December in Marrakech is the city's wettest month, with about 52mm of rain across roughly 6 days, but daytime temperatures settle at a very walkable 20.9°C (70°F). That is a welcome change from the 40°C furnace the Medina becomes in July. Nights cool to around 8°C (46°F), and you will feel it. Traditional riads with their open courtyards and marble floors can drop to 12-14°C indoors by midnight, so a riad with heating makes a real difference.
This is high season for Marrakech. European visitors arrive for Christmas and New Year's, and riad rates across the Medina and Gueliz climb 40-60% above annual averages. Jemaa el-Fnaa stays alive past 10pm on most nights, the smell of grilled lamb and merguez drifting through air that is finally cool enough to stand near the smoke stalls without wilting. When it runs, the Festival International du Film de Marrakech (FIFM) typically falls in late November or early December, adding a film-industry crowd to the Gueliz restaurant scene.
To be fair, December is not the single best month to visit Marrakech. October and November deliver similar mild days with far less rain and noticeably thinner crowds at lower prices. But December brings fresh snow to the High Atlas, visible from rooftop terraces across the city, and the cool evenings push Marrakech's kitchens toward their heavier winter repertoire. The food stalls on Jemaa el-Fnaa shift to slow-simmered tangia and thick harira, typically running from around 5pm until well after midnight.
Why visit in December
- Daytime temperatures of 20.9°C (70°F) make December one of the most comfortable months for walking the Medina's souks and palaces, a sharp contrast to the 40°C heat of July and August.
- Snow-capped High Atlas peaks create a dramatic winter backdrop visible from rooftop terraces across the city, a view available only from roughly December through February.
- December is peak orange season in Marrakech. The city's thousands of orange trees are heavy with fruit, and fresh-squeezed juice from Jemaa el-Fnaa carts costs about 4 dirham per glass.
- Winter Moroccan cooking reaches its height in December. Tangia, harira, and berkoukes all appear on menus and at food stalls that lean lighter during the hot months.
- The Festival International du Film de Marrakech (FIFM), when it runs in early December, brings international cinema screenings and red-carpet events to Gueliz and the Palais des Congrès.
Worth knowing
- December's 52mm of rainfall makes it the wettest month alongside February. Expect roughly 6 rainy days, and the Medina's narrow streets can flood briefly during heavy downpours.
- Peak-season pricing lifts riad rates 40-60% above average, with premium properties near Jemaa el-Fnaa or in Mouassine adding another 20-30% surcharge during Christmas and New Year's week.
- Nights at 8°C (46°F) feel genuinely cold in traditional riads without central heating. Many budget and mid-range properties still lack it, and the marble and zellige tile floors hold the chill.
- Crowds thicken noticeably in the second half of December. The narrow souks between Jemaa el-Fnaa and Ben Youssef Madrasa can feel congested by mid-morning, and popular Gueliz restaurants book up days in advance.
Best for
Think twice if
December brings Marrakech's mildest and wettest weather together. Daytime highs tend to settle around 20.9°C (70°F), comfortable for walking the Medina's narrow streets without the oppressive heat that defines June through September. Nights drop to about 8°C (46°F), cold enough to warrant a proper jacket. Rainfall reaches 52mm across roughly 6 rainy days, typically falling in short, intense downpours that clear within an hour or so. Humidity sits at a moderate 59%, which feels comfortable against the cool air. Clear days often reveal snow-capped High Atlas peaks on the southern horizon, particularly sharp on mornings after a rain day when dust has been washed from the air.
Seasonal caution
- December nights in Marrakech drop to 8°C (46°F), and many traditional riads lack central heating. Open-courtyard riads with marble and zellige floors can feel colder indoors than outside after midnight. Ask about heating before booking.
- The Tizi n'Tichka pass (2,260m) connecting Marrakech to Ouarzazate can close temporarily after heavy snowfall in December. Check road conditions with your hotel before planning any day trips across the High Atlas.
