February in Marrakech falls between the cool dampness of December and January and the building warmth that starts in April. Daytime highs average 22°C (72°F), comfortable enough for long walks through the medina's narrow derbs, though nothing like the punishing 40°C (104°F) that keeps visitors indoors from June through September. Nights drop to around 8°C (47°F), and most riads in the Mouassine and Kasbah quarters rely on wool blankets and portable heaters rather than central heating. You will notice that chill walking back to your room after a 9 PM dinner.
Rainfall reaches about 47mm across roughly 5 days, making February one of the wetter months alongside December's 52mm and March's 50mm. Showers tend to pass within an hour or two, and the tradeoff seems worth it. Winter rains green the Ourika Valley and the Atlas foothills in ways the parched summer months never manage. Snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas appear sharp against post-rain skies, visible from rooftop terraces across Guéliz.
One variable to check before booking. Ramadan shifts roughly 10 to 11 days earlier each year on the Gregorian calendar, and through the late 2020s it increasingly overlaps with February. During Ramadan, many medina restaurants close from dawn to sunset, the city's pace slows noticeably during daylight, and evenings after iftar carry a different energy entirely. Jemaa el-Fnaa's food stalls light up later and stay active well past midnight. If your dates overlap, plan around Ramadan rather than against it. Hotel restaurants and most Guéliz dining rooms stay open during daylight hours throughout the month.
Why visit in February
- Daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F) make medina walking genuinely comfortable, unlike the July and August period when 40°C heat traps you indoors by midday.
- Hotel rates sit roughly 20-30% below the spring peak of March through May, with riads in Mouassine and the Kasbah offering better availability and occasional last-minute deals.
- Snow-capped High Atlas peaks are visible from Marrakech rooftops throughout February, and day trips to the Imlil valley reach dramatic winter scenery at elevations above 2,500m.
- The Ourika Valley's almond trees typically bloom in mid-to-late February, turning the red-earth hillsides white and pink across the Atlas foothills for a 3-to-4-week window.
Worth knowing
- February nights drop to 8°C (47°F), and traditional riads are rarely well heated. Expect cold tile floors, limited hot water pressure at older guesthouses, and the need for layers indoors after dark.
- With 47mm of rain across about 5 days, February is one of Marrakech's wetter months. Unpaved derbs in the medina can turn muddy, and some rooftop restaurants close on rainy evenings.
- Ramadan increasingly overlaps with February through the late 2020s, meaning many local eateries close during daylight hours. Tourist restaurants in Guéliz stay open, but the Jemaa el-Fnaa street-food scene shifts to evening only.
- Daylight is shorter than spring or autumn. Sunset falls around 6:15 PM in early February and 6:40 PM by month's end, limiting golden-hour photography time compared to an October or April visit.
Best for
Think twice if
February in Marrakech brings mild, pleasant days and cool nights. Morning temperatures around 8°C (47°F) warm to 22°C (72°F) by early afternoon, with roughly 5 days seeing rainfall that totals about 47mm for the month. Humidity sits around 55%, noticeably drier than coastal Essaouira or Casablanca. The air feels comfortable in the sun but carries a bite in shaded medina alleys, especially before 10 AM and after 4 PM. Clear days outnumber overcast ones, and when clouds break after a rain shower, the Atlas peaks to the south appear sharply defined against blue sky.
Seasonal caution
- Day trips to the High Atlas above 2,000m elevation can encounter snow, ice, and sub-zero temperatures in February. The road to Imlil and the Tizi n'Test pass are sometimes closed or slowed after heavy snowfall. Check conditions at your riad or with the local bureau des guides before setting out.
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 |
Best things to do in February
Day trip to the Ourika Valley for almond blossoms
natureThe Ourika Valley, about 45 minutes south of Marrakech by car, fills with white and pink almond blossoms from mid-February onward. The drive follows the Ourika River through Berber villages like Setti Fatma, where the blossoms contrast against red-earth houses and snow-covered peaks above 3,000m. Local cooperatives sell almond oil and argan products along the route.
Almond trees bloom from mid-February to early March, a 3-to-4-week window. This is the single most seasonal natural attraction near Marrakech in February.Booking tipShared minibuses leave from Bab er-Rob gate for 30-40 MAD per person. A private taxi runs 400-500 MAD round trip. Leave by 9 AM to avoid afternoon clouds that obscure the mountain backdrop.
