Morocco in January: Mild Winter Adventures
January promises crowd-free sightseeing tours of inland Moroccan cities like Marrakech and Rabat. In addition to this, the month also offers access to the Sahara Desert. Elsewhere, in the High Atlas Mountains, the season for winter sports is in full swing, with crowds flocking to ski down and climb to the top of icy peaks.
Likewise, a trip to the coast makes for some relaxed time by the deep blue sea.
Morocco experiences mild weather conditions in January. However, despite that, foot traffic is sparse in most parts of the country, making it the perfect time for peaceful and relaxing excursions.
- Margaret S.
Morocco Weather in January
Morocco gets warmer and drier as you head southwards, towards the equator. Coastal cities to the west, like Agadir, experience average highs of 21°C with five days of rain in January. Marrakech, located in the country’s north, has mild daytime temperatures, with mercury peaking at a maximum of 19°C. However, it gets cold in Marrakech after sundown, so pack some warm clothes for the night.
The Sahara Desert—largely off-limits in the summer months— sees significant foot traffic in January as the temperature sits comfortably at 22°C.
Check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Morocco for a seasonal overview.
Weather in Morocco in January - 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 |
| Dec | Jan | Feb | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 20 | 19 | 21 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 8 | 6 | 8 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 68 | 67 | 70 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 47 | 43 | 47 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 13 | 32 | 38 |
Why Visit Morocco in January
A trip to Morocco in January has numerous perks and allows visitors to engage in many activities across the country. Below are some of the reasons you should consider vacationing in Morocco this month.
- Fewer crowds: Holiday crowds leave the country starting from the second week of January. This is the time to save some bucks on city and desert tours. You can also find better deals on flights and accommodation during this time of year.
- Desert tours: Temperatures in the Sahara Desert can soar up to 45°C in summer. So cooler winter months are ideal for desert tours and January is the best time. See the massive dunes of Erg Chebbi or enjoy the thrill of ATV rides and sand surfing.
- Festivals and national holidays: On January 11, Morocco celebrates the Proclamation of Independence with street parties and festivals. This day commemorates the country’s independence from the French colonial empire. A day later, Yennayer—the beginning of the crop year—is celebrated, particularly in Berber villages. Be part of these festivals if you want to learn more about Moroccan culture. Sing with locals and sample traditional food like couscous and vegetables prepared especially for the occasion.
- Coastal getaways: Try kitesurfing in Essaouira—a city known for its coastal wind. While windy days can keep your basking plans at bay, take this time wandering through Unesco-protected citadels and sampling local camel cheese with kofta tajine.
Where to go and what to do
Morocco is home to numerous natural landmarks, architectural gems, and outdoor attractions. The country offers a wide variety of activities in multiple destinations to visitors of all tastes and preferences.
Culture enthusiasts can go on a sightseeing tour of Marrakech during their trip to Morocco in January and discover the gems of the country’s financial hub. Alternatively, you can visit the desert town of Ouarzazate, located on the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains, before making your way to the Sahara Desert. South of the Sahara, warmer, clear days and occasional snowfall make the Anti-Atlas Mountains a good choice for hiking or trekking. Also, watch out for the intricate Arabian rugs at Souk Semmarine if you wish to take home some souvenirs. These tribal rugs are lightweight and can fit into a small space.
January is one of the best times to visit Morocco. The country’s weather is just perfect during this time. Whether you want an urban holiday, a winter ski trip, or explore the desert, the country caters to all kinds of visitors during this month.
Browse through our travel guide on how many days to spend in Morocco for further insights on destinations and activities in Morocco in August. If you have specific needs, reach out to our local travel experts to devise a tailor-made itinerary for Morocco to create a customized trip across Morocco. For more information and inspiration, check out our tours to Morocco in January.
