What to Pack for Morocco in December
What to Pack for Morocco in December (With Kids)
Traveling to Morocco in December with your family can be one of the most rewarding and memorable holiday experiences you’ll ever share. From wandering the colorful souks of Marrakech and Fez to watching desert sunsets near Merzouga, winter in Morocco is mild yet surprisingly varied warm and sunny by day, cool and even chilly by night. Knowing what to pack for Morocco in December makes the difference between joyful exploration and being caught unprepared for brisk evenings or desert winds.
In this comprehensive packing guide, we’ll walk you through everything from the clothing you’ll need (for both adults and kids) to gear, accessories, and smart travel tools. We’ll explain why layering is key, how to prepare for desert nights, and which family-friendly items will make both flights and riad stays more comfortable. Whether you’re staying in Marrakech riads, exploring the Atlas Mountains, or planning a Sahara adventure, this list will help you pack confidently and efficiently.
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Understanding Morocco in December
Morocco’s December climate feels like a mix of spring warmth and crisp winter nights. Coastal cities like Casablanca and Essaouira enjoy mild days with cool breezes, while inland destinations such as Marrakech and Fez experience warm midday sunshine followed by chilly evenings that often dip below 10 °C (50 °F).
Regional Weather Highlights
Marrakech & Fez: Daytime high of ~18–22 °C (64–72 °F); nights often 6–10 °C (43–50 °F).
Sahara Desert: Warm sunny days (~20 °C/68 °F) but cold nights that can drop to near freezing especially outside campsites.
Atlas Mountains: Real winter temperatures with possible snow, particularly above 2 000 m elevation.
Coastal Cities: Mild winter days and breezy evenings; light rain is possible.
This extreme day-to-night temperature range means packing layers is essential light clothes for sunny strolls and warmer layers for evenings and indoor spaces like riads, which often lack central heating.
Is Morocco too cold in December?
No, Morocco is not too cold in December, but it is not hot either. The weather is generally mild and pleasant during the day, with temperatures between 17°C and 23°C in cities like Marrakesh and Agadir. Even in winter, Morocco gets plenty of sunshine, making it ideal for sightseeing and desert tours. However, evenings and early mornings can be cold, especially in the mountains and the Sahara, where temperatures may drop below 5–8°C. Coastal cities stay milder. Compared to most European countries, Morocco feels much warmer in December, but you will still need layers for cooler nights.
Clothing Essentials for Parents & Kids
Packing for winter in Morocco isn’t just about heavy coats it’s about smart layering. With days that can feel nearly spring-like and nights that are very cool, you’ll want flexible options that can be added or removed easily.
Base Layers & Tops
Your base layer is the foundation for every outfit. Comfortable, breathable tops allow you to adapt to temperature changes throughout the day.
Long-sleeve shirts: Choose cotton or light technical fabrics.
Thermal tops (for hotter desert nights and mountain day treks): Great for keeping warmth without bulk.
Light T-shirts: Useful for layering under sweaters on warmer days.
Packing 3–4 tops per traveler including some that layer well ensures you can mix and match and keep kids comfortable without overpacking.
Mid Layers: Sweaters & Cardigans
Mid layers add insulation:
Pack 1 – 2 sweaters or cardigans for each family member.
Fleece or knitted layers are convenient because they pack tightly and provide warmth for chilly nights or breezy streets.
Neutral tones work well with multiple outfits and don’t show dirt as easily on active days.
For kids, choose soft knit sweaters that aren’t restrictive ideal for medina walks and day trips. Keep an extra sweater in your daypack in case temperatures drop unexpectedly.
Outerwear: Jackets & Coats
A reliable jacket is one of the most important items you’ll pack.
Light to medium down jacket or insulated coat: Great for evening walks and desert nights.
Rain-resistant layer or waterproof jacket: December can bring some showers, particularly along the coast.
For parents and kids alike, jackets with detachable hoods or adjustable cuffs are highly practical because they can adapt to changing conditions.
Pants, Skirts & Modesty Options
Morocco is a culturally modest country, so clothes that cover shoulders and knees are generally recommended.
Loose trousers or jeans: Comfortable for long days of sightseeing.
Loose skirts or maxi skirts (with leggings underneath): Stylish and culturally respectful.
Warm leggings: Great under dresses for kids on colder days.
Avoid very short shorts, especially outside big cities, to respect local norms.
Sleepwear for Cool Riads
Many riads and guesthouses in Morocco don’t have central heating; nights can feel chilly indoors. Warm pajamas or thermal sleepwear are recommended especially for kids who may feel the cold more acutely.
