Winter Sun Morocco: Best Southern Routes December-January

Winter Sun Morocco: Best Southern Routes December-January - Complete Guide

Morocco's southern regions offer exceptional winter sun escapes when northern Europe and North America face freezing temperatures. December through January provides warm, sunny days perfect for beach relaxation, desert exploration, and outdoor activities. This comprehensive guide covers best southern destinations, weather patterns, winter-specific activities, and optimal December-January itineraries.

Winter Climate in Southern Morocco

Temperature Patterns

Marrakech (December-January):

• Daytime: 18-25°C (64-77°F)
• Nighttime: 8-12°C (46-54°F)
• Sunny days: 22-25 days/month
• Rain: 5-10 days/month
• Overall: Mild, pleasant, occasional cool nights

Agadir Coastal (December-January):

• Daytime: 18-22°C (64-72°F)
• Nighttime: 12-15°C (54-59°F)
• Sunny days: 25+ days/month
• Rain: Minimal, 2-5 days/month
• Overall: Warmest coastal area; excellent beach weather

Ouarzazate/South (December-January):

• Daytime: 18-23°C (64-73°F)
• Nighttime: 6-10°C (43-50°F)
• Sunny days: 24-26 days/month
• Rain: Rare, 1-3 days/month
• Overall: Sunny, warm; nights cool

Desert (Erg Chebbi, Merzouga):

• Daytime: 18-25°C (64-77°F)
• Nighttime: 0-5°C (32-41°F)
• Sunny days: 25-27 days/month
• Rain: Very rare, 1 day/month
• Overall: Sunny, warm days; very cold nights

Weather Considerations

Advantages:

• Minimal rain (1-10 days)
• Maximum sunshine (22-27 days/month)
• Comfortable walking temperatures
• Ideal for outdoor activities
• Beach swimming viable (cool but possible)

Disadvantages:

• Nights cold (especially desert)
• Early sunset (5:00-5:30pm)
• Occasional cold fronts bring cooler temps
• Limited rainy days can cause sudden flooding in wadis

Best For:

• Beach relaxation
• Desert exploration
• Desert camping
• Hiking and trekking
• Outdoor photography

Comparison: Winter vs. Other Seasons

Best Southern Destinations

Agadir and Coastal South

Why Visit Winter

• Warmest coastal area (18-22°C)
• Beach swimming viable
• Minimal rainfall
• Less crowded than summer
• Excellent base for exploration

Location

• Atlantic coast, southern Morocco
• 495km southwest of Marrakech
• 7-hour drive from Marrakech
• Airport available (Agadir Al Massira)

Activities

Beach:

• Swimming (cool but refreshing, 17°C water)
• Beach walking
• Sunset watching
• Relaxation

Water Sports:

• Surfing (good winter swells)
• Windsurfing
• Kitesurfing
• Paddleboarding

City Exploration:

• Medina walking
• Fishing port
• Markets and shopping
• Local restaurants

Day Trips:

• Taghazout (coastal village, 90km north)
• Paradise Valley
• Anti-Atlas Mountains
• Local oases

Accommodation

Budget: €20-40/night

• Hostels, simple hotels

Mid-Range: €50-100/night

• Nice hotels, guesthouses

Luxury: €150-300+/night

• Resort hotels, luxury riads

Recommendation: Mid-range oceanfront hotels; excellent value

Highlights

• Moroccan beach culture
• Relaxed, cosmopolitan atmosphere
• European expats, digital nomads
• Water sports hub
• Winter sun escape

Essaouira Coastal

Why Visit Winter

• Pleasant winter weather (18-22°C)
• Less crowded than summer
• Artistic, bohemian atmosphere
• Excellent restaurants
• Easy day trips to interior

Location

• Atlantic coast, 360km northwest of Marrakech
• Accessible by bus, car
• 5-hour drive from Marrakech
• No airport; fly to Marrakech, drive

Activities

Beach:

• Beach walking
• Windsurfing/kitesurfing (excellent winter winds)
• Swimming (cool water)
• Photography

