The contrast between the rigours of a typical European winter and the perennially mild temperatures of Marrakech make January as good a time to visit this vibrant city as almost any other. The statistics speak for themselves: whereas much of northern continental Europe manages no more than a meagre 50-60 hours of sunshine during the first month of the New Year, in Marrakech the figure is 200 plus, over 7 hours of it per day! Daytime temperatures range from 7°C to 18°C compared with values of half that in London or Paris. Rainfall? The Marrakech average of just 25mm (over 5 days) compares with 52mm in London (on 19 days) and 56mm in Paris (over 16 days). But mild sunny weather is not the only advantage of a January visit: with fewer people around and prices at their lowest the budget goes further and there are bargains to be had everywhere, not least in the souks. Given the range of the city's attractions, both outdoor and indoor, there is always plenty to see and do and there are a few events worth noting.