Things to Do in Casablanca in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Casablanca
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Perfect temperature for exploring the medina - 17°C (63°F) highs mean you can walk the souks comfortably without the summer heat that reaches 35°C (95°F) by June
- Lowest tourist crowds of the year - Hassan II Mosque has 60% fewer visitors than peak season, allowing for better photos and shorter lines
- Hotel prices drop 40-50% compared to March-May peak season - oceanfront riads that cost 2,500 MAD in spring average 1,400-1,800 MAD in January
- Atlantic Ocean averages 18°C (64°F) - still swimmable for cold-water enthusiasts, and perfect for coastal walks along Ain Diab without summer's crushing heat
Considerations
- Rain on 10 days throughout the month - sudden downpours can flood narrow medina streets within 20 minutes, disrupting outdoor market browsing
- Evening temperatures drop to 9°C (48°F) - rooftop dining becomes uncomfortable after sunset around 6:30 PM without proper layers
- Reduced ferry service to Europe - some routes to Spain operate on winter schedules with 30% fewer daily departures
Best Activities in January
Hassan II Mosque and Corniche Walks
January's mild 17°C (63°F) temperatures make this the ideal month for extensive mosque touring and seaside promenades. The Atlantic breeze feels refreshing rather than harsh, and low tourist numbers mean unobstructed views of the mosque's intricate details. Winter light creates stunning photography conditions during the 11 AM and 2 PM guided tours.
Old Medina and Central Market Exploration
Cool January weather transforms medina wandering from a sweaty endurance test into pure pleasure. The 70% humidity feels comfortable at these temperatures, and winter produce brings seasonal specialties like fresh oranges from Fez and winter vegetables. Fewer tourists mean genuine interactions with artisans who have more time to demonstrate traditional crafts.
Art Deco Architecture Walking Tours
January's soft light and clear air (between rain showers) create perfect conditions for photographing Casablanca's French colonial and Art Deco buildings. Cool temperatures allow for extensive walking tours covering downtown areas that become unbearably hot in summer. Winter's dramatic clouds provide striking backdrops for the white facades.
Traditional Hammam and Wellness Experiences
Cool, damp January weather makes heated hammam experiences particularly luxurious. After walking in 9°C (48°F) evening temperatures, traditional steam baths feel like perfect sanctuary. January's lower tourist numbers mean authentic neighborhood hammams have more availability and unhurried service.
Atlantic Coast Day Trips
January's moderate temperatures make coastal exploration comfortable - summer heat makes these trips exhausting by midday. El Jadida and Oualidia are particularly stunning in winter light, with dramatic waves and fewer crowds. The 18°C (64°F) ocean temperature creates impressive surf conditions for watching, not just swimming.
Indoor Cultural Experiences
With 10 rainy days, January is perfect for museums, galleries, and covered cultural sites. Villa des Arts, Museum of Moroccan Judaism, and traditional riads offer climate-controlled environments. Rain creates cozy atmosphere in traditional tea houses and covered souks where you can spend hours browsing without weather concerns.
January Events & Festivals
Festival of Amazigh New Year (Yennayer)
Celebrated around January 12th, this Berber New Year brings traditional music performances to cultural centers and special menu items featuring seasonal ingredients like fresh almonds and winter citrus to local restaurants. Street celebrations are smaller than in rural areas but offer authentic cultural insight.