Tangier, a cultural crossroads between Europe and Africa, reveals a more intimate and authentic face in winter. Its cobbled streets, museums, perched Kasbah and urban beaches can all be enjoyed without the summer crowds. We were seduced by this cosmopolitan city, where Mediterranean and Moroccan influences can be seen at every turn, in the architecture and the pace of life. Here are our tips for visiting Tangier in winter: activities, weather, temperatures… Plus, information on how to spend Christmas or New Year’s Eve in this 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 Tangier in winter: is it worth it?
Our review
Yes, visiting Tangier in winter is absolutely worthwhile. The city enjoys a mild climate at this time of year, with temperatures around 17°C (62.6°F) and generous sunshine of around 6 hours a day. We particularly enjoyed exploring the Kasbah, the medina and the many museums without the crowds of the warmer months. You can immerse yourself freely in the city’s thousand-year-old heritage, from the Phoenician Tombs to the Ibn Battouta Exhibition Space and the American Legation Museum. Although the wind can sometimes blow, strolls on the municipal beach remain pleasant in winter. We consider this to be the ideal time to enjoy Tangier’s rich cultural and architectural heritage.
Benefits
- The climate is mild, with temperatures around 17°C (62.6°F) and around 6 hours of sunshine a day.
- There are fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the sites without queuing.
- Accommodation rates are generally lower in low season.
- Museums, the Kasbah, the medina and most cultural sites remain open.
- Strolls along the municipal beach are always a pleasure.
- The festive atmosphere of Christmas and New Year brings the city to life in December.
- Most activities are open.
Disadvantages
- Temperatures can be cooler in the evening, so bring a jacket.
- Some attractions have reduced opening hours in low season.
- Sea bathing is less tempting, as the water remains cool.
- Days are shorter, which limits the time available for outdoor exploration.
- There are fewer outdoor events than in summer.
WHERE TO STAY IN Tangier
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the Kasbah of Tangier –
Riad Dar Saba Hotel – Saba’s House – see prices, photos and availability
– Marina Bay City Center Hotel – View prices, photos, and availability
In the hills of the Quartier de la Montagne —
Fairmont Tazi Tangier Palace Hotel— see prices, photos and availability
Weather, temperatures and conditions
Winter in Tangier is notably mild. Temperatures hover around 17°C (62.4°F) during the day, making it comfortable to walk around without heavy clothing. Sunshine remains generous, averaging around 6 hours a day. Some humidity is to be expected, as well as a few cooler or windier days, as is often the case by the sea. We advise you to bring a jacket for the evenings. All in all, these conditions are ideal for exploring the medina, the Kasbah and the open-air sites in optimum comfort.
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 Tangier in winter
Tangier is full of winter activities. The drop in tourist numbers is a real advantage for visiting cultural sites in good conditions. Here are our must-haves:
Explore the Kasbah and medina
Perched high above the city, the Kasbah is the historic heart of Tangier. Founded by the Merinid dynasty in the 13th century, this citadel offers cobbled streets, panoramic views of the sea and the Strait of Gibraltar, and an atmosphere steeped in history. We loved getting lost in it at our own pace, away from the crowds. In winter, the atmosphere is even more serene. The medina, accessible from Place du 9 Avril 1947, completes this immersion in the ancient city. Book a guided walking tour of the medina to take full advantage of this district.
Visiting museums
Winter is the ideal time to take a full tour of Tangier’s museums. We fell in love with theEspace d’exposition Ibn Battouta, opening in 2021, which retraces the Tangier explorer’s 29-year journey through 38 countries, with interactive features for young and old alike. Another highlight is the American Legation Museum, which plunges visitors into the history of Moroccan-American relations since 1821, with perfectly preserved period furniture and a gallery dedicated to the Second World War. We also recommend the Villa Harris, whose museum celebrates the artists who stayed in Tangier, in a setting of remarkable zelliges and sculpted ceilings. Other cultural attractions include the Kasbah Museum of Mediterranean Cultures, the Fondation Lorin Museum of Tangier’s Jewish history and the Dar Niaba Museum of traditional crafts.
