Winter in Marrakech feels completely different compared to those blazing summers. The days stay mild and comfortable, but nights can get cool—never really harsh, though. Daytime temperatures usually hover in the upper 60s °F (around 19–20°C). At night, they dip into the low 50s °F (10–12°C).
Rain doesn’t really make a big appearance. Sunshine is the norm, so it’s honestly one of the nicer times to wander around the city.
Forget about heavy downpours or endless gray skies. Winter brings quick bursts of light rain, then the sun pops right back out.
The air feels crisp, not cold, and that mix of sun with cooler air makes being outside much more enjoyable. You won’t have to deal with that overwhelming summer heat.
You’ll probably find yourself dressing in layers. The evenings cool off fast after warm afternoons, and the limited rainfall keeps everything feeling pretty dry.
Knowing these patterns helps set your expectations, so you can make the most of your winter trip to Marrakech.
Overview of Marrakech’s Winter Climate
Winter in Marrakech brings mild daytime temperatures, cooler nights, and not much rain. The season stands out for sharp contrasts between day and night, with a good balance of sunshine and the occasional cloudy or rainy day.
Location and Climate Classification
Marrakech sits right in central Morocco at about 460 meters (1,500 feet) above sea level. This elevation means nights get a bit cooler than in coastal towns.
The nearby High Atlas Mountains play a big role too, sending dry winds that can bump up daytime temps even in winter.
You could call the city’s climate hot semi-arid or maybe subtropical semi-desert. Summers drag on, dry and hot, but winters stay pretty mild.
Rain doesn’t fall much—just around 250–280 millimeters per year—and most of it comes between late autumn and early spring.
Since Marrakech is inland, away from the coast, temperatures swing a lot from day to night. Nights cool off quickly, but afternoons can still get warm under clear skies.
That makes winter both comfortable and a little unpredictable, depending on the hour.
Seasonal Patterns in Marrakech
During December to February, daytime highs usually sit between 18–20 °C (64–68 °F). Nights can drop to 5 °C (41 °F) or, on rare nights, even get close to freezing.
If the sun’s out and the winds come from the south, you might see temps spike above 25 °C (77 °F).
Rain is more common than in summer, but still not a big deal. Expect about 6–8 rainy days per month in winter, mostly short showers or the odd thunderstorm.
Snow never falls in the city, but you can spot it on the Atlas Mountains from Marrakech when the sky’s clear.
Sunshine is a big feature here. You get about 7 hours of sun per day in January—that’s more than a lot of European cities this time of year.
Humidity stays moderate, so the cool air feels crisp, not clammy.
Comparison with Other Seasons
Winter feels pretty mild compared to summer, when highs often shoot past 40 °C (104 °F) and rain just doesn’t happen. Winter has more balanced days, cooler nights, and a few showers.
In spring, temps climb fast, hitting 30 °C (86 °F) by May, and rain drops off. Autumn is similar to spring, with warm days and some rain coming back by November.
If you stack winter up against these seasons, it’s honestly the most comfortable mix of moderate temps, manageable sunshine, and fewer crowds. The desert vibe is still there, just softened by the cooler air and chance of rain.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Marrakech
Winter in Marrakech brings mild warmth during the day and cooler nights, shaped by its semi-arid climate and the nearby High Atlas Mountains. You’ll notice a steady contrast between day and night, with the coldest months bringing the occasional chill.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During winter, daytime temps in Marrakech usually fall between 16°C and 20°C (61°F–68°F). That’s pretty nice for walking around or enjoying outdoor stuff, even in January.
At night, the temperature drops fast. Lows often land between 6°C and 8°C (43°F–46°F), but some evenings get closer to 5°C (41°F).
This daily swing is typical for semi-arid spots, where clear skies let heat escape after sunset. You’ll want layers—t-shirts for the afternoon, sweaters for the evening.
Coldest Month and Temperature Extremes
January is generally the coldest month in Marrakech. The average temperature sits near 12°C (54°F) overall, with highs around 18°C (64°F) and lows near 6°C (43°F).
Frost almost never happens in the city, but it can show up early in the morning now and then. Temperatures rarely dip below 3–4°C (37–39°F), and if they do, it doesn’t last long.
