January is probably the coldest month of the year in Morocco, but if you want to avoid the crowds, enjoy some peace and quiet in the desert, or experience the thrill of skiing in the Atlas Mountains, this is a perfect time to travel! We’ve put together a guide on the weather, temperatures, travel tips, and precautions for Morocco in January, helping you better understand what to do and prepare for when visiting in this season, so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest and with peace of mind!
Due to its unique geographical location and diverse regions, January in Morocco can be described as a mix of mild and cold weather. Coastal areas such as Casablanca and Tangier have average temperatures ranging from 12°C to 18°C, with little temperature difference between day and night. In inland cities like Marrakech and Fes, daytime temperatures are relatively higher, usually between 16°C and 20°C, but nighttime temperatures can drop to 5°C or even lower. The Atlas Mountains and high-altitude areas are much colder, with daytime temperatures ranging from 0°C to 5°C, and nighttime temperatures often falling below freezing. Therefore, it’s recommended that visitors bring warm clothing to cope with the cold mornings and evenings. If you plan on skiing or hiking, make sure to pack appropriate cold-weather gear.
Overall, Morocco experiences low precipitation in January. Coastal cities like Tangier and Rabat may occasionally see short rain showers, and the Sahara Desert typically has no rainfall. However, the mountainous areas will experience snowfall, and January is the main season for skiing in Morocco. If you want to try skiing, January is a great time to do so.
When traveling to the Sahara Desert, you’ll pass through the High Atlas Mountains. If you plan to visit Morocco in January, you might encounter snowfall along the way, which could slow down your journey. With early sunsets in winter, there’s a risk of missing the opportunity to ride camels into the desert camp before dark. To avoid rushing through the snow and ensure a safer trip, it’s advisable to allocate more time when planning your Sahara Desert itinerary.
January is the off-season for tourism in Morocco, so it’s a great time to visit, as you’ll have a better chance of booking popular hotels or traditional Moroccan riads. However, availability can still be tight around New Year’s Eve and January 1st. If your trip coincides with the Chinese New Year, the number of visitors can be quite high during that period, so be sure to book in advance.
Extra Reading: January Festival in Morocco
Yennayer New Year: Yennayer is the traditional New Year of the Berber people in North Africa, marking the beginning of the Amazigh (Berber) calendar. This holiday is especially important in Morocco's Berber communities and is usually celebrated on January 12th or 13th. People dress in traditional Berber clothing, prepare lavish traditional meals, and celebrate with singing and dancing to welcome the new year.
If you want to learn more about Moroccan cultural festivals and events, check out our blog: Morocco Unveiled.
Planning to travel to Morocco in January? You can refer to these itineraries:
3-Day Sahara Adventure: Marrakech to Fes via Ait Benhaddou & Merzouga Desert
5-Day Journey through Northern Morocco: A Blend of History and Culture
7-Day Morocco Adventure: A Custom Journey from Marrakech
13-Day Moroccan Odyssey: A Custom Journey from Casablanca
