January in Marrakech is the cold surprise. Daytime temperatures reach a comfortable 21°C (70°F), and the sky tends to stay clear for days at a stretch. But once the sun drops behind the Atlas Mountains, the temperature falls fast, down to 6.6°C (44°F) by midnight. You'll see locals wrapped in heavy djellabas by late afternoon, and riad courtyards that felt warm at lunch can turn bone-cold after dark. Most traditional riads in the Medina still have no central heating. That gap between the sunny postcard and the shivering evening catches more visitors off guard than anything else about this month.
The timing works in your favor in other ways, though. The post-New Year lull means the crush at Jemaa el-Fnaa thins out compared to late December, and riad prices settle back toward their annual average by the second week. Two national holidays fall within 3 days of each other. Independence Manifesto Day on January 11 and Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year, on January 13. Yennayer has been an official Moroccan public holiday since 2018, and the celebrations in Marrakech tend to be quieter than in the Amazigh heartlands of the Middle Atlas, but you'll still find special meals and small community gatherings in neighborhoods like Mouassine and the Kasbah.
January is also one of the driest months of the year in Marrakech, with only about 20mm of rain across roughly 2 days. Compare that to December's 52mm or February's 47mm and you'll see the window. The air stays crisp and dry at 53% humidity. Snow often covers the High Atlas peaks above Imlil, visible from rooftop terraces across Guéliz and the Medina. It's a genuinely pleasant month for walking, eating, and exploring, as long as you dress for the evenings.
Why visit in January
- Daytime temperatures hover around 21°C (70°F) with low humidity at 53%, comfortable for walking the Medina's narrow alleys and visiting Bahia Palace or Ben Youssef Madrasa without the heat exhaustion risk of summer months.
- January is one of Marrakech's driest months at 20mm of rain, compared to 47mm in February and 52mm in December, so outdoor plans are unlikely to get washed out.
- Post-holiday crowds drop noticeably after the first week of January, and you can browse the souks near Mouassine or Rahba Kedima without the shoulder-to-shoulder density of late December.
- The snow-capped High Atlas Mountains are at their most photogenic from Marrakech in January, and the 2,500m peaks above Imlil sit roughly 90 minutes south by road.
Worth knowing
- Nighttime lows drop to 6.6°C (44°F), and most traditional riads in the Medina lack central heating. Expect cold tile floors, thick blankets, and the occasional portable heater that smells faintly of kerosene.
- Daylight fades by about 5:45pm, which cuts afternoon exploration shorter than in spring or autumn. The souks in the Medina start closing stalls by 6pm.
- January falls between Marrakech's major cultural events. The International Film Festival typically wraps in early December, and the spring festival season doesn't begin until March or April. The cultural calendar is relatively quiet.
- The indoor dining scene at many riad restaurants can feel chilly in the evenings, since open-air courtyard layouts that are lovely in October become drafty in January.
Best for
Think twice if
January in Marrakech delivers mild, dry days and cold nights. The sun typically feels warm enough for a t-shirt by midday, but mornings carry a chill that lingers until 10am or so. Skies tend to stay clear, though you might get 1-2 days of rain across the whole month. The Atlas Mountains to the south often hold fresh snow, and on clear mornings, the peaks are visible from rooftop cafés in Guéliz. Humidity at 53% keeps the air comfortable, neither the dryness that cracks your lips nor the dampness that seeps through clothes.
Seasonal caution
- Nighttime temperatures regularly drop below 7°C (45°F), and riad rooms without heating can feel colder than outdoor air due to thick stone and tile construction. Request a room with a heater or fireplace when booking.
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 January
Day hike in the Imlil Valley and Toubkal foothills
outdoorThe village of Imlil sits at 1,740m elevation, about 90 minutes south of Marrakech by road. From there, guided day hikes follow mule trails through Berber villages like Aroumd (1,940m) and Sidi Chamharouch (2,310m). The trails pass walnut trees, terraced fields, and stone houses with flat roofs. Snow typically covers the ground above 2,200m in January.
January's cool temperatures (5-10°C at Imlil altitude) make the steep climbs far more comfortable than summer's 35°C+. Fresh snow on the High Atlas peaks above 3,000m adds a visual dimension you won't get from April to November.Booking tipBook a licensed mountain guide through the Bureau des Guides in Imlil village. Shared taxis from Marrakech leave from a stand near Bab er-Rob, though a private transfer is easier to arrange through your riad.
