Visiting Marrakech in December: Tips and Things to Do in Marrakech in Winter

If you’re looking for a sunny winter destination or a place to spend Christmas, Morocco is a great option! There are plenty of things to do in Marrakech in December, and it’s a great time of year to visit.

December in Marrakech is a very pleasant month. The weather is good, flights are super cheap, and you can find some great deals on Christmas gifts.

The city is one of the most touristy places in Morocco. It can be a bit overwhelming at times, so visiting Marrakech in December is a great way to escape the crowds and explore. If it’s your first time, it’ll be more enjoyable. Temperatures are mild and pleasant. It’s cold at night, but very pleasant during the day.

In this article, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the best things to do in Marrakech in December!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no additional cost to you!

Climate in Marrakech in December

December to February are the coldest months in Marrakech, but that doesn’t mean it’s cold. Spring and summer can be very hot in Morocco. Average temperatures in Marrakech in December are between 7 and 20 degrees Celsius.

It’s generally quite warm during the day, but cold at night and in the morning. You’ll need a coat at night. Be sure to bring sweaters as well.

That said, the temperatures are very pleasant. It’s quite warm. The weather and temperatures are similar to September or October in continental Europe.

If you’re looking for a winter sun getaway in December, it doesn’t get much better than this.

Flights to Marrakech in December

Marrakech is one of Morocco’s main airports. There are numerous flights there daily. Ryanair and EasyJet operate numerous flights to Marrakech, so you can get some incredible deals.

Generally, December is the low season in Marrakech, but many people (especially French people with homes in Marrakech) travel there for Christmas. If you want the best prices, be sure to visit Marrakech between December 1st and 15th.

Where to stay in Marrakech in December

When it comes to accommodation, Marrakech has a lot to offer. The best part is that it’s quite affordable.

The most famous type of accommodation in Morocco is the riad. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with a patio. They are absolutely stunning.

If you plan to visit the country in early December, you’ll find plenty of availability and can get an incredible deal.

The best place to stay in Marrakech is the Medina. The Medina is the Old City. It’s where most of the main attractions are located. Taxis are plentiful, so if you need to go somewhere else, it’s easy and cheap.

Here are some tips for staying in Marrakech:

– Budget accommodation: Amour d’auberge is an excellent hostel located in the heart of the Medina, just 2 minutes from Jamaa El Fna. It’s very clean and the staff is very helpful. Check prices here.

– Mid-range accommodation: Riad Hôtel Essaouira is a beautiful riad ideally located in the heart of the Medina. Very helpful staff and a fantastic breakfast. They serve a different breakfast every day, made with local products (I loved their homemade yogurt!). The rooms are simple but have everything you need. Click here for the latest prices.

– Luxury accommodations in Marrakech: Riad Medina Art is the ideal place to stay in Marrakech if you’re looking for a luxurious stay. Pool, massages, garden… this riad has it all! Plus, it’s exceptionally well located. Check prices here.

The best things to do in Marrakech in December

If you enjoy exploring cities and learning about new cultures, you’re in luck! There are plenty of winter activities in Marrakech.

1. Visit the Majorelle Gardens

The Majorelle Gardens were created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. It took him over 40 years to create this beautiful paradise.

After his death, the garden ceased to be maintained until 1980, when Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge purchased it.

Inside, you’ll also find the Berbere Gardens and Museum. If you want to learn more about the famous French fashion designer, you can also visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

colorful Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech

The price of the ticket:

Majorelle Garden: 70 DH
Berbere Museum: 30 DH
Yves Saint Laurent Museum: 100 DH
Combined ticket: 180 DH

You can purchase tickets directly at the entrance or book a guided tour. Check prices here.

2. Go visit Yves Saint Laurent

Yves Saint Laurent is one of the most famous French designers. He spent a lot of time in Marrakech with his partner, Pierre Berge. As mentioned, they were both commissioned to rebuild the Majorelle Garden.

But that’s not all. Yves Saint Laurent had a huge influence on Marrakech. He loved the city and created many things there.

If this interests you, you might consider a visit to Yves Saint Laurent. Your guide will tell you everything you need to know about YSL. Tickets to the Majorelle Gardens, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and transportation are included.

3. Visit to the Bahia Palace (Palais de la Bahia)

The Bahia Palace was built in the 19th century. At the time, it claimed to be the largest palace of its time. You can now visit it. You’ll find several rooms, including a school and a series of gardens. It’s a beautiful example of Islamic and Moroccan architecture.

It’s absolutely beautiful, a little piece of paradise located in the Medina. It’s easily accessible from Jemaa el-Fnaa and the Koutoubia.

The entrance fee is 70 DH. You might find it listed online as 10 DH, but it’s not! I saw it myself and asked when I bought the tickets. Unfortunately, all the entries for the Marrakech sites were opened a couple of years ago, and for some reason, it hasn’t been updated online.

