Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Fès-Meknès, Morocco, classified under the Köppen-Geiger system as Csa, presents a unique blend of temperature extremes and a mild overall climate. With winter lows plunging to a minimum of -14°C (6°F) in January, the region transforms into an inviting tapestry of warmer temperatures that peak at an impressive 47°C (117°F) in July. On average, the yearly temperature settles around 18°C (64°F), showcasing the significant seasonal contrasts that characterize this region. This distinctive climate not only influences the local environment but also shapes the cultural practices and agricultural patterns of its inhabitants.
In Fès-Meknès, Morocco, temperature patterns exhibit significant seasonal variation, showcasing a dramatic shift from the cold winters to scorching summers. January temperatures start with a chilling minimum of -14°C (6°F) and average around 9°C (48°F), gradually warming as spring approaches, with March reaching a maximum of 31°C (89°F). The transition into summer is marked by a sharp increase, peaking in July with maximum temperatures climbing to 47°C (117°F), while the averages hover around 27°C (80°F). Despite the heat of July and August, notable cool evenings persist, with August evening lows of 11°C (52°F). As autumn sets in, temperatures begin to drop again, with October witnessing maximums of 38°C (100°F) before returning to cooler conditions in November and December, thus creating a stark yet captivating climate cycle that influences both lifestyle and agriculture in the region.
Fes, Meknes, and Moulay Yacoub experience very similar temperature ranges throughout the year. In January, they all record a minimum of -1°C (31°F), while in July, Fes has a maximum of 45°C (113°F), and both Meknes and Moulay Yacoub reach up to 46°C (115°F). For a closer look at the climate details, visit monthly temperatures in Fes, monthly temperatures in Meknes, and monthly temperatures in Moulay Yacoub.
Precipitation in Fès-Meknès, Morocco, demonstrates a pronounced seasonal pattern, with the majority of rainfall concentrated during the winter months. January begins the year with 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain over approximately 6 days, gradually increasing to 91 mm (3.6 in) in April, a month characterized by higher precipitation and 11 rainy days. March and November also contribute significantly, with 78 mm (3.1 in) and 62 mm (2.4 in), respectively, allowing for lush vegetation to thrive during the cooler months.
As summer progresses, rainfall diminishes dramatically, with July receiving a mere 6 mm (0.2 in) over just 1 day and August still relatively dry at 16 mm (0.6 in). This drop in precipitation extends into June, often resulting in parched conditions by mid-summer. However, September sees a slight rebound with 22 mm (0.9 in) in precipitation, hinting at the impending return of the wet season. This distinct variability in precipitation not only influences the local ecosystem but also plays a crucial role in agricultural practices within the region.
In Fès-Meknès, Morocco, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, marked by an impressive increase from winter to summer. Starting the year, January records 223 hours of sunshine, which gradually climbs in February to 272 hours. As spring unfolds, sunlight becomes more abundant, reaching its zenith in April with 336 hours and peaking in July with an impressive 399 hours. This summer surge not only highlights the region’s warm climate but also emphasizes the importance of sunlight for agriculture and daily life in Fès-Meknès.
As summer gives way to autumn, sunshine hours gradually decrease, with August witnessing a slight drop to 374 hours, followed by 337 hours in September and a further decline to 323 hours in October. While November and December still provide a significant amount of sunlight at 280 and 273 hours respectively, they mark a stark contrast to the sun-drenched summer months. This cyclical pattern of sunshine not only defines the local climate but also profoundly impacts the cultural lifestyle, agricultural cycles, and energy dynamics of the region throughout the year.
The UV Index in Fès-Meknès, Morocco, reveals a distinct seasonal progression, reflecting increasing solar intensity as the year advances. Starting in January with a UV Index of 4, categorized as moderate, residents can enjoy about 30 minutes of safe sun exposure. As winter transitions into spring, February sees a rise to 6 (high exposure), and by March, the index escalates dramatically to 10 (very high), reducing burn time to just 15 minutes. This sharp increase highlights the need for greater sun protection as the days grow longer and sunnier, particularly leading into April where the UV Index reaches 11 (extreme), requiring even more caution.