What shoes to wear in Morocco in December?
In December, it’s best to wear comfortable closed shoes. For city trips in Marrakesh or Fez, sneakers or lightweight walking shoes are ideal because streets in the medina are uneven. If you’re doing a Sahara Desert tour, bring sturdy shoes or light boots for walking on rocky terrain. In coastal cities like Agadir, casual sneakers are perfect. Avoid open sandals at night since it can get chilly. The key is comfort and practicality, especially if you plan to walk a lot.
Footwear for All Ages
Whether you’re strolling through Jemaa el-Fnaa, climbing hilltop kasbahs, or exploring desert dunes, comfortable shoes are essential.
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City & Sightseeing Shoes
Whether you’re strolling through Jemaa el-Fnaa, climbing hilltop kasbahs, or exploring desert dunes, comfortable shoes are essential.
City & Sightseeing Shoes
Comfy walking shoes or sneakers: Ideally broken in before your trip.
Light boots: Good for uneven, cobbled streets and cooler evenings.
Avoid flimsy sandals or shoes with thin soles, especially in places like Marrakech where medina streets can be uneven and dusty.
Desert & Mountain Footwear
If you plan to visit the Sahara or Atlas Mountains:
Closed-toe shoes or lightweight hiking boots: These protect feet from sand, cold nights, and chilly mornings.
In the desert, mesh sneakers are not ideal sand gets in quickly and they offer little warmth.
What to pack for Morocco in December (winter)?
Packing for Morocco in December means preparing for mild days and cool evenings. Bring lightweight clothes for daytime (long-sleeve tops, jeans, breathable shirts) and warmer layers for the evening, such as a sweater or light jacket. A scarf is useful for both warmth and cultural comfort. If visiting the desert, pack a warm jacket for nighttime. Sunglasses and sunscreen are still important because the sun can be strong even in winter. Layers are the best strategy for Morocco in December.
Accessories That Make a Big Difference
Small accessories can hugely improve comfort and safety during your travels.
Scarves, Hats & Gloves
Warm scarves: Serve multiple purposes warmth, modesty, and wind/sand protection.
Beanies or warm hats: Essential for kids, especially in desert camps or mountain regions.
Light gloves: Useful for cold mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses & Sun Protection
Even in winter, UV exposure is strong across Morocco, particularly in desert and high-altitude regions.
Sunglasses with UV protection
Broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) apply daily to face and exposed skin.
Rain Gear
A small packable umbrella or a waterproof shell will help if brief December showers catch you unprepared particularly along the coast.
What to pack for Morocco in December?
For December travel, pack:
Light sweaters and long-sleeve shirts
A warm jacket for evenings
Comfortable walking shoes
Jeans or long trousers
A scarf or shawl
Sunglasses and sunscreen
Sleepwear suitable for cooler nights
If you’re visiting the Atlas Mountains, include a heavier coat. Morocco’s December weather is variable depending on region, so layering is essential.
Kids-Specific Clothing Tips
Traveling with children means planning for comfort, flexibility, and occasional messes.
Layering for Kids
Kids feel temperature changes faster, so pack:
Extra base layer tops: For unpredictable weather.
Warm socks and slippers: Helpful for riads with chilly floors.
Comfy leggings or trousers: Easier to move in than stiff jeans.
Include an extra sweater or jacket for kids that can be carried during day trips weather shifts unexpectedly in Morocco’s winter climate.
Entertainment & Comfort
Travel blankets or hooded sweatshirts: Great for car rides or evening rest.
Snacks & reusable water bottles: Keeps kids fueled and hydrated during long city walks or souk adventures.
What to pack for Morocco in December for family?
For families traveling to Morocco in December, pack layered clothing for both adults and children. Kids will need warm sweaters for evenings and comfortable shoes for sightseeing. Bring light jackets, pajamas suitable for cooler nights, and any necessary medications. If traveling with babies, include extra blankets for desert nights. Sunscreen and hats are still important during the day. Morocco is family-friendly, but December evenings can be chilly, so warm clothing is important for everyone.
What to wear in Morocco in December (female)?
Women visiting Morocco in December should dress modestly but comfortably. Long pants, maxi skirts, jeans, and long-sleeve tops are practical and culturally respectful. A light jacket or cardigan is needed for cooler evenings. In Marrakesh and tourist areas, clothing is more relaxed, but modest attire is appreciated in smaller towns. A scarf is useful for warmth and when visiting mosques or rural areas. Comfortable closed shoes are recommended for walking.