Morning walk through the souks before the crowds
culturalIn January, the souks around Mouassine and Rahba Kedima open from around 9am. The first hour or two is when artisans are setting up, metalworkers begin hammering lanterns, and the dye vats in the tanneries start steaming in the cold air. The narrow alleys amplify the sound of copper being shaped and the smell of cedar shavings from the woodworkers' stalls.
January's mid-month visitor dip means the alleys are navigable before 11am without the constant dodging of tour groups. The cool morning air also keeps the tannery smell less pungent than in summer.Visit Jardin Majorelle and Musée Yves Saint Laurent
culturalJardin Majorelle's cobalt blue buildings and bamboo groves sit in Guéliz, about a 15-minute walk from the Medina walls. The adjacent Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech opened in 2017 and holds rotating exhibitions of the designer's work. The two share a compound and can be visited on a single ticket or separately.
January's mild 21°C afternoons are ideal for the garden, which becomes uncomfortably hot in July and August when temperatures reach 40°C. Queues are also noticeably shorter than during the October-December peak.Booking tipBuy tickets online through the Jardin Majorelle website to skip the ticket window. The garden opens at 8am, and the first hour tends to be the quietest.
Hammam visit at a traditional neighborhood bathhouse
wellnessThe Medina's public hammams follow a centuries-old routine. You strip down, sit on warm stone, and an attendant scrubs you with black soap (savon beldi) and a kessa mitt that removes dead skin in visible rolls. The steam, the hot water, and the rough scrub leave your skin flushed and oddly smooth.
In January, the contrast between the cold riad room and the hammam's steam makes the experience feel genuinely necessary rather than touristic. Locals use hammams more frequently in winter, so you'll share the space with neighborhood regulars rather than other visitors.Booking tipNeighborhood hammams (as opposed to spa hammams) cost 10-20 MAD entry. Bring your own towel, flip-flops, and change of underwear. Women and men have separate hours, typically posted at the door.
Sunset from a Medina rooftop café
scenicSeveral cafés near Jemaa el-Fnaa and along Rue el-Mouassine offer rooftop terraces with views over the Medina's flat rooftops toward the Koutoubia Mosque minaret. In January, the sun sets around 5:40pm, and the light turns the terracotta walls a deep orange for about 20 minutes before dropping quickly.
January's dry, clear skies produce cleaner sunsets than the hazier spring months. The early sunset time means you don't have to wait until 8pm as you would in June, so you can catch the light and still make a dinner reservation.Explore Le Jardin Secret
culturalLe Jardin Secret is a restored 19th-century riad garden in the Mouassine quarter. Two gardens occupy the space. An exotic garden with tropical plants and a traditional Islamic garden with geometric water channels. A tower offers a panoramic view of the Medina rooftops and the Atlas Mountains to the south.
January's cool temperatures make the walk up the narrow tower staircase and the time spent in the open gardens comfortable. In summer, the tower bakes and the gardens lose their appeal by midday. The exotic garden's subtropical plants still hold green in January, since Marrakech rarely dips below freezing.Booking tipEntry is 80 MAD for the gardens and tower combined. Open daily from 9:30am. Mornings before 11am are quietest.
Day trip to Essaouira
day tripThe Atlantic coastal town of Essaouira sits about 2.5 hours west of Marrakech by bus or private car. The Portuguese-built ramparts, the fishing port, and the wide beach make it a different world from the landlocked Medina. January brings strong Atlantic winds (the alizé), which makes the town feel wild and dramatic.
January's coastal temperatures in Essaouira hover around 17-18°C, milder than Marrakech's cold nights, and the wind keeps the town feeling alive. The off-season means the Medina of Essaouira is quieter than at any other time, and you can walk the ramparts at Skala de la Ville without crowds.Booking tipSupratours buses depart from the Marrakech station near the train station in Guéliz. Book the morning departure (around 8:30am) to maximize your time. The 5pm return gets you back by 7:30pm.
Cooking class focused on winter Moroccan cuisine
culinarySeveral cooking schools in the Medina and Guéliz offer half-day classes that begin with a guided trip to a local market to buy ingredients. January classes tend to focus on winter staples like harira, lamb tagine with preserved lemons, and rfissa. You'll learn to handle a tagine pot, blend ras el hanout, and roll couscous by hand.
