Marrakesh Weather in December

December days outdoors

December is mild by day, with sunny spells that suit walking the medina and visiting the Bahia Palace or Majorelle Garden. It's much cooler after sunset, so Jemaa el-Fnaa can feel chilly once you stop moving. Rain falls on a handful of days, but most of the month is dry. Save a flexible indoor stop, such as the Marrakech Museum, for a rainy spell.

The Atlas foothills are tempting on a clear day, but higher trails can be cold or snowy in winter. Stick to lower routes unless you've checked local conditions. Couples who enjoy quiet museum visits and cosy dinners may find December especially comfortable.

Festive season and crowds

December falls within Marrakesh's popular cool-weather season, so it's busier than the hot summer months. Crowds and prices can rise around Christmas and New Year, especially at well-known riads and restaurants. The holidays aren't Moroccan public holidays, but visitors still come for winter sun.

The Marrakech International Film Festival sometimes takes place around this time, though its dates vary and it isn't held in December every year. Don't build your trip around it without checking the year's schedule. You'll find a festive feel in some hotels, rather than a city-wide Christmas celebration.

A useful medina tip

Visit the souks in the afternoon, then head to Jemaa el-Fnaa before dusk. The square fills with food stalls and performers, while the drop in temperature makes a long evening outdoors less comfortable. Try tanjia, a slow-cooked Marrakesh meat dish, at a nearby restaurant if you'd rather sit down.

For a warm-up between sights, duck into a hammam in the medina. Ask whether the bath is heated before you go, as the experience can vary by place. At Majorelle Garden, arrive in daylight; December's shorter days leave less time for a relaxed visit.