Things to Do in Casablanca in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Casablanca

19°C (66°F) High Temp

10°C (50°F) Low Temp

61 mm (2.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season weather - warm days at 19°C (66°F) ideal for walking the medina without summer's exhausting heat above 35°C (95°F)
Ramadan won't occur in December 2025 (falls in February-March), meaning all restaurants, cafes, and street food operate normal hours throughout the day
Atlantic Ocean temperatures still swimmable at 18-19°C (64-66°F) while European beaches are freezing - locals call this 'extended summer season'
Orange harvest season in nearby Souss Valley creates vibrant market displays and fresh juice at souks for just 5-8 MAD (0.50-0.80 USD) per glass

Considerations

December rain falls unpredictably - 61mm (2.4 inches) over 10 days means outdoor medina exploration can be interrupted by sudden downpours lasting 1-2 hours
Coastal humidity at 70% makes 19°C (66°F) feel warmer and stickier than expected - many visitors underpack breathable fabrics and overpack heavy layers
Tourist crowds peak during European winter holidays (December 20-January 5) driving accommodation prices up 40-60% and creating queues at Hassan II Mosque

Best Activities in December

Hassan II Mosque Complex Tours

December's mild 19°C (66°F) temperatures make the 45-minute guided interior tours comfortable without summer's air conditioning struggles. Morning light through the mosque's glass floor creates spectacular photography opportunities that don't exist in summer's harsh glare. The oceanfront location benefits from December's calmer Atlantic conditions.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead online (200-250 MAD per person). Tours run hourly 9am-4pm except prayer times. Choose morning slots for optimal lighting and smaller groups. Reference booking widget below for current tour schedules.

Ain Diab Corniche Beach Activities

December offers the unique advantage of 18°C (64°F) ocean temperatures still suitable for swimming while avoiding summer's crowded beach clubs. Local surfers consider December optimal for learning - consistent 1-2 meter swells without summer's intimidating waves. Beach cafes serve hot mint tea making sunset sessions comfortable in cool evenings.

Booking Tip: Surfboard rentals typically cost 150-200 MAD per day. Lessons run 300-400 MAD for 2-hour sessions. Book through licensed beach operators near Rick's Cafe area. See current options in booking section below.

Old Medina Walking Exploration

Cool December mornings (10-15°C/50-59°F) make the medina's narrow alleys pleasant for 3-4 hour walks that would be exhausting in 40°C (104°F) summer heat. Spice markets showcase winter specialties like ras el hanout blends for tagines. December's variable weather creates dramatic lighting through the souks' covered passages.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is free, but official guides cost 200-300 MAD for half-day tours. Start early (9am) to avoid afternoon rain showers. Guided tours provide historical context and help navigate the 5km (3.1 miles) of main passages. Check current guided options below.

Art Deco Architecture District Tours

December's soft light and frequent cloud cover create ideal conditions for photographing Casablanca's unique 1920s-1940s French colonial architecture. Cool temperatures make the 4km (2.5 mile) walking circuit through downtown comfortable. Many buildings offer guided interior access only during winter months when tourism supports local preservation efforts.

Booking Tip: Architecture walks typically cost 250-350 MAD for 3-hour tours. Book through licensed cultural guides who have building access permits. Best timing is 10am-1pm before potential afternoon showers. Current specialized tours available in booking section.

Day Trips to Rabat and Mohammedia

December's pleasant 19°C (66°F) highs make the 87km (54 mile) train journey to Rabat comfortable in second-class cars without air conditioning. Rabat's Kasbah of the Udayas offers spectacular Atlantic views enhanced by December's dramatic sky conditions. Mohammedia's fishing port showcases winter catch varieties unavailable in summer months.

Booking Tip: Train tickets cost 35-45 MAD to Rabat (1 hour journey), 15-25 MAD to Mohammedia (30 minutes). Purchase day-of at Casa Port station. Guided day tours run 400-600 MAD including transport. See current day trip packages in booking options below.

Hammam and Spa Experiences

December's humidity and cool evenings make traditional hammam treatments particularly appreciated by locals - the contrast between cool outdoor air and warm steam rooms (typically 40-45°C/104-113°F) creates the authentic experience. Many hammams offer winter-specific treatments using seasonal oils and traditional warming techniques.

Booking Tip: Traditional hammams cost 80-120 MAD for basic treatments, upscale hotel spas run 300-500 MAD. Book evening sessions (5-8pm) when locals traditionally visit. Women-only and mixed-gender options available. Current spa packages shown in booking section.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Casablanca International Film Festival

This emerging film festival showcases North African and Middle Eastern cinema with screenings across the city's Art Deco theaters. December's cool evenings make outdoor screenings at Mohammed V Square particularly atmospheric.

December 31

New Year's Eve at Mohammed V Square

Casablanca's main celebration draws thousands of locals and visitors for live music, traditional performances, and fireworks over the Hassan II Mosque. Food stalls serve seasonal specialties and hot drinks to counter December's cool nights.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight waterproof jacket - December's 10 rainy days bring sudden 1-2 hour downpours that can soak through regular clothing

Layered cotton clothing for 9°C (16°F) temperature swings between morning lows and afternoon highs

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - medina stones become slippery when wet during December showers

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite clouds - UV index of 8 reflects strongly off Atlantic waters and white buildings

Breathable long pants for mosque visits and evening comfort when temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F)

Light scarf for women visiting religious sites and protection from coastal winds

Portable umbrella compact enough for medina exploration - December averages 10 wet days

Power bank and waterproof phone case - humid conditions at 70% can affect electronics

Cash in small denominations - many traditional businesses don't accept cards, especially during winter tourism lull

Warm layers for evening dining - restaurant terraces popular in summer close early, indoor heating often minimal

Insider Knowledge

Locals do their major shopping and socializing December afternoons when tourists shelter from rain - join them at Morocco Mall or Maarif district for authentic experiences

December fish markets showcase winter Atlantic catches like sea bream and sole unavailable other months - ask restaurant servers about 'poisson du jour' specials

Many riads reduce rates 30-40% in December but don't advertise it online - call directly in Arabic or French for 'prix d'hiver' (winter prices)

Casablanca's tram system runs heated cars in December - Line 1 connects major sites and costs just 6 MAD, much cheaper than petit taxis during peak tourist season

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only summer clothes based on 'warm Morocco' stereotypes - December nights at 10°C (50°F) require actual winter layers

Booking accommodations in the port area thinking it's convenient - December winds make waterfront locations uncomfortably cold and damp

Planning outdoor activities without rain backup plans - December's 10 wet days can disrupt rigid itineraries, especially medina walking tours