Does It Snow in Morocco? Yes, It Does!
From the Atlas Mountains to Ifrane, explore where and when you can experience snow in Morocco.
Snow in Morocco: Where to Find Winter Magic in North Africa
Does it snow in Morocco? does it ever snow in morocco
Yes, it does snow in Morocco, especially in the winter months in the Atlas Mountains. Ifrane and Oukaimeden are well-liked locations with ski resorts.
- The High and Middle Atlas Mountains regularly experience snowfall during winter. The snow is common at elevations above 6,500 feet and can persist into late spring.
- Often called “Morocco’s Switzerland,” Ifrane is a prime destination for winter sports and heavy snowfall.
- Located in the High Atlas Mountains, Oukaimeden is the highest ski resort in Africa and has a ski lift that reaches 3,258 meters.
- Other areas:Other mountain ranges like the Anti Atlas also see snow, especially at higher elevations.
does it snow in morocco in december?
Yes, it does snow in Morocco in December, especially in the Atlas Mountains, which are high up. Ski resorts like Oukaïmeden and Ifrane see snow. In December, the Moroccan winter brings snow to these mountains, which makes it possible to do winter sports and see the snow-covered peaks.
whats the weather in morocco in december?
In December, Morocco has warm, sunny days and cool nights, but the weather can be very different in different parts of the country. The northern cities, like Tangier, can be rainy and cool. Marrakech, on the other hand, has warmer days that are around 70°F (21°C). The Atlas Mountains, on the other hand, will be cold and may even get snow. The desert, on the other hand, gets very cold at night, dropping below freezing.
What’s the coldest it gets in Morocco?
The coldest recorded temperature in Morocco is was -23.9 degrees Celsius (-11.0 degrees Fahrenheit) on February 11, 1935, in Ifrane. In the Atlas Mountains, temperatures can drop below freezing in the winter, and in some high-altitude areas, they can be much colder.
What is the coldest city in Morocco?
The coldest city in Morocco is Ifrane, located in the Middle Atlas Mountains. On February 11, 1935, it set the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in Africa, which was (-23.9) °C (-11) °F.
- Elevation:Ifrane’s high altitude (about 1,700 meters or 5,577 feet) is the main reason for its cold temperatures.
- Climate:Due to its location, the city experiences cold, snowy winters and is often referred to as the “Switzerland of Morocco”.
- Resort town:Originally established by the French as a resort town, Ifrane remains a popular destination for winter sports and is known for being very clean.
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Does Morocco have 4 seasons?
Yes, spring, summer, fall, and winter are Morocco’s four distinct seasons. Each region has a different climate; the interior and desert regions have more extreme temperatures, while coastal areas have a milder, Mediterranean climate.
- Spring (March–May):Temperatures are pleasant, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities like visiting cities and hiking.
- Summer (June–September):Summers are hot and dry, especially in inland and desert areas. Coastal regions have a more moderate, but still hot, climate.
- Autumn (October–November):This is another pleasant time to visit, with temperatures becoming more comfortable after the summer heat.
- Winter (December–February):Winters are mild on the coasts but can be very cold inland, with some areas experiencing snow.
How warm is Morocco in the winter?
Morocco is mostly warm, but its winter temperatures vary significantly by region. The southern desert stays warmer at 18–24 °C during the day, while coastal cities like Casablanca enjoy mild weather around 12–18 °C. The Atlas Mountains and inland regions are much colder, with daytime highs of 5–15 °C and nighttime lows often dropping below freezing, especially at higher elevations where snowfall is frequent.
What cities snow in Morocco?
Cities snow in Morocco Are Ifrane and Oukaïmeden, both in the Atlas Mountains, are Morocco’s principal snow-covered cities and regions. Snow falls in the winter in other mountainous parts of the Atlas range, including the High Atlas and the areas surrounding Taza.
What is the coldest month in Morocco?
In Morocco, January is the coldest month. Nighttime and higher-altitude areas, such as the Atlas Mountains, experience the biggest temperature drops. While daytime temperatures in coastal cities may be mild, nighttime lows in desert regions can fall below freezing, and snowfall is possible in the mountains.
What is Morocco like at Christmas?
Christmas is not a public holiday in Muslim-majority Morocco, which has a majority of Muslims, some Moroccans celebrate Christmas with special dinners and decorations in larger cities like Marrakech and Casablanca, as well as in hotels and international communities. Hotels offer special Christmas Eve and New Year’s events, sometimes including desert camps with festive decorations and performances, so tourists can enjoy the blending of cultures. Christmas trees and other holiday decorations may also be found in contemporary malls and flower markets.
How hot is Morocco in December?
Morocco is not hot in December,Although it is considerably colder in the mountains and warmer in the southern desert regions, Morocco experiences mild December temperatures, with average daytime highs in the upper 50s to low 70s °F (14–21 °C) in urban areas. Despite being a rainy season, there are plenty of sunny days that are ideal for hiking and sightseeing.
