When you think about winter in Morocco, maybe you imagine harsh cold or endless rain. Tangier, though, offers a different vibe. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, the city gets a mild, wet season that feels way more temperate than a lot of European spots at the same latitude.
Winter weather in Tangier is generally cool, humid, and breezy, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 12 °C to 17 °C.
You’ll probably find light jackets more useful than heavy coats, but rain shows up regularly. December and January usually bring the most rain. By February, days start getting a bit longer and afternoons warm up a touch.
You get a mix of sunshine, passing showers, and moderate temperatures. Winter turns out to be a comfortable time to explore the city, minus the summer crowds.
If you’re into coastal walks, historic sites, and lively markets, winter lets you enjoy them in a more relaxed setting. The sea stays too cold for swimming, but the crisp air and shifting skies give the scenery a unique charm.
Knowing how temperature, rainfall, and daylight shape the season helps you make the most of your time in Tangier.
Overview of Tangier’s Winter Climate
Tangier’s winter feels mild compared to much of Europe or North America. You’ll notice cool temperatures, frequent rainfall, and plenty of cloudy skies. Its coastal Mediterranean setting really shapes the weather.
Mediterranean Climate Characteristics
Tangier sports a Mediterranean climate, so winters turn out mild and wet, while summers get hot and dry. The city sits right where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Mediterranean Sea, and you can feel the push and pull of both.
Rain falls most often in winter, with December usually topping the charts. Average precipitation lands around 100–135 mm per month, spread over 8–10 days. This steady rainfall keeps the area surprisingly green.
Humidity stays high, usually between 75–78%, making the air feel damp. Cloud cover is common, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 40% of the time in winter.
Still, you’ll get several hours of sunshine each day, typically 5–6 hours.
Winds play a big part too. Both easterly and westerly winds sweep through the Strait of Gibraltar, sometimes bringing quick weather changes.
Winter Temperature Ranges
Winter in Tangier stays mild, especially compared to inland Morocco. You’ll see average daily highs around 16–18 °C (61–64 °F), with lows hovering near 8–10 °C (46–50 °F).
On colder nights, temperatures can dip to 3–4 °C, but dropping below freezing is rare. The coldest winter temperature on record was -4 °C in January 2005, but that’s definitely not the norm.
Daytime highs can sometimes climb to 20–21 °C (68–70 °F) on sunny days, so you might get some surprisingly pleasant weather for outdoor activities. This makes winter more comfortable than the blazing summer, especially if you prefer cooler air.
The sea stays chilly, averaging 16–17 °C (61–63 °F), so swimming isn’t really an option. However, the coastal air helps keep temperature swings in check, so things stay more stable than in inland cities.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Winter in Tangier tends to follow a clear pattern: mild temperatures, frequent rainfall, and shorter daylight hours.
December usually gets the most rain, averaging 135 mm over about 10 days. January and February are a bit drier but still bring 60–100 mm each month. Showers come and go, but long storms are rare.
Daylight lasts about 10–11 hours, so days feel shorter than in summer. Sunshine averages 5–6 hours per day. Even on gray days, you’ll catch some breaks of clear weather.
Wind speeds average 16–19 kph, which keeps things breezy but not wild. With the high humidity, the air can feel chillier than the actual temperature.
You’ll find a winter that’s damp but not really harsh, making Tangier a year-round destination with weather that’s easy to handle for city exploring.
Monthly Breakdown: December, January, and February
Winter in Tangier brings mild temperatures, more rain, and shorter days. Still, you’ll get several hours of sunshine even in the rainiest months, so you can plan outdoor activities if you stay flexible.
December Weather Overview
In December, Tangier shifts toward cooler conditions. Daytime highs hit about 16–18°C (61–64°F), while nighttime lows drop to 10–12°C (50–54°F).
You’ll want a light jacket, especially after sunset.
Rainfall picks up, with 10–12 wet days on average. Showers are usually brief but sometimes heavy. Cloud cover increases, but you still get around 5–6 hours of sunshine per day.
Winds from the Atlantic can make things feel cooler, especially near the water. Sea temperatures hang around 17°C (63°F), which is too cold for a dip. December is really better for city walks, cultural visits, and market browsing than for beach days.
January Weather Overview
January stands out as the coldest month in Tangier. Daytime highs average 15–17°C (59–63°F), and nighttime lows dip to 8–10°C (46–50°F).
You’ll notice crisp mornings and evenings, though afternoons aren’t too bad.
Rain keeps coming, with 11–13 rainy days on average. The city often sits under overcast skies, but you’ll still get about 5 hours of sunshine most days.