The High Atlas Mountains nearby make these extremes more noticeable. Cold air can roll down from the mountains and drop nighttime temps quickly, so January mornings can feel much colder than the afternoons.
Temperature Fluctuations and Influences
Winter temperatures in Marrakech can shift fast because of the geography. The city sits on the edge of the desert, but it’s close to the High Atlas Mountains, which block some Atlantic weather systems.
Winds blowing off the mountains bring cooler, drier air that makes nights colder. On sunny, calm days, the afternoons can get much warmer than average.
You’ll probably see a 10–12°C (18–22°F) difference between day and night. That’s a big swing, so pack both light clothes for the day and something warmer for evenings.
Precipitation and Rainfall Trends
Winter in Marrakech brings more rain than the bone-dry summer, but it’s still moderate compared to the coast or mountains. You’ll get light to moderate showers, a few cloudy days, and lots of dry stretches in between.
Monthly Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Marrakech during winter doesn’t spread out evenly. December usually gets about 30–40 mm, January averages 35–45 mm, and February is often the wettest with 40–50 mm.
For context, the city’s annual rainfall is about 344 mm, so winter brings a good chunk of that. Even in the wettest months, rain comes in quick bursts, not long, soaking storms.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | 30–40 |
| January | 35–45 |
| February | 40–50 |
So, while you might run into a shower, the overall climate is still pretty dry compared to northern Morocco.
Frequency and Type of Precipitation
Rain in Marrakech during winter usually falls as quick showers. Heavy downpours can happen, but they’re pretty rare, and the city hardly ever sees rain that lasts all day.
Snow just isn’t a thing in Marrakech, though the Atlas Mountains nearby can get plenty. In the city, it’s always rain, and it’s usually light to moderate.
Cloud cover goes up in January and February, but you’ll still spot plenty of sunshine between showers. This mix of clouds and clear skies is just part of Marrakech’s semi-arid vibe.
Rainy Days and Seasonal Variation
Look for about 5–7 rainy days per month in winter. These aren’t full days of rain—just scattered showers here and there. Most of the time, the sky is partly cloudy or clear.
March usually sees the most rain, with about 50 mm over around 6 days. December and January are a bit drier. By April, rain drops off fast, and those long dry spells come back.
So, winter is the most reliable time to catch rainfall in Marrakech, but you’ll still find way more sunny days than wet ones.
Humidity, Wind, and Other Atmospheric Conditions
Winter in Marrakech brings cooler temperatures, a little more humidity than summer, and moderate winds that change how the air feels. There’s plenty of sunshine, but shorter days and more clouds give the city a different feel than the dry, bright summers.
Humidity Levels in Winter
Humidity in Marrakech during winter runs between 55% and 65%, higher than the dry summers. The cooler air holds more moisture, but it never really feels damp like it does near the coast.
You’ll notice mornings and evenings feel cooler, maybe even a bit chilly, especially when the humidity mixes with lows near 6°C (43°F) at night. By midday, things get more comfortable, with humidity balancing out the mild highs around 17°C (63°F).
Rain is more likely in December and January, which bumps up the humidity. Still, total rainfall averages just 30–40 mm a month, so it stays drier than most European cities.
Wind Patterns and Speeds
Winds in Marrakech during winter usually stay light to moderate. On average, speeds range from 8–15 km/h (5–9 mph), though you might feel stronger gusts when weather systems move through.
Winds mostly come from the north or northeast, bringing cooler air from inland Morocco. Sometimes, you’ll get a dry breeze from the east, or a bit more moisture if the wind shifts west.
Since the city sits inland, big coastal storms don’t really affect Marrakech. Instead, you get steady breezes, especially after rain, that keep the air feeling fresh.
Travelers notice the wind more in open areas, but inside the medina’s narrow streets, it’s barely there.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
Winter skies in Marrakech flip between clear and partly cloudy. On average, expect 7 hours of sunshine per day—not as much as summer, but still way brighter than most European cities in winter.
Cloud cover goes up in December and January, with about 30–35% of days mostly cloudy. Still, you’ll get long sunny spells between passing weather.
