Morocco vs Egypt - January

[ideallyno]

Please can I have recommendations!
I've narrowed our holiday search down to either Marrakesh or Hurghada in January, but can't choose between them! Both hotels are coming in at the same cost, both lovely all inclusive resorts. The weather is what concerns me. The canaries are sadly way out of budget, they're coming in so expensive, so it's got to be between these two.

Can anybody help me choose? Anybody been to either destinations before in January?

I am also hoping to book lots of trips whilst there. DH and I love the sea, snorkelling etc!

Thanks :)

The two contenders

I've been to both countries and enjoyed them in different ways.

What I would say is that Marrakesh is a good two or three hours drive from the sea, so for that reason alone I'd suggest Hurghada.

I can't comment on January weather, sorry.

Egypt will be better weather.

Depends if you intend to leave the resort, Marrakesh was not a nice experience

Thanks both. The sea is a really important factor for me so I guess that might actually rule out Marrakesh!!! I didn't realise how far from the beach it is! The hotel just looked amazing

I definitely prefer the warmer weather. The canaries are coming in so expensive and the weather isn't looking particularly great there so far, so maybe Egypt it is?!

I haven't been to Egypt but I have been to Marrakech, albeit not for 25 years. It is nowhere near the sea, it is quite a busy, polluted city. There are some great places to visit and it's very interesting, but I'm not sure it's what you're looking for?

Went to Marrakesh in the summer and loved it despite getting run over! Didn’t like Egypt when we went so for that reason I would choose Morocco.
but then im not keen on the beach either. Give me a pool with fresh water any day.

Definitely Egypt for the weather. I’ve been to Egypt in February, albeit inland and not on the coast - it was warm like July in southern England. Been to Marrakesh in March and it was OK in light trousers & long sleeves but not really pool weather.

If you want a beach then I'd suggest Essouria in Morocco. The old town is lovely and not as overwhelming as Marrakesh. It's windy though (good for surfing) and I've no idea if it would be warm enough to enjoy the sea in January.

Thanks everyone. Turkey was also a contender but doesn't look to be so warm, sadly. We absolutely adore turkey so would go in a heartbeat if it were warm enough!!!

Egypt looks to be top contender!

I'm Moroccan, so if you have any questions about Morocco, please don't hesitate to message me.

Have you checked Gran Canaria? Tickets there from London and a few other cities are very cheap and airbnbs/hotels are reasonably priced. Overall it might cost less than a trip to Marrakech