Marrakech in January: What to Wear, Things to Do

If you’re anything like me and you spent your winters frantically searching for the closest warm weather destinations, you’re in luck! We went to Marrakech in January for a friend’s birthday last year and found the perfect pocket of sunshine to beat those winter blues. 

Just a 3-hour flight from the United Kingdom, Marrakech is an ideal winter sun destination, offering gorgeous golden days, sensational sightseeing, and incredible desert adventures. 

You might not get the blazing heat of summer, but you’ll certainly find it warm enough to walk around in your t-shirts and even catch a bit of a tan. The scenery is also incredibly unique at this time of year, with the red desert city surrounded by snow-capped peaks as far as the eye can see.

In short, it’s a far cry from the bleak, dark, frost-bitten days of winter in the UK. In case you’re planning to visit Marrakech in January, I’ve put together this handy guide to help you plan your trip. 

From the average winter temperatures to what to wear, where to stay, and some of the best things to do at this time of year, it’s your one-stop resource for planning the perfect, sun-filled city break. 

10 Things to Do in Marrakech in January

Since the weather is warm and pleasant even during winter in Marrakech, January isn’t considered the ‘low’ season, and you’ll find plenty to see and do. Winter is a popular time to visit the city and explore other parts of Morocco, such as Fez and Chefchaouen.

We found the weather was perfect for sightseeing, never too hot for walking around and just lovely for lunch in the sunshine. 

While there are still lots of people around, the city never felt too crowded, which I think maybe the case in other months of the year. This means you can get some great photos at some of the most famous spots, particularly if you get there when they open. 

1. Hot Air Balloon in the Desert 

This was, without a doubt, my favourite thing we did when we visited Marrakech in January. Even if you only have a couple of days in Marrakech, I recommend squeezing it into your itinerary.

It was a completely surreal experience floating above the desert as the sun peeked its head over the Atlas Mountains – a moment I’ve bottled up for safekeeping.

If you want to tick hot air ballooning off your bucket list, I can thoroughly recommend doing it here!

I was worried it would be too cold up there first thing in the morning in January, but the flame that keeps the balloon afloat also keeps you surprisingly toasty! Just pack a warm jacket for the journey there, and while you’re waiting to board the balloon. 

The best thing about doing the hot air balloon in Marrakech in January is that the sunrise is later than it is at other times of the year, so we only had to set our alarms for 6am, as opposed to 4am. 

We booked a hot air balloon tour that included transfers to and from our riad in Marrakech, a sunrise balloon ride with an experienced pilot, and a traditional Berber breakfast in the desert. 

Book the tour here, or read my full review of the experience here. 

2. Have a Traditional Hammam Massage 

If the weather does turn a little cooler or it even starts to rain (unlikely), you’ll be glad you’re in a city known for its elaborate spas and massage rituals. 

If you’ve never had a hammam before, you HAVE to try it. It’s unlike any spa treatment I’ve ever had before. The Moroccan hammam treatment involves deep scrubbing and cleansing of the skin using special black soap in a warm, steamy bath chamber. 

The therapists are not shy about ensuring you leave feeling squeaky clean and baby-soft, so be prepared for them to get up close and personal during the treatment. 

It’s customary to be completely naked during the treatment but we were given paper panties to wear if we wanted. Don’t worry, they’ve seen it all before! 

Many of the hammams take place in beautifully tiled bathhouses, and some have additional spa facilities to enjoy before or after your treatment. 

Book a traditional hammam treatment here. 

3. Visit El Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum

Marrakech can be a pretty hectic place, even in January. The sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells in the Medina can be overwhelming at times, which is why I recommend going to visit the beautiful, zen-like Jardin Majorelle. 

This gorgeous garden was originally designed by an artist known as Jacques Majorelle, but discovered and renovated in the 80s by Yves Saint-Laurent. The famous designer spent a lot of time in Marrakech and is said to have loved the city, so much so, that his ashes are scattered in Jardin Majorelle. 

