Rabat Weather in January

January weather

Rabat feels mild in January, but not reliably sunny. Days reach 17°C, while nights fall to 11°C. Rain averages 68 mm across nine days, and skies are often cloudy. You'll still get around four and a half hours of sun a day, so a bright spell can make the Oudayas feel lovely.

The weather suits the Chellah ruins, the Hassan Tower and café stops in the medina. Rain can make long beach visits or outdoor plans less appealing, so keep the Kasbah des Oudayas Museum or a leisurely lunch as a backup. Evenings beside the Bouregreg can feel cool and damp.

Holidays and local life

January brings New Year's Day, the anniversary of the Independence Manifesto on 11 January, and Amazigh New Year, Yennayer, on 14 January. These are public holidays, so some offices and shops may close; the main sights and services can have different opening hours.

If you hate crowds, January is a calm time to explore the medina and Hassan Tower without peak-season foot traffic. It's generally quieter and easier on the budget than busier spring and summer months, though individual hotel prices vary. Don't expect a packed festival calendar: Rabat's biggest cultural events usually fall later in the year.

Make a rainy day work

For a practical local plan, take the Rabat-Salé tram to Bab Lamrissa and cross the river to Salé's medina when the weather clears. If it turns wet, stay on Rabat's side and duck into the Oudayas Museum, then have mint tea nearby.

Travelling with kids? The tram makes it easier to reach the riverside without a long walk, and the Hassan Tower grounds give them room to move when the skies are dry. January is winter, but the city's mild days still leave plenty of room for unhurried sightseeing.