Marrakech Weather in December: Is It Warm in the Day and Cold at Night?
December in Marrakech is often pleasantly mild in the daytime — but many first-time visitors underestimate how cold it can feel after sunset.
SHORT ANSWER
Think spring-like afternoons and genuinely cool nights.
Typical December daytime highs are around 18–20°C. Nights are often around 5–8°C. On a sunny terrace it can feel warm in the afternoon; a few hours later you may want a jacket and sweater.
DAY VS NIGHT
The temperature swing is the main surprise
Marrakech has an inland, semi-arid climate, so temperatures drop quickly once the sun goes down. The Moroccan National Tourist Office describes Marrakech and Fès in the December–January period as cool compared with the coast and specifically recommends a light jacket and sweater for evenings.
Do not pack for “winter sun” as if every hour will be warm. Layers are much more useful than one heavy coat.
RAIN
December is not dry-season perfect, but rain is usually intermittent
Long-term climate data puts the chance of a wet day at roughly 13% through December — around four rainy days in a typical month. When rain comes it can affect a day trip, but Marrakech is not normally wet every day.
A compact rain jacket is more useful than an umbrella if you are also planning desert or mountain excursions.
WHAT TO WEAR
Pack for 20°C and 6°C on the same trip
Bring T-shirts or light shirts for sunny afternoons, long trousers, a sweater or fleece and a light-to-medium jacket for evenings. Closed shoes are useful at night.
Riad tip: traditional buildings can feel cooler after sunset than the daytime temperature suggests. If you dislike cold rooms, check whether your accommodation has reliable heating.
AGAFAY & ATLAS
Excursions can feel much colder than Marrakech
Do not use the city forecast for the Atlas Mountains. Morocco's official tourism guidance stresses that mountain areas are colder, and winter conditions can be dramatically different at altitude. Agafay also feels colder after sunset because of the exposed desert-like setting.
If you book a sunrise, sunset or overnight excursion, take an extra warm layer even if Marrakech is sunny at lunchtime.
IS DECEMBER A GOOD TIME?
Yes — especially for sightseeing rather than pool weather
December is excellent if you want to explore the medina, gardens and day trips without summer heat. It is less suitable if your idea of Marrakech is guaranteed swimming-pool weather.
Many unheated outdoor pools will feel cold. A heated pool is worth checking explicitly when you book a hotel or riad.
FAQ
Quick questions
Is Marrakech hot in December?
Usually not hot. Afternoon temperatures are often pleasantly mild around 18–20°C, but evenings and nights are much cooler.
Is Marrakech cold at night in December?
Yes, it can feel cold. Typical nighttime temperatures are often around 5–8°C.
Does it rain in Marrakech in December?
Sometimes. Long-term data suggests roughly four wet days in a typical December, so rain is possible but not an everyday event.
Can you swim in Marrakech in December?
Possibly in a heated pool. Unheated outdoor pools can feel cold even on sunny days.