Days are shorter, with about 10 hours of daylight in December and 11 in February. Even with the early sunsets, there’s enough sun for outdoor plans, though mornings can be chilly and the odd overcast day might feel a bit dull.
How Winter Weather in Marrakech Compares to Other Seasons
Winter in Marrakech feels mild, especially when you think about the intense summer heat or the warmer stretches of spring and autumn. Days are comfortable, but nights can get cold, so the contrast with other seasons is pretty obvious.
Differences from Hot Summers
Summer in Marrakech is very hot, dry, and sunny, with highs often above 37 °C (99 °F) in July and August. On the hottest days, temps can shoot past 45 °C (113 °F)—honestly, it’s tough to be outside in the afternoon. Nights don’t cool off much either, usually staying above 20 °C (68 °F).
Winter days usually land between 15–20 °C (59–68 °F), and nights often drop below 5 °C (41 °F), with some nights getting close to freezing. The cooler air makes sightseeing way easier, especially in the Medina or the souks, where summer heat can be overwhelming.
Rain is also more likely in winter. Summers are almost bone-dry, but from December through February, you might get 5–8 rainy days per month. These showers are quick, but they definitely bring more moisture than the long, dry summers.
So, winter gives you milder days, colder nights, and a bit of rain, while summer brings extreme heat, dry air, and endless sunshine.
Transition to Spring and Autumn
Spring and autumn really serve as bridge seasons between the extremes of summer and winter. In spring, temperatures climb pretty fast from March through May.
You’ll usually see daytime highs around 23–30 °C (73–86 °F), though sometimes they suddenly spike above 35 °C (95 °F) in late spring. Nights stay cool, but they don’t hit those bone-chilling winter lows.
Autumn runs from September to November. Early September brings warm days, often near 30–35 °C (86–95 °F).
By November, daytime highs settle closer to 23 °C (73 °F), and nights start to feel a lot like March evenings. Rain picks up, especially in October and November.
Both spring and autumn feel warmer than winter during the day, and nights aren’t as harsh. You might get hit with a sudden hot spell, especially if those Sahara winds show up.
Winter just doesn’t have those sudden heat surges, so things stay steadier and cooler.
Spring and autumn also give you longer daylight hours than winter, so there’s more time to get outside. Still, winter skies in Marrakech are mostly sunny, so you don’t really miss out on daylight even when it’s cooler.
Regional Factors Affecting Winter Weather
Winter weather in Marrakech really depends on the nearby High Atlas Mountains and those unpredictable desert winds. These factors explain why nights often feel cold, but the days can get surprisingly warm for the season.
Influence of the High Atlas Mountains
The High Atlas Mountains rise just south of Marrakech, with peaks soaring over 4,000 meters. Their height and winter snow cover play a huge role in shaping the city’s climate.
Cold air drifts down from the mountains and lowers nighttime temperatures, often bringing them near 5 °C or even close to freezing.
During the day, the mountains block some of the Atlantic’s moderating air, which makes temperature swings more dramatic than in coastal cities. You might enjoy a sunny afternoon at 18–20 °C, but after sunset, temperatures drop off pretty sharply.
The mountains also influence rainfall. Most winter precipitation in Marrakech arrives from Atlantic systems, but the High Atlas forces moist air upward, sparking localized showers.
The city itself usually gets just 25–40 mm of rain per winter month, while the nearby slopes collect much more, feeding the region’s rivers.
Desert Winds and Temperature Spikes
Winds from the Sahara can suddenly push winter temperatures way above normal. Locals call these dry southern winds chergui. They sweep down from the High Atlas, compress against the lower plains, and warm things up fast.
This sudden warming effect can bump daytime highs to 25–30 °C, even in the middle of winter.
These winds usually bring dust and fine sand, which ends up making the sky look hazy and cuts down visibility. It’s not like they show up all the time, but when they do, being outside gets a bit uncomfortable.
Honestly, the contrast can be wild. One evening you might reach for a jacket against a chilly breeze, and the next day, you’re in short sleeves under an oddly warm sky.
That kind of unpredictability really defines Marrakech’s winter climate, doesn’t it?