During the peak summer months of June and July, the UV Index remains at its zenith, fluctuating between 12 to 13 (extreme), with a perilous burn time of only 10 minutes. This pattern remains consistent in August and September before tapering off in October to 8 (very high), allowing for slightly extended sun exposure. As the year concludes, November and December see a return to moderate levels with indices of 6 and 4, respectively. The fluctuating UV Index throughout the year underscores the importance of adjusting sun safety practices according to the season, particularly in the peak months when UV radiation poses a significant risk.
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In Fès-Meknès, Morocco, daylight duration showcases a clear seasonal rhythm, beginning with approximately 10 hours in both January and February. As spring arrives, daylight begins to extend, culminating at 11 hours in March. April and May see this trend continue, with daylight reaching 13 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities and agricultural practices. The continuous increase persists into the summer months, where June and July offer 14 hours of daylight, allowing residents to fully enjoy the warm weather and longer days.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight hours gradually decline, with August still retaining 13 hours before dropping to 12 hours in September. Moving into October, daylight further reduces to 11 hours, while November brings it down to 10 hours. By December, the year concludes with around 9 hours of daylight, signaling the return of shorter days. This natural ebb and flow of daylight not only affects daily routines and energy consumption but also plays a crucial role in shaping the cultural and agricultural landscape of Fès-Meknès throughout the year.
The climate in Fes, Morocco, is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. January temperatures range from -1°C to 23°C, while July can soar to a maximum of 45°C. Precipitation is highest in March and April, with 73 mm and 91 mm respectively, while summer months experience minimal rainfall. Sunshine hours peak in July with 401 hours, providing ample daylight throughout the year. For more detailed information, visit Fes climate.
Ifrane, Morocco experiences a distinct climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to a minimum of -11°C (13°F) and reach up to 20°C (68°F) during the day, while July sees maximum temperatures peaking at 36°C (96°F). Precipitation is highest in April (106 mm or 4.2 in), contributing to a lush landscape, and sunshine is abundant, particularly in July with 400 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information on the weather patterns, visit Ifrane climate.
Matmata, Morocco experiences a diverse climate with marked seasonal variations. Winter months, like January and February, feature cooler temperatures ranging from -1°C to 12°C, along with significant precipitation, peaking in April at 105 mm. Summer months see soaring temperatures, with averages reaching up to 28°C in July and 44°C in August, while rainfall drops to minimal levels, particularly in July. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the summer, with July displaying the highest at 396 hours. For more details, visit Matmata climate.
Meknes, Morocco experiences a diverse climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a chilly 10°C (51°F) in January to a scorching 27°C (81°F) in July. Precipitation is heaviest in March and April, with March receiving around 70 mm (2.8 in), while the summer months see significantly less rain, often less than 5 mm. With abundant sunshine, especially in the summer months, Meknes enjoys over 400 hours of sun in July, making it a bright and warm destination. For a more detailed overview, visit Meknes climate.
Moulay Yacoub, Morocco, experiences a diverse climate with hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures peak in July and August, reaching highs of up to 46°C (115°F), while January sees cooler averages around 10°C (51°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with the wettest months being April and March, recording 82 mm (3.2 in) and 71 mm (2.8 in) respectively. Sunshine is abundant, particularly in the summer months, with July boasting 401 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Moulay Yacoub climate.
In conclusion, the climate and environmental patterns in Fès-Meknès, Morocco, present a fascinating study of seasonal dynamics. With a distinct temperature range and marked variations in precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours, the region experiences a compelling interaction between its warm summers and cooler winters. The significant increase in sunshine and UV exposure during the peak months emphasizes the need for awareness around sun safety, while the steady daylight hours throughout the year influence both lifestyle and agricultural practices. Understanding these climatic characteristics not only enhances our appreciation of Fès-Meknès but also underscores the importance of adapting to its changing seasons in everyday life.