Medina:

• Artistic medina exploring
• Gallery shopping
• Artisan workshops
• Seafood restaurants

Day Trips:

• Diabat (nearby village)
• Argan oil women's cooperative
• Paradise Valley
• Anti-Atlas Mountains
• Local oases

Accommodation

Budget: €20-40/night

• Hostels, simple riads

Mid-Range: €60-120/night

• Oceanfront riads, hotels

Luxury: €150-400+/night

• Luxury oceanfront properties

Highlights

• Artistic, creative community
• Excellent seafood
• Bohemian vibe
• Photography-friendly
• Relaxed atmosphere

Ouarzazate (Gateway to South)

Why Visit Winter

• Gateway to Sahara
• Excellent winter temperatures
• Base for desert exploration
• Movie set tours
• Kasbah architecture

Location

• Central-south Morocco
• 200km south of Marrakech
• 3.5-hour drive from Marrakech
• Airport available (Ouarzazate)

Activities

Desert Access:

• Erg Chebbi (Merzouga) - 8 hours drive
• Agafay Desert - 2 hours drive
• Zagora Desert - 6 hours drive

City Attractions:

• Atlas Studio (movie sets)
• Kasbah Taourirt (historic fortress)
• Museum of Cinema
• Anti-Atlas crafts

Regional Exploration:

• Todra Gorge (2.5 hours)
• Dades Valley (2.5 hours)
• Berber villages
• Local markets

Accommodation

Budget: €15-35/night

• Simple hotels, guesthouses

Mid-Range: €50-100/night

• Nice hotels, riads

Luxury: €120-250+/night

• Resort hotels

Highlights

• Desert gateway
• Movie tourism
• Historical kasbah
• Mountain-desert scenery
• Excellent for multi-day exploration

Merzouga Sahara

Why Visit Winter

• Excellent winter temperatures
• Clear desert skies
• Perfect camping/star-gazing
• Camel trekking ideal
• Golden hour photography

Location

• Deep south, Erg Chebbi dunes
• 465km southeast of Marrakech
• 9-10 hour drive
• Remote but excellent road

Activities

Camel Trekking:

• Sunset/sunrise treks
• Multi-day desert camps
• Dune exploration
• Nomadic lifestyle experience

Desert Camp:

• Overnight glamping
• Berber-style camps
• Star-gazing
• Evening entertainment

Dune Activities:

• Sandboarding
• Photography
• Walking/hiking
• Sunset watching

Regional Exploration:

• Todra Gorge (2.5 hours south)
• Ziz Valley
• Ifrane (mountain town)
• Erfoud fossil markets

Accommodation

Budget Camps: €30-50/night

• Basic tent camps

Mid-Range Camps: €60-120/night

• Comfortable glamping

Luxury Camps: €150-300+/night

• Premium glamping experience

Highlights

• Sahara magic
• Best for desert lovers
• Remote, authentic
• Star-gazing phenomenal
• Cultural immersion

10-Day Winter Itinerary (December-January)

Route: Marrakech → Agadir/Coastal → Desert → Return

Day 1: Arrive Marrakech

• Accommodation: Riad
• Medina exploration
• Rest from travel

Day 2: Marrakech

• Medina touring
• Cooking class
• Hammam and spa
• Relaxation

Day 3: Drive to Agadir (6 hours)

• Accommodation: Oceanfront hotel
• Beach walk
• Sunset dinner

Day 4: Agadir Beach Day

• Swimming/beach time
• Fishing port exploration
• Sunset watching
• Relaxation

Day 5: Day Trip from Agadir

• Paradise Valley visit
• Argan oil cooperative
• Anti-Atlas scenery
• Return to Agadir

Day 6: Drive to Ouarzazate (5 hours)

• Accommodation: Hotel/riad
• Atlas Studio movie set tour
• Medina exploration

Day 7: Drive to Merzouga (9 hours)

• Accommodation: Desert camp
• Sunset camel trek
• Overnight desert camp
• Star-gazing

