Canary Islands or Morocco in winter? Where to go on a yoga retreat
Yoga Amigas ·
If you mainly want sun, beaches and the ocean in winter, choose the Canary Islands. If you are drawn to a different culture, colours and smells, and cool evenings do not bother you, choose Morocco. In winter I run yoga retreats in both places, in different months: on Fuerteventura, where I live, and in Marrakech. Here is my honest comparison.
The short version
| Canary Islands (Fuerteventura) | Morocco (Marrakech) | |
|---|---|---|
| Day | about 21°C | about 19°C |
| Night | about 15°C | about 6 to 7°C |
| Water | ocean about 19°C, a refreshing swim | no sea, Marrakech is inland |
| Landscape | beaches, dunes, ocean, wind | medina, souks, gardens, the Atlas Mountains in the distance |
| Time | one hour behind Poland and most of continental Europe | usually the same as Poland and most of continental Europe |
| Documents | EU citizens: an ID card is enough | passport valid for at least 3 months from entry (for Polish citizens; check the rules for yours) |
| Money | euro | dirham, cash is often needed |
| When we go | January and February | December (and spring) |
| Best for | beach lovers and women who like warm evenings | curious travellers who want an adventure |
Temperatures are long-term averages for January (Fuerteventura) and December (Marrakech) from Climates to Travel. Individual days can be warmer or cooler.
The Canaries in winter: summer in the middle of winter
When much of Europe is grey and dark by 4 pm, on Fuerteventura you sit outside in a T-shirt. In January the days are around 21°C and sunny, and the evenings are mild. You can have dinner outside with a view of the ocean.
On my retreat we start the day with yoga on the beach. Then breakfast together, free time by the ocean or in the Corralejo dunes, and calm evening yoga in a studio. You can read about a full day here: A day at our retreat on Fuerteventura.
Good to know
- In winter the ocean is about 19°C. Perfect for a quick dip, a long swim is for the brave.
- There is almost always some wind, especially in the afternoon. Bring a light jacket or a hoodie.
- The sun is strong in January too. Bring sunscreen.
Personally, I love winter here on Fuerte. It gets calmer and a bit more mysterious. The summer buzz is gone, but you can still spend whole days outdoors. After all, our Canarian life happens under the open sky :)
Morocco in winter: sun, colour and cold nights
Marrakech in winter is a completely different trip. The days are sunny and pleasant, around 19°C, perfect for walking in the medina and the souks. But after sunset it gets cold quickly, and at night it drops to around 6°C.
Riads are built to keep out the heat, so in winter they can be cool inside. That is why we practise morning yoga by the fireplace, and the mint tea is always hot. On clear days you can see the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. It is a beautiful view when you are standing in the sun yourself.
Winter in Marrakech is also a little quieter than spring. And a retreat in December is a good moment to stop and rest before the Christmas rush begins.
Good to know
- Bring a warm jumper, a jacket and something warm to sleep in. You will be glad of them in the evening.
- You need a passport, an ID card is not enough. Many European citizens, including Polish citizens, do not need a visa for a tourist stay of up to 90 days. Check the rules for your country.
- There is no sea in Marrakech. If you cannot imagine a holiday without a beach, choose the Canaries.
Everything worth knowing before a trip to Morocco is here: Yoga retreat in Marrakech: what to know before you go.
How to choose: four questions
- Do you want to lie on the beach and swim? Then choose the Canaries. There is no sea in Marrakech.
- Do you feel the cold easily? On the Canaries the nights are mild (about 15°C). In Marrakech the evenings are cold, even though the days are sunny.
- Do you want to discover a different culture? The medina, the souks, the riads and the Atlas Mountains are an adventure you will not find on the Canaries.
- When is your holiday? We go to Marrakech in December and in spring, and to Fuerteventura in January and February.
Still not sure? Write to me. I will tell you honestly which retreat suits you better.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a tan on Fuerteventura in January? Yes. The sun is strong all year, so you will tan, and you can even burn. Sunscreen is a must.
Does it rain in Marrakech in winter? Rarely. There are a few rainy days, but most days are sunny.
Which is easier to fly to? Fuerteventura has direct flights from many European cities in winter. From Poland you can fly direct from Warsaw, Kraków and Katowice. Marrakech also has direct flights from many cities, but routes change with the season. More about flights to Fuerteventura: How to get to Corralejo.
Where is it warmest across the year? Fuerteventura is mild all year. Marrakech is hot in summer and cool in winter. I describe the weather month by month here: When to go on a yoga retreat in the Canary Islands or Morocco.
I have never done yoga. Can I come? Yes. Both retreats are for women of every level. Read: Your first yoga retreat with no experience.
Current dates and free places: Fuerteventura, Marrakech or all retreats.