Winter in Fez offers a blend of cool temperatures, occasional rain, and loads of bright days that keep things refreshing and, honestly, a bit unpredictable. Most days bring average highs around 15–17 °C (59–63 °F) and nighttime lows near 4–6 °C (39–43 °F), with rare cold snaps that sometimes dip below freezing.
This mix creates a season that feels crisp but not harsh, showing off a totally different side of Morocco than the blazing summers.
Rainfall happens more in winter, but it doesn’t stick around all the time. Showers usually come in quick bursts, then the sky clears up, leaving the air fresh and the city’s colors popping.
Most days still bring about 6 to 7 hours of sunshine, so you get plenty of light even when clouds drift by.
You’ll notice longer nights, cooler air, and a slower pace compared to the summer rush. These shifts influence what you wear and how you plan your day, whether you’re wandering the medina or heading for the hills.
Winter Temperatures in Fez
Winter days in Fez feel mild, but nights can get pretty cool. You’ll see a big difference between daytime warmth and nighttime chill, with a bit of rain now and then but rarely any extreme cold.
Average Daily Highs and Lows
During winter, daily high temperatures usually hover around 16–17°C (61–63°F). They don’t often drop below 12°C (54°F) or climb above 24°C (75°F).
January tends to be the coldest, with average highs near 16°C.
Nighttime lows average about 6–7°C (43–45°F). On the coldest nights, it can fall to 2°C (36°F), but freezing is unusual.
This setup means you’ll want light layers for the day and something warmer for evenings.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| December | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F |
| January | 16°C / 61°F | 6°C / 43°F |
| February | 17°C / 63°F | 7°C / 45°F |
Hourly Temperature Patterns
In Fez, temperatures shift steadily as the day goes on. Early mornings often feel chilly, sitting near 6–8°C (43–46°F).
By midday, things warm up to 14–17°C (57–63°F), which is usually the nicest part of the day.
Evenings cool off fast, dropping back toward single digits. Nights are the coldest, and while frost doesn’t happen much, you’ll definitely notice the air getting damp and crisp.
If you break the day into chunks, mornings are cold, late mornings cool, and afternoons pretty comfortable. Layering makes sense if you’re heading out.
Comparison to Other Cities
Fez has a mild winter climate for its latitude. Val Verde, California sees similar winter temperatures, with highs near 16–18°C and lows around 6–7°C.
Unlike northern European cities, where winter means lots of freezing days, Fez stays relatively temperate. You’ll probably see more rain than in Morocco’s desert towns, but the air feels drier than in coastal cities like Casablanca.
So, if you’re after a winter spot that’s not too cold or too wet, Fez is a solid choice.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Winter brings cooler air and most of Fez’s yearly rain. Expect more wet days, moderate rainfall totals, and clear changes in rainfall probability as winter moves along.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain in Fez during winter is moderate compared to many Mediterranean spots. December and January usually see 60–70 mm, and February can get up to 70 mm in some years.
Winter is definitely the wettest time of year here. Summer months, by contrast, barely get any rain—July averages less than 5 mm.
Here’s a quick look at average winter precipitation:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | ~65 mm |
| January | ~60 mm |
| February | ~70 mm |
Totals shift from year to year, but the pattern stays the same: wet winters, bone-dry summers.
Wet Days and Rain Probability
You’ll see more wet days in winter than any other season. A wet day here means at least 1 mm of rain.
December and January usually bring 9–11 wet days, and February averages 10–12 days. So, about a third of winter days get some rain.
Rain comes as light or moderate showers, not heavy downpours. Snow almost never falls in the city, though the nearby mountains might get a dusting.
If you’re planning a week in Fez during winter, expect a few rainy days—but it won’t be nonstop.
Sliding 31-Day Rainfall Trends
A sliding 31-day average helps you spot how rain shifts through the season. In Fez, this average shows precipitation climbing from late November into December.
Rainfall stays steady through January, bumps up a bit in February, then drops off in March. This fits the typical Mediterranean pattern, with rain packed into the cooler months.
For example, mid-December’s 31-day total often hits 65 mm, and by late February, it’s still close to 70 mm. These numbers show how winter rain sticks around for weeks at a time.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Fez winters bring a mix of cloudy and clear days, changing the city’s look and feel. You’ll notice a steady back-and-forth between overcast skies and stretches of sunshine, with cloud cover shifting from week to week.