The winter menu is distinct from summer cooking in Morocco. Dishes are heavier, spicier, and built around slow-cooked meats and legumes. A January class covers recipes you won't encounter in a July session, and standing over hot tagine pots in a warm kitchen feels right when the outside temperature drops.Booking tipBook at least 3-4 days ahead for weekend classes. Weekday morning slots tend to have smaller groups of 4-6 people rather than the 10-12 common on Saturdays.
What to eat in January
In season: fruit
Moroccan clementines and navel oranges
January is peak citrus season in Morocco, which produces over 2.5 million tonnes of citrus annually. Fresh-squeezed orange juice stalls line the north edge of Jemaa el-Fnaa, charging 5-6 MAD per glass. The clementines from the Souss-Massa region are at their sweetest this month, with thin skins and barely any seeds.
On menus now
Harira
This thick tomato-and-lentil soup appears on nearly every menu in winter, served steaming in small bowls from the food stalls at Jemaa el-Fnaa. January's cold evenings make it feel essential rather than optional. Vendors typically charge 5-10 MAD per bowl. The chickpeas, lentils, and cilantro simmer for hours, and the smell drifts through the Medina's alleys in late afternoon.
Tangia marrakchia
Marrakech's signature slow-cooked dish. Lamb or beef shoulder goes into an amphora-shaped clay pot with preserved lemons, cumin, saffron, and smen (aged butter), then cooks overnight in the embers of a hammam furnace. January is the best month for it because the cold weather suits the rich, heavy flavors. The hammam furnace tradition is specific to Marrakech and dates back centuries.
Rfissa
A warming dish of shredded msemen flatbread layered with lentils and chicken in a fenugreek-spiced broth. It appears more frequently on home and restaurant menus during the cooler months. The fenugreek gives it a slightly bitter, earthy taste that pairs with January's chill.
Street food peaks
Bissara
A thick split fava bean soup drizzled with olive oil and dusted with cumin. Marrakchis eat it for breakfast during the cold months, and January mornings are when you'll find the most vendors serving it from large copper pots near Bab Doukkala and in the Mellah. A bowl typically costs 3-5 MAD.
What to drink
Mint tea with chiba (wormwood)
Moroccan mint tea is year-round, but in January many households and cafés add chiba, or sheeba (wormwood), to the pot. The herb adds a slightly bitter, warming edge to the sweetness. You'll find it more readily in traditional cafés in the Medina than in the tourist-oriented spots in Guéliz.
Regular events in January
Independence Manifesto DayFree
National public holiday on January 11 commemorating the 1944 Istiqlal (Independence) Manifesto, which called for Moroccan independence from French rule. Government buildings close, and you may see Moroccan flags displayed more prominently across Jemaa el-Fnaa and along Avenue Mohammed V in Guéliz. The souks and most tourist sites remain open.
January 11Yennayer (Amazigh New Year)Free
The Amazigh (Berber) New Year has been an official Moroccan public holiday since 2018, marking the start of the Amazigh agricultural calendar. In Marrakech, celebrations are more subdued than in the Amazigh-majority regions of the Middle Atlas and Souss. You might find special dinners at some riads and restaurants, and cultural programming at venues in the Medina. The traditional Yennayer meal often features couscous with seven vegetables and dried meat.
January 13Marathon International de MarrakechFree
An annual road race that draws several thousand runners, with routes passing through Guéliz, along the Medina walls, and past the Koutoubia Mosque. The full marathon, half marathon, and 10km events all start and finish near Place de la Liberté. Roads close along the route from early morning until around noon. If you're not running, expect traffic detours in Guéliz on race day.
Last Sunday of JanuaryBest places this January
Jemaa el-Fnaa
squareMarrakech's central square still fills with food stalls, musicians, and storytellers every evening in January, though the crowds are thinner than in autumn. The smoke from dozens of grills mixes with the cold air, and the smell of grilled merguez sausages and lamb kebabs carries further in the winter chill. By 8pm, the square is at its liveliest, with Gnawa musicians playing metal castanets (qraqeb) and drums. Worth noting, the food stalls tend to shut down earlier in January, usually by 10:30pm rather than midnight.
MedinaBahia Palace
historic siteThis 19th-century palace in the Mellah quarter has 8,000 square metres of gardens, courtyards, and rooms with painted cedar ceilings and zellij tilework. In January, the morning light falls at a low angle through the courtyard arches, which makes the geometric tile patterns easier to photograph than in summer when overhead sun flattens the contrast. Entry is 70 MAD.