Year-round climate
Averages from the last 5 years.
| Month | Avg high (°C) | Avg low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21 | 7 | 20 |
| Feb | 22 | 8 | 47 |
| Mar | 23 | 10 | 50 |
| Apr | 27 | 13 | 30 |
| May | 31 | 16 | 11 |
| Jun | 34 | 19 | 1 |
| Jul | 40 | 22 | 0 |
| Aug | 39 | 22 | 0 |
| Sep | 33 | 19 | 6 |
| Oct | 31 | 16 | 18 |
| Nov | 26 | 11 | 12 |
| Dec | 21 | 8 | 52 |
Headline events
Festival International du Film de Marrakech (FIFM)
Late November to early December (dates shift annually, typically spanning 5-7 days)
Morocco's premier film festival, founded in 2001, screens international and Moroccan films across venues in Gueliz and the Medina. The festival features red-carpet premieres, director tributes, and free open-air screenings on Jemaa el-Fnaa that draw thousands. Past editions have honored Martin Scorsese, Cate Blanchett, and Robert De Niro. The FIFM adds a distinctly cosmopolitan atmosphere to the Gueliz bar and restaurant scene for roughly a week.
Best things to do in December
Day trip to Oukaïmeden ski station
outdoorMorocco's highest ski resort sits at 2,600m in the High Atlas, about 80km south of Marrakech. The station has several lifts and equipment rental, and the drive through the mountain passes takes roughly 90 minutes. The snow conditions are modest by Alpine standards, but the novelty of skiing within sight of the Sahara draws visitors from across North Africa.
December typically brings the first reliable snowfall to Oukaïmeden, and the station usually opens around mid-December depending on conditions. It is the earliest chance each winter to combine a Marrakech city break with a day on the slopes.Booking tipEquipment rental is available at the station, no advance booking needed. Check road conditions before driving, as the mountain road can close briefly after heavy snowfall.
Atlas Mountain hiking from Imlil
outdoorThe village of Imlil sits at 1,740m in the Toubkal Valley, about 90 minutes south of Marrakech. Day hikes from Imlil reach Berber villages like Armed and Tachedirt, with views of North Africa's highest peak, Jebel Toubkal (4,167m). The valley is green from autumn rains, and walnut trees line the irrigation channels through the terraced fields.
December's daytime temperatures of 15-18°C at Imlil's elevation make the 4-5 hour hikes comfortable rather than punishing. Summer heat above 35°C makes the same routes difficult, and the snow-dusted peaks above 3,000m add a visual dimension absent in warmer months.Booking tipBook a local guide and transport 2-3 days ahead through your riad. December conditions on trails below 2,500m are generally mild, but paths above that elevation may have ice patches.
Traditional hammam visit
wellnessA hammam session in Marrakech involves a steam room, black soap scrub, and ghassoul clay treatment, typically lasting 60-90 minutes. The Bab Doukkala neighborhood has several traditional hammams that locals prefer over the more polished tourist-oriented ones near the Jemaa. The process leaves your skin feeling noticeably different for days.
December's 8°C evening temperatures make the hot-to-cold contrast of a hammam visit particularly satisfying. The steam warmth lingers in your muscles for hours after, which matters when you are walking back to an unheated riad through the cool Medina.Booking tipBook at least a day ahead for tourist-oriented hammams in Mouassine or near Bahia Palace. Traditional neighborhood hammams in Bab Doukkala do not take reservations. Women's hours are typically mornings, men's afternoons and evenings.
Winter Moroccan cooking class
foodSeveral cooking schools in the Medina and Gueliz run half-day classes that begin with a guided trip to a local market to buy ingredients, followed by 3-4 hours of hands-on cooking. December classes focus on winter dishes that are not typically taught during hotter months, with heavier spice profiles and longer cooking times.
December menus shift to tangia, harira, rfissa, and other slow-cooked winter dishes that lighter summer classes do not cover. The cool kitchen temperatures also make standing over tagine pots and bread ovens for hours more pleasant than in July.Booking tipBook 3-5 days ahead in December. Holiday-season demand fills classes faster than in shoulder months, especially for morning sessions.
Rooftop terrace sunset over the Atlas
sightseeingDozens of riads and restaurants across the Medina offer rooftop terraces with views south toward the High Atlas range. December's early sunset means you can catch golden hour over mint tea without waiting until 9pm as you would in summer. The Koutoubia Mosque's 77-meter minaret often anchors the foreground.
