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Meknes is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities, a UNESCO World Heritage site built into a showcase by Sultan Moulay Ismail in the late 1600s. It sits at 558 metres in north-central Morocco, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, and it makes a calmer, cheaper base for the Roman ruins of Volubilis than busy Fès. Use the guides below to plan every part of the trip, from month-by-month weather to hotels.
Welcome to Meknes
Most visitors arrive knowing Meknes only as a stop between Fès and Rabat, then find themselves staying an extra day. The medina is compact and walkable, the monumental gates and granaries are empty compared to Marrakesh, and prices run below the other imperial cities. Two full days cover the city, with a third for Volubilis and Moulay Idriss.
Meknes Weather at a Glance
Meknes has a Mediterranean climate with a continental edge, averaging 17.9°C (64°F) and 460 mm of rain a year. Winters are mild and wet: January averages 10.5°C (51°F) with 62 mm of rain. Summers are hot and almost rainless: July and August average 26°C (79°F) with highs of 34°C (93°F) and just 1-3 mm of rain.
Because the city sits inland at 558 metres, nights cool off even in midsummer, dropping to around 18°C (64°F) in August. Rain concentrates between October and April, and the city sees about 2,915 hours of sunshine a year. For the full month-by-month breakdown, see the Meknes weather by month guide.
Seasonal Snapshot in Meknes
- Winter (Dec-Feb): 10-12°C (50-53°F), the wettest months, empty sights, lowest hotel prices.
- Spring (Mar-May): 14-19°C (57-67°F), green countryside, mild days, the best all-round season.
- Summer (Jun-Aug): 23-26°C (73-79°F), hot and dry, occasional 44°C (111°F) heat spikes, book pool hotels.
- Autumn (Sep-Nov): 23°C to 14°C (73°F to 58°F), warm September, rain returns in November.
Location and Climate: What Shapes Meknes Weather
Meknes lies on the Saïss plain between the Middle Atlas to the south and the Rif foothills to the north, about 60 km west of Fès. The Middle Atlas blocks much of the Atlantic moisture, which is why Meknes is drier than the coast but rainier than the desert cities to the south. In summer, hot desert winds called chergui can spike temperatures, while winter nights occasionally bring light frost.
Meknes Travel Guides
- Meknes Weather by Month – temperatures, rainfall and sunshine for all 12 months, with a comparison table.
- Best Time to Visit Meknes – the ideal weeks, the cheapest months and which months to avoid.
- Things to Do in Meknes – the gates, granaries, museums and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.
- Meknes Events and Festivals – Ramadan, the Moulay Idriss moussem and the FICAM film festival.
- Meknes Neighborhoods – the medina, the ville nouvelle and which area suits you.
- Where to Stay in Meknes – riads in the medina and modern hotels in the new town, by budget.
- Meknes Travel Tips and FAQ – airport transfers, train fares, tipping, visas and safety.
Quick Facts About Meknes
- Warmest months: July and August, highs of 34°C (93°F).
- Coldest month: January, average 10.5°C (51°F).
- Wettest month: December, 66 mm over 7 days.
- Best time to visit: April, May and October.
- Nearest airport: Fès-Saïss (FEZ), about 70 km away.
- Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD).
Where to Stay in Meknes
Choose the medina for riads and atmosphere, or the ville nouvelle for modern hotels with pools and parking. Doubles run from about 350 MAD in the medina and 500 MAD in the new town. Below are three solid options across the price range.
Suggested Hotels in Meknes
Hotel Menzeh Dalia
A four-star hotel in the Domaine Izmar district on Route N6 to Rabat, with an outdoor pool, gardens and a bar. Best for families and anyone who wants pool access in summer. ‘ + hotel(H_MENZEH) + ‘
Riad Lahboul
A traditional guesthouse on the edge of the medina with three rooftop terraces and Atlas mountain views. Best for budget travellers who still want a view. ‘ + hotel(H_LAHBOUL) + ‘
Ibis Moussafir Meknes
An air-conditioned budget hotel with a 24/7 bar, a swimming pool and free parking, a 15-minute walk from the medina. Best for road-trippers and short stays. ‘ + hotel(H_IBIS) + ‘
