Mount Toubkal Weather in January
Mount Toubkal, the zenith of the High Atlas Mountains in Morocco, stands as a beacon for adventurous climbers. In January 2022, the mountain’s weather patterns offered a mix of challenges and beauty, integral for anyone braving its slopes.
Temperature Trends
Throughout January 2022, Mount Toubkal’s temperatures displayed a stark contrast between day and night. The data illustrates minimum temperatures often below -10 degrees Celsius, while the daytime highs struggled to surpass the freezing mark. This extreme cold necessitates thermal and layered clothing to combat the risk of hypothermia.
Snow and Precipitation
January 2022 was marked by intermittent snowfall on Mount Toubkal. The 2022 data shows several days where climbers would have witnessed substantial snow, impacting trails and climbing conditions. The unpredictability of snow depth from day to day in January further emphasizes the importance of staying informed and equipped for snow travel.
Humidity and Cloud Cover
Climbers in January 2022 contended with relatively high humidity levels, frequently above 50%, peaking close to saturation. These conditions, coupled with prevalent cloud cover, would have made for a damp and bone-chilling environment, thus, waterproof and breathable gear would have been essential.
Wind Factors
The wind conditions in January 2022 were variable, with gusts capable of reaching high speeds, exceeding 40 km/h. The impact of such gusts would have been significant, causing wind chill to plummet and increasing the difficulty of the climb.
January 2022 on Mount Toubkal presented a daunting climate for climbers, with frigid temperatures, significant snowfall, high humidity, considerable cloud cover, and strong winds. Such conditions demand rigorous preparation and adaptable plans. Nonetheless, for the prepared climber, January’s rigorous conditions offered a memorable and rewarding experience on North Africa’s highest peak.
Planning to climb in January? Read can you climb Toubkal in winter for what the season demands, see the Toubkal winter climb, or start with the full guide to climbing Mount Toubkal.
At the summit in January · 2017–2025 average
- Day
- -4°C
- Night
- -11°C
- Feels like
- -12°C
- Frost nights
- 31
- Days without thaw
- 26
- Snowfall
- 7 days · 15 cm
- Gusts over 60 km/h
- 37% of days
- Favourable days
- 11%
Figures are nine-year averages for 2017 to 2025 at the summit. Toubkal has no permanent weather station, so these are reanalysis data modelled at 31.04°N / 7.90°W, 4,131 m. They are orders of magnitude rather than readings, and a given day can depart from them sharply — particularly the wind on the ridges. Always check a current forecast and speak to a local guide before setting out.
