Average daily high (°C).

Marrakech20°
Madrid10°
London9°
Paris8°

1991-2020 averages (Marrakech-Menara, Météo-France, Met Office, AEMET).

Pros

  • + Winter sun and mild days
  • + Snowy Atlas
  • + Festive atmosphere in hotels

Cons

  • – Cold nights, poorly heated riads
  • – Very high prices over the holidays
  • – Shortest days

What to pack

  • Coat or down jacket
  • Warm jumpers and scarf
  • Sunglasses
  • Closed shoes
  • Warm outfit for a New Year rooftop
72

Our score for DecemberIdeal for escaping grey European skies for a few days, with evenings spent somewhere warm.

FAQ

Is Marrakech cold in December?

Afternoons are mild (20 °C) but nights are cold, around 7 °C and sometimes close to 0 °C. Bring a coat for the evening.

What is the weather like at Christmas in Marrakech?

Usually sunny by day at 18-20 °C and cool in the evening. A few rainy days remain possible.

Can you ski near Marrakech in December?

Sometimes: Oukaïmeden depends on snowfall, which is usually more reliable from January to March. Check conditions before going.