Overcast and Mostly Cloudy Days
During winter, Fez gets overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 40% of the time. This doesn’t really change from December through February, so gray skies are pretty common.
The cloudiest stretch usually comes in mid-winter, when highs hover in the low 60s °F (16 °C). On these days, the sky often stays dull, and sunlight is limited.
- Chance of overcast/mostly cloudy skies: ~38–40%
- Typical months: December to February
- Impact: Cooler feel, fewer sunlight hours
Even when it’s cloudy, the sky rarely stays dark all day. Breaks in the clouds pop up, though sometimes just for a bit. If you’re out exploring, expect softer light and cooler air.
Clear Skies and Partly Cloudy Periods
Clear and partly cloudy days show up plenty in Fez winters, too. On the brightest days, you’ll get sunshine for more than half the daylight hours, especially from late January into February.
The clearest day of winter usually lands in early February, when skies are clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 62% of the time. Late winter is great if you’re chasing sun.
- Clear/partly cloudy chance: ~60% on the clearest days
- Best visibility: Late January to February
- Effect on travel: Warmer afternoons, better for walks and photos
When the sun comes out, Fez’s old buildings and the nearby hills look especially sharp against the bright sky.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Fez winters feel cooler and a bit more humid than the dry summers. You’ll notice the dampness, especially when it rains, and that can really change how the weather feels day to day.
Average Winter Humidity
Winter humidity usually sits between 65% and 80%. The air feels much damper than in summer, when it can drop below 40%.
Mornings are the most humid, with fog or mist sometimes hanging in low areas. By afternoon, humidity dips a bit as it warms up, but it rarely feels dry.
This extra moisture, paired with cooler temps, can make the air feel chillier than the numbers suggest. Layering up helps you stay comfortable.
Dew Point and Comfort
The dew point tells you how the air feels on your skin. In Fez winters, it’s usually between 40°F and 50°F (5°C to 10°C).
At these levels, the air feels cool and damp, not muggy. You won’t feel sticky, but the dampness can make cold mornings bite a bit more.
Comfort stays pretty moderate, since the dew point doesn’t often get high enough to feel heavy or oppressive. Instead, you’ll notice a sharper chill, especially with wind or rain.
Humidity Trends by Month
Humidity shifts slightly as winter moves along.
- December: Around 75%, with plenty of rain adding to the damp.
- January: Stays steady, about 70–75%, and cooler air makes it feel damper.
- February: Drops a bit, averaging 65–70%, as rain backs off.
So, early winter feels wetter, and late winter is a bit drier and more comfortable. Rainfall is the big driver here.
Sunrise, Sunset, and Daylight Hours
Winter in Fez means shorter days, lower sun angles, and cooler light. You’ll notice the sun doesn’t hang around as long, midday light feels softer, and evenings come earlier. All of this affects your plans, sightseeing, and even your daily rhythm.
Changing Day Lengths
In December, daylight lasts about 10 hours each day. Sunrise comes around 7:30 AM, and sunset is close to 5:30 PM.
By February, you get almost 11 hours of daylight. The days grow longer into March, but winter keeps things on the short side.
Compared to summer’s 14+ hours of daylight, winter’s difference is obvious. If you want to make the most of the sun, plan outdoor stuff earlier.
Here’s a quick look at average daylight hours:
| Month | Sunrise | Sunset | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | ~7:30 AM | ~5:30 PM | ~10 hrs |
| January | ~7:40 AM | ~5:50 PM | ~10.2 hrs |
| February | ~7:15 AM | ~6:30 PM | ~11 hrs |
Twilight and Solar Elevation
Twilight in Fez gives you some extra light before sunrise and after sunset. Civil twilight lasts about 30 minutes, so you can still see pretty well until almost 6:00 PM in December.
The solar elevation, or how high the sun gets, stays low in winter. At midday in December, the sun only climbs to about 33° above the horizon.
In summer, it’s much higher, so the winter sun feels softer and less direct. Lower sun means longer shadows, which can affect everything from photos to how warm you feel outside.
