Escape the European Winter: Warm Places to Visit in Morocco

Let’s be honest, winter in Europe can be brutal. Cold mornings, dark evenings, and that moment when your coffee gets cold before you even sit down. Now imagine this instead: sunshine, beach walks, fresh fish, and maybe a camel or two. Welcome to Morocco, my friend, where we wear sunglasses in January!

I’m Oualid Taklite, a local from Morocco and the person behind GoingMorocco.com, a travel website where I share real tips, local stories, and honest advice about visiting Morocco. In this post, think of me as your friendly guide. I’ll take you on a short journey through the warm coastal towns of Agadir and the magic of the Sahara, showing you where to go when the rest of Europe is shivering.

Before we start, I would love to thank Aiden for having me here on his blog. I've been following Passport 2 the World for a while now, and it's finally an honor for me to share my own travel insights with his readers.

Alright, let's get to it!

Agadir

Where Winter Goes on Vacation

Agadir is like a chill guy who’s always in a good mood. Even in December, the sun shines like it has forgotten what ‘winter’ means. Temperatures often hover around 22°C (72°F), and some days feel even warmer.

Here, life is easy. You can walk on the beach promenade, watch surfers, or eat grilled fish while pretending you’re a movie star. Locals are friendly, and if someone says “Welcome, my friend!” they really mean it (we say it a lot). But! They may also be trying to sell you something. Just smile and say thank you.

If you get bored, which you won’t, visit Souk El Had market. You’ll probably leave with spices you don’t know how to use and a bottle of argan oil “for your hair and your belly,” as sellers like to say.

Exploring Agadir's Beaches

Agadir’s beaches are a paradise! Picture this: golden sands stretching as far as the eye can see, with gentle waves lapping at the shore. You can sunbathe, swim, or even try your hand at water sports. How about a little jet skiing? It’s a blast!

And don’t forget to check out the local beach cafes. They serve delicious Moroccan mint tea and fresh seafood. Trust me, you’ll want to sip tea while watching the sunset over the ocean. It’s a moment you won’t forget!

Taghazout

Surf, Smoothies, and Zero Stress

About 20 minutes north of Agadir, Taghazout is what happens when a fishing village becomes best friends with surfers. It’s small, sunny, and full of barefoot travelers chasing waves, smoothies, and fried sardines.

Winter is actually surf season here, which means more wetsuits than winter coats. But don’t worry, even if you don’t surf, you can still look cool holding a surfboard for a photo!

Days in Taghazout are for beaches, yoga, and good food. Nights are for tea, music, and friendly conversations with strangers who might end up teaching you how to say “no worries” in five languages.

Surfing in Taghazout

If you’re keen to catch some waves, Taghazout is the place to be! There are surf schools for every level, from beginners to pros. You’ll find friendly instructors ready to help you ride those waves. Plus, the vibe here is super laid-back. Everyone is just enjoying life!

And if surfing isn’t your thing, no worries! You can join a yoga class or simply relax at a beachside café. The smoothies are to die for, and the views? Absolutely stunning!

Tamraght

The Chill Neighbour of Taghazout

Tamraght is Taghazout’s quieter neighbour, kind of like that cousin who stays home to read while everyone else goes out. It’s peaceful, friendly, and full of cozy rooftops where you can watch the ocean and think about absolutely nothing.

The weather is the same as in Agadir, warm and sunny. You can take surf lessons, join a yoga class, or just drink mint tea until your soul reaches full relaxation mode.

Relaxing in Tamraght

Tamraght is perfect for unwinding. Picture yourself lounging on a rooftop terrace, sipping tea, and watching the waves crash. It’s the ideal spot to recharge your batteries.

At night, the town becomes super calm. You’ll hear the ocean, maybe a rooster, and that’s it. It’s the perfect place if you want to forget about your heating bill back home. Also, if you’re interested in learning how to surf, this town has the best surf camps and surf instructors to help you.

Imsouane

The Endless Wave

Now we go a bit farther north to Imsouane, a quiet fishing town famous for having one of the longest surf waves in Africa. Seriously, surfers ride it for so long they could probably call their moms mid-wave!

The road to Imsouane gives you postcard views of cliffs and ocean. When you arrive, you’ll find peaceful beaches, smiling locals, and small restaurants serving the freshest fish you’ll ever eat. Fish here come directly from fishing boats in the village.

Chilling in Imsouane

It’s also a great place to do nothing, and I mean nothing. Just sit by the beach, breathe, and realise that “doing nothing” is sometimes the best plan ever.

Grab a book, find a cozy spot, and let the sound of the waves wash over you. It’s pure bliss!

The Sahara

Warm Days, Cool Nights, and Infinite Stars

Now let’s leave the coast and go south to the Sahara Desert, the land of golden dunes, camel rides, and the kind of silence that makes your phone feel useless.

Winter here is pure magic. During the day, it’s warm, around 25°C (77°F). At night, you’ll need a jacket, but you’ll forget about that once you see the stars. They look close enough to touch!

You can stay in a desert camp, listen to Berber drums, and watch the sunrise over the dunes. People say it’s unforgettable, but honestly, even the camels look like they’re enjoying life down here. I would personally recommend visiting Erg Chebbi; an area with huge dunes and clear skies.

Adventures in the Sahara

The Sahara is not just about the scenery; it’s about the experience! You can take camel rides, go sandboarding, or simply explore the vastness of the desert. Each moment is filled with wonder.

And don’t forget to try the local cuisine! Enjoy traditional Moroccan dishes under the stars. It’s a feast for the senses!

Before You Go!...

If you’re sitting in Europe right now, wearing three sweaters and arguing with your heating system, just remember that somewhere in Morocco, someone is eating fish by the beach in a T-shirt and sunglasses.

Most Moroccan regions stay warm in winter, except for the north. Agadir’s coast and the Sahara are where the real magic happens. Sunshine, friendly people, and no snow shovels—just how winter should be if you ask me!

Pack your sunglasses, leave your scarf, and come see it for yourself. Morocco will keep you warm, inside and out!