Our guide to experiencing winter in Morocco and Jordan

If you want to escape the blistering cold for a bit of sunshine, then spending winter in Morocco and Jordan might just be the answer to your January blues. It’s tough to find trips that won’t break the bank while not sacrificing quality and sustainability. With that in mind, we’re putting the spotlight on Morocco and Jordan — two unique and distinctive destinations that each offer brilliant winter escapes with price tags that may surprise you.

What to expect from Morocco in the winter

Morocco is truly one of the best winter sun destinations. From the bustle of Marrakech to the starry skies of Agafay, Morocco is living proof that vibrant travel plans don’t need to cost a fortune. Big enough to offer real diversity but small enough to explore in a week, Morocco is the ideal destination for some sunshine during the winter months.

Why you should visit Morocco in the winter

While you can expect some rainfall in coastal areas between December and February, the rest of the country remains pretty dry. To give you an idea of daily temperatures, the average maximum during this period is 72 degrees Fahrenheit (22 degrees Celsius), while the average minimum is 48 degrees Fahrenheit (9 Celsius).

January is the coldest and wettest month during the winter season in Morocco. That said, no matter where you go, it’s still a highly enjoyable time to visit, as the country will be nice and sunny for the most part.

The sweltering temperatures and overwhelming crowds of summertime alone are reason enough to plan your visit to Morocco during the winter, instead. Prices of accommodation, flights, food, attractions, and tours are also generally cheaper, since winter is Morocco’s low tourist season.

What to pack for winter in Morocco

While Moroccan weather remains comfortably warm during this time of year, it’s always a good idea to pack a jumper or light jacket for the evenings. Here are a few more essentials to bring along on your trip:

• Modest clothing: No matter when you visit Morocco, it’s very important to always dress modestly to respect the local culture and customs. For female travelers, lightweight and full-coverage clothing is ideal, such as long-sleeved shirts, maxi skirts, and dresses. Male travelers should opt for long pants, collared shirts, and covered shoulders.
• Comfortable shoes: Exploring Morocco means lots of walking on beaches, through souks, and museums. So, pack walking shoes or sandals that won’t hurt your feet after a long day.
• Sun protection: Yes, it’s winter, but you’re still exposed to plenty of sunshine. This means you can’t forget to bring sunscreen, wide-brimmed hats, and UV-protected sunglasses.

Things to do in Morocco in winter

Explore Marrakech

The classic place to start is Marrakech. Its sprawling maze of alleyways is home to museums, ornate palaces, and colorful markets (locally known as souks). Ideal places to buy souvenirs or simply to immerse yourself in Marrakech’s charms, the souks are packed hubs of local activity.

Selling everything from jewelry to poultry, souks can be a little overwhelming for a first-timer, but they are sure to leave you wanting more. Bargain hard, drink strong mint tea, and tuck into a tagine when the bustle gets too much.

Escape to Agafay

In complete contrast to the urban jungle of Marrakech and only 40 minutes to the west, Agafay is a wonderful rural retreat. It’s the perfect place from which to join a safari adventure through hills and valleys, deep into the desert. For an unforgettable evening, set up camp and spend the night under the stars.

Journey through the Sahara desert

Speaking of the desert, one of the most extraordinary things you could do in Morocco is to take a journey into the Sahara. Stargaze to your heart’s content and study the distinct desert landscapes in the comfortable, mild climate of winter. After all, exploring this arid desert in the extreme heat of the summer months is not recommended.

You can even add a traditional desert camp experience to your itinerary, for a unique and memorable night. You’ll be nestled among the golden dunes, sitting down to enjoy a traditional dinner under the vast desert sky, accompanied by local Berber music and entertainment.

Indulge in the culinary delights of Morocco

Spicy, fragrant, and vibrant: this is perhaps the best way to describe Moroccan food. Often considered one of the best globally, Moroccan cuisine has a lot of depth, blending various cultures and traditions into local dishes.

It would be a crime for you not to get a taste of as many culinary delights as possible during your trip. For true foodies, our local experts can tailor-make itineraries dedicated to just that, so you can spend your days surrounded by a variety of flavors and some of the best dishes, from street food stalls to little-known eateries and famous restaurants.

Cooking classes and workshops are also highly recommended ways to immerse yourself into Moroccan culture, so you can pick up some new skills to take home with you. You could sample iconic dishes in Casablanca, Fes, and Merzouga, among others, while sightseeing and visiting epic attractions on a Moroccan culinary tour.

Explore off the beaten path to Essaouira

A final stop, and one that doesn’t make the average tourist itinerary, is Essaouira. This charming port city, found on a crescent-shaped coastline of the Atlantic Ocean, is a great place to unwind. This coastal city boasts a lively music scene, a variety of water sports, and plenty of terrace bars dotted across its ramparts. It’s an idyllic end to a wintertime tour of Morocco’s cultural and coastal highlights.

What to expect from winter in Jordan

Now, we move on to one of the most intriguing places in the Middle East, Jordan. Although perhaps not the first destination that springs to mind when thinking of a winter sun getaway, it offers a world of natural and historical fascination – and with the right itinerary, it’s easy to catch its highlights in as little as a week.