Can snow fall in Morocco?
Yes, snow does fall in Morocco, but almost exclusively in the country’s mountainous regions and only during the winter months. The idea that Morocco is just a hot desert ignores the country’s varied topography, which includes the Atlas Mountains, which produce different climate zones.
When was the last time it snowed in Morocco?
Morocco last experienced snowfall in March 2025. In January 2025 and December 2024, there were also notable snowfalls.
Does it ever snow in Marrakech?
No, it does not snow in Marrakech itself, but the neighboring Atlas Mountains do. Although winter nights can be cold, the city itself has a semi-arid climate and is typically too warm for snow. Marrakech offers views of the snow-capped mountains, and the Oukaïmeden ski resort in the Atlas Mountains is a well-liked spot for winter sports.
Do tornadoes happen in Morocco? Does Morocco get tornadoes?
Yes, tornadoes can happen in Morocco, ,Although they are less frequent and stronger than those in the central United States, tornadoes can occur in Morocco. They typically manifest as weaker landspout tornadoes, which are more prevalent in the area.
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does it snow in rabat morocco
No, it does not snow in Rabat, Morocco is a coastal city with a milder climate, it does not usually snow there. Instead, it snows in the country’s mountainous areas, such as the Atlas and Rif mountains. Even though it rains in Rabat, snowfall is uncommon and typically limited to high-altitude regions, as evidenced by the notable snowfall that was recorded in 2018.
Can you snow ski in Morocco?
Yes, you can ski in Morocco, mostly in the High Atlas Mountains. Although there is a smaller station at Michlifen near Ifrane, the main ski area is Oukaïmeden, a resort close to Marrakech. Although the snow season can be short, with the best conditions usually occurring from mid-January to mid-February, skiing in Morocco offers a distinctive experience at reasonable costs.
where do i ski in snow in morocco?
Ski resorts in Morocco include Michlifen Ski Station near Ifrane and Oukaimeden in the Atlas Mountains. With 10 km of slopes, Oukaimeden is Morocco’s largest ski resort; Michlifen, on the other hand, is renowned for its north-facing slopes, particularly those that are wooded.
- Location: High Atlas Mountains
- Size: Morocco’s largest ski resort with about 10 km of slopes
- Difficulty: Offers a mix of runs, including green, blue, red, and black runs
- Lifts: Has five pulley lifts for beginners and one chairlift
- Note: The drive to Oukaimeden can be challenging due to roadworks
- Location: A few miles from Ifrane
- Features: Has hotels, restaurants, and shops
- Note: Snow tends to last longer here, especially on north-facing slopes in wooded areas
- Rif Gebirge: A small resort in the Rif Mountains that offers a beginner’s ski run, ski school, and equipment rentals.
- Targa Imoula: A popular area for skiing and cycling with ski and bike hire available.
- The best time to visit for snow in the Ifrane area is between December and March.
- Some suggest February or March for the best skiing conditions in the High Atlas Mountains.
Does it snow in Morocco, then? Yes, but finding it will require traveling to the mountains. Every winter, snow falls on the northern highlands and Atlas Mountains, revealing a whole new side of Morocco that many tourists are unaware of.
This time of year offers a unique experience, whether you are planning a ski trip to Oukaimeden, want to explore snow-dusted villages like Ifrane, or are just interested in Morocco’s winter climate. With snowy peaks only a short drive away and warm sunshine during the day, you can combine time in the mountains with exploring cities like Marrakech and Fes to get the best of both worlds.
─── Your questions, our answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our dedicated team is here to answer your Morocco Travel questions and ensure a smooth, memorable journey through Morocco.
How Often Does It Snow In Morocco?
Morocco experiences snowfall every winter, especially in the Atlas Mountains, which receive the most snowfall in January and February and are covered from roughly December to March. Some higher peaks can even remain snow-capped into the summer. While most of the country does not get snow, mountainous regions have a diverse climate with regular snowfall, and even the Sahara Desert has seen rare instances of heavy snowfall.
When Does It Snow In Morocco?
Morocco usually experiences snowfall from December to March, with January and February seeing the most snowfall. Due to recent climatic changes, snow can fall as early as October or November and is most common in mountainous areas, especially the Atlas Mountains.
What time of year can you ski in Morocco?
Morocco offers skiing from December to March, with January and February usually having the best snow conditions. At resorts like Oukaïmeden, the busiest time of year for skiing is from mid-January to mid-February.
Kate Carter
Family Travel Blogger
Kate Carter is a mom and travel blogger who fell in love with Morocco’s culture and warmth. Through Morocco Family Vacation, she shares tips and stories to help travelers enjoy authentic, stress-free experiences. Join us along the way.
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