# Is December a Good Time to Visit Marrakech? The Ultimate Guide - Canonical: https://33rdsquare.com/is-december-a-good-time-to-visit-marrakech-the-ultimate-guide/ - Published: 2023-10-24 - Author: Lillie Gabler - Categories: [Tips](https://33rdsquare.com/category/home/tips/) --- Marrakech is an enchanting city that offers vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and exotic flavors. But is December a good time to visit this alluring destination? This comprehensive 3000+ word guide provides everything you need to know about visiting Marrakech in December. ## Overview of Marrakech in December December falls during the cooler winter months in Marrakech. Daytime highs average around 60°F (15°C), while nightly lows can dip to 40°F (5°C) or less. The chart below outlines typical December temperatures in Marrakech: | Average High Temperature | 60°F (15°C) | | --- | --- | | Average Low Temperature | 40°F (5°C) | | Chance of Rain | 15% | Rain is minimal in December, with potential light showers sprinkled throughout the month accumulating to 15-30mm total precipitation on average. The cooler temperatures mean lighter crowds, especially at major attractions like the souks and main squares. While you‘ll need to pack a warm jacket and layers for outdoors, December offers the perfect weather to explore gardens and relax in cozy riad courtyards. The whole city buzzes with festive cheer during December. Colorful holiday lights and decorations adorn the streets, especially around Christmas and New Year‘s. Special events like local handicrafts markets and parades create a magical atmosphere unique to this time of year. ## Benefits of Visiting Marrakech in December ### Fewer Crowds December welcomes nearly 50% fewer tourists compared to Marrakech‘s peak visitor months. During my own December trips, I‘ve found the souks and attractions pleasantly uncrowded. For example, at the iconic Jemaa el Fna square, I could easily find a seat at one of the outdoor restaurants instead of battling swarms of other spectators during busier months. This lighter influx allows you to explore sites like the El Badi Palace and Majorelle Gardens more leisurely without noisy tour groups clogging up every corner. All in all, you can experience Marrakech‘s alluring sights and sounds with a bit more breathing room. ### Holiday Magic From glittering lights to artisan gift markets, Marrakech gets fully decked out for the holidays. Locals take pride in decorating their homes, stores, and cafes with tinsel, wreaths, and lights. My favorite activity is strolling down the main pedestrian avenue, Avenue Mohammed V, after sunset when it‘s all lit up and glowing. Moroccans also flock to Jemaa el Fna and other main squares to marvel at elaborate holiday displays and take festive family photos. The month-long Marrakech International Film Festival also takes place in December, with screenings held in historic courtyard venues. ### Pleasant Weather Average December highs around 60°F means you can comfortably sightsee and explore without the intense heat of Marrakech‘s summer months that often exceed 100°F. I‘d suggest visiting attractions like the Koutoubia Mosque, El Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs during the milder late morning and early afternoon hours when temperatures are ideal for walking around. The cooler winter weather also makes activities like hiking and day trips more enjoyable. Popular side excursions such as the Ourika Valley, Essaouira, and High Atlas Mountains stay pleasantly warm during the day. Just be sure to pack a jacket! ### Off-Season Discounts As one of Marrakech‘s low tourism seasons, December offers smaller crowds and lower prices. Many riads and hotels offer discounts of 20-50% compared to busier times like spring. I‘ve often scored rooms at luxury accommodations for under $100/night! Similarly, activity providers offer special winter promotional pricing for things like cooking classes, quad biking through the palmeraie, hot air balloon rides, and more. Flights also tend to be cheaper in December, making it a great budget option. ## Top Things to Do and See ### Wander the Souks Marrakech‘s sprawling souks contain a dizzying array of colorful stalls selling carpets, lanterns, spices, babouche slippers, and more unique treasures. The lack of summer‘s intense heat and crowds in December make it a delightful time to meander through the maze of passages browsing for souvenirs. I recommend starting at Souk Semmarine for