Humidity climbs in January, and the dampness can make the air feel colder. Moderate winds, mostly from the west, add to the chill. If you’re out and about, indoor spots like museums and cafes make good hideouts when showers roll through.
February Weather Overview
By February, Tangier starts inching toward spring. Daytime highs rise to 16–18°C (61–64°F), while nights stay cool at 9–11°C (48–52°F).
You might notice the days getting a little longer compared to December and January.
Rainfall sticks around but starts to ease up, with 8–10 wet days on average. Sunshine increases to about 6 hours daily, giving you more chances for outdoor plans.
Sea surface temperatures linger at 16–17°C (61–63°F), still too cold for swimming. But with milder air and fewer rainy days, February is pretty nice for walking tours or day trips into the nearby hills.
Temperature Trends and Extremes
Winter in Tangier brings mild daytime warmth, cooler nights, and a clear uptick in rainfall compared to the dry summer. The climate rarely gets seriously cold, but you’ll notice some swings, especially when Atlantic winds pick up and temperatures drop toward their lows.
Average Highs and Lows
From December through February, you’ll see average daytime highs between 17–18 °C (63–64 °F). Nights cool down to around 8–10 °C (46–50 °F), which feels pretty mild if you’re used to European winters.
January is the coldest month. The mean temperature hovers near 13 °C (55 °F), making it the chilliest stretch in Tangier.
Here’s a quick look at typical winter temperatures:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Mean Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 18 °C | 10 °C | 14 °C |
| January | 17 °C | 8 °C | 13 °C |
| February | 17 °C | 9 °C | 13 °C |
So, while winters cool down, the climate stays gentle compared to Morocco’s interior.
Notable Cold Spells
Tangier almost never sees frost, but sometimes cold spells arrive when strong northern winds push temperatures lower. On rare nights, readings can drop close to 4–5 °C (39–41 °F), though these don’t last long.
Snow isn’t an issue here, unlike Morocco’s mountains. The main winter challenge is dampness mixed with wind, which can make things feel colder than you’d expect.
If you’re staying in older buildings without good heating, you might feel the chill more indoors than outside. Locals often use space heaters, since many homes don’t have much insulation.
Extreme cold isn’t typical, but packing a few layers—especially for mornings and evenings—makes sense.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter in Tangier feels much cooler and wetter than summer. July and August regularly hit 29–30 °C (84–86 °F) with almost no rain. By contrast, December often gets over 110 mm of rain, making it the wettest month of the year.
Spring and autumn fall somewhere in between. April averages 21 °C (70 °F) during the day, while October brings warm highs near 25 °C (77 °F). Rainfall in these seasons is moderate, making the shift from summer dryness to winter wetness less abrupt.
Compared to the rest of the year, winter means cooler nights, higher humidity, and stronger winds. These factors give the season its own feel, but you won’t find the harsh extremes of colder climates.
Rainfall, Humidity, and Cloud Cover
Winter in Tangier brings more rain, higher humidity, and cloudier skies than the dry summer. You’ll notice cooler air, regular rain showers, and fewer hours of sunshine.
Precipitation Patterns
Tangier’s rainfall peaks in winter. From November through February, monthly totals usually hit 100–135 mm (4–5 inches), with November often being the wettest.
Rain tends to come as steady showers, not heavy downpours. You’ll get several rainy days each month, but long storms are rare. The wettest days show up when Atlantic weather systems move inland.
The difference from summer is huge. July and August might only see 2–3 mm of rain, while January averages over 100 mm. If you’re planning outdoor activities, expect some days to get interrupted by rain in winter.
Humidity Levels
Humidity rises during winter, making the air feel damp even when it’s not that cold. Average relative humidity usually sits between 70–80%.
You’ll notice it most in the mornings and evenings. With cooler temperatures, the dampness can make things feel chillier than the numbers suggest. A light jacket or layering helps you stay comfortable.
The sea plays a big role. Tangier’s coastal spot means moisture from the Strait of Gibraltar keeps humidity high all year, but winter ramps this up due to frequent rain and less evaporation.
Typical Cloudiness in Winter
Cloud cover increases a lot in winter, with skies often staying overcast for long stretches. On average, you’ll see 5–6 hours of sunshine per day in December and January, compared to more than 10 hours in summer.
Cloudy days dominate, but you’ll still catch some sunny breaks between showers. Low and mid-level clouds are most common, and they move fast thanks to the coastal winds.