Next door to the garden, there is also a small museum dedicated to the designer, and you can buy a combi ticket to visit both, which I recommend. 

Stop at the garden’s cafe for a coffee before you leave, they did an amazing iced coffee with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in!

It’s important to note that you can’t buy tickets at the door at Jardin Majorelle, you must buy them online at least 24 hours in advance because you have to book an entry time slot. 

Book combi YSL Museum and Jardin Majorelle tickets here. 

4. Explore Badi and Bahia Palaces 

Looking for something a little bit different for your Marrakech photo album?

Badi Palace is a super cool Indiana-Jones-style ruin just on the outskirts of the old town (Medina). It costs less than a tenner to get in and it doesn’t take long to walk around. It was built by a Sultan in the 1500s  and features a sunken courtyard typical of the era. 

Go when it opens to have the place to yourself and get the coolest photos! 

Nearby, there is also the Bahia Palace, which is more of a ‘modern’ preserved palace from the late 19th century. There are some stunning mosaic frescoes and paintings to admire in the maze of small rooms, temples and gardens. 

Again, it only costs 100 dirhams to get in (€9.30), and it’s worth going early to get the best photos. 

I recommend taking cash for the entrance fee for both places!

5. Check Out Ben Youssef Madrasa 

Ben Youssef Madrasa is probably somewhere you’ve seen on Instagram before. Nestled in the heart of the Medina, this restored Islamic university from the 14th century is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

This is Moroccan architecture at its finest, a dazzling display of mosaic tiles and archways. The site is actually a lot smaller than I was expecting it to be, you could spend as little as 30 minutes inside and see the whole thing. 

Just as with many of the other sights in Marrakech, the entrance fee is very reasonable at just 50 dirhams (€4.50). We went when it opened at 9am and managed to get some fantastic photos before it got busy. 

I’m not sure how feasible this would be in peak season, but in January we had the place to ourselves for at least a few precious moments. 

6. Take a Cooking Class 

I’m a sucker for a local cooking class when I go away so I couldn’t resist the Moroccan one when we visited Marrakech. 

There’s just something so immersive about getting up close and personal with the flavours of your destination! 

This is particularly true in Marrakech, where intoxicating spices and aromas permeate the old city walls. This class includes a stroll through the local market first to gather your ingredients, which is an experience in itself! 

You’ll then learn how to create some tasty authentic Moroccan dishes, with a little help from a local chef, before sitting down to enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch or dinner. You can also take away the recipes for the perfect souvenir!

Find out more here.

7. Camel Riding or Quad Biking in the Desert 

You don’t have to splurge on a hot air balloon if you want to experience the Marrakech desert! 

There are loads of tours to see the sand dunes, whether you prefer the action-packed thrills of riding an ATV or the traditional charm of a camel ride. Or why not do both? 

You can also book tours that take place in the evening so you can also experience the sunset in the desert. Don’t forget to bring a warm jacket as the desert can get cold after dark. 

This highly-rated camel and quad biking tour also includes dinner and a traditional Berber show in the evening, along with transfers to and from your accommodation in the city. All of that for only £40pp as well!

Book it here.

8. Go Shopping in the Souks 

You can’t leave the red city without a stroll through the famous souks. If you’re visiting Marrakech in January, this is the perfect thing to do if the weather is a little cooler or even if it starts to rain, as many of the streets are covered. 

Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main square at the centre of the labyrinth. From here you can explore endless market stalls and passageways filled with artisanal goods, from handcrafted leather items to traditional Berber rugs, crockery, pots and lanterns. 

I recommend downloading maps.me (an offline map) to avoid getting lost. If you do lose your way, don’t accept an offer of ‘directions’ when approached unawares – it often comes with an aggressive demand for payment at the end. Asking women or shopkeepers for directions is the safest thing to do. 

