If the British weather is getting you down and you fancy swapping grey skies for sunshine, Marrakech could be just the place! With its colourful souks, beautiful hotels, rooftop restaurants and warmer temperatures, Morocco's most famous city offers a wonderful change of scenery, particularly during the winter months.
The best part is that you don't necessarily need months of planning to enjoy it. With last minute holiday deals to Marrakech, a little flexibility can open the door to a fantastic getaway, whether you fancy a few days exploring the city or a longer stay somewhere rather special.
What Makes Marrakech Such A Lovely Place To Visit?
There is something quite special about Marrakech. It is a city that feels completely different from home, but it is also surprisingly easy to settle into. One minute you can be wandering through narrow streets lined with little shops selling leather bags, colourful ceramics and traditional Moroccan lamps, and the next you are sitting on a rooftop terrace enjoying mint tea while watching the city go by.
The famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square is a good place to start. During the day, it is full of activity, with market stalls, fresh orange juice sellers and plenty of places to stop for a bite to eat. As the evening arrives, the atmosphere changes, with food stalls opening and the square becoming one of the liveliest spots in the city.
It is also worth making time for the beautiful Bahia Palace, with its intricate tilework, peaceful courtyards and impressive architecture. For something a little quieter, the Jardin Majorelle is a lovely escape from the busy streets. Its striking blue buildings, exotic plants and shaded pathways make it one of Marrakech's most photographed attractions.
And if you enjoy a bit of pampering, don't leave without experiencing a traditional Moroccan hammam. These steam baths and spa treatments are a wonderful way to slow down after a day spent exploring.
How Warm Is Marrakech During The Winter?
One of the biggest attractions of Marrakech is that you can enjoy some lovely daytime temperatures even when the UK is heading into winter.
November is particularly pleasant, with average daytime highs of around 23°C. December and January are cooler but still offer plenty of sunshine, with temperatures generally reaching 19 to 20°C during the day. February starts to feel warmer again, with average highs of around 21°C.
These temperatures make it much easier to explore without the intense heat you can experience during the summer months. You can enjoy a leisurely lunch outdoors, spend an afternoon by the hotel pool or wander around the souks without constantly looking for somewhere to escape the heat.
One thing worth remembering is that evenings can be considerably cooler, particularly between December and February. Temperatures can drop to around 6 to 8°C overnight, so packing a cardigan or light jacket is a sensible idea.
Where Should You Stay In Marrakech?
Choosing the right hotel can make a real difference to your holiday. Marrakech has everything from traditional riads tucked away in the Medina to larger five star hotels with beautiful swimming pools, gardens and impressive spa facilities.
If you want to be close to the action, staying in or around the Medina is a lovely option. You can walk to many of the main attractions, explore the markets and discover little restaurants hidden down side streets.
Alternatively, if your idea of a holiday involves a little more relaxation, look at hotels in the Palmeraie or Hivernage areas. These tend to offer more space, attractive grounds and facilities that make it tempting to spend an afternoon doing very little at all.
There is no right or wrong choice. It really depends on whether you want to spend most of your time exploring or would prefer to combine sightseeing with some proper hotel downtime.
Finding A Great Marrakech Holiday Deal
A last minute holiday doesn't have to mean compromising on where you stay or the sort of experience you have. Sometimes, being flexible with your departure date, airport or length of stay can make a real difference to the deals available.
This is where Holiday Exclusives can help! Rather than spending hours searching through different travel websites, our platform brings together the best holiday offers from leading UK tour operators and hotels.
With a team of travel experts, Holiday Exclusives hand picks deals and shares a range of offers, including luxury escapes, city breaks and winter sun holidays. It is a useful place to start if you have Marrakech in mind but are still deciding when to go and where to stay.
Is Marrakech Worth A Last Minute Trip?
Marrakech is one of those destinations that offers a little bit of everything. You can fill your days with sightseeing, shopping and discovering somewhere new to eat, or simply enjoy the sunshine with a book beside the pool. It is also a relatively short flight from the UK, making it a particularly appealing option if you don't want to spend half your holiday travelling.
If you are starting to dream about warmer weather, a change of scenery and a few days somewhere completely different, Marrakech is well worth considering. Take a look at the latest offers from Holiday Exclusives and you could find yourself enjoying a little Moroccan sunshine sooner than you think!
