Fez, Morocco’s spiritual and intellectual capital, revealed a calmer side to us this winter, far from the crowds of the warmer months. We enjoyed strolling through its thousand-year-old medina in the soft light, amid bustling alleyways and unobtrusive minarets, in an atmosphere that was more peaceful than during peak season.
Here are all our tips for visiting Fez in winter: activities, weather, temperatures… Plus some information on spending Christmas or New Year’s in this imperial city full of surprises!
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Fez in the winter: Is it worth it?
Our review
Visiting Fez in winter is definitely worth the trip. We enjoyed strolling through the medina of Fez el-Bali without the sweltering summer heat, between Al-Qarawiyyin University and the blue gate of Bab Boujloud. You’ll also enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere as you explore the Chouara Tannery or lose yourself in the Jnan Sbil Gardens. We do recommend packing a few warm layers for the cooler evenings, though.
Benefits
- Mild temperatures, ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64.4°F)
- Fewer tourists than during the summer season
- Ideal conditions for long strolls through the medina, without the intense summer heat
- Cool evenings, perfect for enjoying a cup of mint tea in a traditional riad
- The chance to see snow during a trip to the Middle Atlas Mountains, particularly near the Michlifen ski resort, about a 1.5-hour drive away
Disadvantages
- A chance of rain
- Temperatures cooler than during the summer, especially in the evening
WHERE TO STAY IN FES
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In Fès El-Bali (old medina)
Hotel Riad Dar Lys – See prices, photos and availability
Hotel Riad Dar Laura – See prices, photos and availability
Fès El-Jdid (near the Royal Palace)
Palais Faraj Suites & Spa Hotel – See prices, photos and availability
Weather, temperatures and conditions
Winter is a great time to experience Fez in a different light, with mild temperatures and fewer tourists. You can expect some rainy days and temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 18°C (64.4°F). We enjoyed this season for its long strolls through the medina, far from the intense summer heat. The cool evenings also provide the perfect opportunity to savor a mint tea in traditional riads. If you go on an excursion to the Middle Atlas Mountains, you might even see snowfall, particularly near the Michlifen ski resort, about a 1.5-hour drive away. We therefore recommend packing some warm clothes for these mountain getaways.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN MOROCCO
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Not too wide
- A good engine
- For more choice, book early.
What to Do in Fez in Winter?
You’ll find that Fez has plenty to offer in terms of activities, even in winter! The medina of Fez el-Bali—the largest and oldest medina in the world—remains our top priority in winter. We recommend strolling without a set itinerary among its 14,000 historic buildings, passing through the blue gate of Bab Boujloud, and admiring the Al-Qarawiyyin University from the outside—it’s considered the oldest university in the world still in operation. A guided tour of the medina with a local guide will help ensure you don’t miss a thing in this labyrinth, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the official website for more information here.
We also really enjoyed the Chouara Tannery, where the ancestral craft of leather dyeing is still practiced by hand. You can watch this dance of activity from the terraces of the surrounding leather goods shops. Book your tour of the Chouara Tannery with a multilingual local guide. Not far from there, the Attarine and Bou Inania madrasas showcase refined Merinid architecture, while the Jnan Sbil Gardens offer a welcome break amid the greenery across from the Royal Palace.
To get a bird’s-eye view, head to the Merinid Tombs or Fort Borj Sud, two vantage points that offer a panoramic view of the medina. You’ll also enjoy a relaxing break at a traditional hammam—a great way to warm up after a day of walking through the medina. When it comes to cuisine, the city is renowned for its tagines, pastilla, couscous, and harira. We also invite you to try a Moroccan cooking class to learn the secrets of spices and mint tea.
There are several excursions around Fez that are perfect for the winter season. About a 30-minute drive away, the spa village of Moulay Yacoub—known for centuries for its warm, sulfur-rich waters—offers a rejuvenating getaway in cooler weather. Book your half-day excursion to Moulay Yacoub. A trip to the Middle Atlas Mountains, near Ifrane and Azrou, will allow you to explore forests of centuries-old cedar trees and, at times, a truly snow-covered landscape. Set out for a day in the Middle Atlas and its monkey forest. Meknes and the archaeological site of Volubilis are also accessible year-round and can easily be combined with a day trip from Fes.
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How do I get to Fez?
- By car, Fez is connected to Rabat (2 hours 30 minutes) and Casablanca (3 hours 15 minutes) via the A2 highway, and to Tangier (4 hours 15 minutes) via the A2 and A5 highways. By train, the ONCF network serves the city from Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, and Tangier.
- Bus companies such as CTM and Supratours also offer affordable routes from Morocco’s major cities.
- We recommend flying if you’re coming from Europe: the Fez-Saïss International Airport, about 30 minutes from the city center, offers direct flights from Paris, Marseille, Lyon, Madrid, and Brussels. Check available flights.
- If you’re staying in Meknes, Casablanca, Marrakech, or Rabat, day trips or transfers to Fez are also available.
Since vehicles are not allowed in the medina, we recommend parking near the main gates, such as Bab Chorfa or Bab Boujloud, before continuing on foot. If you think a rental car would be useful for exploring the region more thoroughly, compare rental offers here.
To learn more, read our article on how to get to Fez here.
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Christmas in Fez
Christmas isn’t an official holiday in Morocco, but that doesn’t mean you won’t find any festive atmosphere in Fes. In the medina and on the streets, the celebrations are low-key, and you won’t find the large Christmas markets typical of some European cities. However, several hotels, riads, and restaurants cater to their international clientele and may offer decorations, Christmas dinners, or special menus during this time of year.
We therefore recommend that you check with your accommodation provider at the time of booking if you’d like to celebrate the occasion. The atmosphere is generally more intimate than in major European destinations, allowing you to experience Fez and the unique atmosphere of its medina in a different way during the winter.
New Year’s in Fez
New Year’s Eve is celebrated more widely in Fez, particularly in hotels, riads, and certain restaurants. You’ll find gala dinners, special menus, and sometimes lively evenings featuring live music, DJs, or shows inspired by Moroccan traditions. Several venues in the city organize their own programs each year for the evening of December 31.
However, don’t necessarily expect a large public celebration or festivities throughout the medina: the atmosphere is mainly concentrated in the establishments that organize their own New Year’s Eve celebrations. If you’d like to attend a festive event, we recommend checking the programs offered by hotels and restaurants a few weeks before your stay and making reservations in advance. An evening featuring Moroccan cuisine and music can be a wonderful way to ring in the New Year in Fez.
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