The warmest place in Morocco in December is Dakhla, in the far south, followed by the Sahara edge, Marrakech and then the Agadir-Taghazout coast. All figures are approximate and as of 2026, and they swing by 2-3°C from year to year. The ranking below balances daytime temperature, nights, sea warmth and how practical each region is to reach, because the warmest town is not always the best holiday. For the full picture of our own coast, see Taghazout in December.
Ranking Morocco’s Regions by December Temperature
| Rank | Region | Daytime high | Night low | Sea | Named base |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dakhla | 22-25°C | 13-16°C | 19-20°C | Dakhla lagoon camps |
| 2 | Merzouga, Sahara | 19-22°C | 3-6°C | none | Merzouga desert camps |
| 3 | Marrakech | 17-20°C | 5-8°C | none | Marrakech riads |
| 4 | Agadir and Taghazout | 14-19°C | 9-12°C | 18°C | Taghazout Bay resorts |
| 5 | Essaouira | 16-18°C | 9-11°C | 17°C | Medina riads |
These ranges are our planning estimates, drawn from our own month pages and standard Moroccan climate averages. Dakhla and Merzouga figures vary most, so check a forecast a week before you fly.
1. Dakhla: Warmest Days and Warm Water
Dakhla sits on a long peninsula in the far south, roughly 1,700 km from Agadir. December gives it approximately 22-25°C days, steady trade winds and warm lagoon water, which is why it is Morocco’s kitesurfing base. The cost is distance: flights go via Casablanca or Agadir, and it takes a day to reach. Our Taghazout vs Dakhla comparison explains the trade-offs. Book through Dakhla hotels and compare lagoon camps by what they include.
2. Merzouga and the Sahara: Hot Days, Cold Nights
The dunes at Merzouga reach approximately 19-22°C in the day, but nights fall to 3-6°C, so a camp night needs a proper jacket. December is a good month for a Sahara trip because the heat is manageable. You can reach it on a long Sahara desert excursion from Agadir or on a multi-day tour from Marrakech. Browse Sahara tours from Agadir. For sandboarding closer to home, see Timlalin sandboarding.
3. Marrakech: Sunny Days, Cold Evenings
Marrakech has approximately 17-20°C days in December and sunshine most of the time, but evenings drop to 5-8°C, which is colder than on the coast. It is a city break, not a beach one. Stay in a medina riad, wear layers and book a Marrakech day trip from the coast if you only want a taste. Our Marrakech to Taghazout transport guide covers the road. Search Marrakech hotels.
4. Agadir and Taghazout: The Easiest Warm Coast
Agadir and Taghazout give 14-19°C days, mild evenings and 18°C water, with the most direct flights from Europe. Agadir is the larger resort town; Taghazout is the surf village 25-35 minutes north. For hotels, the Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay has been listed from approximately CAD 171 per night in early December (about MAD 1,200), and the Hilton Taghazout Bay Beach Resort at approximately CAD 205 on 18 December. We could not confirm 2026 rates, so check before booking. Our Agadir guide and Agadir hotels cover the city. Christmas week costs 30-50% more, see Christmas in Taghazout.
5. Essaouira: Cooler and Windier
Essaouira is the coolest on the list: approximately 16-18°C days, a steady wind and a cooler sea of about 17°C. It is better for its walled medina, galleries and fish grills than for beach time. La Maison des Artistes is a verified guesthouse option. See Agadir vs Essaouira and our Essaouira guide, or take a day trip from Taghazout.
Which One Should We Pick?
- Warmth first: Dakhla, accepting the longer journey.
- Warm days and an adventure: Merzouga, with a winter jacket.
- Culture with sun: Marrakech, packing layers.
- Beach, surf and short flights: Agadir and Taghazout. This is our own coast, and we compare the season in our winter sun guide.
- Quiet medina days: Essaouira.
If your priority is hotter days than Morocco can offer, the Canary Islands run 20-22°C, and we compare them in Taghazout vs the Canary Islands.
What to Pack for a Moroccan December
Pack by region: a wetsuit and fleece for the coast, a warm jacket for the desert and Marrakech nights, and sun protection everywhere. Our packing list goes through the details, and our best time to visit guide covers the rest of the year. Buy travel insurance before any desert trip. For official visitor information, see the Morocco National Tourist Office.
Getting Between the Regions
Distances are long. Agadir to Marrakech is about three hours by road (see Marrakech to Taghazout), Agadir to Essaouira is about three hours north, and Dakhla is a flight or a two-day drive. A realistic December plan uses one region as a base and adds one day trip. Combine Marrakech and Agadir with a hire car if you want to chase warmth, but check the Atlas mountain road for winter conditions, because snow can close higher passes between December and February.
December Weather Risks by Region
- Coast: brief showers and strong swell, so beaches can be closed to swimming by red flags.
- Marrakech: cold evenings, occasional rain and fewer outdoor terraces open.
- Sahara: large day to night swings and occasional sandstorm days.
- Dakhla: strong wind, which suits kitesurfers more than sunbathers.
- Essaouira: windy and cool, with fewer swimmers.
Always check a seven-day forecast before booking an internal flight or an excursion.