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Climate month by month

Marrakech weather in January

In January Marrakech averages 19 °C in the afternoon and 6 °C at dawn, with about 7.5 hours of sunshine a day and only 3 rainy days. Days are mild and bright, nights properly cold: it is the coolest month of the year.

Average high19°Records 30°
Average low6°Records -4°
Rain25 mm3 rainy days
Sunshine7.4 hh a day · UV index 3
Sunrise / sunset07:33 – 17:51GMT · 15/01
Humidity65 %Average
Sea at Essaouira≈ 18°Essaouira
Score64/100Our score

Temperatures and sunshine

January is the heart of the Moroccan winter, but a very sunny one: skies are often crisp blue after a weather front passes, the air is dry and the low light is great for photos. In the afternoon it reaches 18-21 °C in the sun; once the sun sets, around 5:50 pm, the temperature drops fast. Frost is rare in town (the record low is −3.6 °C) but 3-5 °C mornings are common.

Sunrise is late, around 7:30 am, and days last just over 10 hours. Plan your sightseeing between 10 am and 5 pm, when it is warmest.

Snow on the Atlas

This is January’s postcard view: on clear days the snow-capped High Atlas rises behind the palm trees, visible from medina rooftops and the Menara gardens. When there is enough snow, Oukaïmeden ski station, 1.5 hours away, opens its slopes. In Imlil nights often fall below freezing.

Things to do in January

It is the season for culture and warmth: Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, then a hammam at the end of the day. The Agafay Desert delivers spectacular sunsets but cold evenings: camps provide blankets and braziers. The Marrakech International Marathon is traditionally held at the end of January (31 January in 2027).

Good to know

Riads are rarely well heated, so ask whether your room has a heater or fireplace. After the Christmas break, flight and hotel prices drop noticeably. 1, 11 and 14 January are public holidays in Morocco (New Year, Independence Manifesto, Amazigh New Year): offices close, souks stay open.

Marrakech vs Europe in January

Average daily high (°C).

Marrakech19°
Madrid10°
London9°
Paris8°

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

Pros

  • + Clear, bright skies most days
  • + Snowy Atlas visible from the city
  • + Low prices after the holidays
  • + Few crowds at the big sights

Cons

  • – Cold nights (5-6 °C) in poorly heated riads
  • – Short days, dark by 6 pm
  • – Too cool for the pool

What to pack

  • Light down jacket or coat for the evening
  • Warm jumper and scarf
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen (the sun is strong by day)
  • Closed shoes
  • Warm pyjamas for riad nights
64

Our score for JanuaryA good month for a bright, cultural city break, as long as you accept wintry evenings. Not a pool month.

FAQ

Is Marrakech cold in January?

Afternoons are mild (19 °C on average) but nights fall to around 6 °C, sometimes close to 0 °C. Evenings and mornings feel cold, especially in poorly heated riads.

Can you swim in Marrakech in January?

Not really: unheated pools are cold and the air rarely passes 21 °C. Some hotels have heated pools; otherwise try a hammam.

Does it snow in Marrakech in January?

Not in the city, but the nearby Atlas is usually snow-capped. On clear days the white peaks are visible from Marrakech and Oukaïmeden may open for skiing.