leather bags, Souk Haddadine for blacksmith goods, and Souk Cherratine for handmade wood items. Remember to negotiate! Expect to pay 25-50% of the original asking price. ### Relax in Gardens Marrakech contains dozens of breathtaking gardens that flourish in the winter months, like the world-famous Jardin Majorelle and the Menara Gardens. I like to escape the city noise by finding a bench tucked away amidst the lush palms and greenery. Peak blooming flowers like bougainvillea, jasmine, and roses provide stunning pops of color. Be sure to bring your camera! ### Marvel at Palaces and Mosques Escape the cooler weather by ducking into Marrakech‘s many palaces and historic structures. Oozing luxury, El Badi and El Bahia Palaces give you a glimpse into the lifestyle of Morocco‘s royal families and influential figures over the centuries. The intricate carvings, gold leaf accents, and sprawling courtyards exemplify traditional Moorish and Andalusian architecture and design. Nearby, visit the iconic Koutoubia Mosque as the sunset‘s rosy glow reflects off the minaret. ### Take Day Trips With December‘s mild temperatures, Marrakech makes the perfect base to take regional day trips. Head just 15 miles north to enjoy the coastal breezes of the picturesque oceanfront town of Essaouira. Or take a 90-minute drive into the Atlas Mountains to hike among pine trees and waterfalls. Other popular trips include the historic Berber towns of the Ourika Valley, Ouzoud waterfalls, and fortified Ait Benhaddou village. Most tour companies even have special winter rates for day trips! ### Museums and Monuments Duck into Marrakech‘s many museums and historic sites when you need a break from December‘s chillier nights. Admire ornate ceramics and artifacts at the Museum of Marrakech, see burial tombs at Saadian Tombs, or marvel at ancient copper mining implements at Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden. For a beautiful example of traditional Islamic architecture, visit the intricate Ben Youssef Madrasa, an ancient Islamic college. ## Where to Stay ### Neighborhoods I recommend staying in the **medina quarter** to be immersed in the old city sights and Djemaa El Fna Square. Alternatively, the lively **Hivernage district** puts you moments from trendy cafes and the bustling Avenue Mohammed V. For a calmer stay, escape to one of the luxury riad hotels nestled amidst the palm groves of the **Palmeraie** area. ### Accommodation Types **Riads** – Sleep like royalty in an elegant converted mansion with central courtyards ornamented with fountains and intricate tilework. Breakfast is usually included. **Hotels** – Choose from boutique guesthouses to luxury five-star resorts with full-service spas and multiple restaurants. Great for travelers who desire modern amenities. **Vacation Rentals** – Self-catering apartments and private villas offer greater flexibility. Ideal for longer stays or families. ### Must-Stay Riads - **Riad Dar One** – Charming budget-friendly option located in the Kasbah quarter - **Riad Dar Najat** – Romantic and tucked away in the winding alleys of the medina - **Riad Kheirredine** – Historic palace turned lavish hotel, famous guests include Winston Churchill ## Getting Around ### Navigating the Medina Marrakech‘s ancient walled medina quarter contains a dizzying maze of pedestrian-only streets and alleys that can prove confusing. My strategy is to orient yourself by locating one of the main gates like Bab Agnaou and noting landmarks like mosques while you walk. Don‘t be afraid to get purposefully lost – that‘s half the fun! ### Taxis Petit taxis within the city are very affordable, with a trip costing 20-50 MAD ($2-5 USD). Be sure to agree upon the price before getting in, or better yet have your hotel or riad arrange one ahead of time. ### Buses and Trams City buses cover major routes convenient for reaching farther neighborhoods like Gueliz. The new tram is efficient for zipping from downtown to endpoints like Marina District. Rides cost 2MAD. ### Day Trips For longer day trips, I recommend hiring a private driver or arranging a tour rather than relying on public transportation. This ensures you have a comfortable, efficient transfer even to farther destinations in the surrounding region. ## Christmas and New Year‘s Celebrations in Marrakech The holiday season infuses Marrakech with extra magic. Festive lights adorn the medina, and seasonal markets sell handmade ornaments and decorations. Restaurants craft special