I have to say that for that price they could provide a little more information but it’s still a nice place to see, absolutely worth it.

There’s no signage whatsoever, so it’s unclear which room each person is in. In this case, it’s worth opting for a guided tour.

This guided tour is particularly popular as it includes a guide and skip-the-line tickets to the Bahia and Badii Palaces and the Saadian Tombs. Click here for the latest prices.

4. Shop in the souks of Marrakech

No trip to Marrakech would be complete without visiting the souks. It’s the ultimate must-do in Marrakech.

The souks are Morocco’s typical markets. Located in the heart of the Medina, they’re a must-see when in Marrakech.

It’s the most Moroccan thing there is. It’s chaotic, it’s crowded, there’s everything, all kinds of smells… a unique experience.

If you’re looking for leather bags or belts, silver jewelry, Moroccan pastries… this is the place to go.

However, it can also be very overwhelming. Fun fact: in French, the word “souk” means “disorder.” This gives you an idea of how confusing it can be for an outsider.

There are a few things to keep in mind when visiting the souks:

You always know where you’re going (it’s easy to get lost)

Negotiate all prices

Don’t say yes to everything

Ask for a fair price and not something ridiculously low.

When visiting the souks of Marrakech in December, it can be more difficult to negotiate prices than during the rest of the year. Many Europeans (especially French) fly to Marrakech in December to buy their Christmas presents and get incredible deals on leather goods. For this reason, bargaining is often a bit more difficult. The closer it gets to Christmas, the more difficult it becomes.

5. Visit the Saadian tombs (Tombeaux Saadiens)

The Saadian Tombs are located south of the Medina, in the Kasbah district, right next to the Kasbah Mosque. It’s about a 10-minute walk from the Bahia Palace, so you can easily do both in the morning.

There you will find a mausoleum with about 60 tombs of members of the Saadian dynasty.

Admission is 70 DH.

Just like the Bahia Palace, you’ll find other prices online, but as of December 2019 the actual price is 70 DH.

If you’ve booked the combined guided tour, admission is included. Prices are available here.

6. Discover the Koutoubia

The Koutoubia is the main mosque in Marrakech. The tower is 77 meters high. It is intact and visible from many places.

It’s also a great reference point to help you know where you are and where you’re going.

It’s considered one of Marrakech’s main monuments and is truly beautiful. It’s also surrounded by gardens, perfect for strolling.

However, only Muslims are allowed to enter, as with all mosques in Marrakech. If you’re not Muslim, you can enjoy it from the outside.

Jemaa El-Fnaa is the central square of the Marrakech Medina. You literally can’t miss it. Whatever you do, you’ll always return sooner or later.

The interesting thing is that it’s very lively. It’s like a completely different place in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

In the morning, you’ll find plenty of taxis (perfect if you need to get back to the airport). In the afternoon, there are many juice trucks and women doing henna tattoos.

At night, restaurants take over. You’ll find all kinds of food. It’s a great place to eat. The prices are also very reasonable, because it’s not just for tourists. Many locals eat there, too. That said, it can be quite overwhelming, as every step you take will be interrupted by someone trying to convince you to eat at their restaurant.

Don’t forget to drink some hot ginger tea. It’s a bit like mulled wine, but with ginger and other spices. It’s delicious and inexpensive. Plus, it’s very festive and will warm you up at night.

Pro tip: Learn how to get back to your hotel from Jemaa El-Fnaa. Everyone knows where this square is, and you always end up back there. So, if you know how to get back to your hotel from there, you can always get back to your hotel.

8. Visit to El Badi Palace

Located near the Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace is completely different from the Bahia Palace. It is much older (16th century) and is in ruins. It was the home of the Saadian dynasty and is an interesting place to visit if you want to learn more about Moroccan history.

As with all places in Marrakech, there is very little information inside, so if you want to discover the history of the El Badi Palace, you may need a guide.

Admission also costs 70 DH. You can purchase tickets directly at the entrance or book a guided tour. Prices here.

9. Create a ceramics workshop

Ceramics are very Moroccan. You’ll find ceramic products absolutely everywhere in Marrakech. If you’re interested in learning how to make beautiful objects, attending a ceramics workshop is perfect for you.

You’ll learn traditional Moroccan methods. It’s a very interesting and fun thing to do in Marrakech in winter.

10. Visit the secret garden

Located in the heart of the Medina, near the souks, the Secret Garden was originally built by the monarchs of the Saadian dynasty.

It later passed into the hands of a sultan. In 1912, it ceased to be maintained. In 2018, it was purchased by a private individual and restored. Eight years later, the Secret Garden was finally opened to the public. It can now be visited for 70 dh.

