Morocco in February: Embracing the Winter Vistas
Whether you want to fully embrace winter and spend a week skiing or escape the cold and wander through a desert, Morocco in February is the right place for you! During this month, you can either spend your days enjoying the snow in the High Atlas Mountains or explore the Sahara before the arrival of the hot summer season.
- Margaret S.
Morocco Weather in February
Except for a few select regions, Morocco does not experience freezing winters. The weather across Morocco in February is mild, with low to middle chances of precipitation. However, varying climatic zones can influence the weather of the country — depending on the area you visit.
The coastal region of Morocco is mild, with highs of 17℃ and lows of 9℃. If you are visiting the coastal city of El Jadida, expect highs of 18℃ and lows of 10℃, with an average of seven days of rainfall during this month. The southeast area of the country, on the other hand, has a dry climate. Here, temperatures are high during the day and quickly drop in the evening. For instance, in Ouarzazate, located in the middle of a desert, you will find highs of 19℃ and lows of 5℃. Whereas in the High Atlas Mountains range, temperatures range between 3℃ to 21℃. Expect plenty of snow here in February!
For a seasonal overview, do not hesitate to check our article on the best time to visit Morocco.
Weather in Morocco in February - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 19 | 21 | 25 | 27 | 29 | 35 | 38 | 38 | 33 | 29 | 23 | 20 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 6 | 8 | 11 | 13 | 15 | 19 | 21 | 21 | 19 | 16 | 11 | 8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 67 | 70 | 77 | 81 | 85 | 95 | 101 | 101 | 92 | 85 | 74 | 68 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 43 | 47 | 52 | 56 | 59 | 67 | 70 | 70 | 67 | 61 | 52 | 47 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 32 | 38 | 38 | 39 | 24 | 5 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 24 | 41 | 13 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 19 | 21 | 25 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 6 | 8 | 11 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 67 | 70 | 77 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 43 | 47 | 52 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 32 | 38 | 38 |
Why Visit Morocco in February
Morocco offers a variety of activities for people of different interests. Following are a few reasons why you should plan a trip to Morocco in February.
- Explore the desert: February has the ideal temperature to explore the desert. You can book a camel ride or spend the night in the Sarah Desert with expert bedouins. In the morning, you can also visit some of the many citadels scattered all over the area. The most popular ones are Ouarzazate and Tinghir.
- Winter sports: Not many people know that Morocco is also home to a mountain range featuring the highest ski resort in Africa. Oukaïmeden’s ski resort is located about 80 km south of Marrakech, at 2,650 meters. Here you can spend your day enjoying different winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.
- Almond Blossom Festival: The Almond Blossom Festival marks the beginning of spring. This festival takes place in the quaint town of Tafraoute in the second week of February. Picturesque pink houses with white windows provide a perfect backdrop to blossoming almond trees. Here, you can witness traditional acts, listen to soothing music, or sample Moroccan delicacies of the region! You might also want to purchase travel souvenirs and other essentials during your stay in town as it offers more affordable prices than other parts of the country.
Where to go and what to do
Considering mild temperatures and a lower footfall, the end of February provides ideal conditions to explore the main attractions of Morocco. Therefore, the final days of winter are suitable for a trip to Marrakech to visit Bahia Palace, see the ancient monuments in the city’s medina, and shop at a souq (local market). Unlike April and May, you will be able to visit all these places without dealing with thousands of tourists!
Likewise, the High Atlas Mountains are a stunning natural escapade with breathtaking vistas and plenty of treks. The high elevation of this area is perfect for those who want to make the most of their winter holidays and enjoy the snow. Visit the Oukaïmeden region, where you will find ski resorts and runs for both experts and beginners. Alternatively, if you want to enjoy long trekking journeys, head towards Ifrane National Park, often called the ‘little Switzerland of Morocco’. Here you can marvel at stunning natural landscapes and spot a variety of wildlife, including the Barbary macaque.
For desert activities, catch a bus to Rissani. This charming city is home to a souq (market) and the beautiful Mausoleum of Moulay Ali Cherif. You have direct access to the desert from this part of the country if you wish to enjoy sand surfing, stargazing, and quad biking.
What to bring
Temperatures in deserts can plummet drastically after sundown. Therefore, remember to pack some warm clothes. Likewise, the High Atlas Mountains see plenty of snow in February. A good pair of trekking shoes and a winter jacket are a must for the season.
Although underrated, February can be a fantastic month to visit Morocco. Fewer tourists, mild temperatures, snow in the High Atlas, and a warm Sahara mean that no region of the country is out of bounds during this time of year. Marvel at the beauty of Marrakesh before travelers from all corners of the world pour in, book a camel ride in the desert, or enjoy a scenic trek through the mountains!
Wondering how long it takes to cover it all? Check out our travel guide on how many days to spend in Morocco for more ideas and insights. If you are in the process of planning your custom trip to Morocco and need some help, feel free to reach out to our Moroccan travel experts. You can also browse through our trips to Morocco in February for more ideas and inspiration.
