Morocco in January

Cold nights in riads and the desert; snow on the High Atlas can close the Tichka pass. Clear, quiet cities.

• Imperial cities and the plains · Marrakech, Fes, Meknescool

  Spring and autumn are the window; Marrakech passes 40 °C in July–August; winter days are bright but nights drop near 0 °C and riads are cold.

• Atlantic coast · Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Essaouira, Agadirfine

  Mild all year; Essaouira is windy in summer; winter brings rain in the north.

• Rif and the north · Chefchaouen, Tetouanrainy

  The wettest part of the country in winter; green and cool in spring.

• High Atlas · Imlil, Toubkal, Tizi n'Tichkacool

  Snow above about 2,000 m in winter; Toubkal treks are best May–Oct; passes close after storms.

• Sahara and southern valleys · Merzouga, Zagora, Dades, Ouarzazatecool

  Warm days and near-freezing nights Dec–Feb; spring can bring sandstorms; June–August is dangerous heat in the dunes.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• New Year's Day

  1 Jan

  Public holiday.

• Independence Manifesto Day

  11 Jan

  Offices closed.

• Yennayer (Amazigh New Year)

  13–14 Jan

  Public holiday since 2024; celebrations in Amazigh areas.

Crowds · Morocco

Low

Prices · Morocco

Low

• Layers: a fleece or light jacket
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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Rated best or good this month

• Marrakech

  Cool days, cold nights; snow on the Atlas.