Is January a Good Time to Visit Morocco? A Solo Traveller’s Guide
Is January a good time to visit Morocco? I think so! But I’m someone who prefers mild days and chilly nights to scorchingly hot weather.
If you’re the same, then travelling to Morocco in January might be for you!
In my opinion, January is one of the most underrated months to travel in Morocco – especially for solo travellers seeking a calm escape. While most people picture Morocco in the warmer seasons, winter offers cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and (sometimes) lower prices.
This solo traveller’s guide to visiting Morocco in January covers everything you need to know, from packing tips to top destinations and Morocco weather in January. It’s designed to help you decide if a winter vacation in Morocco is right for you.
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Why Visit Morocco in January?
✔ Fewer tourists
January falls in Morocco’s off-season (outside New Year’s week). That means quieter medinas, less haggling pressure in the souks and easier hotel bookings. Morocco in January is ideal for travellers who prefer a calmer environment and want to make last-minute travel decisions.
✔ Affordable prices
Flights, hotels and tours are often slightly cheaper in January, at least compared to spring and autumn (Morocco’s peak travel periods). With reduced demand from other travellers, you can sometimes find great deals that just aren’t available at other times of the year.
✔ Comfortable temperatures
While January in Morocco is one of the coldest months of the year, it’s not freezing. You can still expect comfortable temperatures for exploring the medinas of Marrakech, Fes and Rabat. Meanwhile, coastal cities like Agadir and Essaouira are often perfectly warm in January if you’re seeking a winter beach escape.
✔ Great for cultural travel
Museums, architectural landmarks and cultural experiences (cooking classes, artisan workshops) aren’t overcrowded in January. It’s possible to enjoy many of Morocco’s attractions without being overwhelmed by other visitors and competing with selfie-seeking tourists. Last-minute bookings are also on the cards!
✔ Restaurants aren’t booked out
In popular destinations like Marrakech and Essaouira, it can be hard to find a table at highly-rated restaurants, particularly if you don’t plan ahead. With fewer tourists in January, it’s possible to make last-minute bookings or simply turn up, browse menus and make a decision about where you want to eat on the spot.
Please note:
Morocco is hosting the Africa Cup of Nations from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, which will lead to an influx of football fans. Marrakech, Fes and Agadir are all host cities, together with Rabat, Casablanca and Tangier.
If you’re visiting Morocco in January, plan your itinerary accordingly – whether you want to experience all the hype of AFCON or avoid it altogether. You’ll find all the info you need in my AFCON travel guide and fixtures for each host city can be found here.
January Weather in Morocco
If you’re planning on visiting Morocco in January, it’s important to note that the weather varies a lot throughout the country. How cold Morocco is in January depends on whether you’re in the north or south, inland or on the coast, or at elevation in the Atlas Mountains.
Here’s a quick overview of what you can expect when visiting Morocco in January:
Marrakech
- Day: 16–20°C
- Night: 6–8°C
- Crisp mornings, sunny afternoons, chilly nights – pack layers!
You can learn more about visiting Marrakech in January in my detailed article here.
Fes
- Day: 12–18°C
- Night: 4–8°C
- Can be foggy in the mornings, occasional rain, chilly nights – pack layers and a waterproof!
You can learn more about visiting Fes in January in my detailed article here.
Agadir
- Day: 20–23°C
- Night: 10–12°C
- One of the warmest winter destinations in Morocco – great for a winter beach escape!
You can learn more about visiting Agadir in January in my detailed article here.
Sahara Desert
- Day: 15–20°C
- Night: 0–5°C
- Incredible stargazing, cold at night – bring thermal layers, warm socks and a beanie!
Atlas Mountains
- Temperatures vary depending on elevation – expect snow and minus temperatures (°C) in the High Atlas.
- Trekking is possible but may require specialised gear at higher elevations.