Atlas Mountains day hike from Imlil
outdoorThe village of Imlil sits at 1,740m elevation at the base of Jebel Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak at 4,167m. February snow covers the higher trails, and the 2-to-3-hour walk to the Kasbah du Toubkal follows a well-marked path through walnut groves and past terraced fields. You don't need technical gear for the lower routes.
February snow on the High Atlas peaks creates the most dramatic scenery of the year, and cool 10-15°C hiking temperatures at altitude are far more comfortable than the 35°C conditions of a summer hike.Booking tipImlil is 90 minutes from Marrakech by road. Licensed mountain guides at the village trailhead charge around 300-400 MAD for a half day. Book through your riad or the Imlil bureau des guides.
Traditional hammam experience
wellnessMarrakech's public hammams heat their marble-floored steam rooms to 40-45°C, and the contrast with February's 8°C morning chill makes the experience far more rewarding than in summer. Hammam Dar el-Bacha in the Mouassine quarter and the hammam near Bab Doukkala are popular local options. A scrub and steam at a public hammam costs 15-20 MAD, plus 50-80 MAD for a gommage from an attendant.
Cool February mornings make the steam room heat feel genuinely therapeutic rather than redundant. Summer hammam visits in 40°C outdoor temperatures lose that temperature contrast entirely.Booking tipPublic hammams have separate men's and women's hours. Women's hours are typically mornings until 1 PM. Bring your own flip-flops and savon noir (black soap). Tourist-oriented hammams in Guéliz charge 200-400 MAD but don't require knowing the local etiquette.
Medina souk exploration
cultureThe covered souks north of Jemaa el-Fnaa stretch through a maze of alleyways organized loosely by trade. Souk Semmarine handles textiles and clothing, Souk el-Attarine specializes in spices and perfumes, and Souk des Teinturiers is the dyers' quarter. February's 22°C temperatures make spending 3-4 hours in the alleys comfortable rather than exhausting.
July and August temperatures above 38°C make extended souk browsing genuinely unpleasant, as metal goods and leather absorb heat in the narrow covered alleys. February's mild conditions let you linger and bargain without watching the clock.Booking tipGo between 10 AM and 1 PM when most stalls are open but the midday rush hasn't peaked. Friday mornings are quieter as some vendors attend mosque.
Cooking class with winter market ingredients
foodSeveral riads and cooking schools in the medina run half-day classes that begin with a shopping trip to the spice souks near Rahba Kedima. February classes feature seasonal tagine recipes using preserved lemons, root vegetables, olives from the autumn harvest, and fresh citrus from the Souss-Massa region. The market visit alone takes about 45 minutes.
Winter produce shapes Moroccan cooking, and February markets carry ingredients like fresh fava beans, turnips, and peak-season citrus that don't appear in summer. A February tagine tastes genuinely different from an August tagine.Booking tipBook at least 3-4 days ahead for smaller riad-based classes with groups of 4-6 people. Morning classes starting at 9 or 10 AM include the market visit.
Cycling the Palmeraie circuit
outdoorThe Palmeraie, a palm grove north of the medina covering roughly 13,000 hectares, has a 12-to-15-km circuit through dusty tracks and past Berber village edges. February's 22°C temperatures make the 2-hour loop manageable without the heat exhaustion risk that comes with summer riding.
Cycling the Palmeraie above 30°C is genuinely dangerous without frequent hydration stops. February's comfortable 20-22°C range makes the full circuit pleasant, especially on a morning ride before 10 AM.Booking tipSeveral shops near Jemaa el-Fnaa rent bicycles for 100-150 MAD per day. The Palmeraie's main entrance is about 5km north of the medina, reachable by petit taxi for 20-30 MAD.
Sunset from the rooftop terraces above Jemaa el-Fnaa
cultureThe terraces at Café de France and Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier fill each evening as the square transitions from its daytime market to its nighttime food-stall arrangement. February sunsets around 6:15-6:40 PM paint the Koutoubia Mosque minaret and the Atlas foothills in warm light. Mint tea at either café costs 15-25 MAD.