MellahMaison de la Photographie
museumA small museum in the northern Medina with a collection of vintage Moroccan photographs from the 1870s to the 1960s. The rooftop café has a direct sightline to the Koutoubia Mosque minaret. On a clear January afternoon, you can see the snow on the Atlas peaks from the terrace while drinking a pot of mint tea. The collection itself takes about 45 minutes.
MedinaBen Youssef Madrasa
historic siteA 14th-century Islamic college (rebuilt in the 1560s under the Saadians) with intricate carved stucco, cedar woodwork, and a large marble courtyard. The student cells on the upper floors are tiny, dark rooms that open onto the courtyard through small windows. In January, the lower visitor count means you can stand in the courtyard and study the calligraphy without being moved along by the crowd.
MedinaGuéliz neighbourhood and Avenue Mohammed V
neighborhoodThe French-built new town west of the Medina has a different rhythm. Art Deco-era buildings line Avenue Mohammed V, and the cafés along Rue de la Liberté fill with Marrakchis having long coffee breaks. In January, the wide tree-lined streets feel pleasant during the warmest part of the day, roughly 11am to 3pm. The galleries and boutiques here stay open through winter without schedule changes.
GuélizMellah (Jewish Quarter)
neighborhoodThe old Jewish quarter south of the Bahia Palace has a spice market (Rahba Lakdima is nearby but distinct), a covered market selling dried fruits and olives, and the Lazama Synagogue, one of the few remaining synagogues in the Medina. January's slower pace makes it easier to linger in the covered market and talk to vendors. The dried-fruit stalls stock excellent Medjool dates from the Draa Valley.
MellahKoutoubia Mosque and gardens
landmarkThe 12th-century Almohad mosque's 77-metre minaret is the city's tallest structure and visible from much of the Medina. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the surrounding gardens with their orange trees and rose bushes are open and free. In January, the orange trees hold ripe fruit that perfumes the paths, and the gardens are one of the few green spaces in the city centre.
MedinaKasbah district and Saadian Tombs
historic siteThe Kasbah quarter in the southern Medina holds the Saadian Tombs, a royal necropolis from the 1590s that was sealed for centuries and rediscovered in 1917. The Chamber of the Twelve Columns has Italian Carrara marble pillars and painted cedar domes. January's smaller visitor numbers mean less waiting at the narrow entrance. The surrounding Kasbah streets are quieter than the central souks and have a more residential feel.
Kasbah
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Insider tips
If your riad doesn't have heating, ask the owner about a boukhary (portable gas heater) before you arrive. Most riad owners have a few and will place one in your room on request, but the supply is limited and goes first-come during cold snaps. Emailing a few days ahead of your check-in is better than asking at the door.
The fresh orange juice stalls at the north side of Jemaa el-Fnaa charge 5-6 MAD per glass, while cafés on the surrounding rooftop terraces charge 25-35 MAD for the same juice. The stall juice is typically squeezed to order, and in January the oranges from the Souss-Massa region are at their peak sweetness.
For the hammam, go between 2pm and 4pm on a weekday. Morning slots tend to be full of locals with a routine, and weekend afternoons draw families. Midweek mid-afternoon gives you more space on the warm stone floor and more attention from the attendant.
Negotiate taxi fares before getting in. January's quieter streets mean petit taxis (the small beige cars) are easier to find, but drivers still tend to quote 2-3 times the fair rate to tourists. A ride within the Guéliz-Medina corridor should run 15-25 MAD. If the driver refuses, another taxi will appear within a minute.
The best time to see Jemaa el-Fnaa in January is between 6pm and 8pm. The square fills later than this schedule in summer, but in winter, the performers and food stalls peak early and wind down by 10pm. Arriving at 9pm means you've missed half the action.
Avoid these mistakes
- Booking a riad based on summer photos without checking for heating. Those tile-floored, open-courtyard spaces that look gorgeous in magazine spreads become cold boxes in January. The thick pisé walls that keep rooms cool in July's 40°C do the same job in reverse at 7°C. Check reviews from December-February guests specifically.
- Packing for 21°C and forgetting the 6.6°C nights. The most common packing error is treating January Marrakech like a warm destination. During the day it feels mild, but by dinnertime you'll want a real jacket. Visitors in light clothing at 8pm on Jemaa el-Fnaa are easy to spot, and they look miserable.