It’s a beautiful garden, very similar to the Majorelle Gardens but inside a riad. You’ll find both an exotic garden and an Islamic garden.

The Secret Garden is much smaller than the Majorelle Gardens, so if you only have time for one, I’d choose the Majorelle Garden. Either way, you won’t be disappointed; both are great things to do in Marrakech in winter!

11. Attend an Arabic language seminar

If you enjoy learning new languages and cultural experiences, this is for you!

This 90-minute workshop is a great way to start your stay. You’ll be with a local and learn some key phrases in the local dialect. Not only is it culturally fascinating, it will also help you negotiate your way through the souks.

Plus, it’s an indoor activity, which is great when it’s a little cold or rainy.

Click here to see the latest prices.

12. Visit the Marrakech Museum

The Marrakech Museum is one of the oldest in the city. You can see a beautiful collection of Moroccan art in a beautiful palace.

13. Taste the delicious local food

If you’re a foodie, you’ll love Marrakech! Food is everywhere, and most importantly, it’s delicious. There’s so much to eat in Marrakech.

You can opt for traditional Moroccan dishes like couscous and tagine, but be sure to try the local dish: Tanja. This beef stew is cooked in a jug. It’s so good you might fall off your chair.

You’ll find these dishes in every restaurant in Marrakech, but opting for street food is the best way to find the best ones. If you go to Jamaa El Fna at night, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Another alternative would be to take a street food tour with a local. Check prices here.

14. Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ben Youssef Madrasa is a beautiful Islamic school. The principles of Islam are taught here. It is located near the Ben Youssef Mosque in the Medina.

This absolutely stunning building is a must-see in Marrakech. In fact, locals have described it to us as “the best thing to do in Marrakech.” Quite a statement, right?

However, it is important to note that it is closed for renovations until 2022.

15. Take a tagine cooking class with a local

The food in Marrakech is so good that you might want to learn how to prepare all these dishes so you can continue enjoying them once you return home.

A great way to do this is to take a cooking class. You’ll start the workshop by going to the market to find local products. You’ll then return to the kitchen and learn how to cook your own tagine with a local.

Food, local culture, and markets, all at once!

Click here for the latest prices.

16. Discover the Maison de la Photographie

The Maison de la photographie is a very interesting museum exhibiting photographs of Morocco. You’ll discover Moroccan history and culture since the dawn of photography. It’s a wonderful experience for history lovers.

It’s open daily from 9:30 am to 7:00 pm. Admission is 50 DH.

17. Learn to make your own babouche

Looking for something fun and unique to do during your December vacation in Marrakech? How about learning how to make your own babouche?

Babouches are typical Moroccan shoes. You’ll find them everywhere in Marrakech. They’re very colorful and comfortable. Many people buy them as souvenirs, but making your own is a wonderful thing to do in Marrakech in December.

You’ll spend 3-4 hours with a local leather craftsman who will teach you exactly how to make your own shoes. The local translator will also take photos and email them to you later, so you have plenty of memories to remember this fun activity by.

Finally, of course, get your babouche!

18. Have a drink in Guediz

Guediz is a neighborhood located in New Marrakech, outside the Medina walls. It takes about 10 minutes to get there by taxi. It will cost between 10 and 30 dh.

It’s the perfect place to go for an evening drink. There are many bars and clubs. This modern neighborhood is completely different from the Medina. If you want to experience Moroccan nightlife, Guediz is the place to go.

Guided tours in Marrakech

There’s so much to discover in Marrakech in December, and one way to make the most of your time is to take a guided tour. Marrakech is one of the oldest cities in the world. French influences (due to French colonization) are very present. You’ll quickly realize the city’s historical and cultural richness.

If you want to learn more about the history of Marrakech and Morocco , taking a guided tour is a great way to do it. Not only do you get skip-the-line tickets to all the main attractions and an amazing guide, but it also offers excellent value.

In the end, all the tickets add up, and booking a guided tour is quite cheap. It’s worth it.

What to Wear in Marrakech in December

If you’re wondering what clothes to bring to Marrakech in December, this section will help you.

As mentioned above, the temperature in Marrakech in December is like autumn in Europe, so you will need

Jeans
Sweaters (they shouldn’t be too warm, unless you decide to go on a night hike in the Sahara . In that case, be prepared for very cold nights)
Coat (autumn, not winter)
Comfortable, closed shoes
A bag you can carry in front of you. Try to avoid backpacks.
A light scarf can be fine at night

Marrakech is a beautiful city steeped in history. It was home to many civilizations, including the Berber, Arab, and French. Over the centuries, this melting pot has created the beautiful and vibrant city it is today. Now that you know what to do in Marrakech in December, you can pack your bags and enjoy.

Visit Marrakech in December