Travelling to Morocco in January: Is it a good time to visit?
- Malika
- Jun 11, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 5
Travelling to Morocco in January? Discover everything you need to know about visiting Morocco in the winter, from weather to crowds and where to go.
While January may be one of the coldest months in Morocco, it is a far cry from the dreary conditions experienced across much of the Northern Hemisphere. If you’re seeking respite from the harsh winter temperatures, visiting Morocco in January can provide a much-needed and welcome escape.
Living on Morocco's southern coast, I've always found January to be relatively mild and even the early morning chill can't keep me out of the water! But I understand that things get colder the further north you head and winter snowfall in the Atlas Mountains can make some parts of the country more difficult to navigate.
The cooler temperatures that Morocco enjoys in January make it an ideal time to explore the country's warmer regions, such as the Sahara Desert and the coastal cities of Agadir and Essaouira. For surfers, winter heralds in bigger swells (without the summer crowds), while the medinas of Marrakech and Fes are quieter than usual.
As January is a shoulder season in Morocco, the reduced demand can translate into good accommodation deals and easier access to transportation. With fewer tourists around, visiting Morocco in January may mean a more intimate experience, whether you're travelling as part of a small group tour or exploring the country independently on a self-drive itinerary. The only exception to this is the first week of January when there's an uptick in demand during Europe's post-Christmas winter holidays.
In my opinion, travelling to Morocco in January is perfect for those who want room to move in the medinas and greater opportunities to connect with the local culture.
In this article, I'll explain what you can expect if you’re travelling to Morocco in January, from weather to events and the best places to visit for a winter escape.
If you're focusing your travels on Marrakech, Fes, Agadir or Essaouira, click on the links to find detailed information about visiting each in January.
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Weather in Morocco in January
While Morocco is known for its warm, sunny climate, the winter months do bring a noticeable chill to the air, particularly in the north of the country. January is the coldest and wettest time of year across much of the country, although this is still mild compared to most European destinations.
Daytime highs in January will typically reach into the high teens Celsius (mid-to-high 60s Fahrenheit), making this an ideal time for city-based sightseeing in Marrakech. Winter is one of my favourite times to be in the "Red City" as the snow-capped Atlas Mountains provide a spectacular backdrop.
If you're travelling to Morocco's northern cities like Fes or Chefchaouen, be sure to bring a warm jacket and waterproof if you're visiting in January. I'd also highly recommend finding a riad with a fireplace so you have some where toasty to thaw out and warm up when you return from sightseeing.
The Mediterranean and Atlantic influences help keep things relatively temperate along the coastline - the weather in January at Morocco's beachside resorts is enticingly mild. I'm someone who will surf and swim right through winter in southern Morocco, although I know that won't appeal to everyone!
While you could be sunbathing in Agadir during a January holiday in Morocco, the mercury can plummet much lower in the Atlas Mountains (sometimes dipping below freezing). Even in the Anti Atlas Mountains, we've experienced heavy snowfall while driving around in January - it was incredibly beautiful!
In the Sahara Desert, January temperatures can sometimes reach into the mid-20s Celsius (around 80°F), with bright, sunny skies and cloud-free conditions that are perfect for stargazing at night. That being said, nighttime winter temperatures can be very chilly in the desert, so bring plenty of warm layers (beanies and gloves aren't overkill!)
Travelling to Morocco in January
Is January a popular time to visit Morocco?
Visiting Morocco in January is perfect if you're looking to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower accommodation prices in popular destinations like Marrakech and Fes. During this shoulder season, Morocco's major tourist attractions see fewer visitors, allowing you to explore iconic sites and attractions with more breathing room.
The only exception to this is the very start of January when Europeans are visiting on their Christmas/New Year break.
For photographers, you won’t have to compete for the best vantage point at popular landmarks and the lack of desert dust makes it ideal for capturing clear, crisp images in the Sahara Desert.
By travelling to Morocco in January, not only will you be able to immerse yourself in the country’s captivating culture and stunning scenery without the chaos of peak season, but you'll also find that many accommodations offer discounted rates. Whether you want to stay in a luxury riad in Fes or a beachside hotel in Essaouira, January is one of the cheapest months to visit Morocco.
Visiting Morocco in January
Festivals and events in Morocco in January
Proclamation of Independence - January 11
On January 11, 1944, the Istiqlal Party presented a document demanding Morocco’s independence from French colonial rule. This marked a pivotal moment in the country's history, setting in motion a decades-long struggle that would eventually lead to the North African nation's liberation.
Each year, Moroccans come together to commemorate their hard-won freedom, with patriotic celebrations in cities and towns nationwide. Expect to see a lot of flags and other festive decorations in what is an energised display of national pride.
Yennayer: Amazigh New Year - January 12 and 13
Yennayer is observed by Amazigh people across Morocco to mark the start of the agricultural calendar. While you can find various festivities honouring this important cultural holiday in cities like Agadir, the most traditional Yennayer celebrations take place in the Middle and High Atlas mountain regions. Here, Amazigh tribes come together to feast and share their hopes for a prosperous growing season ahead.
As my husband's family is Amazigh, this is a day that we celebrate with lots of really good food. It's a fantastic excuse to gather with family and friends, enjoy a day off work and honour Morocco's Indigenous peoples. If you're the type of traveller who readily connects with locals, there's a good chance you'll get invited to share in the feast!
Travelling to Morocco in January
Where to go in Morocco in January
With the country experiencing cooler temperatures across the board, there are a wealth of experiences on offer if you're travelling to Morocco in January. While major cities like Marrakech and Tangier may see a bit more rainfall than usual, the lack of crowds makes it an ideal time for sightseeing in the medinas.
For warmer conditions, head to the seaside city of Essaouira or the beach resort of Agadir, both of which experience mild temperatures in January. With the Atlantic swells at their peak, this is also one of the best times to hit the surf breaks of Taghazout and Imsouane - you'll need a wetsuit though!
Destinations like Ouarzazate, Dades and Todra Gorges are particularly pleasant in January, with relatively dry weather and an absence of dust at this time of year. While the Sahara Desert sees idyllic daytime temperatures, the nighttime lows can be incredibly chilly - make sure you stay at a desert camp with a campfire!
It's worth noting that the further south you travel in Morocco, the milder the temperatures will be in January. For example, Chefchaouen in the north will be "jacket weather" while you might be in a T-shirt on the beaches of Mirleft and Sidi Ifni in the south.
So if you're looking to minimise the need for heavy winter clothing during your January holiday in Morocco, I'd recommend focusing your explorations on the southern reaches of the kingdom. Check out my suggested itinerary here!
For those who want to ski in the High Atlas or Middle Atlas mountains, January offers some of the best conditions at the ski resorts of Oukaïmeden and Michlifen. That being said, you won't find the facilities of big-name European ski resorts - set your expectations accordingly and you'll enjoy a distinctly Moroccan experience.
And with the chilly outside temperatures, January is one of the best months to warm up in a Moroccan hammam! If you're not sure what to expect, I've created a detailed guide with everything you need to know about Moroccan hammam culture.