Alternatively, get your bearings first with a guided tour of the souks.

Led by a certified guide, you’ll be able to navigate the chaotic streets, discover hidden gems, and negotiate like a local, while learning a little history of the city along the way.

Book the guided tour here. 

9. Watch the Sunset from the Rooftops 

You can still enjoy an average of 10 hours of mellow sunlight in Marrakech in January, making it the perfect place to escape the dark winters of the northern hemisphere. 

Sunset is around 7pm at this time of year, and the best place to see it is from one of the many rooftop bars and restaurants. 

From this unique vantage point, you can watch the incredible red city bathed in a warm glow as the sky turns pink and orange. I always think winter sunsets are the most beautiful!

If you’re looking for a sundowner to accompany the show, here’s a list of all the rooftop bars and restaurants serving alcohol in Marrakech. 

10. Visit the Historic Bacha Coffee Shop 

Bacha Coffee is fast becoming one of the must-visit spots in Marrakech, with its incredible coffee heritage and vibrant courtyard interior. 

This place can get really busy, so it is best to arrive just before it opens (10 am) or later on before it closes (6 pm) if you don’t want to spend too long queueing for a table. 

There’s also a little museum to explore next door, and if there is a long wait time, they’ll give you a buzzer to let you know when your table is ready.

**You might also be interested in reading: 2 Days in Marrakech: The Ultimate Itinerary.**

Bonus: Go on a Day Trip to See the Ouzoud Waterfalls. 

One of the most highly recommended day trips in Marrakech is a journey into the heart of the Middle East to see the magical Ouzoud Waterfalls. 

While this stunning place is a little bit of a drive from the city, it’s worth it if you’re planning a longer trip and want to see more of the rugged scenery surrounding Marrakech.

A full day trip to see the falls, including a boat ride is also very reasonably priced, costing just £18pp. 

Book it here. 

Festivals and Events in Marrakech in January 

Western New Year 

Marrakech celebrates New Year with the rest of the world on December 31st, and festivities continue on January 1st with DJ parties at some of the biggest clubs and rooftops. 

Check out Kabana, one of my favourite rooftop bars for New Year’s Day parties. 

Amazigh New Year

Also known as Berber New Year, Amazigh is a mainstay of the North African calendar, falling on 12th January each year.

As an official holiday in Marrakech, this is a fantastic time to visit, celebrated throughout the city with delicious traditional meals, music, and bonfires in the desert. 

The Marrakech Marathon 

The Marrakech Marathon takes place every year on the last weekend of January and offers athletes a unique circuit around the ramparts of the city.

The flat course is relatively unchallenging, making it a great choice for beginners to the sport. Runners can also take part in a half-marathon instead, and the event is free and open to spectators. 

Register here.

Weather in Marrakech in January 

The weather in Marrakech in January is generally warm and sunny from late morning to evening, and significantly cooler during the night. First thing in the morning you’ll notice a chill in the air but the day soon heats up, and we found it warm enough to wear short sleeves throughout the afternoon. 

Pack a jacket for the evenings and possibly a warm coat if you plan to head out very early (for a hot air balloon tour for example). 

Temperatures in Marrakech in January

The average high temperature in Marrakech in January is around 20°C /  68°F, although when we went, it was more like 23°C / 73°F. This felt lovely and warm to us coming from the freezing cold UK. At night, the temperature drops down to about 6°C / 43°F, and it does feel a lot cooler first thing in the morning. 

What to Wear in Morrocco in January 

For Morocco in January you need layers, layers and more layers. We found it cold and crisp first thing in the morning – around 8am we were outside eating breakfast, but wearing the puffy winter coats we had brought from the UK. By midday, we were stripping down to our t-shirts and catching a tan in the warm winter sunshine. 

For ladies, it’s also recommended to dress modestly around the medina/ old town, particularly if you want to avoid a lot of attention and catcalling.

