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Holidays

Use our Travel forum for recommendations on everything from day trips to the best family-friendly holiday destinations.

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Original poster

Marrakech in January, have I F'd up?

12 replies

Sausagis · 27/07/2023 20:06

Hoping for reassurance (or tell me how bad a fuck up...)

I've booked an all inclusive place in Marrakech for January. Me, DH, teen DDs. 1 week.

Perfect for me would be 21-23ish degrees, a couple of family activities (trip to waterfall or ancient site, wander around old city and market). Theme park would be ideal but can't have everything.

Previously done Turkey (Lara Beach) in Easter time and loved it - had all the above.

Since booking I've had two person tell me they hated Marrakech, and a Facebook group I joined has posts warning not to go to the market/Souk as it's not safe - and that it'll be way too cold in January for swimming. Plus someone posting the hotel I've booked (aqua mirage) is a shit hole and the food is terrible.

Has anyone been in winter? Will it be OK?

OP posts:

PixiePirate · 27/07/2023 20:11

I went to the Aqua Mirage at Easter last year and it was fabulous. Not sure wgatcthe weather will be like in Jan but first week of April was roasting hot but chilly in the evenings,

The souks are fine, especially during the day (catch the public bus from the Aqua Mirage sign on the main road, it’s super easy).

Make the effort to go to the waterfalls, it’s well worth it. We booked with a local company using WhatsApp via Trip Advisor. Was about a third of the price of booking through your operator. Camel ride (outskirts of Marrakech) was also brilliant fun. Teenagers loved it.

If you want to know anything else feel free to ask.

Original poster

Sausagis · 27/07/2023 20:16

Oh thank god, I was getting worked up I'd booked a duff holiday but that sounds so much better, thank you 😊

Only problem with the camel ride is that either me or DH would have to go with them - and I hate camels 😁

OP posts:

HundredMilesAnHour · 27/07/2023 20:16

The warmest it gets in January is usually around 19 degrees so expect it to be cooler than you might like. Too cold for the pool (for me personally) but depends what you like.

Can't comment on your hotel as I always stay in riads or a hotel in the Atlas mountains. But do NOT let your teenage DDs wander around on their own outside the hotel. Stay together as a family.

Get an official guide to show you around. They're not expensive and you'll get a much better experience that way. They'll also keep the scammers and pests at bay.

Original poster

Sausagis · 27/07/2023 20:18

Thanks. I can cope with 19 degrees. Noted re: children.

OP posts:

Nix32 · 27/07/2023 20:24

We went a couple of years ago and it was absolutely brilliant. Hotel was fab! Trip to the souk was fabulous and we also did a camel ride and a trip to the Atlas Mountains. Went in August so can't comment on weather. We loved it.

gawditswindy · 27/07/2023 20:26

I was there in July and the guide said peak time was winter time. It was VERY hot in July. I loved it.

PixiePirate · 27/07/2023 21:46

Just remembered that one of the pools at the Aqua Mirage is really warm as heated to a higher temperature than the others, so you should be fine to swim in Jan.

The on-site water park is really fun too.

sonjadog · 27/07/2023 21:52

I have been to Marrakesh a few times. Never felt unsafe in the souk, and while you do get some hassle from sellers it is much less than I have experienced in other arabic countries. It is an interesting country with lots of see. Enjoy!

trrk · 27/07/2023 21:53

We went in winter (late Dec/early Jan) and it was a great time for sightseeing but would be too cold for swimming for me, even in a heated pool. I wouldn’t like to go in summer as I don’t like covering up too much in hot weather but not an issue in winter. It can get a bit chilly at night but the days were very pleasant.

Its been awhile since we went but don’t see why the souks would be unsafe as long as you can ignore a bit of hassle.

Hbh17 · 27/07/2023 21:59

Marrakesh is fab, as is the souks- no issues. We went late December and the days were fairly warm but evenings were chilly. Not sure about swimming, but still worth going.

Evasmissingletter · 27/07/2023 22:05

Single mum here with teens. Stayed in Marrakesh loved it and felt safe in souk then onto aqua mirage. Great hotel. Kids love aqua park. Not sure about the weather but plenty to do in Morocco if weather is cooler. Have fun!

TokenGinger · 27/07/2023 22:45

I went a few years ago but in December. It rained the entire week. Every single day. Thankfully they had a lovey spa in the hotel and my skin had never felt better! I made the mistake of taking only summer clothes so even when we wanted to go the souks, we only had dresses and sandals. We still went, but it would've been much more comfortable if I'd taken some jeans/leggings, trainers and a jacket!

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