Things to Do in Casablanca in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Casablanca
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Genuinely comfortable temperatures for walking - 17°C (63°F) highs mean you can explore the medina and Corniche for hours without overheating. Locals actually prefer January for outdoor activities because summer heat (regularly 30°C+/86°F+) makes midday walking exhausting.
- Dramatically lower accommodation prices compared to summer peak season - expect to pay 30-40% less for the same hotel room. A decent riad in the medina that costs 1,200 MAD in July drops to 700-850 MAD in January. Book 2-3 weeks ahead for best selection without peak-season premiums.
- The Atlantic Ocean is surprisingly mild at 17-18°C (63-64°F) - warmer than you'd expect for January. While not tropical, it's actually swimmable if you're from colder climates. You'll see locals at Ain Diab beach on sunny afternoons, though admittedly fewer tourists brave it.
- Fewer cruise ship crowds at Hassan II Mosque - January sees about half the daily visitors compared to April-May peak. You can actually photograph the interior prayer hall without dozens of people in every shot, and guided tours (typically 120-150 MAD) don't sell out days in advance.
Considerations
- Rain is genuinely unpredictable - those 10 rainy days don't follow a pattern. You might get three consecutive gray days, then a week of sun. The 61 mm (2.4 inches) monthly total sounds manageable, but when it rains here, it actually rains. Streets in the old medina can flood briefly, and taxis become impossible to find.
- Evenings get legitimately cool at 9°C (48°F) - this catches tourists off guard because daytime feels mild. That outdoor terrace restaurant you loved at lunch becomes uncomfortably cold by 8pm. Many rooftop bars in the medina close or move indoors during January, which defeats the purpose.
- The city feels surprisingly quiet - January is low season for a reason. Some smaller restaurants in residential neighborhoods reduce hours or close Mondays-Wednesdays. The beach clubs at Ain Diab that are packed in summer feel almost abandoned, which can be atmospheric or depressing depending on your perspective.
Best Activities in January
Hassan II Mosque Architecture Tours
January is actually ideal for appreciating this massive mosque - the lower angle winter sun creates incredible light through the stained glass between 2-4pm, and the 9°C (48°F) mornings mean the marble floors aren't scorching hot underfoot like they are in summer. The 70% humidity sounds high but feels comfortable indoors. Crowds are genuinely manageable - you might wait 10 minutes for a tour group instead of 45 minutes in peak season. The mosque sits right on the Atlantic, and January's dramatic waves crashing against the foundation make for spectacular photos that summer visitors never see.
Old Medina Walking Exploration
The medina is actually more pleasant in January than summer - narrow alleyways that trap heat in July stay comfortable even at midday. The 17°C (63°F) highs mean you can wander for 3-4 hours without exhaustion. Rain does complicate things when it happens, as some passages have uneven stones that get slippery, but honestly the medina looks atmospheric in light rain. Fewer tourists means shopkeepers are less aggressive with sales pitches, though they're also more likely to chat genuinely. The spice markets near Marche Central smell more intense in the humidity.
Art Deco Architecture Walking Routes
Casablanca has North Africa's largest collection of 1930s Art Deco buildings, and January weather is perfect for the 5-7 km (3.1-4.3 mile) walking circuit through downtown. The comfortable temperatures mean you can actually look up at building details without sun glare or heat exhaustion. Focus on Boulevard Mohammed V, Place Mohammed V, and the streets around Marche Central. The winter light at 4-5pm creates incredible shadows on the geometric facades. This is genuinely underappreciated - most tourists skip it entirely for the medina.
Ain Diab Corniche Coastal Walks
The 4 km (2.5 mile) Corniche promenade along the Atlantic is spectacular in January - dramatic waves, comfortable walking temperatures, and almost empty compared to summer crowds. The UV index of 8 is still significant, so sunscreen matters, but you won't get the brutal sun exposure of warmer months. Local families walk here on weekend afternoons when it's sunny. The beach clubs are mostly closed, which actually makes the coastline feel more authentic and less touristy. Morning walks (8-10am) offer the calmest seas and best light for photography.
Quartier Habous Market Shopping
This planned medina from the 1930s combines traditional Moroccan architecture with French urban planning - it's less chaotic than the old medina and more authentic than modern malls. January's cooler weather makes the covered market sections comfortable, and the 70% humidity actually keeps the leather goods from drying out (important if you're buying bags or shoes). Vendors are less rushed in low season and more willing to demonstrate crafts. The pastry shops here make incredible chebakia and sellou that taste better in cooler weather when the honey isn't melting.
Moroccan Hammam Traditional Baths
January's cool evenings make hammam visits genuinely appealing rather than just touristy - that 9°C (48°F) night temperature means the hot steam rooms feel incredible instead of suffocating. Traditional hammams (public baths used by locals) cost 20-40 MAD and offer an authentic experience, though they're gender-segregated and can intimidate first-timers. Tourist hammams in riads charge 250-600 MAD for a full treatment with massage and are more comfortable for newcomers. The exfoliation process feels more necessary in winter when skin gets dry.
January Events & Festivals
Yennayer Amazigh New Year
January 13-14 marks the Amazigh (Berber) New Year, celebrated by Morocco's indigenous population. While Casablanca is more Arab than Amazigh compared to rural areas, you'll find special meals in traditional restaurants featuring tagula (Amazigh couscous) and dried fruits. Some cultural centers host music performances with Amazigh instruments. It's not a massive public festival like Eid, but worth noting if you're interested in Morocco's pre-Arab heritage.