Snow-capped Atlas peaks are visible from December through February, and this is the only season when the mountains carry a white line above the red Medina walls. Sunset at 5:25-5:35pm means golden hour starts around 4:30pm, early enough to combine with afternoon sightseeing.Extended souk shopping in the covered markets
shoppingThe Medina's souks stretch for kilometers through covered alleyways organized loosely by trade. The leather souk near the tanneries, the metalwork souk along Rue Souk Semmarine, and the carpet shops near Rahba Kedima each have distinct smells, sounds, and products. December's comfortable temperatures let you browse for 2-3 hours without overheating.
December's highs of 21°C make the covered souks comfortable for extended browsing. In July's 40°C heat, the same narrow passages trap hot air and limit most visitors to 30-minute bursts before retreating to a cafe. The leather souk near Bab Debbagh is particularly bearable in December.Evening food tour of Jemaa el-Fnaa
foodThe main square's food stalls set up around 5pm each evening, with dozens of vendors serving grilled meats, snail soup, sheep head, msemen, and fresh-squeezed juices under bare bulbs and clouds of charcoal smoke. December's cooler air intensifies the smoky, spiced atmosphere and makes standing between the stalls comfortable rather than suffocating.
The food stalls shift to heavier winter fare in December. Steaming harira, grilled lamb, and tangia appear alongside year-round staples. Cool evening temperatures around 12-14°C at dinner time make the heat from the grills and gas burners feel welcome rather than oppressive.Booking tipGuided food tours in December should be booked 2-3 days ahead. Self-guided works well too. Stall 1 and Stall 14 are among the busier ones, but quality is consistent across most vendors.
What to eat in December
In season: fruit
Marrakech oranges
December is peak harvest for the thousands of orange trees lining Marrakech's streets and gardens. The fruit appears in salads, tagines, and desserts across the Medina, and the juice carts on Jemaa el-Fnaa sell glasses of fresh-squeezed for around 4 dirham.
On menus now
Harira
Morocco's national soup, made with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and fresh coriander. December's cool evenings make harira the most-ordered dish at Jemaa el-Fnaa's food stalls, typically served with dates and chebakia pastry.
Tangia marrakchia
A slow-cooked lamb or beef dish sealed in a clay urn and left in hammam furnace embers for 6-8 hours. Tangia is Marrakech's signature winter dish, and December is when most restaurants and food stalls feature it prominently.
Berkoukes
Pearl couscous simmered in a thick broth with root vegetables, turnips, and lamb. This hearty winter soup appears on Medina restaurant menus from November through February, and December's cold evenings make it a natural choice.
Street food peaks
Msemen with amlou
Flaky, pan-fried flatbread served with amlou, a thick paste of ground almonds, argan oil, and honey from the Souss region. Breakfast stalls across the Medina serve this year-round, but the combination pairs well with December's cool mornings around 10°C.
What to drink
Nous-nous
Morocco's half-espresso, half-steamed-milk coffee, served in small glasses at cafes across Gueliz and the Medina. December's chill turns a mid-morning nous-nous at a sidewalk cafe into one of the more pleasant rituals of a Marrakech winter visit.
Regular events in December
New Year's Eve at Jemaa el-FnaaFree
The main square fills with a mix of Marrakchi locals and tourists for an informal countdown. Food stalls stay open past 2am, street performers draw late-night crowds, and the atmosphere is lively without the ticketed-event feel of European capitals. Many hotels and restaurants in Gueliz and Hivernage host separate gala dinners with live music.
December 31Winter gallery season on Rue de la LibertéFree
Gueliz's gallery district along Rue de la Liberté and Avenue Mohammed V opens new exhibitions through December, coinciding with the tourist influx. David Bloch Gallery, MACMA, and several smaller spaces rotate shows of Moroccan and international contemporary art. Openings are typically on weekday evenings.
Throughout DecemberGnawa music nights at Café ClockFree
The Kasbah-based cafe hosts live Gnawa music performances on Thursday evenings, with traditional trance musicians playing the guembri and metal castanets called qraqeb in an intimate courtyard. The sound carries through the narrow Kasbah streets, and performances run roughly 8pm to 10pm.
Every Thursday eveningBest places this December
Jardin Majorelle
gardenThe cobalt-blue villa and botanical garden designed by Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. December's 21°C is the most comfortable temperature for wandering the cactus-lined paths and bamboo groves. The adjacent Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech opened in 2017 and shows rotating fashion exhibitions. Weekday mornings in early December see noticeably fewer visitors than peak spring months.