- Planning a full day outdoors without accounting for the 5:40pm sunset. In January, useful daylight for sightseeing runs from about 8:30am to 5:30pm. Scheduling an outdoor visit to the Saadian Tombs or Jardin Majorelle for late afternoon means you'll arrive as the light fades and the cold sets in.
- Skipping Yennayer (January 13) because it's not widely marketed to tourists. The Amazigh New Year is a genuine cultural moment. Some government offices and banks close, and if your plans depend on getting something stamped or processed, you'll hit a wall. Check in advance if your riad or any restaurants plan special Yennayer menus.
Practical tips for January
Book accommodation in the Medina rather than the Palmeraie if you want to walk to sights. The Palmeraie is 6km north of the centre and requires a taxi for every outing. Within the Medina, the Mouassine and Kasbah quarters put you within walking distance of Jemaa el-Fnaa, the souks, and most major sites. Riads generally offer breakfast (included in the rate), which saves a cold morning hunt for food. The two public holidays, January 11 (Independence Manifesto Day) and January 13 (Yennayer), close banks and some government offices but not tourist sites or restaurants. If you need to exchange currency, do it before January 11 or use an ATM. The Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) has direct flights from most major European hubs. January is not a busy flight period, so fares from London, Paris, and Madrid tend to run lower than December or Easter. The dress code in the Medina is conservative. Cover shoulders and knees, especially in the Kasbah and near mosques. This is less about January specifically and more about Marrakech generally, but the winter layers you're wearing will handle it naturally. Tipping (pourboire) at restaurants is typically 10-15% and is not included in the bill. For guides and hammam attendants, 20-50 MAD is standard.
FAQ
Is January a good time to visit Marrakech?
January is a solid month for Marrakech, though not the absolute best. Daytime highs of 21°C (70°F) and low rainfall at 20mm make it comfortable for walking and sightseeing. The main drawback is the cold evenings, when temperatures drop to 6.6°C (44°F), which is a problem in traditional riads without heating. Crowds are thinner than in October through December, and hotel rates settle after the New Year rush. If you can handle cold nights and pack layers, January ranks among the better months to visit. Spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) are generally preferred for warmer evenings and a fuller cultural calendar.
What is the weather like in Marrakech in January?
Expect clear, sunny days with an average high of 21.1°C (70°F) and an average low of 6.6°C (44°F). Rainfall is minimal at around 20mm over roughly 2 rainy days. Humidity sits at 53%, which feels dry and comfortable. The big feature of January weather is the temperature swing. Midday can feel genuinely warm in the sun, but by 6pm you'll want a jacket, and by 9pm you'll want a proper winter layer. Snow is often visible on the High Atlas peaks to the south, but it does not fall in Marrakech itself.
Is Marrakech crowded in January?
Moderately. The first week of January still carries the tail end of the holiday season, with visitors who arrived for Christmas and New Year. By mid-January, the Medina souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa, and major sites like Bahia Palace and Jardin Majorelle are noticeably quieter than during the October-December peak. You won't have the city to yourself, but you're unlikely to queue for more than 10-15 minutes at popular sites. The Marathon International de Marrakech on the last Sunday of January causes some road closures and a small influx of runners, but the impact is limited to race morning.
Do I need warm clothes for Marrakech in January?
Yes. This catches many visitors off guard. Morocco's reputation as a warm country is accurate for summer, but January nights in Marrakech drop below 7°C (45°F). Traditional riad architecture with open courtyards, stone floors, and high ceilings amplifies the cold indoors. Bring a warm jacket, scarf, and at least one layer you'd wear in a European autumn. You won't need heavy winter gear, but a fleece and jeans are more appropriate than the linen and sandals some visitors arrive in.
What should I eat in Marrakech in January?
January is the season for Morocco's warming dishes. Harira (tomato-lentil soup) appears everywhere, from Jemaa el-Fnaa stalls at 5 MAD a bowl to upscale riad restaurants. Bissara (split fava bean soup with olive oil and cumin) is a classic Marrakchi winter breakfast. Tangia, a lamb dish slow-cooked overnight in a clay pot in the hammam furnace ashes, is Marrakech's signature and tastes best when it's cold outside. January is also peak citrus season, and the fresh-squeezed orange juice at the Jemaa el-Fnaa stalls uses Souss-Massa oranges at their sweetest.
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