February's moderate evening temperatures of 12-15°C at sunset make lingering on a rooftop comfortable. Summer evenings retain the day's heat, and winter's cleaner air gives sharper mountain views on the southern horizon.Booking tipArrive 45 minutes before sunset to get a railing seat. Le Grand Balcon has the more direct square view. Café de France faces slightly west, better for the actual sunset color.
Jardin Majorelle and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent
cultureThe cobalt-blue garden designed by Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent sits in the Guéliz district. The adjacent Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, opened in 2017, holds rotating exhibitions of the designer's work. February's 22°C temperatures make the outdoor garden walk genuinely enjoyable for 60-90 minutes.
February's mild temperatures and smaller crowds are ideal. In March and April, queues at the entrance can stretch to 45 minutes, and summer heat makes the garden walk an endurance test rather than a pleasure.Booking tipEntry is approximately 70 MAD for the garden and 100 MAD for the Musée YSL. Buy tickets online to skip the morning queue, though February lines are noticeably shorter than the spring peak.
What to eat in February
In season: fruit
Moroccan citrus
February is peak orange and tangerine season in Morocco. Marrakech markets sell varieties from the Souss-Massa region for 5-8 MAD per kilogram. Fresh-squeezed orange juice stalls on Jemaa el-Fnaa charge around 4-5 MAD per glass on the north side of the square.
On menus now
Harira
The traditional chickpea-and-lentil soup, closely associated with Ramadan but served at restaurants and street stalls throughout Marrakech's cooler months. If your visit overlaps with Ramadan, harira is the standard iftar opener, served everywhere after the sunset call to prayer.
Tangia marrakchia
Slow-cooked lamb or beef sealed in an earthenware jug and left in the embers of a hammam furnace for 6 to 8 hours. This is Marrakech's signature dish, distinct from the tagine. February's cooler temperatures make the heavy, rich stew more appealing than it would be in 40°C heat.
Street food peaks
Bissara
Thick fava bean soup ladled from street carts across the medina in the cooler months. You'll find it for 5-10 MAD a bowl near Bab Doukkala and along the edges of Jemaa el-Fnaa. It's topped with olive oil and cumin, and February mornings at 8°C are when it tastes best.
Msemen with amlou
Square-shaped, pan-fried flatbreads served for breakfast at most riads, paired with amlou, a thick paste of argan oil, almonds, and honey from the Souss region. February mornings at 8°C make warm msemen with mint tea feel particularly right.
In markets
Preserved lemons
Winter is when Moroccan households prepare their yearly supply, salt-curing the fruit in glass jars for 30 or more days. February markets in the Mellah sell both fresh and ready-to-use batches. They appear in tagines, salads, and marinades across the city all year, but February is when the new batches start.
Regular events in February
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
Africa-focused contemporary art fair typically held at La Mamounia hotel, drawing galleries from Casablanca, Lagos, London, Accra, and Johannesburg. Usually features around 15-20 exhibitors, artist talks, and curated exhibitions across the hotel's salons and garden pavilions.
Mid-to-late February, typically a Thursday-to-Sunday run (exact dates vary by year)Ramadan (variable overlap)Free
The Islamic holy month of fasting from dawn to sunset. Through the late 2020s, Ramadan increasingly overlaps with February due to the shifting Islamic calendar. When it falls in February, the city's daily rhythm changes markedly. Daytime restaurant closures, quieter medina mornings, and lively post-iftar evenings from sunset until well past midnight.
Varies by year. Shifts approximately 10-11 days earlier annually on the Gregorian calendar. Check projected dates for your travel year.Almond Blossom Season in the Atlas FoothillsFree
Wild and cultivated almond trees flower across the valleys south of Marrakech, particularly in the Ourika Valley (45 minutes by car) and the Ameln Valley near Tafraoute (about 5 hours south). The formal Fête des Amandiers festival in Tafraoute includes Berber music, folk dances, and local markets, though the exact date varies by year.
Mid-February through early March, peak typically in the last 2 weeks of FebruaryBest places this February
Jardin Majorelle
gardenJacques Majorelle's 1920s botanical garden, restored by Yves Saint Laurent, features signature cobalt-blue structures framed by bamboo, bougainvillea, and cacti. February's 22°C afternoons and smaller visitor numbers (compared to the spring rush) make for a more relaxed visit. The Berber Museum inside the garden holds textiles and jewelry from across Morocco's regions.