Why you should visit Jordan in the winter

Like Morocco, Jordan’s winter months fall between December and February. The climate there ranges from a Mediterranean to a desert climate, with the arrival of occasional heavy rains. Average temperatures in the southern and northern highlands range between 48-55 degrees Fahrenheit (9-13 Celsius). The desert region, meanwhile, experiences average temperatures between 66-72 degrees Fahrenheit (19-22 Celsius).

While Petra and Wadi Rum are still decent to visit in winter, you will experience short days and occasional rain. Elsewhere, Aqaba and the Dead Sea are more welcoming to sunshine-seekers, with their milder and more enjoyable conditions.

Although you can still expect rain during these months, it’s usually in small amounts and rarely in the form of torrential downpours. Plus, winter is Jordan’s off-season—which means blissfully smaller crowds and lower prices.

What to pack for winter in Jordan

Similar to Morocco, you’ll want to dress modestly to respect local customs by covering your shoulders and knees, even in winter. So, pack dresses, maxi skirts, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants. Aside from this dress code, you’ll also need to consider the following essentials:

• Warm pants: Evenings and rainy days can get chilly, so you’ll want to bring thick pants to keep you warm.
• Layering items: Make sure to pack items you can layer throughout the day, as the temperatures dwindle. Thermal base layers and warm, insulating clothing like long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and fleece jackets are a good idea.
• Waterproof jacket: Pack a light rain jacket in case of occasional rainy weather.
• Comfortable walking shoes: Pack your most sturdy and comfortable shoes for exploring across varied terrain.
• Sun protection: Even in winter, the sun can be intense in Jordan, so pack all your sun protection essentials, such as UV-protected eyewear, hats, and sunblock.
• Swimsuit: Jordan brims with lovely beaches, meaning you’ll need your swimsuit for water sports and sunbathing.

Things to do in Jordan in winter

Get to know Jerash City

Hidden in the sands for centuries and gradually restored over the last 70 years, the city of Jerash is a testament to grand Roman provincial life. Known as ‘the city of a thousand pillars’, the colonnaded town is an excellent stop-off point between Amman and the Dead Sea.

You can discover its charm and atmosphere for yourself before heading on to the lowest lake on Earth. Straddling Jordan and Israel, the Dead Sea is famous for its buoyancy and use in spa treatments. Whether you choose to float dreamily across its surface or indulge in a Dead Sea mineral massage, it’s sure to be a relaxing experience.

Go on a cultural journey through Petra

Nobody can forget Petra, the famous ‘Red Rose’ city. Dating back to 300 BCE, its unique architecture blends Hellenistic and Eastern traditions. For a truly atmospheric experience, catch your first glimpse of the ancient facades on horseback and feel as if you’ve been dropped straight into the closing scenes of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.

Visit the only coastal city in Jordan

Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city, and although the country is not known for its beaches, this one’s a real gem. Alongside its snorkeling and boat trip opportunities, Aqaba is a solid base for exploring nearby sites. A 4×4 safari through Wadi Rum, where desert and mountains collide, is a truly memorable experience. The landscape is colorful and utterly unique, more suited to Mars than planet Earth.

FAQs about winter in Morocco and Jordan

What is the best time to travel to Morocco?

The best time for vacationing in Morocco is in winter, spring (March to May), or fall (September to October). The coastal regions offer pleasant weather in the winter; the Sahara Desert is also best explored during this season.

Where is the warmest place in Morocco in winter?

For optimal warmth in the winter months, it’s best to head south. Visit either Taroudant or the Sahara Desert for pleasant, sunny conditions, typically ranging between 64-72 degrees Fahrenheit (18-22 Celsius). These conditions are ideal for exploring the golden dunes and enjoying high-adrenaline desert activities.

Where is the best place to visit in Morocco in winter?

Marrakech is hands-down the most thrilling place to visit in Morocco during winter. You’ll have something new to see and do every day, with so much to fill your senses – from the bustling atmosphere of the historic Medina (old city) to a rich blend of cultures, foodie adventures, and stunning palaces.

Can you sunbathe in Jordan?

Yes, it is possible to swim and sunbathe on Jordan’s beaches in the winter. Whether you’re heading to the Red Sea coast or the enigmatic Dead Sea, you’ll get to enjoy lovely weather and sun-warmed waters.

Can you visit Petra in winter?

Petra is absolutely worth visiting in the winter if you want a unique experience with cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. However, you still need to consider how unpredictable the winter weather will be, with occasional rainfall – plan ahead and remember to pack smart.

Can you ski in the Atlas Mountains?

Yes, it’s possible to ski in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains. The Oukaïmeden Ski Resort in the High Atlas Mountains and the Toubkal Massif are the best options to take on the snow-covered peaks.

Make it happen

Sunny winter vacations don’t have to carry a hefty price tag. If you’re craving a bit of winter sun somewhere new and exciting, our local experts in Morocco and Jordan can help you plan the perfect vacation.