Morocco in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Morocco in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casablanca | 19° | 9° | 82 mm | low | Cool |
| Rabat | 18° | 9° | 109 mm | low | Cool |
| Fez, Morocco | 16° | 6° | 86 mm | low | Cool |
| Tangier | 18° | 11° | 140 mm | low | Cool |
| Marrakesh | 18° | 7° | 29 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Salé | 18° | 9° | 113 mm | low | Cool |
| Agadir | 20° | 9° | 49 mm | moderate | Cool |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Northern Morocco & the Rif (Tangier, Tetouan, Chefchaouen)
December returns to typical winter patterns: cool, wet and often windy on the coast, with the Rif higher slopes occasionally dusted with snow. Tangier’s cafés are cozy and less crowded while mountain villages feel very wintery; bring layers and waterproof footwear if you plan to explore. Ferry services can be disrupted by storms, so keep an eye on schedules if arriving from or leaving to Spain.
Atlantic Coast & Casablanca Plain (Rabat, Casablanca, Essaouira, El Jadida)
December is cool, damp and often windy across the Atlantic plain with daytime highs around 14-16°C, making the coast feel crisp. Essaouira’s constant wind keeps the air clear while Casablanca and Rabat experience their rainiest stretch - a good month for indoor cultural visits. Travelers should pack a warm raincoat and expect quieter beaches and lower rates except around holiday dates.
The High Atlas & Marrakech Plain (Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Oukaïmeden)
December sees cool, crisp days and cold nights on the Marrakech plain, with frequent chilly mornings and a real possibility of snow on Atlas peaks. Oukaïmeden often operates ski lifts when snowfall is good, and mountain villages have a stark, peaceful winter atmosphere. This is low season in the city itself; riads are cozy but bring warm layers, especially for pre-dawn desert transfers or overnight mountain stays.
Middle Atlas & Inland Highlands (Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, Cedar forests)
December returns to full winter: frequent snow in the Middle Atlas, sub-zero nights in Ifrane, and icy conditions on higher tracks. Skiing and sledding are popular near maintained slopes, but many rural services scale back operations. For travelers, winter equipment and flexible itineraries are essential if you intend to explore remote highland areas.
Souss-Massa & Agadir Coast (Agadir, Taghazout, Tiznit)
December stays temperate compared with inland Morocco, with daytime highs around 17-19°C and crisp nighttime air. Festive markets and relaxed promenades make coastal towns enjoyable without the bustle of summer; pack a jacket for early mornings and the occasional rainy day. This is a good month for quiet surf trips or exploring nearby cultural sites with reduced crowds.
The Moroccan Sahara & Southeast (Merzouga, Zagora, Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga)
December returns to winterlike desert conditions: sun-soaked days in the teens to low 20s°C but nights often dip below freezing, especially in inland camps. Sunrise over the dunes is dramatic and frosted edges on morning sand can surprise visitors, so pack a warm hat and insulated jacket for pre-dawn departures. This is a quieter month except around holiday dates and a good time for those who can handle cold nights for excellent sky visibility.