GuelizJemaa el-Fnaa
squareMarrakech's main square transforms after dark into a sprawling open-air food market with over 100 stalls. In December, the cool evening air carries wood smoke, cumin, and grilled-meat smells across the square in a way that summer's still, hot air does not. Food stalls typically set up around 5pm and run past midnight. Henna artists, juice carts, and storytellers occupy the daytime hours.
MedinaBahia Palace
palaceA 19th-century palace built for Grand Vizier Si Moussa, with painted cedar ceilings, zellige tilework, and courtyards spanning 8,000 square meters. December's low-angle afternoon sunlight hits the courtyard tiles and carved stucco at angles that summer's overhead sun misses entirely, creating photographic conditions that peak-season visitors do not get.
MellahLe Jardin Secret
gardenA restored historic garden in the Mouassine quarter with two garden areas, an Islamic garden and an exotic garden, plus a tower offering 360-degree Medina views. The December light is warm and low without being harsh, and the 21°C temperature makes the tower climb comfortable. The garden's irrigation channels, fed by a traditional khettara system, still function.
MouassineBen Youssef Madrasa
historic siteA 14th-century Marinid-era theological school with some of the most intricate carved stucco and cedar woodwork in Morocco. The central courtyard's marble basin and tilework photograph well under December's soft light. Afternoon visits on weekdays in early December see shorter queues than October or November.
MedinaKoutoubia Gardens
parkThe park surrounding the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's largest, offers the city's best ground-level view of the High Atlas to the south. On clear December mornings after rain, the snow-capped peaks appear with sharp definition behind the mosque's 77-meter minaret. Roses and orange trees line the paths, and the garden is uncrowded before 10am.
MedinaMaison de la Photographie
museumA photography museum in the northern Medina housing over 4,500 images of Morocco from 1870 to 1960, including Berber portraits and early Marrakech street scenes. The rooftop cafe offers views toward the Atlas and serves as a warming stop on cold December afternoons. Entry is around 50 dirham.
MedinaSaadian Tombs
historic siteOrnate 16th-century royal tombs in the Kasbah quarter, sealed by the Alaouite dynasty and rediscovered in 1917 by a French aerial survey. The carved cedarwood ceilings and Italian Carrara marble columns are best seen without summer crowds pressing through the narrow doorways. December's lower visitor numbers mean more time in the Hall of Twelve Columns.
Kasbah
Your packing checklist
Tick items off as you pack. Your progress saves in this browser.
Insider tips
Ask specifically about heating when booking a riad for December. Many properties advertise cozy interiors without mentioning they have no heating system. Look for riads that mention underfloor heating, radiators, or fireplace salons in their room descriptions. The difference between a heated and unheated riad in December is the difference between comfort and counting the hours until sunrise.
The orange juice carts on Jemaa el-Fnaa all use the same local December-harvest oranges. The carts at the edges of the square are typically less crowded than the ones in the center and charge the same 4-5 dirham per glass. Walk 30 meters past the main cluster and you will wait half as long.
Book a hammam visit for late afternoon, around 4pm. You warm up right before the cold December evening, and the late-afternoon slot is typically less crowded than the morning rush. The traditional neighborhood hammams around Bab Doukkala charge 10-15 dirham versus 150-400 dirham at the tourist-oriented hammams near Mouassine.
The sharpest views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains come on mornings after a rain day. December's intermittent showers wash dust from the air, and the following morning often produces the clearest mountain panoramas of the year. Head to the Koutoubia Gardens or a Kasbah rooftop terrace by 9am for the best light.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only warm-weather clothing because Morocco is in North Africa. December nights in Marrakech reach 8°C (46°F), and unheated riads can feel colder indoors than outside. Travelers regularly end up buying blankets or fleeces from the souks on their first night, paying tourist prices for items they could have brought from home.
- Booking a rooftop restaurant terrace for dinner without asking about heating. By 7pm in December, open-air dining drops to 10-12°C, and most rooftop restaurants do not provide adequate blankets or heat lamps. Book indoor tables for dinner, or confirm the terrace has heating before accepting the seat.
