Last updated: · by the Ballooning Experience team
| January in Marrakech | |
|---|---|
| Season | Winter |
| Sunrise | Between 08:25 and 08:30 |
| Hotel pickup | Between 06:25 and 07:00 |
| Temperature at dawn | Around 6°C |
| Afternoon temperature | Around 18°C |
| Time in the air | 45 to 60 minutes |
| Back at your hotel | Late morning |
Approximate times in Morocco time and long-term average temperatures. During Ramadan Morocco moves its clocks back one hour. We always send your exact pickup time the evening before.
The weather in January
January is the coldest month in Marrakech. Mornings on the launch field are often close to freezing, but the sky is usually very clear and the air is calm and dense, which balloons love. By breakfast the sun is warm.
Why fly in January, and what to know
| The good | Good to know |
|---|---|
|
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Your balloon morning in January, hour by hour
| Time (about) | What happens |
|---|---|
| 06:30 to 07:00 | Pickup from your hotel or riad in Marrakech |
| 07:15 | Arrival at our base: tea and coffee |
| 07:30 | Your pilot's briefing in person, before the balloons are prepared, with time for all your questions |
| 07:45 | The inflation of the balloons (if the wind requires it, the pilot moves the take-off place first) |
| 08:15 | Take-off as the sky lights up |
| 08:30 | Sunrise from the basket |
| 09:15 | Landing, celebration and flight certificates |
| 09:45 | Moroccan breakfast |
| 11:15 | Back at your hotel or riad |
Times for the middle of January. The exact time depends on the day and the wind; we send it the evening before.
What you see from the balloon in January
This is the month for the snow-covered High Atlas: on clear mornings the white peaks fill the southern horizon behind the villages and olive groves.
Who January is perfect for
Photographers, couples who want a quiet winter escape, and anyone who dreams of seeing snowy mountains from the sky.
Which flight to choose in January
On a cold January morning, a hot breakfast served in the basket while the sun rises over the snowy Atlas is unforgettable. VIP flight with breakfast on board (€620 per person).
What to wear in January
A warm coat, a hat, gloves and a scarf, with layers underneath that you can take off at breakfast. Closed flat shoes. Our full clothing guide.
Packing list for January
- Warm coat
- Hat, gloves and scarf
- Warm layers you can take off
- Closed flat shoes
- Sunglasses for after sunrise
- Phone or camera with a strap
Photo tips for January
The low winter sun gives long shadows over the villages. Point your camera south for the white peaks of the Atlas, and keep a spare battery warm in your pocket: cold drains batteries fast.
How busy is January?
Early January is busy with New Year holidays; the rest of the month is quieter. Book a few days ahead.
Tips for January
- Book your flight for the first or second morning of your stay: winter has more windy days, so keep a spare morning.
- The Marrakech Marathon usually takes place in late January, and the city is busier that weekend.
- In the Ourika valley and the foothills, almond trees often start to blossom at the end of the month.
Things to do in Marrakech in January after your flight
You are back at your hotel by late morning, with the whole day ahead. Our ideas for January:
- A hammam in the afternoon to warm up after the cold morning
- A day trip to the Ourika valley, with snow on the peaks above
- The Majorelle Garden in the soft winter light
- Tagine and mint tea on a sunny riad terrace
More ideas: 10 unforgettable things to do in Marrakech.
Prices in January
Our prices are the same all year, per person: classic shared flight €165, private balloon €330, VIP flight with breakfast on board €620. Hotel pickup, the briefing, the flight, breakfast and a certificate are always included. Book directly with us, the local team who fly you.
Questions about January
Can you do a hot air balloon ride in Marrakech in January?
Yes. Balloons fly over Marrakech all year, including in January, whenever the morning is calm and safe. If the pilot decides it is not safe to fly, you choose a new date or a full refund.
What time is hotel pickup for a balloon ride in Marrakech in January?
Sunrise in Marrakech in January is between 08:25 and 08:30, so hotel pickup is between 06:25 and 07:00 (Morocco time). We send you the exact time the evening before.
What is the weather like for a balloon flight in Marrakech in January?
January is the coldest month in Marrakech. Mornings on the launch field are often close to freezing, but the sky is usually very clear and the air is calm and dense, which balloons love. By breakfast the sun is warm. Average temperatures in Marrakech in January are around 6°C at dawn and 18°C in the afternoon.
What should I wear for a hot air balloon ride in Marrakech in January?
A warm coat, a hat, gloves and a scarf, with layers underneath that you can take off at breakfast. Closed flat shoes.
Will I see snow on the Atlas Mountains from the balloon in January?
Very often, yes. January is one of the best months for snow on the High Atlas, and the winter air is usually clear. The view always depends on the morning, so it is never guaranteed.
