Best Time to Visit Essaouira: Weather, Wind and When to Go
Essaouira has one of the most stable climates in Morocco: never very hot, rarely cold. The real factor when choosing your dates is the wind, which kitesurfers love but which can spoil a beach day.
Essaouira can be visited all year: thanks to a cold ocean current, temperatures stay mild, around 18-19 °C by day in winter and only 22-23 °C in summer, when Marrakech tops 35 °C. The deciding factor is the trade wind: it blows hard mainly from April to September, especially in July-August, which makes Essaouira a well-known kitesurfing and windsurfing spot but makes the beach less pleasant for sunbathing. To explore the UNESCO-listed medina in calm conditions, October-November and March are often the best compromise: less wind, soft light, fewer crowds. The sea stays cool all year, around 17 to 21 °C. The big event is the Gnaoua Festival, announced for 24 to 26 June 2027: accommodation fills up very early for those dates.
Essaouira Weather Month by Month
| Month | Avg. high | Avg. low | Wind | Our verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 18 °C | 9 °C | Moderate | Calm, some rain |
| February | 19 °C | 10 °C | Moderate | Mild |
| March | 20 °C | 11 °C | Moderate | Very good |
| April | 20 °C | 13 °C | Strong | Good, wind picks up |
| May | 21 °C | 14 °C | Strong | Good for kiting |
| June | 22 °C | 16 °C | Very strong | Gnaoua, kiting |
| July | 22 °C | 17 °C | Very strong | Cool escape, kiting |
| August | 23 °C | 17 °C | Very strong | Cool escape, in high demand |
| September | 23 °C | 17 °C | Strong | Good |
| October | 23 °C | 15 °C | Moderate | Excellent |
| November | 21 °C | 12 °C | Light to moderate | Excellent |
| December | 19 °C | 10 °C | Light to moderate | Calm |
Indicative averages; the wind varies a lot from day to day.
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What to Do by Season
- Windy summer: kitesurfing or surf lessons, horse riding on the beach, the medina sheltered by its ramparts. See surfing in Essaouira and horse riding in Essaouira.
- Autumn and spring: medina, harbour, Sidi Kaouki beaches, quad biking in the argan forest. See Sidi Kaouki.
- Winter: a peaceful town, beautiful light, lower prices. A great stop after Marrakech in winter.
| Activity | Rating | Reviews | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group surf lesson | 4.9 | 515 | €22 |
| Half-day quad in the dunes | 4.9 | 337 | €69 |
| 1-hour horse ride on the beach | 4.8 | 287 | €34 |
| Moroccan cooking class (tagine) | 5 | 211 | €37 |
Ratings, reviews and prices taken from GetYourGuide; they may change.
See things to do in Essaouira· 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
The Gnaoua Festival
The Gnaoua and World Music Festival transforms the town every June. The 2027 edition is announced for 24 to 26 June. See the festival page. For those dates, book accommodation several months ahead.
Further reading: things to do in Essaouira, where to stay in Essaouira and the day trip from Marrakech.
FAQ — Best Time to Visit Essaouira
What is the best month to visit Essaouira?
Why is Essaouira so windy?
Is Essaouira hot in summer?
Can you swim in Essaouira?
When is the Gnaoua Festival 2027?
In Short
- Mild all year, never very hot.
- Strong wind from April to September: a kitesurfing paradise.
- October-November and March for a calm medina.