- Scheduling all sightseeing for the afternoon and running out of daylight. December sunset in Marrakech falls at 5:25-5:35pm, cutting usable afternoon light to about 3 hours after lunch. Start palace visits and souk browsing by 9-10am to use the full day, and save indoor activities like museums and hammams for late afternoon.
- Assuming December rain means all-day washouts and canceling plans. December's 52mm of rain typically falls in 1-2 hour bursts, not daylong drizzle. Wait in a cafe with a nous-nous for an hour and the streets will likely be dry again. Carrying a light rain jacket is enough.
Practical tips for December
December is peak booking season for Marrakech. Reserve riads at least 3-4 weeks ahead, especially for stays covering Christmas Eve through New Year's Day, when many properties require minimum 3-night stays. Restaurants in Gueliz and the Medina fill by 8pm during the last two weeks of December, so make dinner reservations a day or two in advance if you have a specific place in mind. Sunset falls around 5:25pm in early December and 5:35pm by month's end, meaning the souks get dark early. Morocco uses the dirham (MAD), and most Medina shops and food stalls are cash-only. ATMs are easy to find in Gueliz and near Jemaa el-Fnaa. Dress code is slightly more conservative than European norms, but in December's cooler weather, long sleeves and trousers are both practical and culturally appropriate. Friday is the weekly rest day, and some shops in the Medina close between noon and 2pm for prayers. Taxis in Marrakech should use the meter (compteur), though many drivers will try to negotiate a flat rate with tourists. The petit taxi rate from Gueliz to Jemaa el-Fnaa is typically 15-25 dirham on the meter.
FAQ
Is December a good time to visit Marrakech?
December is a good time to visit, though not the single best month. Daytime temperatures of 20.9°C (70°F) are comfortable for sightseeing, and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains add a winter dimension absent the rest of the year. The main trade-offs are higher prices (40-60% above average for riads), bigger crowds from European holiday travelers, and 52mm of rain spread across about 6 days. October and November offer similar mild weather with less rain, fewer tourists, and lower prices. But if December fits your schedule, you will find Marrakech at its most atmospheric, with cool-weather cooking, early sunsets over the Atlas, and a festive energy in Jemaa el-Fnaa.
What is the weather like in Marrakech in December?
December days in Marrakech are mild and pleasant, with average highs of 20.9°C (70°F) and lows around 8°C (46°F). It is the wettest month, with roughly 52mm of rain across 6 days, though showers tend to be short bursts rather than all-day affairs. Humidity sits at a moderate 59%. Clear days feel warm in the sun, but shade and evening temperatures cool quickly. You will want layers for the 13-degree swing between afternoon and night, plus a waterproof layer for the occasional downpour.
Is Marrakech crowded in December?
Yes. December is high season, driven by European tourists escaping northern winters for Christmas and New Year's holidays. The second half of the month is noticeably busier than the first. Jemaa el-Fnaa stays crowded past 10pm most evenings, the souks between the Jemaa and Ben Youssef Madrasa can feel congested by late morning, and popular restaurants in Gueliz and the Medina book up for dinner during the final two weeks. Early December (first 10 days) is somewhat calmer and offers better riad rates.
Does it rain a lot in Marrakech in December?
December is Marrakech's wettest month with about 52mm of rainfall, but that total falls across roughly 6 days, leaving 25 dry days in the month. Rain typically comes in short, intense bursts lasting 1-2 hours rather than all-day drizzle. The Medina's narrow streets can briefly flood during heavy downpours, but conditions clear quickly. A light rain jacket and waterproof shoes are sufficient. It is nothing like a monsoon season, and the rain actually improves the air quality and sharpens the Atlas Mountain views on the following morning.
What should I wear in Marrakech in December?
Layers are the key for December in Marrakech. Daytime highs of 21°C call for a long-sleeve shirt or light sweater, but nights at 8°C need a proper warm jacket or fleece. A light waterproof layer handles the rain showers, and shoes with rubber soles and decent grip prevent slipping on wet Medina cobblestones. Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, and covering shoulders and knees is respectful in the Medina and conservative neighborhoods, though Gueliz is more relaxed. December's temperatures make this easy, since you will naturally dress in longer layers for warmth anyway.
Last verified by automated review (v1.7.2) on June 23, 2026. What is automated review?