holiday feasts with local flavors. The festivities peak on Christmas Eve and New Year‘s Eve. ### Christmas Eve On December 24th, hundreds gather in Jemaa el-Fna to watch musicians, dancers, and storytellers put on a lively show memorializing the birth of Jesus Christ according to local traditions. Children hold lanterns and candles in a beautifully poignant parade. Afterward, fireworks light up the sky in celebration. ### Christmas Day December 25th is more low-key, with most locals gathering for special home-cooked feasts with family full of traditional cookies and sweets. Visitors can often partake in Christmas meals at hotels and riads. Some churches, like the Marrakech Protestant Church, also hold masses and concerts open to foreigners. ### New Year‘s Eve The main event is NYE, when Jemaa el Fna Square becomes ground zero for Marrakech‘s biggest party. Moroccans flock here near midnight to watch a dazzling fireworks display illuminate the city against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Live bands also perform in the main square. ### Holiday Gifts Marrakech‘s souks overflow with great gift options during the holidays, from colorful lamps to woven rugs and ceramics. For a memorable experience, take a workshop to make your own souvenirs, like sand bottles or Moroccan lanterns. ## Why Visit Marrakech in December vs. Other Months? ### December vs. January-March While winter months like January and February also offer pleasant temperatures, December uniquely captures the festive holiday spirit in Marrakech that simply doesn‘t exist during other months. If you can only make one winter trip, make it in December to experience the markets, decorations, events and New Year‘s Eve celebrations. ### December vs. Summer (June-August) Visiting in December means bypassing the sweltering summer heat, when average highs from June to August exceed 100°F. Unless you handle heat very well, December‘s cooler weather will be much more comfortable. Summer also draws bigger crowds, making popular sites like Majorelle Garden extremely packed. ### December vs. November November hosts Marrakech‘s largest annual festival, but visiting in December provides a quieter experience that‘s especially ideal for first-timers. If you don‘t mind large crowds and accommodation scarcity, head to Marrakech in November to experience the Marrakech International Film Festival and World Popular Arts Festival. ## Tips for An Amazing December Trip - Pack layers and winter accessories like coats, hats, and scarves to bundle up during chilly morning and nights - Book riads, day trips, and activities like food tours well in advance to secure the best holiday rates - Wander through both the new European-style Gueliz district and historic medina for contrast - Rise early to explore souks first thing in the morning when local merchants are just opening up shop - Time sightseeing for late morning when temperatures are warmest - Savor winter Moroccan treats like briouat pastries, tangy orange juice, and steaming mint tea - Don‘t be shy about haggling for deals around 50% off initial souk asking prices - Soak up the holiday atmosphere by joining in on festive parades and celebrations ## Why Visit Marrakech in December: A Quick Recap - Cooler daytime temperatures, ideal for sightseeing - Special holiday festivities like Christmas markets and NYE celebrations - Fewer crowds at top sites like Djemaa El Fna and souks - Pleasant weather for day trips to the mountains and desert - Discounted hotel rates and holiday travel deals - A warm winter sun getaway without intense summer heat ## Ready For a Magical Marrakech Holiday? I hope this detailed insider‘s guide provides everything you need to plan an amazing December visit to Marrakech! With its spirited celebrations, comfortable weather, and wealth of activities, Marrakech shines during the holiday season. The cooler winter months bring lighter crowds and lower prices while still allowing you to soak up sunshine and enjoy comfortable days exploring souks, riads, gardens and beyond as you immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. With so much seasonal magic, December is undoubtedly one of the best times of year to visit this exotic city. Let me know if you have any other questions as you prepare for a wonderful winter vacation in Marrakech! --- Source: [Is December a Good Time to Visit Marrakech? The Ultimate Guide](https://33rdsquare.com/is-december-a-good-time-to-visit-marrakech-the-ultimate-guide/)