Let’s get real for a second. When most people imagine Morocco, they picture sweating in the Sahara and fighting for shade in a souk. But the Morocco I know changes completely in February. It’s a time of weird, wonderful mixes: snow on the Atlas Mountains visible from the sunny cafes of Marrakech, and crisp air that makes the blue tiles look sharper.
Visiting in early 2026 gives you a version of the country the summer crowds miss. The streets are quiet. You can actually walk through the Ben Youssef Madrasa without waiting ten minutes for a clear photo. Shopkeepers in the medina are chilled out, sipping tea instead of chasing tourists. But there is a catch: the cold snaps back.
Before you fly, sort out your phone. Always get an eSIM from Saily before landing here. Trying to navigate the maze of medina without Google Maps is a rookie mistake you definitely want to avoid.
The Secret Season: Why February Wins
The Weather Has a Split Personality
This is where travelers mess up. They pack linen shirts and swimsuits but forget a coat. In February, the weather plays games with you. During the day, it feels like spring in Europe—a solid 22°C (72°F). You can grab lunch on the rooftop of Nomad in the medina, wearing just a t-shirt and sunglasses.
But the second the sun drops behind the Koutoubia Mosque, the temperature crashes. We are talking 6°C to 10°C (42°F-50°F). It feels colder because Moroccan buildings are built to stay cool. Thick walls and tile floors are great in August, but in February, your bedroom can feel like a walk-in freezer.
My Packing Rule: Layers are your best friend. A lightweight down jacket is mandatory for evenings. And pack thick wool socks. Walking barefoot on cold Riad tiles is a shock to the system you don't need.
The Pink Valley: Tafraoute’s Almond Season
If you need one big reason to book a ticket for February 2026, it is the Almond Blossoms. Forget cherry blossoms in Japan; the insiders drive south to the Anti-Atlas mountains, specifically the Ameln Valley near Tafraoute.
The scenery here looks like Mars—giant red granite boulders stacked in piles—but in February, thousands of almond trees pop with pink and white flowers. The local festival usually kicks off in the second half of the month. You’ll hear Berber drums echoing off the rocks and find stalls selling fresh Amlou. If you haven't tried Amlou, imagine a grittier, richer Nutella made from roasted almonds, argan oil, and honey. It sticks to the roof of your mouth in the best way possible 😋.
To get here, fly into Agadir and take the R105 road inland. It’s a winding drive, but the views are killer. If you don't want to drive on mountain roads, book a tour via GetYourGuide so someone else can handle the hairpin turns.
Yes, You Can Ski in Africa
Skiing in Morocco sounds like a lie, but it’s real. Just 75km south of Marrakech is Oukaïmeden, the highest ski resort in Africa. Keep your expectations in check, this isn't the Swiss Alps. The rental gear has seen better days, and the vintage chairlifts clank and rattle as they pull you up the mountain. You might even see a donkey parked next to the ski rack.
But that’s why it’s fun. A lift pass is cheap, usually around 100 MAD ($10) and the vibe is totally unique. Even if you don't ski, ride the lift to the top of Jebel Attar. The view is insane: snow under your feet, and the heat haze of Marrakech shimmering in the distance. Afterward, grab a tartiflette (yes, cheese and potatoes) at Chez Juju, a classic spot right on the slopes.
I highly suggest booking a private transfer with Welcome Pickups. The roads up to Oukaïmeden get icy and narrow in February, and you want a driver who knows the corners.
The Desert: Clear Skies, Freezing Nights
Visiting Merzouga in February is intense. The summer dust is gone, so the air is crystal clear. The sunsets are sharper, and the stars look like diamonds spilled on black velvet. It’s the best stargazing you’ll get all year.
However, the desert doesn't hold heat. Nights can drop to 0°C (32°F). If you stay in a luxury camp like Ali & Sara’s Desert Palace, make sure they have heating in the tents. Sitting by the campfire is cozy, but sleeping in a freezing tent is miserable.
Pro Tip: Wear thermal underwear. You will thank me when you wake up at 5:00 AM for the sunrise camel trek and the wind is whipping across the dunes.
City Breaks: Fez and Rabat
February is the smartest time to tackle the big cities. In summer, the medina of Fez is an oven. The famous Chouara Tannery smells intense in the heat. In winter, the air is fresh, and the smell is more like wet stone and damp wool—much easier to handle.
Rabat is also great right now. It’s green, lush, and the Atlantic breeze wakes you up.
Crucial Advice: Check the heating situation. Many budget Riads use small space heaters that barely work. If you want to swim, you must find a place with a heated pool, like Riad Yasmine or El Fenn. If the listing doesn't explicitly say "Heated Pool," assume it's an ice bath. You can find deals on these spots via Booking.com, often for 30% less than spring prices.
Winter Comfort Food
Moroccan food hits different in the cold. Look for Bissara, a thick soup made from dried fava beans, olive oil, and cumin. You can find it at street stalls near Bab Bou Jeloud in Fez for just a few Dirhams. It warms you straight to your bones.
You’ll also see steaming bowls of Harira everywhere. And nothing beats the smell of a lamb Tagine that’s been slow-cooking over charcoal for four hours. Seeing the steam rise from the clay pot on a chilly February night is pure happiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick facts for your February 2026 trip.
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