GuélizMenara Gardens
gardenThe 12th-century olive grove and reflecting pool sit on the city's western edge with the High Atlas as a backdrop. February's snow cover on the peaks makes the view from the pavilion particularly sharp. Entry is free, and the garden is far less crowded than Jardin Majorelle. Morning visits before 10 AM often catch the mountains free of haze.
HivernageBen Youssef Madrasa
historic siteThe 14th-century Marinid-era theological college in the northern medina features carved cedar, intricate zellij tilework, and a central courtyard. February mornings catch low-angle winter sun on the tile mosaics. The courtyard's details are best appreciated without the heat exhaustion of a summer visit, when shade becomes the priority over pattern-gazing.
MedinaBahia Palace
historic siteThe 19th-century palace complex near the Mellah features 8 hectares of gardens and courtyards with painted cedar ceilings and zellij tile floors. February's slanted light reaches into rooms that sit in shadow during summer's higher sun angles, revealing ceiling details that are harder to see from June through August.
MellahJemaa el-Fnaa
squareThe central square transforms hourly. Orange juice vendors in the morning at 4-5 MAD a glass, snake charmers and henna artists in the afternoon, dense rows of food stalls after dark. February's comfortable evening temperatures around 12-15°C make lingering at the food stalls far more pleasant than summer's sticky 30°C nights.
MedinaLe Jardin Secret
gardenA restored 16th-century riad and garden in the Mouassine quarter, with an Islamic garden and an exotic garden planted with specimens from across Morocco's climate zones. The rooftop terrace offers a view toward the Koutoubia Mosque minaret. February is one of the quieter visiting months, and the garden's citrus trees are in fruit.
MouassineMaison de la Photographie
museumA private collection of vintage Moroccan photographs from the 1870s through the 1960s, housed in a restored riad near Ben Youssef Madrasa. Three floors of prints, glass negatives, and postcards showing pre-independence Marrakech. The rooftop café has a direct Atlas view, at its clearest in February's post-rain air. Entry runs about 50 MAD.
MedinaSaadian Tombs
historic siteThe 16th-century royal mausoleum near the Kasbah Mosque, sealed for centuries and rediscovered in 1917 by French aerial survey. The Hall of Twelve Columns holds some of the finest carved Italian Carrara marble in Morocco. February's lower visitor numbers mean shorter waits in the narrow entry passage. Entry is approximately 70 MAD.
Kasbah
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Insider tips
The orange juice stalls on the north side of Jemaa el-Fnaa typically charge 4-5 MAD per glass. The stalls on the south side, closer to the Koutoubia, tend to ask 10-15 MAD for the same juice. Both squeeze it fresh in front of you, so the difference is location markup.
If Ramadan overlaps with your visit, walk to the Koutoubia Mosque area about 15 minutes before the sunset call to prayer. The moment the adhan sounds, the city exhales. Locals break fast on dates and harira at tables that appear along the streets, and Jemaa el-Fnaa's food stalls light up within minutes. It is one of the most atmospheric moments in Marrakech's calendar.
Taxis from Marrakech Menara Airport to the medina should cost 70-100 MAD on the meter. Drivers outside arrivals will ask 200-300 MAD. Walk past the first row to the main road, or use the InDriver or Careem app for a fixed-price ride. The airport is about 6km from Jemaa el-Fnaa.
The rooftop of Maison de la Photographie near Ben Youssef Madrasa serves mint tea for about 30 MAD with a direct Atlas panorama. After a February morning rain clears, this is likely the sharpest mountain view you'll get inside the medina walls. Most visitors walk past the small ground-floor entrance without realizing there's a terrace above.
For the hammam, bring a swimsuit or underwear you don't mind getting scrubbed in, plus flip-flops. Local hammams expect you to bring your own savon noir and kessa glove, both available at any hanout near the entrance for 15-25 MAD total. Arriving without them signals tourist, which usually means a markup on supplies inside.
Avoid these mistakes
- Packing only for warm weather. February days at 22°C (72°F) feel mild in the sun, but evenings at 8°C (47°F) in an unheated riad catch visitors off guard. At least one warm layer and thermal sleepwear are non-negotiable.