Solo tip:
Hiking in the Atlas Mountains is still possible in winter. I just wouldn’t advise doing any high-altitude treks (such as Mount Toubkal) unless you are experienced and equipped with the necessary gear. Solo travellers should always hike with a local guide who knows the conditions – this is mandatory for Toubkal anyway.
Best Places to Visit in Morocco in January
1. Marrakech
Mild, sunny and still lively, Marrakech is definitely not “dead” in winter. January is a great time for relaxed souk shopping, food tours and garden strolls, as well as hopping between architectural attractions and museums.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Marrakech in my solo traveller’s guide.
2. Agadir
If you want winter warmth and a beachy vibe, Agadir is the perfect escape. Winter swells light up the surf breaks around Taghazout and seaside restaurants stay open year-round.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Agadir in my solo traveller’s guide.
3. Essaouira
Breezy and bohemian, Essaouira is a fantastic choice for solo travellers craving a creative coastal escape. It boasts a great choice of art galleries and a lively cafe scene, plus a scenic countryside dotted with argan oil cooperatives.
Discover the best things to do in Essaouira for solo travellers in my detailed guide.
4. Chefchaouen
I find the “Blue Pearl” to be magical in the winter light – the medina is quieter and incredibly photogenic. It’s easy to escape into the Rif Mountains on easy hikes before returning to the warmth of a fireside lounge at your riad.
Discover everything you need to know about visiting Chefchaouen in my solo traveller’s guide.
5. Fes
The reduced number of tourists visiting Fes in January keeps the usually intense medina manageable. It’s a perfect time to visit for culture lovers – there’s more room to move in the madrasas and the museums are far more relaxed. Souk shopping is also less hectic if purchasing leather goods and rugs is high on your list of things to do in Fes.
6. Sahara Desert
Camel treks and desert camps still operate as usual – January is a far better time to visit the Sahara than during the height of summer! Crisp, clear skies = incredible stargazing, and with short daylight hours, you don’t have to stay up late to experience the skies at their best.
Discover everything you need to know about travelling solo to the Sahara in my detailed guide here.
One of the easiest ways to visit the Sahara Desert as a solo traveller is on a guided tour (search for small-group experiences). They’re relatively affordable and most stop at other fascinating destinations along the way, such as the ancient ksar of Ait Benhaddou and the dramatic gorges of Dades and Todra.
Yennayer – January 12/13
While most of us celebrate the New Year on January 1, Morocco’s Amazigh people have their traditional celebrations around January 12/13. Known as Yennayer, it marks the start of the agricultural calendar and is one of the best cultural festivals in the country.
As my husband’s family is Amazigh, this is a day that we celebrate with lots of really good food. It’s a fantastic excuse to gather with family and friends, enjoy a day off work and honour Morocco’s Indigenous peoples. If you find an opportunity to join in the festivities, embrace it with open arms.
Spending New Year’s in Morocco? Discover 5 of the best cities for celebrations here.
Solo Travel Safety in January
Morocco is generally safe for solo travellers (you’ll find more safety advice here). But it’s important to note that Morocco winter travel does bring some unique considerations:
✔ Early sunsets
Daylight ends around 5:30–6:00 pm. So plan your activities earlier to avoid wandering around after dark if that’s something you’re not comfortable with.
✔ Desert temperatures
Nights are very cold – choose highly-rated camps with adequate bedding and campfires to congregate around at night.
✔ Rain in northern cities
Rainfall is common in northern Morocco throughout winter – bring a waterproof jacket and good walking shoes with adequate grip for exploring the city streets.
✔ Fewer crowds in remote areas
While reduced tourist numbers is great for tranquility, it’s important to stick to main routes after dark, particularly in remote areas.
A note on heating:
One of my favourite things about travelling around Morocco in winter is cosying up beside a riad fireplace at night. Check out some of my top picks in Marrakech!
But not all Moroccan hotels have fireplaces, and not all have heating, particularly at the budget end of the range. If you’re watching your dirhams, do your research to check there is adequate heating (reviews are a good place to start).
