10 things to do in Marrakech in January

January is one of the best times to travel to Marrakech for several reasons. On the one hand, the climate allows you to escape the cold European winter and enjoy mild temperatures while visiting the city without the summer heat. On the other hand, as it is low season, you can visit without the crowds and at a lower price.

Although in Marrakech, as in the rest of Morocco, they do not follow the Western calendar, so they do not celebrate festivities such as New Year's Eve, it is a cosmopolitan city with a wide range of cultural activities and, in January, it is also very sporty. Want to know why? Read on!

Want to explore the desert from Marrakech but put off by the heat? Take advantage of visiting the city in January, when temperatures are not at all stifling. It's also a less busy time for tourists, so you can enjoy the desert in a more relaxed atmosphere. From Marrakech, you'll be impressed when you pass through Ouarzazate, the "gateway to the desert" that leads you to the Sahara, where you'll travel through a landscape of dunes almost 200 metres high.

Although it is true that temperatures are lower in January, do not think that because it is colder it will rain, which would undoubtedly spoil your trip to the Moroccan desert, as the climate in the interior is much drier and there is almost no rain in January. However, remember that temperatures drop sharply in the desert at night, so make sure you take enough warm clothing if you decide to sleep in the Moroccan desert or go on an excursion lasting more than one day.

Marrakech lies at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, an imposing mountain range that cuts across north-western Africa. Wherever you are, you are sure to notice or see their presence in the distance, but if there is one place in Marrakech where the Atlas Mountains take centre stage, it is from the Menara Gardens.

The advantage of visiting in January rather than any other month is that there is a very high chance of the Atlas Mountains being covered in a blanket of snow. The most incredible thing is that the pure white of the Marrakesh winter blends in with the clear blue sky and clouds, creating a perfect canvas. I promise you that the romanticism and majesty of this landscape is extraordinary. You won't want to stop taking photos!

January is also a good month for surfers travelling to Marrakech, as the mild temperatures (between 8ºC and 20ºC) and the quality of its beaches make this imperial city an idyllic destination for surfing.

Of course, no matter how good the weather is and how spectacular the waves are, don't forget that you are in Atlantic waters, which are known for being cold, so don't forget to pack one of your best wetsuits.

Which beaches do I recommend? Without a doubt, any of the beaches in the city of Essaouira, known as the Pearl of the Atlantic for its beauty. And to recharge your batteries after a day of surfing, head to one of the local restaurants and order a delicious fish dish. Essaouira is a fishing port, so the quality of the fish is superb. Although you can go on your own, I recommend taking an organised excursion from Marrakech to discover the whole city, beyond its beaches.

11 January commemorates a very important day in the history of Morocco: the signing of its Declaration of Independence. Although the events on that day are more political in nature and there are no parades or large public celebrations, I think it's a good time to visit the Marrakech Museum.

As you walk through the museum's rooms, you will witness Moroccan history and culture and understand the importance of this day. Carpets, weapons, decorative items... There are many objects to see during your visit, which is free of charge, but above all, you will come away with a better understanding of the thousands of years of history on which a city like Marrakech and a country like Morocco are built.

A good way to learn more about the history of the city and the country is to take a guided tour of Marrakech. The guides will not only take you from one place to another, but will also tell you interesting facts and customs to make your trip as authentic as possible.

Did you know that Muslim countries follow a different calendar to ours? That's right. In fact, their New Year does not coincide with the Western New Year, which follows the Gregorian calendar. The good news is that if you go to Marrakech in January, you can celebrate Yennayer, the Amazigh New Year (the traditional Arabic term for the Berber culture), which takes place in mid-January.

The exact date varies from year to year, as the Amazigh calendar is based on lunar cycles. Even so, I recommend that you check the date you are going to Marrakech and try to be in the imperial city on the day they welcome their new year, which, incidentally, does not coincide with ours (the Amazighs began counting their years in our 950 BC).

What celebrations can you expect? Lots of dancing, music and poetry. There is also plenty of traditional food, which I encourage you to try in the souk, where you will find many food stalls, or in one of the typical restaurants in Marrakech that I recommend. Without a doubt, on this special occasion, you cannot miss out on trying couscous. You will start Yennayer with a stomach full of the best traditional Moroccan food!

The beauty of this garden cannot be described, and if you don't believe me, wait until you see it with your own eyes. At the foot of the Atlas Mountains, the Menara Gardens are a haven of peace, offering a break from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. If there's one thing that will catch your eye, it's the artificial pond, which covers more than 150 square metres.

It will not only catch your eye because of its beauty, but also because of the system that, nine centuries after it was first implemented, continues to use meltwater from the Atlas Mountains to irrigate the olive trees that grow around it. In January, you can see the fruits of this system, literally, because this is the month when the green, pink and black olives are harvested. The most magical thing about the Menara Gardens is how they change from month to month, season to season, and being able to witness this.