- Booking a riad without checking its heating situation. Some medina riads have no heating beyond electric radiators on request. Read recent February reviews specifically. Riads in the 800-1200 MAD range tend to have better heating than budget options under 500 MAD.
- Planning a full outdoor itinerary without rain contingency. February's 5 rainy days can cluster together, and a 3-day trip could lose an entire afternoon to a downpour. Keep one indoor activity like Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, or a cooking class ready as backup for each day.
- Assuming Ramadan won't affect your trip without checking dates. In the late 2020s, Ramadan overlaps with February, and a visitor who arrives expecting Jemaa el-Fnaa's daytime food stalls to be running will find a mostly empty square until sunset. Check the Islamic calendar before finalizing restaurant plans.
Practical tips for February
Book riads and internal flights at least 2-3 weeks ahead if your dates fall near or during Ramadan, as Moroccan domestic travelers also move during the holiday. Supratours and CTM bus services from Marrakech to Essaouira (about 3 hours) and Ouarzazate (4.5 hours) run year-round, but February schedules sometimes reduce frequency on less popular routes. Check departure times the day before at the Bab Doukkala or Guéliz stations. Currency exchange at the airport typically gives 5-8% worse rates than the bureaux de change on Avenue Mohammed V in Guéliz. ATMs near Jemaa el-Fnaa and along Rue Bab Agnaou accept Visa and Mastercard. Restaurant tipping is typically 10% if service is not included. At riads, 20-50 MAD per day for housekeeping is standard. Mosque interiors are closed to non-Muslims, though the Koutoubia and Ben Youssef exteriors and courtyards remain worth visiting. Dress modestly in the medina, covering shoulders and knees, which February's cooler temperatures make easy. For Atlas day trips, book transport through your riad or a licensed agency rather than accepting offers from touts near Jemaa el-Fnaa. Licensed medina guides cost around 300-400 MAD for a half day and can be arranged through the tourist office near Place de Foucauld.
FAQ
Is February a good time to visit Marrakech?
February is a genuinely good month for Marrakech. Daytime temperatures around 22°C (72°F) make walking the medina comfortable, hotel rates sit below the spring and autumn peaks, and almond blossoms in the Atlas foothills add a seasonal highlight you won't find in other months. The main trade-offs are cool evenings at 8°C (47°F), roughly 5 rainy days totaling 47mm, and the possibility of Ramadan overlap through the late 2020s. It ranks around 5th out of 12 months for visiting, behind October, November, and the March-April spring window, but well ahead of the scorching July and August.
What is the weather like in Marrakech in February?
Expect average highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 8°C (47°F). Rainfall reaches about 47mm across 5 days, making it one of the wetter months. Humidity sits around 55%. Most days are sunny between showers, and the snow-capped Atlas peaks are visible from the city on clear afternoons. You will need layers for the 14°C temperature swing between midday sun and evening chill in the medina.
Is Marrakech crowded in February?
February sits at a medium crowd level. You won't face the packed souks and 45-minute queues at Jardin Majorelle that come with March through May. That said, it's not empty. European budget airlines run frequent routes to Marrakech Menara Airport, and weekend visitors from France and Spain keep the medina moderately busy on Fridays and Saturdays. If Ramadan overlaps, some tourist-heavy spots thin out further as fewer casual visitors travel during the fasting month.
Do I need to worry about Ramadan if I visit Marrakech in February?
Through the late 2020s, Ramadan increasingly overlaps with February. During Ramadan, many local restaurants and cafés in the medina close from dawn to sunset. Tourist-oriented restaurants in Guéliz and hotel dining rooms remain open, and the Jemaa el-Fnaa food stalls fire up after the iftar call to prayer each evening. It changes your daily rhythm but is not a reason to cancel. Some travelers specifically seek out Ramadan in Marrakech for the atmosphere after sunset.
What should I wear in Marrakech in February?
Dress in layers. Midday under clear skies feels warm enough for a light shirt, but by sunset you will want a fleece or light jacket. A waterproof layer handles the periodic rain. In the medina, cover shoulders and knees out of respect, which the February temperatures make easy since you'll want the coverage for warmth anyway. Closed-toe shoes with grip matter more than sandals this month, as wet medina tiles and uneven stone paths get slippery after rain.
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