8 things to do in Marrakech in February

I'm sure you've almost finished your list of things to see and do on your trip to Marrakech, but if you're travelling in February, you should know that there are activities and events that are even more enjoyable this month, such as a cultural festival or even a trip to the snow to discover a landscape you might not have thought possible in Africa.

What's more, February is a very quiet month in Marrakech, as it's low season and the crowds that usually fill the city the rest of the year won't be a problem during your trip. This means you can enjoy the activities I suggest at your own pace and without getting too hot, as the winter climate in Morocco is like spring.

Of course, the Marrakech desert is there all year round and there are many activities to enjoy, but February is a great month to enjoy it at a mild temperature and with less chance of a sandstorm, which are much more common in Marrakech in summer.

If you've never been to a desert, you'll be surprised by how high the dunes can reach (up to 200 metres) and how difficult it can be to walk among them. My advice is to book a quad bike tour. I can assure you that it's an incredible experience to discover every last corner of the desert and enjoy an adventure that gets your adrenaline pumping as you climb the sand mountains.

As it's a one-day trip to the desert, you won't experience the cold at night. Because yes, although I also thought that it was very hot in the desert, that's only partly true, as at night, whatever the time of year, the temperature in the desert drops so much that it can be difficult to sleep. In February, it's even colder, so I recommend enjoying the desert during the day.

Don't think that Marrakech is all desert, sand and sun, because as soon as you see the Atlas Mountains, you'll be in for a surprise. The reality is that the imperial city lies at the foot of this mountain range, which acts as a divide between the Mediterranean Sea and the Sahara. February is the best month to see the mountains covered in snow.

The Atlas Mountains, on the Moroccan side, are divided into the Middle Atlas (maximum height 3,356 metres), the High Atlas (with the Toubkal peak at 4,167 metres) and the Lesser Atlas or Anti-Atlas, whose highest peak, at 2,712 metres, is Amalun Mansur. In February, the High and Middle Atlas are usually snow-covered, creating a beautiful landscape that can be enjoyed in complete safety.

If you are an experienced hiker, you may want to try a route to the top of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in the mountain range. However, no matter how much mountaineering experience you have, it is best to go with a guide and be well equipped. It is a somewhat complicated route due to the altitude (over 4,000 metres). If you want to see how the snow covers the mountains without venturing too far, there is nothing like doing so from a hot air balloon.

Although temperatures in February are warm, some days can be quite chilly. If that's the case, I suggest you visit the Majorelle Garden, which is home to plant species from all five continents and, best of all, has a microclimate where you won't feel too hot or too cold. Admission costs around €9, but it's well worth it. Let me tell you why.

Designed by the painter Jacques Majorelle, this garden is like a painting in which different shades combine to create a peaceful, quiet and beautiful space on the edge of the Marrakech Palm Grove. However, if you visit, it will be thanks to Yves Saint Laurent, as the famous designer rediscovered and saved the garden from demolition after Majorelle's death.

Like you, many birds find this garden the perfect place to rest and shelter on February days when the temperature drops in Marrakech.

The average temperature in February in Marrakech is usually around 15ºC, although you can always check the weather forecast. Despite the mild temperatures, it can get chilly on some days. If that happens and you want to escape the February cold, why not relax in a hammam? These Arab baths will warm you up and leave you feeling like you're walking on air.

Hammams are public baths that are part of the culture and tradition of Marrakech, so you can't leave the city without visiting one. Between the hot and cold pools and steam baths, you can relax and recharge your batteries. My advice is to close your eyes, listen to the music playing in the background and spend a long time worrying only about your well-being.

If I may offer one last piece of advice, go to a traditional hammam and take the opportunity to enjoy a snack of tea and pastries, which is very common, as these baths also serve as social and meeting places.

If there's one thing you absolutely must try during your stay in Marrakech in February, it's orange juice, when this fruit is at its peak of ripeness. It's not hard to find, for example in the medina of Marrakech, either in its intricate streets or in Jemaa el Fna Square.