And if you want to visit other gardens on your trip to Marrakech, I recommend taking a tour of the Majorelle Gardens.

Don't know what a riad is? Once you find out, you'll want to spend at least one night in one. Riads are old palaces or villas that are currently used as tourist accommodation and whose prices drop at the beginning of the year, during the Marrakech winter.

Arranged around a central courtyard with a fountain, each room in the riad is a treasure. Filled with tiles, plants, arches... You'll spend long moments contemplating every detail of the careful decoration.

You may have thought about staying in a hotel, but the Riad experience is much more authentic. Your hosts will be much friendlier, offering you everything you need to feel at home, including the best traditional Moroccan dishes, so you can make the most of your stay in Marrakech. What's more, prices are lower at this time of year, making your stay in a riad more affordable.

Although in Marrakech, as in the rest of Morocco, the new year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, the arrival of Western tourists has meant that the city also celebrates the New Year according to the Gregorian calendar (the one we use). What could be better than seeing in the New Year in this imperial city?

Don't expect big celebrations or decorations, but 1 January is a great day to celebrate the New Year with a typical Marrakech meal. What will be on the menu? It depends on where you go, but I recommend going to a traditional restaurant where they cook in a tagine, ceramic pots with a conical lid in which vegetable stews, chicken and also the famous harirah soup are cooked, made with cereals, legumes, vegetables, meat and a perfect combination of spices.

To start the year and January off on the right foot, there's nothing like celebrating in Plaza El Fna, where every night, and especially tonight, there's a fabulous show with acrobats, magicians, lights and dancing. Are you going to miss out on such a magical end to the year? I recommend taking a guided tour beforehand so you can get to know the area and Plaza El Fna and get all the details about this day.

Did you know that Marrakech has some of the best ski slopes in the world? Yes, it's true, and I'm sure you're eager to discover them. Although there aren't too many yet, about an hour and a half from Marrakech is Oukaimeden, a ski resort in the heart of the High Atlas Mountains. Its snow-capped peaks are a favourite destination for skiers, who spend long days there when the resort opens in January.

The only downside is that, although it has ski lifts, equipment rental points and slopes at different levels, it is not a Western-style resort like the ones you may be used to. My advice is not to go with expectations of finding any luxury, although you are sure to enjoy yourself just the same.

Bear in mind that there is hardly any accommodation in the area, but as it is close to Marrakech, you can take advantage of a day trip from Marrakech and return when the slopes close. It will be worth it if you are going to be in Marrakech for at least three days.

If you're a keen runner and there's nothing you'd rather do than get to know the cities you visit through a good run, you should sign up for the Marrakech Marathon via the official website. It's held every year at the end of January and brings together runners from all over the world who, like you, take advantage of their trip to the Moroccan city to put on their trainers and, perhaps, improve their personal best.

What's more, the route is fairly fast and flat. Not only will you get to know the city, but you'll also be part of one of the most prestigious marathons in the world. Sounds good, right? Imagine coming back from your trip to Marrakech with another race under your belt and the thrill of having run through the most beautiful parts of the city while you did it.

The route passes through olive groves and palm tree plantations, but also through the most cosmopolitan area of Marrakech. You'll probably want to stop to take photos and admire the scenery, but for now, focus on crossing the finish line. There'll be plenty of time to explore the city at a more leisurely pace on an excursion!

January is one of the best times to travel to Marrakech precisely because of its climate. During the summer, it is a hot and somewhat stifling city, so January allows you to enjoy it with a light breeze, clear skies and around 10 hours of daylight.

In addition, Marrakech is a city in the interior of Morocco, so there is very little rainfall. In fact, statistics show that it only rains for approximately 3 days during this month.

In short, January is a great month to visit Marrakech. During the day, you can even wear short sleeves, as the average temperature is around 12ºC, reaching a maximum of approximately 20ºC. At night, however, don't forget to bring something warm, as the temperature changes are somewhat sudden and, although you won't freeze, it can drop to 6ºC.

The drop in the number of tourists travelling to Marrakech in January and the fact that it is not high season mean that prices are lower this month. I recommend that you consider staying in riads, old palaces converted into traditional-style accommodation. At other times of the year, riads are more expensive, but in January the prices are comparable to those of any hotel.

Beyond accommodation and transport prices, January is one of the least touristy months in Marrakech, which means fewer crowds at the most visited sites. If you want to explore the city, lose yourself in its medina or visit its many museums without so many people around you, January is the time to do it.

What's more, if you book a guided tour, not only will you be able to see the city at your leisure, but you'll also get an explanation of everything you see, which is essential for getting to know the culture of Marrakech first-hand. Be sure to read the post on things you can't miss if you're going to Marrakech in January and plan your trip.