Is December a good time to visit Fes? In my opinion, winter is the perfect season to explore Fes, but that’s because I like the cold! While it can be a bit chilly in Fes in December, with daytime temperatures hovering in the mid-to-high teens Celsius, the absence of large crowds more than compensates for needing an extra layer or two!
Fes el Bali, the city's UNESCO-listed medina, is much quieter in December than during the bustling spring and autumn months, with the only exception being the final week between Christmas and New Year. This allows you to wander through the winding alleyways and historic madrasas at a more relaxed pace and take advantage of crowd-free photography opportunities. You'll also have more chances to engage with locals in the artisan souks, where you can find everything from Amazigh rugs to traditional ceramics and handcrafted leather items.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Fes in December, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Fes in December to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in December here.
For more information about visiting this ancient, check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Fes.
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Fes weather in December
In December, Fes enjoys mild daytime temperatures around 18°C (64°F), which I find really comfortable for wandering around the medina. As night sets in, the mercury can dip to a low of around 6°C (42°F), which is not exactly warm! Definitely bring a jacket or sweater for venturing out at night, as well as layers that you can put on and take off throughout the day.
Fes receives quite a bit of precipitation in December (although it’s slightly less than in November), with around 59 mm of rainfall spread across 9 days. In the mornings, a mist sometimes envelops the city, which eventually gives way to sunny afternoons. If you have enough room in your suitcase, consider bringing a waterproof jacket or umbrella in case you get caught in a shower. Sipping on hot mint tea is a wonderful way to warm up during your sightseeing adventures and there are plenty of cafes you can duck into if you need to escape the rain.
Top tip: Many Fes riads have open fireplaces where guests can warm up throughout the day and I always book one if I’m visiting Fes in December. Check out Riad Al Bartal, Riad Tizwa or Riad Semlalia if you’d like to do the same.
Visiting Fes in December
Is December a busy time in Fes?
As the end of the year approaches and the holiday season kicks into full swing, Fes experiences an uptick in visitor numbers. The week between Christmas and New Year is usually the busiest of the month but not quite as hectic as the peak summer months. You can expect crowds at many of the medina’s top attractions as people take advantage of a week off school and work.
That being said, the start of December is relatively quiet and a great time to visit Fes if you want to avoid the holiday crowds. As Morocco is a Muslim-majority country, don’t expect festive decorations or carols in the lead up to Christmas - this will come as a welcome surprise if you're trying to escape the festive season frenzy back home.
What’s on in Fes in December
New Year’s Eve
In Morocco, New Year's Eve celebrations are relatively low-key in smaller towns and villages, but the larger cities usually come alive as they ring in the New Year. In Fes, both locals and tourists take to the streets to enjoy the celebratory atmosphere or treat themselves to a special New Year’s Eve dinner at one of the city's upscale hotels and restaurants. Most include a multi-course meal and performances by folk musicians, as well as a DJ who will keep the party going until the early hours of the next morning. If you’re looking for ideas, both Riad Alassala and Riad El Amine put on fun nights to mark the arrival of the New Year in Fes.
Best things to do in Fes in December
Best things to do in Fes in December
Experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of the ancient medina is undoubtedly one of the best things to do when visiting Fes in December. The mild temperatures allow you to wander through the streets and souks for hours, discovering hidden gems along the way. In the markets, you’ll find everything from vibrant textiles to handcrafted leather items and beautiful ceramics - the photography and shopping here is sublime! If you prefer some guidance during your retail therapy, there are specialised shopping tours that lead you to hidden workshops and artisan stalls where you can meet the skilled craftspeople of Fes.
As you explore the medina, don’t miss the Bou Inania Madrasa, a 14th-century religious institution known for its zellije tiles, intricately carved cedar and delicate stucco work. Another must-see is the Chouara Tannery, where you can observe the traditional craft of leather tanning in action. If the energy of the medina gets a bit too much, you can take a breather in the serene Jnan Sbil Gardens, a 19th-century haven filled with tranquil ponds, palm trees and seasonal flowers.
In my opinion, Fes is one of the best places in Morocco for a cooking class, and if rain is forecast, it makes for an ideal indoor activity. In addition to family-run sessions in local homes, you can join professionally guided cooking classes at Palais Amani, which also offers Moroccan baking classes. Renowned for its distinctive Fassi cuisine, Fes also offers a diverse range of additional tours and experiences tailored for food enthusiasts.
In the late afternoon, make your way to the Merenid Tombs for a panoramic view of the city bathed in the golden hues of sunset. These historic ruins were once part of a royal burial site for a dynasty that ruled Morocco between the 13th and 15th centuries. The Merenid Tombs are just a short stroll from the Borj Nord Museum, where you can get up close to an array of European and Middle Eastern weaponry.
Is December a good time to visit Fes?
Is December a good time to visit Fes?
If you don’t mind the cooler temps, December can be a fantastic time to visit Fes and explore the medina without the crowds. There’s more room to move at the city’s architectural landmarks and, for photographers, you’ll have greater opportunities to capture images without strangers wandering into the frame.
Exploring Fes during the winter months can offer some great deals on flights and accommodations, especially as the start of the month before the Christmas/New Year holidays kick in. The final week of December sees a noticeable uptick in visitor numbers and you should book your accommodation well in advance if you’re visiting over the festive break. If you're visiting Fes in December, just remember to pack layers, including a warm jacket or coat, as temperatures can drop significantly once the sun goes down.
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About the author
I'm Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I've developed an intense love for Morocco, its majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.