But the taste of a ripe orange isn't the only secret behind the delicious sweetness of the juice. Would you like me to tell you, or would you rather discover it for yourself when you try it? Well, in Marrakech they make such delicious juice because they mix orange juice with mandarin juice, which is much sweeter.

Once you're in Jemaa el Fna Square, I recommend strolling through the medina, discovering its souks and perhaps shopping at one of the stalls or trying the spices they sell there. I know it can be overwhelming, with all the hustle and bustle and haggling, so I recommend going on an organised tour of Marrakech, where your guide will show you the best stalls for fabrics, spices and jewellery, while you get to know the city in depth.

If you have ever seen a landscape of almond trees in bloom, you know how magical it is. If you have not yet witnessed this natural phenomenon, Marrakech is the perfect place to do so, especially in February, when the almond trees are in bloom.

Although there are almond trees in many of the gardens throughout the city, if you visit Marrakech in February, I recommend visiting the Koutoubia Mosque Gardens. There you can sit in the evening and watch the beautiful colours of the almond blossoms and breathe in their sweet scent.

This peaceful haven is the perfect end to your visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, which is free to enter. You'll be amazed by its minaret, which stands out above the surrounding buildings, imposing and beautiful thanks to the pinkish hue of the sandstone used to build it. The perfect combination for the almond trees in bloom! And if you're keen to visit more gardens, don't hesitate to visit the Palmeraie of Marrakech.

If there is one thing that makes Marrakech stand out, it is its interculturality. Its history, marked by the French presence during the protectorate era, and its tourist appeal have made it a place where cultures come together. It is undoubtedly an exciting spectacle that, although it can be experienced every day in the streets, deserves a festival: the Marrakech Biennale.

Focusing on the avant-garde of different arts (cinema, literature, architecture, performance, etc.), this trilingual festival (in Arabic, French and English) is held at the end of February and serves as a link and showcase for different artists and cultures.

If you like art and enjoy admiring the coexistence and respect between cultures, you have to go. The conversations that take place between artists, the exhibitions and the events held (such as performances and readings) are enriching. In addition, there are several venues and museums hosting this festival, so it will also serve as an excuse to discover places such as the Comptoir des Mines gallery, Marrakech's contemporary art centre par excellence.

Marrakech is a tourist destination for many reasons, but one of them is that, crossing the High Atlas mountain range, you arrive at Ait Ben Haddou, a fortified city declared a World Heritage Site and the setting for many Hollywood films, as well as the Game of Thrones series.

Many tourists come to see it, as it is one of the excursions that can be made from Marrakech, which is why February is the perfect month to do so: there are far fewer crowds and you can visit at your own pace.

Like all cities with history, Ait Ben Haddou is best enjoyed with a specialist guide. Taking advantage of the fact that it is February and there is less demand, it will be like having a private tour of this Kasbah, the name given to these urban fortifications so typical of Berber settlements.

Although the final list of what to pack depends on the activities you plan to do in Marrakech, my recommendation is that, despite the mild temperatures in the city during the day, don't forget some warm clothing for the evenings, when it tends to cool down. My advice? A jacket or fleece that takes up little space and is lightweight.

In general, the climate in Marrakech is arid and temperatures in February range between 8ºC and 20ºC with a 14% chance of rain, so there is no need to pack an umbrella or raincoat.

If you plan to visit a hammam, the most traditional and typical public baths in Marrakech, remember to bring a swimsuit and a towel.

As in January, the number of tourists visiting Marrakech in February is lower than usual. This means that prices are also a little cheaper, perfect if you want to stay in a riad (traditional Moroccan villas), get cheap flights and enjoy Marrakech without long queues and crowds. In short, it's a real treat. Here's a post with all the things you need to see and do on your trip to Marrakech.

Bear in mind that just because there are fewer people, it doesn't mean you should be less careful in Marrakech, so keep an eye out for tourist scams and unreliable excursions.