Cloudier weather reduces daylight brightness and shortens the window for sightseeing. If you’re into photography or outdoor tours, expect softer light and fewer blue-sky days.
Daylight, Sunshine, and Sea Temperatures
During winter in Tangier, you’ll notice shorter daylight hours, less sunshine, and cooler sea conditions. These shifts affect how much time you can spend outside and whether the sea is suitable for swimming or water activities.
Average Day Length and Sun Hours
In winter, daylight in Tangier hits its shortest stretch. December clocks in at about 9.8 hours of daylight. January and February slowly push that up to around 10.5–11 hours.
Sunshine hours drop compared to summer. You’ll usually get 5 to 6 hours of direct sun per day. There’s more cloud cover and rain, especially in December and January.
By late February, the skies clear up a bit more, so you get slightly longer sunny spells.
You’ll still have enough daylight for sightseeing, though evenings sneak up fast. If you plan activities earlier in the day, you’ll get the most out of the available light.
| Month | Average Daylight | Sunshine Hours |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~9.8 hours | ~5.4 hours |
| January | ~10.1 hours | ~5.6 hours |
| February | ~11.0 hours | ~6.0 hours |
Winter Sea Temperatures
The sea around Tangier feels pretty cool in winter. Surface temperatures average about 16°C (61°F) in December and dip to 15°C (59°F) in February.
Most people skip swimming unless they have a wetsuit. Locals and visitors usually stay out of the water, but you might spot surfers or divers with the right gear.
The chilly water affects the air along the coast, making evenings colder than you’d expect inland. If you’re planning a walk on the beach or a ferry ride across the Strait of Gibraltar, you’ll want to dress warmly.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Winter sunrises in Tangier happen later, around 8:00 AM in December. By February, sunrise comes a bit earlier, at about 7:30 AM.
Sunsets arrive early too, averaging 6:00 PM in December and stretching to about 6:30 PM by February.
It helps to know these times when you’re planning day trips, especially if you want to catch the Kasbah or the coastline at golden hour. The early sunsets make winter perfect for catching colorful skies without having to stay out late.
Travel Tips for Experiencing Tangier in Winter
Winter in Tangier brings cooler temperatures, light rain, and shorter days. Still, the season gives you quieter streets, more cultural depth, and easy trips to nearby sights. With the right clothes, a flexible plan, and a smooth arrival through Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport, you can really enjoy your visit.
Recommended Clothing and Packing
Winter temperatures usually hover between 10°C (50°F) and 17°C (63°F). The evenings can feel even colder thanks to humidity and coastal winds, so packing layers is smart. A light jacket or fleece keeps you comfortable during the day, but you’ll want a warmer coat at night.
Rain pops up often, especially in January. Water-resistant shoes and a compact umbrella are honestly lifesavers. The Medina’s streets get slippery after rain, so sturdy shoes matter.
Pack clothes that layer easily. For example:
- Base layer: long-sleeve shirts or thin sweaters
- Mid layer: fleece or a cardigan
- Outer layer: insulated jacket or raincoat
Scarves and hats add warmth and help you fit in with local winter fashion.
Popular Winter Activities
Winter’s a great time to wander Tangier’s historic sites without the crowds. You can stroll through the Kasbah and the Medina, where the cooler air makes those steep streets easier to handle.
Museums like the American Legation or the Kasbah Museum give you indoor escapes on rainy days. They show off Tangier’s history and culture in a way that’s tough to beat.
Day trips work well in winter too. The Caves of Hercules and Cape Spartel stay open, and the crisp air makes the coastal views pop. If you’re up for a longer trip, the blue town of Chefchaouen offers mountain scenery and feels much quieter in winter.
Cafés and tea houses are a big part of local life. Spending time indoors with a glass of mint tea lets you slow down and soak in the season.
Access via Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport
Tangier Ibn Battouta Airport is about 12 kilometers (7 miles) southwest of the city center. By taxi or private car, you’ll usually get there in around 20 minutes, but sometimes traffic slows things down.
This airport feels small compared to Casablanca or Marrakech. Still, you can catch both international and domestic flights here.
In winter, flight schedules sometimes get lighter, so you’ll want to double-check your connections before you go.
Most people use taxis to reach the city. The airport sets fixed fares, but it’s smart to confirm the price before you hop in.
You can also rent a car if you’re planning to check out the Rif Mountains or nearby coastal towns.
If you’re thinking about public transport, buses do connect the airport with Tangier. Just keep in mind, service can be spotty in the colder months.
If you care most about convenience, booking a transfer ahead of time is probably your safest bet.