Riad with a heated swimming pool in Marrakech in winter: a guide to choosing the right one

Marrakech in winter often means clear blue skies, mild days and narrow streets that are less crowded than in spring. But as soon as the sun goes down, the temperature drops quickly in the medina. To make the most of your stay, a riad with a heated swimming pool in Marrakech in winter makes all the difference: a swim in the midday sun, a mint tea by the poolside, followed by an evening by the fire.

What’s the weather like in Marrakech in winter?

From December to February, days are generally sunny and mild, with temperatures around 18 to 20 °C in the afternoon. Nights, on the other hand, are cool and temperatures can drop to just a few degrees. There are therefore significant temperature differences between day and night.

As a result, an unheated swimming pool quickly becomes too cold for a swim, even on a lovely day. Hence the advantage of choosing a riad with a heated pool.

Heated pool, swimming pool, jacuzzi: what are we talking about?

In a riad, the swimming pool is usually situated in the centre of the courtyard. There are several options:

• The heated swimming pool: a proper swimming pool, where the water is kept at a comfortable temperature in winter.
• The plunge pool: smaller, ideal for cooling off, but rarely heated.
• The jacuzzi: perfect for warming up in the evening, sometimes situated on the terrace.

On Riadway, each riad specifies its facilities: swimming pool, heated swimming pool, plunge pool, jacuzzi, hammam. See riads with a swimming pool

Questions to ask before booking

What is the water temperature?

‘Heated’ doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere. Don’t hesitate to ask the riad what the usual water temperature is in winter, and whether the heating runs all day or only at certain times. You can write to them directly via the Riadway messaging service after making your booking.

Are the rooms heated?

This is just as important as the swimming pool. Riads are old houses with thick walls that stay cool. Check that the rooms have heating or reversible air conditioning, and extra blankets.

Is the swimming pool in the sun?

In a courtyard surrounded by high walls, the winter sun sometimes only reaches the pool at midday. A riad with a sunny terrace will allow you to enjoy the sunshine for longer. View riads with rooftop terraces

The little extras that make all the difference in winter

• A hammam: there’s nothing like it for warming up after a day of sightseeing. View riads with a hammam
• A fireplace in the lounge: the perfect atmosphere for winter evenings.
• Dinner served at the riad: handy when you don’t fancy heading out again into the chilly evening air.
• Breakfast included, served in the sunshine on the terrace. See riads with breakfast included

Which neighbourhood to choose in winter?

In winter, you spend more time walking around during the day. A well-located riad allows you to pop back easily to warm up between sightseeing trips.

• Mouassine, in the heart of the medina, between the souks and Jemaa el-Fna Square. See riads in Mouassine
• Kasbah, a quieter area, near the Saadian Tombs. See riads in Kasbah
• Riad Zitoun, a stone’s throw from the Bahia Palace. See riads in Riad Zitoun
• La Palmeraie, outside the medina, with larger properties and often more spacious swimming pools. See the riads in La Palmeraie

When to book?

The festive season and the winter school holidays are very busy periods in Marrakech. Riads with heated swimming pools – of which there are few – are often booked up early: for these dates, it’s best to book several weeks in advance. In January, outside of the school holidays, you’ll find availability more easily.

Good to know: on Riadway, you simply pay a deposit online to secure your dates, and settle the balance directly at the riad.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go for a swim in Marrakech in winter?

Yes, in a heated swimming pool and during the sunniest hours of the day. In an unheated pool, the water is generally too cold for a proper swim in the middle of winter.

Are riad swimming pools large?

In the medina, riad swimming pools are often modest in size, as they are situated in the courtyard. For a proper swim, properties in the Palmeraie generally offer larger pools.

Is a riad with a heated swimming pool suitable for children?

Yes, provided there is constant supervision: patio pools are rarely fenced off. Find all our advice in our guide Riads in Marrakech for families with children.

In summary

For a successful winter break in Marrakech, choose a riad with a genuinely heated swimming pool, heated rooms and, if possible, a sunny terrace or a hammam. Remember to book early for the festive season, and prepare for your arrival with our article How to find your riad in the medina.

Discover our riads with swimming pools in Marrakech and book with a simple online deposit.