Day 8: Merzouga Desert

• Sunrise camel trek
• Dune exploration
• Photography
• Rest day/activities

Day 9: Drive Back to Marrakech (9 hours via Ouarzazate)

• Accommodation: Riad
• Evening relaxation

Day 10: Depart

• Morning medina stroll
• Afternoon departure

Total Distance: ~1,500km; 27+ hours driving (split across days)

Alternative 7-Day Coastal Route

Day 1: Arrive Marrakech

Day 2: Marrakech (medina, cooking class)

Day 3: Drive to Essaouira (5 hours)

• Beach exploration
• Medina walking

Day 4: Essaouira

• Beach day
• Gallery exploring
• Seafood dinner

Day 5: Day trip from Essaouira

• Argan cooperative
• Paradise Valley
• Return to Essaouira

Day 6: Drive to Agadir (4 hours)

• Beach relaxation
• Sunset walk

Day 7: Return to Marrakech (7 hours)

• Depart or overnight

Winter Activities Specific

Beach Activities

Swimming: Water 17°C (cold but refreshing); wetsuits recommended for extended time

Surfing: Winter swells excellent; Taghazout nearby

Windsurfing: Consistent winds; Essaouira and Agadir best

Walking: Perfect temperature; beach strolling ideal

Photography: Golden hour especially beautiful; empty beaches

Desert Activities

Camel Trekking: Ideal weather; not too hot daytime, cool nights

Camping: Comfortable sleeping; clear skies

Photography: Perfect golden hour light; cool shooting conditions

Stargazing: Cold nights but clear; Milky Way visible

Hiking: Perfect temperatures; no heat stress

Mountain Activities

Hiking: Pleasant temperatures (if avoiding snow-covered peaks)

Village Visits: Walking villages comfortable

Photography: Golden hour light ideal

Cooking Classes: All-weather activity

Wellness Activities

Hammams and Spas: Perfect for warming cold days

Yoga Retreats: Many offered in warm regions

Wellness Centers: Thermal springs (if available)

Meditation: Calm, peaceful desert atmosphere

Packing for Winter Morocco

Clothing:

• Light layers (daytime warm, nighttime cool)
• Warm jacket or fleece
• Sweater or hoodie
• Long pants
• Closed-toe shoes
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Light scarf for wind/sun

Beach:

• Swimsuit
• Light cover-up
• Reef shoes
• Sunscreen (high SPF)
• Sunglasses
• Hat/cap

Desert:

• Warm layers (night temperatures 0-5°C)
• Sleeping bag (if camping)
• Warm hat, gloves
• Face protection (sun, wind)
• Sunscreen

Photography:

• Camera, lenses
• Tripod
• Filters (polarizer, ND)
• Batteries (cold drains them)
• Memory cards

Other:

• Sunscreen (essential)
• Lip balm
• Moisturizer (sun, wind dry skin)
• Medications
• Water bottle
• Backpack

FAQ

Is December-January rainy?

Minimal rain (1-10 days). Occasional cold fronts; mostly sunny.

Can I swim in December-January?

Water temperature 17°C; cold but refreshing. Wetsuits recommended.

Is it hot enough for shorts?

Daytime yes (20-25°C); nighttime no (cool/cold). Layers essential.

Best destination for warmest winter weather?

Agadir and southern coast warmest (18-22°C). Desert daytime warm but nights cold.

Do I need heating/heating pads?

Desert camps often have heating. Coastal areas rarely; layers sufficient.

When is best time to visit: early December, mid, or late January?

All good. Early December slightly warmer; late January still excellent.

Is December busier or quieter?

Off-season; quieter than summer. Christmas increases European tourism slightly.

Should I book accommodations in advance?

Recommended but not essential. December busier; January has better availability.

Can I do multi-day desert treks in winter?

Yes, ideal. Daytime comfortable; nights cold (bring sleeping bag).

Is winter a good time for photography?

Excellent. Clear skies, golden hour light, fewer people.