Thinking about spending Christmas in Casablanca? You’ll find mild, comfortable weather instead of harsh winter chills. Daytime highs usually hit around 18°C (65°F), and nights drop to about 10°C (50°F), which makes the city one of the more pleasant destinations in North Africa during late December.
Rain shows up more often in December, but showers tend to be light and don’t last long. You’ll still get a mix of cloudy skies and sunshine, and daylight hangs around for close to 10 hours.
The sea stays fairly warm at about 19°C (66°F). If you don’t mind brisk water, a stroll along the beach or even a quick dip is totally doable.
This blend of mild temperatures, manageable rainfall, and that easy coastal vibe makes Casablanca a welcoming spot for holiday travel.
You might want to explore historic sites, try Moroccan food, or just relax by the Atlantic. December weather lets you do all that outside, no heavy winter coats required.
Overview of Casablanca’s December Climate
Casablanca’s December climate really reflects its coastal setting. You’ll get mild temperatures, more rain than usual, and shorter days.
Evenings cool down, humidity hangs around, and you’ll notice a mix of sun and clouds shaping the city’s winter feel.
Mediterranean and Atlantic Influences
Casablanca sits right on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, but it also picks up those Mediterranean climate vibes. Winters stay milder than in places like Marrakech or Fes.
The Atlantic Ocean keeps temperature swings in check. Daytime highs usually land between 18–20°C (64–68°F), and nighttime lows settle near 11–13°C (52–55°F).
These steady conditions make December more comfortable than lots of European or North African cities at the same time of year.
Humidity stays pretty high, around 80–85%, because the ocean’s close by. It can make the air feel a bit damp, but it keeps the chill from getting too sharp.
Winds usually stay light to moderate, though an evening breeze off the Atlantic can feel cool.
The sea averages 19°C (66°F). That’s a bit chilly for swimming, but the ocean’s influence keeps Casablanca’s winter climate pretty steady.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
December kicks off winter in Morocco, and Casablanca’s weather shifts with the season. Days get shorter, with about 10 hours of daylight—the shortest of the year.
Rain falls more often than in summer. Expect about 9–11 rainy days and total precipitation between 50–75 mm. Most showers are light or moderate, but heavier rain can show up.
Sunshine averages 180–190 hours for the month. You’ll see a mix of bright skies and cloudy spells.
Evenings feel cooler, so if you’re walking the Corniche or heading out at night, bring a light jacket or sweater.
How December Differs From Other Months
December feels cooler, wetter, and cloudier than summer. In July and August, highs often reach 26–28°C (79–82°F) and rain is almost nonexistent.
In December, highs rarely go above 20°C (68°F), and rain becomes a regular thing.
Spring and autumn feel more stable. April and May, for example, average highs near 22–24°C (72–75°F) and bring fewer rainy days.
December’s weather feels more changeable, with a higher chance of clouds and damp mornings.
Daylight drops noticeably. June gets nearly 15 hours, but December only offers about 10 hours—so you’ve got less time for outdoor fun.
Even so, Casablanca’s winter stays mild. No freezing temperatures, and you can still explore markets, historic spots, and the coast without much fuss.
Typical Temperatures During Christmas
Around Christmas, Casablanca serves up mild winter weather with comfy days and cooler nights. The weather stays pretty steady, but you’ll notice small temperature shifts and some rain that set it apart from colder holiday spots.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
In late December, daytime highs usually land between 17°C and 19°C (63°F to 66°F). That’s warm enough for just a light jacket or sweater during the day.
You might even spot locals hanging out at outdoor cafés without heavy coats.
At night, temperatures often fall to 10°C to 12°C (50°F to 54°F). Once the sun sets, it feels noticeably cooler, so packing layers is a good idea.
Most evenings feel cool, not freezing, and you’ll almost never see frost in Casablanca’s coastal climate.
The Atlantic Ocean really shapes the weather here. It keeps winter in Casablanca much milder than inland cities, where nights get a lot colder.
This balance of mild days and cool nights draws visitors in December.
Temperature Fluctuations in Late December
Temperatures don’t swing wildly from day to day, but you might notice small changes depending on clouds or rain.
On sunny days, the air can feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Rain happens more often in December, but it usually comes as light showers, not big storms. When it rains, daytime temperatures might dip a bit, but the air rarely feels harsh.
Daylight hours shrink this time of year, so evenings cool off pretty fast.
