What's the Weather Like In Marrakesh in December?
Despite December being one of the cooler months of the year in Marrakesh, temperatures remain mild compared with the rest of chilly northern Europe. With an average temperature of 14°C and seven hours of sunshine, you'll have plenty of daylight to explore this fascinating city in Morocco.
What's Christmas Like In Marrakesh/
With comfortable temperatures and a good deal of sun, Marrakesh is a great place to spend Christmas. As Christmas is not celebrated in Morocco it can make a refreshing change to experience people going about their usual business with restaurants and cafes are open as usual.
In 2019 and 2018 the average temperature on Christmas Day was 16°C. Though it climbed to almost 20°C at the hottest part of the day.
How Hot Is December In Marrakesh?
The average temperature on any given day in December hovers around 14°C. This covers a potential low of 8°C and a high of 19 °C.
Does It Rain In Marrakesh In December?
The region sees only 20mm of rainfall throughout the entire month. Much of this falls over seven days.
Click here for a 14-day forecast.
Hotels for Marrakesh in December
Dar Tuscia
Considered a gem in the busy city, the Dar Tuscia hotel is a world onto itself. While considered a budget hotel, it offers comfortable rooms in a location that is tough to beat. It is within walking distance of the medina, one of the most significant sites in the city.
However it is far enough away to buffer some of the noise and street traffic that the main plaza sees. You'll have the opportunity to sample Moroccan cuisine without ever leaving your hotel as it has a fully staffed and busy kitchen to cater to your needs.
Riad Quenza
Another convenient yet quiet hotel option is the Riad Quenza. This hotel is also located near the busy squares of Marrakesh but at such a distance that has less foot traffic and street noise.
Guests can enjoy access to the terrace and kitchen that is available for meals upon request. The hotel also has an optional airport shuttle service that helps minimize stress and hassle while on holiday.
Riad Ariha
Beloved in the hearts and reviews of former guests, the Riad Ariha is extremely accommodating and luxurious. This boutique hotel only has five rooms so staff has the bandwidth to dedicate extra attention to each guest. Each room has a private safe, temperature controls and free internet access.
Riad Dar Attajmil
Also considered a hidden gem in Marrakech, the Riad Dar Attajmil is a great choice if you are having a hard time deciding where to book your holiday. Guests in each of the five rooms of this hotel have access to free internet, room services and access to the hotel bar.
Restaurants and Bars for Marrakesh in December
I Limoni
I Limoni is a quaint, hip Italian restaurant in the heart of Marrakesh. If you've grown weary of tagines after an extended holiday, make reservations at this modern eatery.
They have outdoor seating in their courtyard but the outside is charmingly decorated with rock and roll and artistic posters. Quite a walk off of the beaten path, if you'd like to dine here, be sure to get directions or a map from your hotel staff to save you some time.
Things to Do in Marrakesh in December
Bahia Palace
Built in the 19th century, the Bahia Palace is a landmark within Marrakesh that should not be missed. This building has spectacular Moroccan architecture and decorative details that are fit for royalty.
The peaceful interiors of this building provide a perfectly balanced counterpoint to the buzzing energy of the streets outside. The building is no longer occupied by royalty so it is not as opulent as it once was but the history and opportunity to escape the city streets make this a jewel worth visiting.
Ali Ben Youssef Medersa
Critical to Muslim culture, the madrasa is a historic school building that is just as grand as many of the former palaces and universities that are seen across Europe. The Ali Ben Youssef Medersa is a lavish, beautiful example of a madrasa.
Access to this building does come with an entrance fee but is nominal and there is usually no line to get in and tour. Similar to the Bahia Palace, it is a splendid spot to unwind and take in architecture off of the city streets.
Cooking Worksops
If you would prefer something more hands on during your trip to Marrakesh there are cooking workshops at La Maison Arabe available. These classes give students the opportunity to learn how to cook traditional Moroccan food from some of the brightest instructors in the country. Each class lasts for half of a day and offered in French and English.
Each student enjoys a class and a trip to a local market for spices and bread and enjoys the fruits of labour with a meal at the end. These classes have been recognized by numerous publications like the New York Times Sunday Travel section and Saveur among others.
Dates for the diary
December sees the celebration of several artistic festivals in Marrakesh. The first one is the Marrakech International Film Festival, which takes place in the Djemma El Fna square. This area is transformed into an outdoor movie theatre and films of any variety are screened to visitors.
This festival occurs annually and often attracts celebrities to the area. If you keep your eyes peeled during this time, you may see the likes of Martin Scorsese or David Lynch who have made appearances.
In nearby Casablanca, an International Art Fair takes place in the beginning of December. If you would like to see more of Morocco and view local art, this is a great time to visit. The art fair offers workshops and lectures for aficionados to partake in as well as view paintings, sculptures and other forms of artistic expression.
The Olive Festival near Fez takes place during this month, with traditional olive picking and Moroccan feasts. This festival is great for travellers who are interested in not just local culture but food as a whole. The olive is showcased in different preparations and techniques that are not necessarily common in European culture.
