Things to Do in Morocco in December
Great for the desert, Marrakech and winter sun on the coast – but cold nights. Updated October 2026 · by our local team
The most popular of all things to do in Morocco in December is a night – or New Year’s Eve – in a desert camp among the Erg Chebbi dunes. Days in the Sahara are sunny and comfortable, the air is clear and the stars are bright. Nights are cold, but camps give warm blankets and a fire, and the silence of the dunes in winter is unforgettable.
December is also a good month for Marrakech, where the sun shines most days, and for the Atlantic coast, where Agadir and Taghazout enjoy mild winter sun and the best surf season. The Christmas and New Year holidays are the busiest time of the winter, so desert camps, riads and balloon flights fill up early. Send us your dates as soon as you can.
The best things to do in Morocco in December are celebrating New Year in a desert camp at Merzouga (book early), a camel ride under winter stars, the medina of Marrakech in the sunshine, a sunrise balloon flight and surfing the winter swells at Taghazout. Days are mostly sunny; desert and mountain nights are cold, sometimes close to freezing.
Morocco weather in December
| Where | Temperatures | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Marrakech | about 19°C by day, 7°C at night | mostly sunny, cold evenings |
| Sahara (Merzouga) | about 18°C by day, 3°C at night | sunny days, very cold nights |
| High Atlas | about 10°C by day, below 0°C at night (Imlil) | snow on the peaks, sometimes in the villages |
| Atlantic coast (Essaouira, Agadir) | about 19–21°C by day, 9°C at night | mild winter sun, sea about 18°C |
Typical values – the weather changes from year to year.
Best things to do in Morocco in December
Click any idea to see the details.
- Celebrate New Year in the SaharaDinner, drums and a sky full of stars in the dunes of Erg Chebbi.Details +
Ride camels under winter starsComfortable days and crystal-clear night skies.Details +- Watch the stars in the desertLong nights and dry, clear winter air.Details +
- Explore Marrakech in winter sunshineSunny days for the souks, palaces and gardens.Details +
Fly over Marrakech at sunriseSnow-capped Atlas peaks on the horizon.Details +
Surf the winter swells at TaghazoutThe heart of the surf season on the Atlantic.Details +- Find winter sun in AgadirMild days on a long sandy beach.Details +
See the snowy High Atlas villagesSnow on the peaks, sunshine in the valleys.Details +
Where to go in Morocco in December
Merzouga
Sunny days, starry nights and the most popular place in Morocco to celebrate New Year.
Marrakech
Winter sunshine for the medina, plus balloon flights and Agafay a short drive away.
Agadir & Taghazout
Mild winter sun and the best surf season on the Atlantic.
Essaouira
A calm, mild port town for a relaxed end to the year.
Festivals & events in Morocco in December
Marrakech International Film Festival
usually late November or December
An international film festival in Marrakech with screenings and guest film-makers; some screenings are open to the public. Dates change every year – check before you travel.
New Year’s Eve in the desert
end of December
Desert camps around Merzouga hold special dinners with music by the fire. It is the busiest night of the winter in the Sahara – book early.
Morocco itineraries for December
Private trips that are at their best this month.
What to pack for Morocco in December
- A warm down or padded jacket for desert nights
- Warm hat, gloves and a scarf
- Thermal layer for sleeping in the camp
- Fleece or warm sweater
- Sunglasses and sunscreen – the winter sun is strong
- Comfortable, closed walking shoes
- Warm socks and slippers for chilly riads
- A wetsuit if you plan to surf
Plan your trip in December
Tell us your dates and what you love – our local team plans the route, the stays and the activities for this time of year.
Morocco in December: your questions
Is December a good time to visit Morocco?
Yes, if you pack for cold nights. Days are mostly sunny in Marrakech, the desert and on the coast, and the Sahara is very beautiful in winter. The Christmas and New Year weeks are busy, so book early.
What are the best things to do in Morocco in December?
Celebrate New Year in a desert camp at Merzouga, ride a camel and watch the stars, explore Marrakech in the sunshine, take a balloon flight and surf or relax in Agadir. Book desert camps for New Year as early as possible.
Is it cold in Morocco in December?
Days are mild – about 18–21°C in Marrakech, the desert and on the coast. Nights are cold: about 3°C in Merzouga and below freezing in the High Atlas, where snow is common on the peaks.
Where to go in Morocco in December?
Merzouga for the Sahara and New Year, Marrakech for the medina and day trips, and Agadir, Taghazout or Essaouira for winter sun and surf. Mountain trips are possible in the lower valleys, with warm clothes.
Are there things to do in Morocco in December with kids?
Yes. Camel rides, sandboarding, a night in a well-equipped desert camp with warm blankets, the beach at Agadir and a cooking class in Marrakech are family favourites. Bring warm pyjamas and plan shorter drives in the short winter days.
What should I wear in Morocco in December?
Layers by day that cover shoulders and knees, plus a warm jacket, hat and gloves for evenings, sunrise and desert nights. Pack warm socks too – riads and camps can be chilly at night.
Travel to Morocco in December
Private trips on your dates, planned by a local team who knows what each month brings.
Send us your trip details
Your request comes straight to our team’s inbox and we reply by email or WhatsApp, as you prefer – usually the same day.
- No payment to send a request
- Private trips on your dates
- Your programme in writing before you pay