Things to Do in Casablanca in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Casablanca
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Mild winter temperatures make December perfect for walking the medina and exploring outdoor sites without the summer heat that can reach 35°C (95°F). You'll actually want to spend hours wandering Habous Quarter or the Corniche without feeling drained by 11am.
- Tourist crowds drop significantly after the November shoulder season ends, meaning shorter lines at Hassan II Mosque and more breathing room in the old medina. Hotels typically run 30-40% below their summer rates during the first three weeks of December.
- The Atlantic stays surprisingly swimmable at around 18-19°C (64-66°F), and locals actually prefer beach walks in December when the summer crowds disappear. Ain Diab beach becomes genuinely pleasant rather than packed.
- December brings excellent visibility for photography - the winter light is softer and the occasional rain clears the coastal haze that hangs around in summer. The white buildings of the medina practically glow in that crisp Atlantic light.
Considerations
- Rain comes in unpredictable bursts, and Casablanca's drainage infrastructure struggles with heavy downpours. When it rains properly, expect flooded streets in the medina and traffic chaos that can add an hour to what should be a 20-minute taxi ride. Those 10 rainy days aren't evenly distributed.
- Evenings get genuinely chilly, especially near the coast where Atlantic winds pick up after sunset. That 10°C (50°F) low feels colder than the number suggests when you're dealing with 70% humidity and wind. Most restaurants have minimal heating.
- Late December sees a spike in prices and crowds as both European holiday-makers and Moroccan diaspora return for year-end celebrations. From December 20th onward, you're essentially in high season pricing without the summer weather to justify it.
Best Activities in December
Hassan II Mosque guided tours
December offers the best conditions for visiting Morocco's largest mosque - cooler temperatures make the courtyard exploration comfortable, and winter light streaming through the retractable roof creates stunning photo opportunities. The mosque sits right on the Atlantic, so summer heat makes the marble surfaces almost unbearable by midday. In December, you can actually appreciate the intricate zellige tilework without sweating through your modest clothing. Morning tours around 9-10am offer the best light and smallest groups.
Old Medina walking exploration
The medina becomes genuinely walkable in December when temperatures drop below the summer highs that make narrow alleys feel like ovens. The souks around Derb Omar and the spice markets near Place des Nations Unies are best experienced in the cooler months when you can handle the sensory overload without heat exhaustion. December also means fewer cruise ship tourists clogging the main arteries. The occasional rain actually helps - it clears the dust and brings out the colors of the painted doors and tile work.
Ain Diab Corniche coastal walks and cafes
December transforms the Corniche from a summer beach party scene into something locals actually use. The 3km (1.9 mile) beachfront promenade offers excellent walking when temperatures hover around 15-18°C (59-64°F) during the day. You'll see Casablancans doing their evening constitutional, families out with strollers, and the Art Deco buildings along the coast look particularly striking in winter light. The beach clubs and restaurants are quieter, meaning you can actually get a table at places like La Sqala without booking days ahead.
Day trips to Rabat
December is actually ideal for the 90km (56 mile) trip to Morocco's capital because cooler weather makes exploring the Kasbah of the Udayas and Chellah ruins far more pleasant. The train journey takes about an hour and runs frequently. Rabat feels less chaotic than Casablanca, and December means you can walk the medina and visit the Hassan Tower without the oppressive heat. The Bouregreg river views are particularly nice when the winter light hits the blue and white buildings of the kasbah.
Rick's Cafe and Art Deco architecture tours
Casablanca's Art Deco heritage becomes a focus in December when walking between buildings is actually comfortable. The city has one of the world's largest collections of Art Deco architecture, concentrated around Boulevard Mohammed V and the old French quarter. Rick's Cafe, while touristy, is worth the visit for movie fans, and December means you might actually get in without a long wait. The cooler weather makes architectural walking tours viable - summer heat makes multi-hour walking tours genuinely unpleasant.
Moroccan cooking workshops
December's unpredictable rain makes indoor activities valuable, and cooking classes offer genuine cultural immersion. Learning to make tagine, couscous, or pastilla makes sense in December when you'll actually want to be in a warm kitchen rather than avoiding heat sources like you would in July. Many workshops include market visits to buy ingredients, which are more pleasant in cooler weather. You'll learn techniques you can recreate at home and understand why Moroccan cuisine relies so heavily on seasonal timing.
December Events & Festivals
Jazzablanca Festival preparation season
While the main Jazzablanca Festival happens in spring, December sees various jazz clubs and venues hosting pre-festival events and international acts testing material. The Villa des Arts and smaller venues around Maarif neighborhood host performances. It's not the main festival, but jazz enthusiasts will find quality performances in intimate settings.
New Year celebrations at hotels and beach clubs
Late December brings elaborate New Year's Eve galas at major hotels and beach clubs along the Corniche. These are formal affairs with dinner, entertainment, and dancing, typically attracting wealthy Moroccans and expats. Expect dress codes and prices ranging from 800-2000 dirhams per person depending on venue.