What’s the weather like in Morocco in January? What range of temperatures can visitors expect at this time of year? And what sorts of things should be factored in, when planning a trip to Morocco during the winter? Here is an overview with some travel tips and weather information for selected regions.
Is it still worth travelling to Morocco in January? Absolutely! Although this depends to some extent on your intended destinations within Morocco. Because although Morocco is always warmer than Europe in January, there is considerable variability in terms of temperatures within the country itself. Indeed, there are three separate climatic zones which determine the weather in different parts of Morocco.
For a year-round overview of the weather in Morocco’s best-known destinations, have a look at the following article: Weather in Morocco – Travel times, weather statistics and travel tips.
Morocco in January: Weather in selected regions
Although Morocco in January is warmer than the weather in Europe, this is still the coldest month of the year. In the country’s interior, the Atlas Mountains and the desert, visitors should be prepared for stark drops in temperature from day to night. Depending on altitude, even sub-zero temperatures are not unheard-of. Meanwhile, along the Atlantic coastline, temperatures are much milder, making the January weather there more ambient than other parts of the country.
For a Moroccan holiday in January, the stretch of Atlantic coastline that lies between Rabat and Sidi Ifni is probably your best bet, along with southern Morocco and Marrakech. If travelling to other parts of the country at this time of year, be prepared for cooler temperatures, especially in the evening and at night. Be sure to pack plenty of warm clothing and check for heating when booking a hotel or riad.
Marrakech in January
January may be the coldest month of the year in Marrakech, but during the day the thermometer is still likely to climb to 20°C or more. As such, it’s usually possible to just wear a t-shirt. Enjoy pleasant weather and sit out on a roof terrace in the sunshine, even in January. Once the sun sets, however, the temperature drops noticeably.
By late afternoon or early evening, you will probably be grateful for a light jacket or a jumper.
The fact that the weather in Marrakech is slightly cooler in January also offers certain advantages. After all, not everyone welcomes early morning temperatures nudging 39°C, particularly with a busy schedule of events or a city tour planned. Conversely, those who are sensitive to the cold should bring plenty of warm clothes. Also, be sure to book heated accommodation in Marrakech.
The Atlantic coast, Essaouira and Agadir in January
The weather on Morocco’s extensive Atlantic coastline is mostly influenced by the sway of the Atlantic Ocean, which stores heat and expels it more slowly than the air. Winters on the Moroccan coast are relatively mild and somewhat rainy.
But even on the coastline itself, some discernible variations emerge. For example, although the temperatures in Essaouira and Rabat remain broadly similar, the former is considerably less rainy. Due to its unique geographical position, the picturesque harbour city Essaouira is perpetually exposed to the wind, making it a veritable El Dorado for surfers and kiters alike.
Anyone who visits Morocco in January should definitely aim to spend a couple of days in Essaouira. It is still possible to swim in the sea in January, although the water temperature is admittedly rather fresh. Agadir is generally a better prospect for a beach holiday, mainly due to Essaouira’s famously constant wind.
The weather becomes progressively drier and warmer; the further south one travels from Essaouira. Located around 200 km to the south, Agadir has comparatively little rainfall. The average temperatures in this seaside resort are also warmer than those further north.
Northern Morocco and Fes in January
The weather in northern Morocco tends to be fairly cool and damp throughout January. The Atlantic and the Mediterranean influence the climate on the coasts. Consequently, temperatures in January remain relatively mild. Further inland, this influence declines, the weather becomes increasingly continental, and the differences in temperature between daytime and night grow more distinct.
Fez is the largest city on Morocco’s northern coast, located at an altitude of 400m. There is significantly less rainfall here than in the coastal areas. In January, temperatures in Fez can fall to below zero overnight.
Naturally, the weather in Chefchaouen, Tangier or Fez will generally be warmer than anywhere in Europe, even in January. But in comparison to other parts of Morocco, the northern part of the country is cooler at this time of year, with more rain. For this reason, spring or autumn are better times for planning a visit to these cities.
Southern Morocco and the deserts in February
Southern Morocco is home to two incredibly beautiful regions of the Sahara Desert. Both of which you can visit on organised desert tours from Marrakech. The desert climate is exceptionally warm and dry. However, although temperatures rise to unbearably hot levels during the summer months, winter temperatures rarely climb above 30°C. And at night the mercury drops to below 5°C.
January is an ideal month for embarking upon a tour of the desert or enjoying some sporting activities in the world’s most giant sandpit. Pack a sleeping bag and plenty of warm clothes if you plan to stay overnight in a desert bivouac.
Conclusion
If travelling to Morocco in January, visitors can expect to enjoy much warmer temperatures than those they are leaving behind in Europe. However, January is still the coldest month of the year in Morocco. Consequently, if travelling at this time of year, the southern part of the country, the Atlantic coast south of Essaouira and Marrakech are my recommended destinations. Desert tours are also an option at this time of year. They will be a highlight of any visit to the country.
Weather data: www.yr.no,
Photos are all from Travelguide Marrakech, except Fez (Alina Chan), Rabat (Quentin Drèze), Agadir (Hash Pay)