Still, compared to northern Europe or North America, Casablanca’s Christmas weather feels gentle and easy to adjust to.
Historical Extremes and Records
Casablanca’s climate usually stays steady, but sometimes the city sees odd December temperatures.
The highest December temperature on record hit about 30°C (86°F)—definitely rare, but it happens.
On the other end, winter lows almost never drop below 8°C (46°F), and freezing is practically unheard of.
The city’s coastal spot shields it from the harsh cold that hits Morocco’s interior.
These weather extremes don’t happen often, but they show how Casablanca’s December weather stays more moderate than many holiday spots.
Even when something unusual happens, it’s still pretty comfortable for most travelers.
Rainfall and Humidity in December
December brings cooler air, regular rainfall, and mild humidity to Casablanca. You’ll notice wetter conditions than in summer, but the climate doesn’t get too damp or stormy.
Average Precipitation Levels
Rainfall in December is moderate, putting it among the wetter months in Casablanca.
On average, the city gets 50–80 mm of rain during December, but it’s spread out over the month.
Rain totals can change from year to year. Some Decembers barely reach 60 mm, while others push closer to 80 mm.
This puts Casablanca somewhere in the middle compared to other Mediterranean cities.
Rain usually comes as light to moderate showers. Heavy downpours happen less often, but you might get one now and then.
The Atlantic helps regulate rainfall, so Casablanca avoids the extremes that hit inland areas.
Frequency and Intensity of Rain
Expect about 9–11 days of rain in December. That means roughly a third of the month gets wet, but most days still stay dry.
Showers are usually short, so you can fit in outdoor plans between them.
You’ve got a 20–22% chance of rain on any given day. Rain doesn’t spread out evenly—early December can be a bit wetter than the end.
By late December, rainfall averages drop closer to 50–55 mm.
Rain intensity tends to be moderate. All-day storms are rare, and flooding doesn’t often happen downtown.
If you’re heading to markets or neighborhoods, a light jacket or umbrella should be enough.
Humidity Trends During Christmas
Humidity in December feels mild compared to the sticky summer months. Dew points stay low, so the air doesn’t get muggy.
Even on rainy days, you won’t feel that heavy, sticky air.
Relative humidity usually falls between 65% and 75%. That’s noticeable, but not oppressive.
Cooler temperatures—usually 10°C at night and 18°C during the day—help balance the moisture.
Around Christmas, humidity levels stay pretty steady, without big jumps.
The mix of moderate rain and mild air makes sightseeing outdoors pretty comfortable. You might feel a bit of a chill at night, but the dampness rarely feels uncomfortable.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Casablanca’s winter light feels gentle, with shorter days and less sunshine than summer. You’ll still get enough daylight for sightseeing, but the sun sits lower, and evenings come earlier.
Average Daily Sunshine
In December, you’ll see about 6 hours of sunshine per day in Casablanca. That’s the lowest point of the year, while summer days often get 10 hours or more.
Clouds show up more in winter, but you’ll still get stretches of clear skies.
Lots of days, the sun comes out in late morning or early afternoon, giving you a solid window for outdoor plans.
Compared to other cities, Casablanca gets more winter sun than many northern European spots. For example:
- Casablanca (December): ~6 hours/day
- Barcelona (December): ~4.5 hours/day
- London (December): ~1.5 hours/day
So, if you’re looking for a brighter winter trip without freezing, Casablanca’s a good pick.
Daylight Duration Around Christmas
Daylight in Casablanca is shortest in late December. Around Christmas, the sun rises about 8:20 AM and sets near 6:20 PM, giving you roughly 10 hours of daylight.
Shorter days mean you’ll want to plan outdoor stuff earlier.
By late afternoon, light fades quickly, and temperatures start to drop.
Compared to summer’s 14+ hours of daylight, it’s a big difference. Still, 10 hours is plenty for sightseeing or day trips.
Twilight doesn’t last long. Once the sun goes down, darkness settles in fast, so most evening plans move indoors.
Sea Temperatures and Beach Conditions
Casablanca’s spot on the Atlantic shapes its December beach scene. Water temperatures stay mild compared to northern Europe, but they’re definitely cooler than in summer.
Average Water Temperature in December
In December, Atlantic waters off Casablanca average around 18°C to 19°C (64°F to 66°F). That’s a clear drop from summer peaks above 22°C (72°F).
As winter sets in, the sea cools down. Air temperatures stay mild at about 17°C to 18°C (62°F to 65°F), but the water feels noticeably brisk.
