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Thinking about visiting Morocco in January? January may not be the perfect month to visit Morocco weather-wise, but it can still be a great time to visit if you’re looking to avoid heavy tourist crowds and enjoy lower prices.
Morocco’s location on the north coast of Africa means that it experiences a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot, dry summers.
Most people prefer to visit Morocco during the high season (March to May to September to October) when temperatures are more moderate. But if you don’t mind the cold weather Morocco can be a great destination in January.
Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’re planning a trip to Morocco in January.
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Weather in Morocco in January
January is the coldest month of the year in Morocco, with temperatures averaging around 10 degrees Celsius ( 50 degrees Fahrenheit). The nights can be particularly chilly with temperatures dipping below freezing in some parts of the country.
When visiting Morocco in January, you can expect some rain as January is one of the rainiest months of the year. Snow is also possible in Morocco’s mountainous regions. A few places where you can experience snow in Morocco are Imlil village, Ifrane city, and Oukaimden ski resort.
Temperatures in coastal cities like Casablanca and Rabat tend to be a little bit warmer than the
What to Pack for Morocco in January
Packing to Morocco for January means packing for cold weather. Your packing list should include lots of warm clothing, like a few sweaters, a raincoat, thermal shirts and leggins, socks, and gloves.
If you’ll be spending time in Morocco’s mountains, you’ll also want to pack snowshoes, gloves, and a thick warm jacket.
It’s also good to keep in mind that the weather in Morocco can change a lot which means even in January you should expect warmer days when the sun is out.
The ideal would be to pack clothes that can be layered so that when the temperature does rise you can take a few layers off.
A warm shawl or a scarf is also a good Morocco packing essential as it can be used as an extra layer of clothing or for when you’re inside and the air conditioning is cranked up.
An umbrella is something you can buy when you get to Morocco so you don’t have to pack one, but if you have room in your suitcase it’s not a bad idea to bring one along.
>> Read more about what to wear in Morocco as a female
What to See and Do in Morocco in January
Although the weather may not be beach-friendly, Morocco is still a great place to visit in January. There are plenty of things to see and do in Morocco in January, despite the cold weather. Here are a few ideas:
Visit the Sahara Desert
Believe it or not, it can actually be quite nice to visit the Sahara Desert in January. The days are cooler which makes for more comfortable conditions when exploring Morocco’s desert regions.
However, it can get quite cold at night so be sure to pack plenty of warm clothing. You can read our guide on what to wear in the Sahara desert for more information.
Have fun at Oukaimden ski resort
Located about 60 kilometers from Marrakech, Ouakaimden in Morocco is considered to be Africa’s highest ski resort.
If you are visiting Morocco in January and you’re a fan of skiing or snowboarding, this month is the perfect time to visit Oukaimden as the slopes are usually covered in snow.
There are a few other winter escape ideas in Morocco, such as Ifrane city which is located in Morocco’s Middle Atlas mountains, and Imlil village which is a great place to go hiking.
Take a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira
The coastal town of Essaouira is located about 3 hours away from Marrakech and it’s a great place to escape the cold weather in January.
Being a coastal city, the temperatures in Essaouira are usually a few degrees warmer than in Marrakech, and there’s plenty to see and do in this charming Moroccan city.
Some of the best things to do in Essaouira include exploring the medina, visiting the fishing port, and strolling along the city’s ramparts.
You can easily book a day trip or a transfer to Essaouira from Marrakech
>> Read more about Essaouira
Some other places that are worth visiting in Morocco in January include Casablanca, Rabat, Fez, and Chefchaouen.
Other Morocco Travel Tips for January
Due to the cold weather, many outdoor activities and attractions are closed in Morocco during January. If you’re looking to do some hiking or outdoor activities, your best bet is to head to the southern part of Morocco where it’s a bit warmer.
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