You might find shady areas colder, even if the air temperature seems mild.
Daylight Saving Time in Winter
Morocco uses daylight saving time for most of the year, but things change during winter. Around late October, the country switches back to standard time and sticks with it until late March.
When this happens, sunrise and sunset come about an hour earlier than in the summer months. So, instead of catching the sun at 8:30 AM, you’ll probably see it show up closer to 7:30 AM in December.
If you’re traveling, you might appreciate those earlier mornings—there’s more light for sightseeing. On the flip side, evenings get dark fast, so you’ll need to plan dinners, shopping, or a stroll before night falls.
Wind Patterns During Winter
In Fez, winter winds usually stay moderate and tend to shift based on the local hills and weather patterns. The city’s spot north of the Middle Atlas Mountains and its hilly surroundings shape the way air moves through the area.
Average Wind Speed
Expect average wind speeds in Fez between 7 and 12 mph during winter. That’s not exactly strong, but it’s enough to add a chill, especially when the air feels damp and temperatures drop.
Some days feel pretty calm, but now and then, gusts can spike up to 15 or even 20 mph when weather systems roll through. These stronger winds usually show up with rain fronts, which are more common in winter.
Winds rarely get extreme here in winter. Instead, you’ll notice a steady, manageable breeze, especially in the evenings or early mornings. When you’re outside, that mix of wind and humidity can make it feel colder than what the thermometer says.
Wind Direction and Vector
Winter winds in Fez follow a pretty clear pattern. Data shows northwest winds (about 26%) and north winds (about 23%) show up most often this time of year. Northeasterly winds pop up fairly often too, but you don’t see much coming from the south.
So, most of the wind comes from the Atlantic side, carrying cool, moist air inland. Regional weather systems usually push these winds and fronts across northern Morocco.
Since Fez sits at about 420 meters above sea level, the hills and valleys around the city guide the winds. Open spaces get breezier, while the old medina’s narrow streets feel more sheltered.
If you’re visiting, you’ll probably notice stronger winds in open areas compared to the city center.
Regional and Environmental Influences
Fez’s winter weather reflects both the season and its place in Morocco’s diverse landscape. The city’s elevation, nearby towns, and land use all shape how cold, wet, or mild things feel this time of year.
Elevation and Topography
Fez sits at roughly 400 meters (1,312 feet) above sea level, right around 34°02′N, 5°00′W. That’s higher than coastal cities like Rabat or Casablanca, so winter days definitely feel cooler. Nights can get even colder than in lower areas.
You’ll find Fez between the Middle Atlas Mountains to the south and the Rif range to the north. These mountains act as barriers, changing how air moves around. Cold air from the mountains sometimes settles into the Saïss plain, where Fez sits, leading to chilly mornings and the occasional fog.
The hills around the city help catch extra moisture, so Fez gets more winter rain than Morocco’s drier eastern plateaus. This mix of elevation and terrain makes winters here feel damp and brisk, not dry like the desert.
Nearby Cities: Meknes and Taza
The climate of Fez looks a lot like Meknes, which is about 60 km west. Both are in the Saïss plain, but Meknes sits a bit lower, making it a little milder in winter with fewer chilly nights.
To the east, Taza sits in a mountain pass between the Rif and Middle Atlas. That spot leaves it open to stronger winds and sudden weather changes. While Fez usually gets steady cool and wet weather, Taza can flip quickly from rain to wind to clear skies.
If you’re traveling between these cities, you’ll notice the differences. Fez tends to feel colder at night, Meknes is a bit more stable, and Taza feels more exposed.
Land Cover and Artificial Surfaces
The Saïss plain around Fez is a patchwork of cropland, grassland, and olive groves. In winter, wet soils and plants keep the air cool and damp in the countryside. The city center feels different, since artificial surfaces like concrete and asphalt soak up warmth during the day.
Inside Fez, the dense medina holds onto heat differently than the open fields do. Nights in rural spots cool off faster, while the city’s core stays a bit warmer.
Infrastructure matters too. Fes-Saïss Airport sits south of the city in open fields, where temperatures often drop lower than in central neighborhoods. If you compare it to Sania Ramel Airport in Tetouan, that one’s in a coastal, milder, and wetter climate. These contrasts really shape your winter experience in Fez.