Discover natural and historical sites
A 30-minute drive from the town, the Grottes d’Hercule (Hercules caves ) open spectacularly onto the Atlantic Ocean. Legend has it that the hero stayed here after separating Africa from Europe. We were fascinated by the natural formation of the caves and the sublime view from the outdoor platform. Not far away, the Cap Spartel lighthouse marks the meeting of the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea: a unique geographical location, where the climb to the top offers a 360-degree panorama. The Forêt de Perdicaris, on the road to Cap Spartel, is home to Morocco’s oldest plantations dating back to 1918, with Zean oaks, cork oaks and pinion pines. All three sites are accessible via Tangier’s hop-on hop-off CityTour bus. Finally, in the medina, the Phoenician tombs dating from the 1st century A.D. are also worth a visit for their cliff-side position and unobstructed views over the Mediterranean.
Walking and strolling
The mild winter weather invites you to stroll along the seafront at the Plage municipale, which runs alongside Boulevard Mohammed VI. The pedestrian promenade and bicycle path that line it create a lively atmosphere, even in low season. From the beach, you can see the lighthouse, the bay and the surrounding hills. We also recommend a stopover at Place du 9 Avril 1947, the urban and historical crossroads between the medina and the new town, before moving on to Jardin de la Mendoubia andSaint-Andrews Anglican Church, a 5-minute walk away. This church, donated in the 19th century by the Sultan of Morocco to Queen Victoria, is a highly original blend of Presbyterian architecture and Moorish influences. Villa Harris Park, to the north-east of the town, is ideal for a green break under its century-old trees.
Excursions around Tangier
Winter is also a great time to explore the region:
- AsilahAsilah, less than 1 hour’s drive to the south, is a charming town with Portuguese walls and colorful murals. Visit Asilah on a guided tour from Tangier.
- We were also won over by Tétouannicknamed the “white dove”, whose medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, boasts Andalucia architecture unique to Morocco. Book a day trip to Tetouan.
- Further afield, Chefchaouen and its blue streets clinging to the Rif mountains.
- Finally, RabatMorocco’s capital, is just 1h20min away by Al-Boraq TGV (see ONCF website here).
How to get to Tangier
Tangier is well served from Europe and the rest of Morocco:
- The city’s Ibn Battouta international airport handles direct flights from several European and Maghreb cities. View available flights here.
- Trains are a very practical option: the TGV Al-Boraq connects Tangier to Rabat in 1h20min and to Casablanca in less than 2h. ONCF classic trains complete the network. You can book on the ONCF websitehere.
- By road, freeways connect Tangier to the Moroccan national network, with Rabat 3 hours and Casablanca 3h30 away. On a guided tour or by rental car
- Finally, several ferry companies offer crossings from Spain, departing from Algeciras, Tarifa or Gibraltar. See ferry options here.
Once on site, the hop-on hop-off CityTour bus (ticket valid for 48 hours) is a convenient way to reach the main sights, including Cap Spartel and the Grottes d’Hercule. Official sky-blue cabs and VTCs are also available. Please note that the medina and Kasbah are only accessible on foot.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
Christmas in Tangier
Spending Christmas in Tangier offers an unusual and warm experience, at the crossroads of cultures. The city, though predominantly Muslim, welcomes the festive season with a special festive atmosphere. We enjoyed discovering how some of the new town’s shops and hotels put on festive decorations and entertainment. It’s also an opportunity to visit cultural sites in maximum tranquility, as most foreign tourists have returned home. You can take advantage of this period to dine in one of the city’s best restaurants, such as Restaurant El Morocco Club or Restaurant Kebdani, and experience a Christmas Eve that combines Moroccan gastronomy with a unique Tangier atmosphere. The illuminations on some of the new town’s thoroughfares add a welcome festive touch to your evening strolls.
New Year’s Eve in Tangier
New Year’s Eve in Tangier is celebrated in an atmosphere like no other. We recommend booking a table at one of the restaurants in the New Town or Medina for a memorable New Year’s Eve: the Restaurant El Morocco Club, in the famous 1930s jazzbar setting, or the Restaurant Saveur de Poisson for a dinner overlooking the sea are great options. After midnight, some of the bars and establishments in the new town keep the party going until the early hours. The following day, you can start the new year gently by strolling along the Plage municipale or climbing up from the Kasbah to admire the Bay of Tangier in the winter morning light. A great way to usher in the New Year.
DISCOVER Tangier
- Attractions in Tangier
- Best hotels in Tangier
- Best riads
- Best restaurants
- Best excursions
- How to get there
- Asilah
- Itinerary: 1 day
