Oukaïmeden is Africa’s highest ski station: a plateau around 2,650 m, 75 km from Marrakech, with lifts climbing above 3,200 m. It is about 13 °C cooler than the city. In winter people come for snow; in summer for cool air and prehistoric rock carvings.
Snow at Oukaïmeden
Snow cover varies a lot from year to year. The best conditions usually come from January to March after Atlantic weather systems. Some years snow arrives in December; others it waits until February. After heavy snowfall the access road can close temporarily: check our forecast and local information before setting off.
Temperatures
In winter days often stay around 0-8 °C and nights fall well below freezing. In summer the plateau sees 20-25 °C in the afternoon when Marrakech passes 38 °C: an excellent escape, with cool nights.
Oukaïmeden off-season
From May to October the plateau becomes a summer pasture: shepherds, flocks, a lake and prehistoric rock carvings, plus fine hikes. Watch out for afternoon summer storms, common at altitude.
Tips
Leave Marrakech early (1.5 hours’ drive), bring warm clothes even in summer and strong sun protection: altitude and snow glare boost UV.
Average temperatures month by month
| Month | High | Low |
|---|---|---|
| January | 6° | -7° |
| February | 8° | -5° |
| March | 11° | -3° |
| April | 13° | -1° |
| May | 16° | 2° |
| June | 21° | 5° |
| July | 25° | 8° |
| August | 24° | 8° |
| September | 20° | 6° |
| October | 16° | 3° |
| November | 10° | -2° |
| December | 7° | -6° |
Estimate: Marrakech averages adjusted for altitude (2650 m, about 13 °C cooler).