Meknes in January

It is a month for the sheltered and the unhurried. The vast Heri es-Souani granaries, the mausoleum interiors and the medina's covered souks reward a slow visit, and a wet morning here often clears to a bright, cold afternoon. Rain is frequent — this is among the wettest months — so plan flexibly and keep a waterproof handy, but the city stays dry often enough to take in its imperial monuments at a relaxed winter pace.

January suits travellers who prize calm and value over warmth. Meknes pairs naturally with the Roman ruins of Volubilis and the hilltop holy town of Moulay Idriss nearby, though Volubilis is exposed and best saved for a drier, brighter day. Fes is a short hop away for a two-city imperial circuit. For an authentic, crowd-free imperial city at the lowest prices of the year, January rewards those who pack for the cold.