Here’s a quick look at sea temperatures:
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp (°C) | Avg. Sea Temp (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| August | 23.3 | 74 |
| October | 21.0 | 70 |
| December | 18.4 | 65 |
With cooler water, locals don’t swim much, but some visitors still take quick dips. The sea often stays calm, but unless you’ve got a wetsuit, the chill might cut your swim short.
Suitability for Swimming and Water Activities
You can still visit Casablanca’s beaches in December, but walking, sightseeing, and light activities are more popular than swimming.
The water’s cold enough to make long swims uncomfortable unless you’re used to it.
If you’re into surfing, December brings steady Atlantic swells. A wetsuit makes the cooler water manageable, and surf schools usually stay open all year.
Most visitors stick to beach walks and soaking up the coastal views. With about 6 hours of sunshine daily, you can enjoy being outside, but December’s higher rainfall means some wet days might mess with beach plans.
Paddleboarding or kayaking is possible, but not as common in winter. You’ll find cooler air, damp sand, and way fewer crowds than in summer.
What to Pack and Wear for a December Visit
Daytime in Casablanca during winter feels pretty mild, but evenings can get chilly. Rain pops up on several days, and you’ll also catch some sunny stretches, so your clothes need to work for both wet and dry spells.
Recommended Clothing for Variable Weather
In December, temperatures usually run from around 12°C at night up to 20°C in the afternoon. Pack light layers that you can swap out as the day changes.
A mix of cotton shirts, long-sleeve tops, and a light sweater or fleece will cover most situations.
Bring at least one medium-weight jacket for those cooler evenings. A pair of jeans or long pants makes sense for wandering the city, and you’ll want comfortable walking shoes for exploring medinas or the coast.
If you’re spending time indoors, keep in mind that some buildings don’t have much heating. Toss in an extra layer like a cardigan or pullover to stay cozy. Heavy winter coats? Leave them at home—they’ll be too much for Casablanca’s mild winter.
Essential Accessories for Rain and Sun
You’ll probably see about 10 days of rain in December, so a water-resistant jacket or compact umbrella is a smart move. Pick breathable rain gear that fits over your layers without making you overheat.
On sunny days, the sunglasses and sunscreen come in handy. The low winter sun can feel surprisingly strong, especially near the water. A hat with a brim gives you extra shade for outdoor walks.
Other handy items:
- Scarf: adds a bit of warmth when the wind picks up.
- Travel umbrella: easy to stash in your bag for surprise showers.
- Comfortable waterproof shoes: a lifesaver if the streets get wet.
These accessories help you stay ready for Casablanca’s mix of mild sun and the occasional rain shower in winter.
Travel Tips and Seasonal Activities
Casablanca in December gives you mild temps, short days, and some rain here and there. You can check out cultural sites, sample local food, and even stroll the beach, but plan for cooler evenings and possible changes to outdoor plans.
Popular Things to Do in Casablanca at Christmas
Take time to visit Notre Dame de Lourdes—the stained-glass windows really stand out when sunlight streams in. The peaceful interior offers a nice break from the city’s bustle.
Walking along the Corniche is a solid choice. Even in December, the sea breeze feels good, and the waterfront cafés stay open. Bring a light jacket to keep warm on these walks.
Food is a big draw in Casablanca. Try traditional Moroccan dishes at places like Zayna, or grab a burger and fries at a modern spot near Boulevard Moulay Youssef. People usually like to eat indoors during winter since it cools off quickly at night.
If you’re up for a little adventure, you can join guided day trips out of the city. A desert excursion in a 4×4 gives you a whole different vibe—just remember, the desert gets pretty cold at night so pack something warm.
How Weather Impacts Outdoor Plans
Daytime temperatures usually hit 16–20°C (60–68°F), so walking tours and sightseeing actually feel pretty comfortable. Nights can dip closer to 10°C (50°F), which means you’ll want to grab a few layers if you’re planning to be out late.
December brings more rain than other months, though most showers don’t last long. Just toss a small umbrella or a light rain jacket in your bag and you can keep going without too much trouble.
You only get about 3 hours of sunshine per day on average, so it’s smart to do outdoor stuff earlier. Once the daylight fades, it makes sense to duck into museums, markets, or cafés.
Swimming isn’t too popular since the sea hangs around 19°C (66°F), not exactly toasty. Still, people love walking on the beach, and if you’re after warmer water, hotel pools just make more sense.