New Year in Essaouira: Seeing in the Year by the Atlantic
Far from Marrakech’s big parties, Essaouira offers a human-sized New Year: dinner in a riad, a walk on the ramparts and the sound of the ocean at midnight.
For New Year in Essaouira, expect around 19 °C by day and 10 °C at night, with generally light wind in winter. The mood is intimate and relaxed: festive dinners in medina riads and restaurants, often by reservation and sometimes as a fixed-price special menu, rather than big parties. 31 December 2026 is a Thursday and 1 January is a public holiday in Morocco, with no closures of restaurants or tourist activities. As the town is small, boutique medina riads fill up early for the holidays. For the following days: surf lessons (from €22), quad biking in the dunes (from €69 for a half day), beach horse rides (from €34) or a cooking class (from €37). Essaouira is 2.5-3 hours from Marrakech, and many people combine the imperial city with the ocean.
Plan your stay
The guides and experiences our readers book most for this destination.
Things to Do Around New Year in Essaouira
The most-booked activities for the holiday days:
| Experience | Rating | Reviews | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Essaouira from Marrakech: coast, medina and lunch in a small group | 4.9 | 9,880 | €12 |
| Essaouira: group surf lesson | 4.9 | 515 | €22 |
| Essaouira sand dunes: half-day quad tour | 4.9 | 337 | €69 |
| Essaouira: 1-hour horseback ride on the beach | 4.8 | 287 | €34 |
| Essaouira: Moroccan cooking class (tagine) | 5.0 | 211 | €37 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they may change.
See things to do in Essaouira for New Year· GetYourGuideFree cancellation up to 24h before on most activities · the best time slots sell out first in high seasonReserve now, pay later on many activities
Compare activities on ViatorYou will be redirected to our partner Viator.Where to Celebrate
- In your riad: many offer a 31 December dinner for guests; ask for the menu and price when booking.
- In a medina or harbour restaurant: fish and seafood, special menus to book several days ahead.
- In a seafront hotel: the most festive option, with entertainment and often a gala dinner at extra cost.
See things to do in Essaouira and Essaouira in December.
Where to Stay for New Year
A medina riad for atmosphere and proximity to restaurants, or a beachfront hotel for the pool and central heating. Check whether the 31 December dinner is included and choose free cancellation. See the best riads in Essaouira and the best hotels in Essaouira.
See Essaouira riads for New Year· Booking.comFree cancellation on many properties · the best-rated places fill up firstNo prepayment needed on many offers: lock in your room now
Compare flights and hotels on Trip.com· Trip.com
Book your arrival transferYou will be redirected to our partner GetTransfer.See also New Year in Morocco, New Year in Marrakech and Marrakech or Essaouira.
FAQ — New Year in Essaouira
Is Essaouira lively for New Year?
What is the weather like in Essaouira on 31 December?
Do I need to book the New Year’s Eve dinner?
What can I do on 1 January in Essaouira?
Can I combine Marrakech and Essaouira for New Year?
In Short
- An intimate New Year by the ocean.
- 19 °C by day, light wind.
- Riads book out early: reserve now.