That said, Moroccan hospitality means you’ll never be left freezing – they’ll just bundle you up with blankets so you can create a toasty warm cocoon!
What to Pack for Morocco in January
Wondering what to pack for Morocco in January? In my experience: layers, layers and more layers!
It can be wonderfully warm when the sun comes out in the midday and bitterly cold at night if you’re in the desert or Atlas Mountains.
Broadly speaking, pack for mild days and cold evenings:
Essential things to pack for a winter trip to Morocco
- Warm jacket or fleece
- Long-sleeve tops and T-shirts
- Lightweight sweaters
- Comfortable pants and maxi skirts
- Closed-toe walking shoes
- Scarf (great for added warmth + mosque visits)
- Rain jacket (especially for the north)
What to pack if you’re visiting Morocco’s desert in January
- Thermal layers
- Warm socks
- Beanie + gloves
- A windproof jacket
What to pack if you’re visiting Morocco’s southern coastline in January (Agadir/Essaouira)
- Light sweater
- Long trousers and skirts
- A warm layer for evening strolls
- Bathers for swimming
Top tip:
If you’re going to surf in Morocco in January, you’ll need a wetsuit. Unless you really want to bring your own, save your luggage space and rent one from a local surf shop. They’re really cheap and are sometimes included in surfboard rental packages.
Top Things to Do in Morocco in January That are Solo-Friendly
- Join a food tour or cooking class in Fes to learn about Fassi cuisine
- Get hands-on with an artisan workshop in Marrakech
- Ride the high-speed Al Boraq train from Casablanca to Tangier
- Indulge in a hammam ritual for warmth + relaxation
- Surf the breaks around Taghazout (winter swells are at their peak!)
- People watch at Essaouira’s eclectic cafes
- Explore Rabat’s excellent museums
- Enjoy the crowd-free streets of Chefchaouen’s blue medina
- Relax fireside after a day of low-altitude hiking in the Atlas Mountains
Pros and Cons of Visiting Morocco in January
✔ Pros
- Fewer tourists
- Comfortable temperatures
- Lower prices
- Great for cultural experiences
- Fantastic for solo travellers wanting a calm experience
✘ Cons
- Cold nights
- Rain in some regions
- Shorter daylight hours
- Snow may limit mountain trekking
Is January a Good Time to Visit Morocco as a Solo Traveller?
Honestly, I think January is a great time to visit Morocco! But that’s because I’m a cool-climate person.
I love that the temperatures are milder, the medinas are more relaxed and accommodation is slightly more affordable. Kicking back beside a fireplace in the evenings is also one of my favourite things to do, no matter where in the world I am!
But I understand that not everyone feels the same and many people are craving an injection of heat during their winter escape. If that’s you, consider heading to southern Morocco – Agadir is one of the warmest places in Morocco in January!
If you’re someone who dreams of exploring Morocco without the heat, the crowds or high-season prices, January is for you. Just remember to pack layers and plan your sightseeing around the short daylight hours, and there’s no reason you won’t have an incredible solo adventure in Morocco.
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Book tours and attractions via Viator or GetYourGuide
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Book flights via Kiwi or Booking
Search for buses and trains via 12Go or Omio
Get travel insurance via SafetyWing
Buy a digital eSIM with Airalo
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About Me
I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home. Since that time, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and on my own.
Morocco is an incredible destination and one that I think everyone who has the “travel bug” should experience. The scenery is spectacular, the medinas are enchanting and the locals are among the friendliest (and funniest) people I’ve ever met.
It’s no secret, however, that there a lot of questions and concerns voiced online about solo travel to Morocco, particularly from female travellers. So I wanted to create this resource filled with honest and up-to-date information. It’s designed to help solo travellers explore the country safely and have an amazing time along the way.
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I’m Malika, an Australian-born travel writer with an intense love for Morocco. I first travelled here solo in 2014 and after meeting (and marrying) a local, I made this North African gem my home.
Over the last 10 years, I have explored the country extensively, travelling to all corners with my partner, friends and solo.
