December is cooler and wetter, especially in northern and mountainous regions; southern desert areas remain milder by night. Tourist numbers are lower and many inland excursions can be quieter and more affordable.
Subhros CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Morocco in December.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Regional rural festivals such as Imilchil may occur in late autumn or early winter; timing is variable and local.
See how December compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.