Packing for the Sahara Desert in December
Desert adventures are a highlight of many Moroccan trips but December nights are cold and dry, not hot and balmy, as some expect.
Day vs. Night in the Desert
Day: Sunny and pleasant (often ~20 °C/68°F).
Night: Cold sometimes near 0 °C (32 °F).
For desert nights, prioritize warm gear:
Thermal base layers: Especially useful under pants and tops.
Heavy jackets or packable down coats: Worth packing even if bulky.
Wool socks and warm hats: Because heat escapes quickly in dry desert air.
Closed shoes help prevent cold sand from chilling feet during evening walks.
Toiletries & Health Items for Families
Winter weather and lots of sunscreen can dry out skin bring:
Moisturizer and lip balm: Protects from dry winter winds.
Sunscreen (broad-spectrum SPF 30+).
Kids’ toiletries: Gentle body wash, mild shampoo, and child-friendly moisturizer.
Basic medicines: Pain reliever, allergy medicine, and kids’ fever reducer.
Also pack a small first-aid kit with band-aids and antiseptic wipes for minor scrapes during active days.
Documents, Tech & Travel Gear
Papers & Essentials
Passports (with copies): Always carry photocopies stored separately.
Travel insurance details.
Credit/debit cards plus cash in Moroccan dirhams.
Tech & Charging
Universal travel adapters (Type C/E plugs).
Portable chargers: Useful for long days of sightseeing with heavy phone use.
Organization Tools
Packing cubes: Helps keep family clothes sorted.
Day packs: For snacks, layers, and water bottles during excursions.
What to pack for Morocco in December for a week?
For a one-week trip in December, pack:
3–4 long-sleeve tops
2–3 pairs of trousers or jeans
1–2 sweaters
A warm jacket
Comfortable walking shoes
Sleepwear
Toiletries and sunscreen
Optional: light gloves or thicker coat for desert trips
Packing smart layers allows you to adjust to warm afternoons and cool evenings. Morocco in December is ideal for sightseeing, so prioritize comfort over heavy winter clothing.
Optional Extras (Depending on Plans)
If your family has special plans, consider these items:
Swimwear: For heated pools in riads or hotels winter beach swims are usually too cold but pools may be warm.
Travel laundry detergent: Just a little goes a long way if you wash clothes mid-trip.
Entertainment: Coloring books or tablets for riad downtime.
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Packing Strategy: Rolling & Organizing
Efficient packing matters especially with kids:
Roll clothes instead of folding: saves space and minimizes wrinkles.
Pack heavier items first: Like jackets and shoes, near wheels if using a suitcase.
Label packing cubes: Helps find items fast in unfamiliar hotel rooms.
Tips to Save Space (Especially With Kids)
Wear your bulkiest items on travel days: Coats and boots take up suitcase space.
Limit shoes: One walking pair, one smart pair, one desert/mountain pair is usually enough.
Mix and match outfits: Keeps clothing versatile without overpacking.
Quick Takeaways / Key Points
Morocco in December brings mild days and cool nights; layering is essential.
Bring warm outerwear for evenings and desert camps.
Comfortable, modest clothing works best for city explorations.
Closed-toe footwear helps with uneven terrain and chilly evenings.
Family-friendly gear like packing cubes and portable chargers make long days easier.
Conclusion
Packing for Morocco in December doesn’t have to be stressful especially once you understand the weather rhythms and regional differences. With smart layering, quality outerwear, and thoughtful accessories, you’ll be prepared for sunny days in Marrakech, breezy coastal walks, crisp Atlas evenings, and even Sahara nights. Remember: Morocco’s charm lies not only in its warm hospitality and vibrant culture but also in the variety of landscapes you’ll explore together as a family each with its own climate nuance.
Whether you’re navigating medina alleys with kids, sipping mint tea in a riad courtyard, or watching camel caravans against a desert sunset, your well-packed suitcase will let you focus on what truly matters: making memories. If this guide helped you plan your trip, share it with other families headed to Morocco and start packing with confidence!
─── 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.
What clothing should kids wear in Marrakech in December?
Pack layers for kids: long-sleeve tops, warm sweaters, thermal leggings, and a jacket. Riads may be chilly at night, so include warm sleepwear and wool socks.
Do I need thermal gear for the Sahara in December?
Yes nights get cold in the desert. Thermals, a warm jacket, and wool accessories help keep the whole family comfortable during overnight stays.
Is it worth packing swimwear for Morocco in December?
It depends ocean swimming is usually too cold, but heated riad or hotel pools can be enjoyable, so bring a swimsuit if your accommodation offers one.
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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