marrakech at new year?

I was thinking of spending a few days in Marrakech for new year and I'd like some info.

1) what's the weather like at that time of year?

2) I have 2 options:
a) 4 days in Marrakech (too many? not enough?)
b) 3 days in Marrakech and 3 days travelling around the Marrakech area. (Is here anything worth visiting in a 2-day visit from Marrakech?)

Thanks
Frank

Frank - If you haven't been to Morocco then I wouldn't recommend hanging in Marrakech for so long. In order to fully appreciate it - you would need to stay in a solid riad. You can only do so much shopping and tipping of snake charmers. Plus I found the Medina has an edge and its nice to go back to a room/hotel that is welcoming. There are a lot of good restaurants - especially in the newer area adjacent to the Medina. Closest to Marrakech is the beach community of Essaouira (2 1/2 hours by bus) and the Atlas mountains - which would be skiable but not hikeable at xmas. So given the option - book a good Riad in Marrakech for 2 nights and then head to the beach for 2 nights. Another good 2 city option is Fez and Chefchaouen - both very different Medina's that are pretty nice perspectives of Morocco. Liza

Hi,

The weather at this time of year Its Fresh the morning, the temperature reaches the 20 degrees Celsius at midday.
The evenings pleasant but the nights are fresh.

For your plan i recomand to take second option take more time ....
In Marrakech on day visit "La médina of Marrakech" and try different restaurants
at night you can discover some shows like

- Palais Gharnata
- Al Menara
- Chez Ali
from more Expensive to cheap a lot of shows exist in Marrakech

In 3 days arround Marrakech you can see Ourika Imlil in the montains

However its depend your nature

Welcome

I have been visting Marrakech for years, and always spend at least a week to 10 days there. And I still find it fascinating. Suggestion: if you only have seven days, spend it all in Marrakech except for an overnight trip to Essaouria. And my personal preference would be a hotel over a riad...but depends on your budget.
The weather may well be cool/cold and rainy. Check yahoo.com's weather data, and also that on msn for averages and record temps in Marrakech and other Moroccan cities.