Astronomical and Satellite Data
During winter, Fez’s sky conditions, sunlight, and lunar cycles all play a part in how the season feels. Reliable satellite and ground data help describe the city’s climate in detail.
Moon Phases and Lunar Data
The moon keeps its usual rhythm—new moon, first quarter, full moon, and last quarter—through the winter months. These phases change how bright the night sky feels, making some evenings darker or more lit up.
Astronomers use formulas to figure out rise and set times, so you can know exactly when the moon shows up. The latest winter sunrise in Fez happens in early January, but moonrise and moonset shift with the phase.
Lunar charts show when the moon is above the horizon, which can help if you want to plan night photography or sightseeing. The way moonlight mixes with city lights changes how you see Fez at night, especially in winter.
Shortwave Solar Energy
Shortwave solar energy is just the sunlight that hits the ground, measured in kilowatt-hours per square meter (kWh/m²). In Fez, this number goes up through winter, starting around 3.0 kWh/m² in December and climbing to 4.5 kWh/m² by late February.
This slow increase means you get short, dim days at the start of winter, but by the end, days feel longer and brighter. The Shuttle Radar Topography Mission and other satellites confirm that local hills and valleys affect how much sun reaches the ground.
If you depend on natural light for heating, solar panels, or just planning your day, it’s good to know Fez still gets enough winter sun for outdoor tourism and farming.
Climate Data Sources
Weather data for Fez comes from both satellite reanalysis and ground-based weather stations. The MERRA-2 satellite-era reanalysis offers long-term atmospheric records, while local stations like Fes-Saïss Airport provide live observations.
Geographic references use databases like GeoNames, AskGeo.com, and OpenStreetMap for accurate coordinates and elevation. Land cover info comes from the Global Land Cover Share project by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Together, these sources build a reliable climate snapshot. By blending satellite and ground data, you get a solid picture of Fez’s winter weather and how it shapes daily life.
Seasonal Effects on Daily Life
Winter in Fez means cooler temps, shorter days, and more rain than other seasons. These changes touch everything from farming to daily routines, especially when it comes to staying comfortable, traveling, or planning outdoor activities.
Growing Season and Degree Days
You’ll see that winter’s cooler months slow down plant growth compared to the hot, dry summers. Farmers here usually rely on rain from November through February for winter crops like grains and veggies. With more rain, they don’t need as much irrigation, but the cold soil keeps plants from growing fast.
Growing degree days (GDD) drop a lot in winter. In Fez, average highs hang around 14–18°C (57–65°F), with lows near 5–7°C (41–45°F). These mild but chilly temps mean crops don’t rack up the heat units they need to grow quickly.
Winter isn’t the main season for warm-weather crops like olives or citrus—those need the summer heat. Instead, winter is a time for prepping soil, planting hardy crops, and saving water for spring.
Here’s a quick look at seasonal GDD in Fez:
| Season | Approx. Daily High | GDD Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter | 14–18°C | Low | Supports cool-season crops |
| Spring | 18–26°C | Moderate | Key planting season |
| Summer | 30–36°C | High | Main harvest growth |
| Autumn | 18–29°C | Moderate | Secondary planting window |
Travel and Comfort Considerations
If you visit Fez during winter, you’ll notice cool but manageable conditions. Daytime highs usually hang out in the upper 50s to low 60s °F.
At night, temperatures can drop into the low 40s °F. Rain shows up more often, especially in November and December, which tend to get the most rainfall all year.
You’ll want to plan for damp streets, chilly evenings, and shorter daylight hours. There’s about 10 hours of daylight on average, so sightseeing feels a bit more limited than in those long summer days.
Bringing an umbrella, a light jacket, and waterproof shoes just makes sense. Humidity climbs in winter, often hitting 60–70%.
That doesn’t sound terrible, but it can make the air feel colder than you’d expect. Many traditional riads don’t have much indoor heating, so wearing layers helps you stay comfortable.
Winter actually gives you a good chance to explore without the summer crowds. You’ll notice fewer tourists, lower room rates, and the medina feels a lot quieter.
If you’re sensitive to cold or rain, it’s smart to plan your outings around the drier parts of the day.