Morocco in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for January
Average temperature across Morocco in January.
City Weather in January
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Casablanca | 18° | 8° | 67 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Rabat | 17° | 8° | 83 mm | low | Cool |
| Fez, Morocco | 15° | 5° | 63 mm | low | Cool |
| Tangier | 16° | 9° | 116 mm | low | Cool |
| Marrakesh | 17° | 6° | 33 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Salé | 17° | 8° | 85 mm | low | Cool |
| Agadir | 20° | 9° | 38 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)
Winter storms from the Atlantic often hit Tangier and Tetouan, so January feels damp and cool - expect 10-15°C daytime with frequent showers and grey skies. Mountain passes into Chefchaouen can be muddy and sometimes impassable after heavy rain; pack a waterproof jacket and stout boots. Fewer tourists mean quieter medina wandering and lower prices, but many coastal ferries run reduced schedules on stormy days.
Atlantic Coast & Casablanca Plain (Rabat, Casablanca, Essaouira, El Jadida)
January is one of the dampest months along the Atlantic plain; Rabat and Casablanca see cool, breezy days around 14-17°C and regular light rain. Essaouira is windier than cities farther north, which keeps temperatures mild but makes the sea choppy - excellent for windsurfing but not ideal for calm swimming. For travelers this means comfortable sightseeing with few crowds, a waterproof layer, and reliable urban services open.
The High Atlas & Marrakech Plain (Marrakech, Ouarzazate, Oukaïmeden)
January delivers crisp mornings and cool nights on the Marrakech plain - daytime temperatures often sit in the mid to high teens Celsius, plunging after sunset. Snow crowns the High Atlas peaks and Oukaïmeden’s ski lifts operate on good years; trips up Tizi n’Tichka show snowy passes and dramatic contrasts between red kasbahs and white peaks. This is low season in Marrakech, so souks are quieter and hotel deals appear; bring warm layers for nights and a waterproof jacket for mountain excursions.
Middle Atlas & Inland Highlands (Ifrane, Azrou, Midelt, Cedar forests)
January is deep winter in the Middle Atlas: Ifrane and Azrou often sit below freezing at night and the landscape is frequently snow-covered, creating a ski-and-snowshoe environment. Roads can become icy or closed after heavy snow, so travel requires a 4x4 or local driver; many small guesthouses close for the coldest spells. For travelers, this is a season for cozy lodges, clear starry nights and packing true winter gear rather than light layers.
Souss-Massa & Agadir Coast (Agadir, Taghazout, Tiznit)
January is mild and sunny along the Souss-Massa coast with daytime temperatures often around 18-20°C and cool, pleasant nights. Agadir feels relaxed after the holiday rush; it’s a good month for whale-watching excursions and long coastal walks without summer crowds. Pack a light jacket for evenings and be prepared for a cooling sea breeze that keeps beach swimming bracing at times.
The Moroccan Sahara & Southeast (Merzouga, Zagora, Erg Chebbi, Erg Chigaga)
January nights in the Sahara can be sharply cold - often falling below freezing - while daytime temperatures climb into the mid to high teens Celsius, offering crisp desert sunshine. Dune camps around Merzouga and Erg Chigaga are atmospheric: mornings are frosty and sunrise over the dunes is spectacular but bring a warm down jacket for early transfers. Road surfaces can be deceptively slick after rare winter rains, so arrange transport with experienced local drivers.