So think cool floaty trousers or skirts below the knee. I would also avoid having a lot of cleavage or your midriff on show, although shoulders are fine.  

Maxi skirts and dresses were my favourite thing to wear in Marrakech in January. I paired them with trainers or sandals, a button-down shirt, and a jumper or jacket if we were heading out early in the morning. 

When it was really hot or we were relaxing at the riad, I could take off the shirt to catch a tan on my shoulders. 

In the evenings I wore palazzo or linen trousers with a cute T-shirt or blouse, with a jacket for when the temperature dropped after dark. 

Marrakech in January: FAQs

Is Marrakech Hot in January? 

Despite being one of the ‘coldest months’ in Morroco, we got quite lucky in late January and the weather was pretty hot, reaching around 23°C / 73°F in the afternoons. During this month, the typical high is more like 20°C /  68°F. 

During the night, the temperature drops quite dramatically and mornings are cool and crisp until about 10/11 am. 

Is Marrakech Worth Visiting in January? 

I definitely recommend visiting Marrakech in January if you want to escape cold winter climes, enjoy sightseeing at its best, and see the city without too many crowds. It’s ideal for a short, sun-filled city break.

Depending on how lucky you get, it’s not necessarily ‘sunbathing’ weather, but you can certainly stroll around in short sleeves and soak up those warm winter rays. 

If you’re visiting from the UK or any other country with a cold, dark or wet winter, you’ll find the weather a gorgeously warm, welcome relief. 

How to Get to Marrakech?

Marrakech has a well-served international airport (Marrakesh Menara Airport) with flights from regional airports throughout the UK and Europe. 

When we went to Marrakech in January, we secured return flights from London for just £40pp, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a low-cost winter break. 

Before you arrive in Marrakech, you need to ask your accommodation to provide a transfer to your riad or hotel, particularly if you’re staying in the medina (old town). 

The streets are like a labyrinth and nothing is well signposted so it’s essential to have someone who knows where they’re going to show you the way when you first arrive. Do not assume you can just jump in a taxi to your accommodation. 

Where to Stay in Marrakech?

We booked pretty last minute and wanted a low-key riad in the centre of the action. Dar Nour El Houda ticked all of our boxes. 

This beautifully decorated riad (guesthouse) had just 4 cosy rooms and a lovely rooftop terrace, in a perfect location near all of the major attractions. 

They serve a traditional Moroccan breakfast every morning, including freshly squeezed juices, mint tea, coffee, and cooked eggs. You can enjoy it in the courtyard downstairs or up on the roof terrace. 

As typical Brits, we braved the cold mornings and donned our coats each morning to enjoy breakfast outside in the sunshine. It was so peaceful up there listening to the call to prayer and watching the sun paint the city red. 

We also bought some of our own drinks and enjoyed them up there in the afternoon sunshine. The kind people at the riad even supplied us with glasses, ice and a bottle opener – and fresh lemons from the tree to garnish our G&Ts. 

Other hotels I recommend include: 

Riad Kheirredine: Offering a fusion of Italian and Moroccan influences, this riad has vibrant decor and stunning courtyards around every corner.

La Farnatchi: Located smack bang in the middle of the medina, this boutique riad offers old-school Moroccan glamour with a beautiful bar and spa.

La Sultana: A little further outside of the old town walls, La Sultana is home to a show-stopping viral hammam spa, along with a beautiful rooftop bar and sumptuously luxurious rooms.

Can You Drink Alcohol in Marrakech? 

It’s not illegal to drink alcohol in Marrakech, although many local people do not since it goes against the Islamic culture. This means many of the restaurants don’t have a license to serve alcohol either. 

If you want to enjoy a glass of wine with your dinner or a sunset rooftop cocktail, I put together a comprehensive guide on all the best restaurants serving alcohol in Marrakech. 

Looking for more Marrakech January travel tips? Let me know in the comments! I’d love to help plan your trip.