Marrakech December

What is Marrakech like in December?

December in Marrakech means sunny days around 19°C, cold nights, short queues at the monuments and a city getting ready for Christmas and New Year's Eve. It's one of the best months to explore the medina on foot and shop the souks without the summer heat, as long as you pack a warm layer for the evenings.

Planning your December days?

Message Us On WhatsApp and we reply fast.

Visit Marrakech Medina is The Best Shopping and Walking Tour Company in Marrakech. We know the souks from the inside: the honest rug dealers, the real workshops and the addresses where serious shoppers and design lovers buy, including some very well-known clients we keep private. Our guiding is recommended by travel expert Rick Steves, and Daniel Jacobs features us in The Rough Guide To Morocco.

Choose your tour:

Marrakech Shopping Tour: shop the souks with a local insider, perfect for Christmas gifts

Rug Shopping Tour Marrakech: find an authentic Moroccan rug with a specialist

Luxury Shopping Tour Marrakech: exclusive addresses and private service

Walking Tour Marrakech: the history and hidden corners of the old city

Marrakech Group Tours: every day at 10am, from 250 MAD per person

Things To Do In Marrakech: our complete local guide

Already in town?

See this week's dates on Marrakech Tours This Week.

What's the weather like in Marrakech in December?

Daytime: around 19°C, sunny and pleasant for walking

Night: around 6 to 8°C, cold enough for a coat

Sunshine: about 7 hours a day

Rain: a few rainy days in the month, usually short showers

Daylight: the sun rises around 8:20am and sets around 6:30pm

Here's the local tip most visitors miss: riads are built for summer, not winter. Thick walls and open courtyards keep the heat out in July and the cold in during December. When you book, ask if your room has heating, and don't be shy about asking for an extra blanket.

What to wear in Marrakech in December

Think layers. A T-shirt or light shirt for midday in the sun, a sweater for the shade of the souks, and a warm jacket after sunset. Comfortable closed shoes are a must for the medina's uneven alleys. A scarf is useful for the cold evenings and for covering your shoulders when needed.

What's on in Marrakech in December?

Samaa Marrakech Festival (December 3 to 6): the 15th edition of this festival of spiritual and Sufi music takes place in the historic medina, with dhikr ceremonies and mystical chants

Christmas (December 24 and 25): Christmas is not a public holiday in Morocco, so the souks and monuments stay open as normal, while big hotels and riads organize festive dinners

New Year's Eve (December 31): gala dinners, rooftop parties and countdowns in hotels and venues across the city, book early because the best places sell out

Snow on the Atlas: on clear days, you can see snowy peaks from the rooftops of the medina

Coming in late November?

The Marrakech International Film Festival runs from November 20 to 28. See Marrakech In November for everything that month.

Are the souks open in December?

Yes, every day, including Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. As always, Friday is a bit quieter around midday prayer. In December, the souks are also more pleasant than in summer: cooler alleys, fewer crowds and more time for sellers to show you their best pieces. For exact times, check our Marrakech Souk Opening Hours guide.

Marrakech in December 2026: day by day

All group tours start at 10am from Café de France, on Jemaa el-Fna square, and last about 3 hours. Private tours run every day at the time that suits you, from 900 MAD depending on the number of people.

Tuesday December 1: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD

Wednesday December 2: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD

Thursday December 3: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD. Samaa Festival begins in the medina

Friday December 4: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD. Samaa Festival. Quieter souks around midday prayer

Saturday December 5: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD. Samaa Festival

Sunday December 6: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD. Last day of the Samaa Festival

Monday December 7: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD

Tuesday December 8: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD

Wednesday December 9: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD

Thursday December 10: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD

Friday December 11: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD. Quieter souks around midday prayer

Saturday December 12: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD

Sunday December 13: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD

Monday December 14: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD

Tuesday December 15: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD. A good week for Christmas gift shopping

Wednesday December 16: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD

Thursday December 17: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD

Friday December 18: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD. Quieter souks around midday prayer

Saturday December 19: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD

Sunday December 20: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD

Monday December 21: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD. Shortest day of the year, plan your sightseeing early

Tuesday December 22: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD

Wednesday December 23: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD

Thursday December 24: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD. Christmas Eve, souks open as normal

Friday December 25: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD. Christmas Day, souks and monuments open

Saturday December 26: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD

Sunday December 27: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD

Monday December 28: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD

Tuesday December 29: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD

Wednesday December 30: Medina Walking Tour, no shopping, 300 MAD

Thursday December 31: Medina Tour with Shopping, 250 MAD. New Year's Eve, shop in the morning and rest before the night

What to do in Marrakech in December

Shop for Christmas gifts in the souks: lanterns, babouches, ceramics, argan oil, leather bags and small rugs all travel well. Our Marrakech Shopping Tour takes you to trusted shops

Buy a rug: cooler weather means dealers have time to unroll their pieces. A light Boucherouite Rug fits easily in a suitcase

Walk the medina in the sun: December light is perfect for photos, see our Hidden Gems In The Marrakech Medina

Visit the monuments without the crowds: Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Saadian Tombs are calmer than in spring

Warm up in a hammam: after a day outdoors, there's nothing better on a cold December evening

See Jemaa el-Fna by night: wrap up warm and enjoy the food stalls, read about Jemaa El-Fna At Night before you go

Plan your weekends: check Things To Do In Marrakech This Weekend, updated every Thursday

Is December a good time to visit Marrakech?

Yes. You get sunny days, fewer crowds than spring or autumn, and a festive atmosphere at the end of the month. The only downsides are the cold nights and short days, so start your sightseeing in the morning and keep your evenings for dinners and the hammam. Prices for hotels go up sharply between Christmas and New Year, so book early if you're coming that week.

Book your December tour

Two easy ways to book:

Message Us On WhatsApp with the tour, the day and the number of people

Fill in our Booking Form

For group tours, nothing is paid in advance: you pay at the end of the tour.

Have a question about your trip, even if you don't book a tour?

Ask Us On WhatsApp. We're happy to help travelers plan their days in Marrakech.

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