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Meknes sits at 558 metres (1,831 feet) in north-central Morocco, roughly 60 km west of Fès and 120 km east of Rabat. Its inland position gives it a Mediterranean climate with a strong continental edge: mild, wet winters and hot, bone-dry summers. The figures below are 1991-2020 averages, so they reflect a normal year rather than extremes. For the full picture of where to base yourself, see the complete Meknes guide.
Meknes Weather by Month: Climate at a Glance
Meknes averages 17.9°C (64°F) across the year and records about 460 mm (18 inches) of rain, almost all of it between October and April. Summer highs reach 34°C (93°F) in July and August, while January nights fall to around 5°C (41°F). The city gets about 2,915 hours of sunshine a year, peaking at 11 hours a day in July. where to stay in Meknes covers the best districts for each season.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rain (mm) | Sun (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 15.8°C | 5.1°C | 62 | 5.5 |
| February | 17.0°C | 5.8°C | 55 | 6 |
| March | 19.6°C | 7.9°C | 57 | 7.5 |
| April | 21.7°C | 9.4°C | 46 | 8 |
| May | 26.1°C | 12.5°C | 29 | 9 |
| June | 30.3°C | 15.4°C | 8 | 10 |
| July | 34.0°C | 18.2°C | 1 | 11 |
| August | 34.0°C | 18.8°C | 3 | 10.5 |
| September | 29.6°C | 16.3°C | 22 | 9 |
| October | 25.6°C | 13.6°C | 49 | 7.5 |
| November | 20.0°C | 9.2°C | 63 | 6 |
| December | 16.9°C | 6.5°C | 66 | 5.5 |
Meknes Weather by Month: Winter, December to February
January is the coldest month, averaging 10.5°C (51°F), with a daytime high of 15.8°C (60°F) and a night-time low of 5.1°C (41°F). Light frosts occur, and lows can approach 0°C (32°F); snow fell in January 1981 and again in January 2005. December is the wettest month with 66 mm of rain over 7 days, followed by January (62 mm) and February (55 mm). Pack a warm layer and a waterproof jacket, and note that the Meknes neighborhoods guide flags which districts stay most walkable in wet weather.
Meknes Weather by Month: Spring, March to May
March averages 13.8°C (57°F) and is still wet (57 mm over 7 days). By April the rain eases to 46 mm and the average climbs to 15.6°C (60°F) with highs of 21.7°C (71°F). May is the real shift: 19.3°C (67°F) on average, highs of 26.1°C (79°F) and only 29 mm of rain over 4 days. Nights stay cool until mid-May, with lows near 5-6°C (41-43°F). This is the greenest stretch of the year, which is why several Meknes events and festivals fall in spring.
Meknes Weather by Month: Summer, June to August
June averages 22.9°C (73°F) with highs of 30.3°C (87°F) and just 8 mm of rain. July and August are the hottest months, both averaging about 26°C (79°F) with highs of 34°C (93°F) and almost no rain (1 mm in July, 3 mm in August). Nights stay tolerable at 18-19°C (64-66°F). When a chergui blows off the desert, temperatures can spike to 44-45°C (111-113°F), as they did in summer 2012. Avoid midday sightseeing, carry water, and plan things to do in Meknes for early morning or late afternoon.
Meknes Weather by Month: Autumn, September to November
September keeps some summer warmth, averaging 23°C (73°F) with highs of 29.6°C (85°F), but rain returns at 22 mm. October cools to 19.6°C (67°F) with 49 mm of rain, and November drops to 14.6°C (58°F) with 63 mm over 6 days, opening the wet season. Bring a sweater for evenings from late September. For the ideal weeks to book, read best time to visit Meknes, and for getting around once you arrive, Meknes travel tips has airport and train details.
