Best Time to Visit Essaouira (Season + Monthly Breakdown)

When planning a trip to any destination, one of the top factors to consider is when to go. From personal experience, the best time to visit Essaouira is from September to May, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thinner.

However, each season offers its own unique experiences, and there is something to enjoy year-round. In this article, I break down the best time to visit Essaouira by season and month so that you can plan your trip accordingly.

Best Time to Visit Essaouira: September – May

The best time to visit Essaouira is from September to May, aka pretty much any month that isn’t in the height of summer.

During this period, the weather is mild and pleasant, with lots of warm sunny days. The temperatures are comfortable and not too hot, making it possible to explore the city without feeling exhausted. In addition to the great weather, the crowds are significantly thinner during this period. This is the best time to visit Essaouira for a quieter vacation. You can score spots on terraces and enjoy the colorful markets without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. The beaches aren’t as crowded either, giving you the opportunity to relax and soak up the sun in peace.

Overall, the period from September to May offers a more relaxed and authentic Essaouira experience. Explore the rich history and culture without feeling stressed by the crowds while also taking advantage of the pleasant weather and outdoor experiences. This is also the best time to visit Essaouira for a more affordable trip since a lot of accommodation is discounted for the off-season. It’s no wonder why so many people fall in love with this charming city during this time of the year.

The rest of this article breaks down the best time to visit Essaouira by season and Essaouira weather by month, so you know what to expect during your stay.

Best Time to Visit Essaouira by Season

Morocco’s coastal city of Essaouira is a beautiful destination with a rich history and culture. With a temperate climate throughout the year, Essaouira is a great place to visit any time, but each season offers its own unique experiences.

Here’s a breakdown of the best time to visit Essaouira by season, along with some things to do each month.

Summer in Essaouira: June – August

Summer in Essaouira is the busiest and most popular time to visit the city. With warm temperatures and long days, it’s the perfect time to enjoy the beach and water sports.

In June, the Gnaoua World Music Festival takes place, which is a must-see for music lovers. In July and August, the city is bustling with tourists, so it’s recommended to book accommodations in advance.

During these months, try your hand at surfing, rent a kayak, or go for a swim.

Autumn in Essaouira: September – November

Autumn in Essaouira is a great time to visit the city, as the temperatures are mild and the crowds have thinned out.

September and October are perfect for those looking for a quieter vacation, with opportunities for long, empty beach walks and outdoor activities like quad biking in the dunes or multi-day horse treks.

In October, the Essaouira Andalusian Festival takes place, which celebrates the city’s Andalusian heritage with music, dance, and food.

November is a great time to visit the city’s markets and souks, as the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are minimal.

Winter in Essaouira: December – February

Winter in Essaouira is cooler and quieter but still pleasant enough to enjoy outdoor activities during the day.

December and January are prime times to visit the city’s museums and art galleries and stroll through the peaceful medina. Soak in the sunset on camelback, dine on sunny rooftops, and enjoy Essaouira without the hoards of people.

I was here during this period, and it was really lovely. It was pretty warm most of the time, which made it easy to still spend time on the beach, despite the winter season.

On rainy days, I holed up at Noqta, an Essaouira coworking space, which is a dream for any Morocco digital nomad.

Read More: What is a Digital Nomad?

Spring in Essaouira: March – May

Spring in Essaouira is a beautiful time to visit, as the city is in full bloom and the temperatures are pretty near perfect.

March, April, and May are the best months to visit Essaouira to enjoy the city’s beaches and to take a guided trek through one of the surrounding forests. It’s also the best time to visit Essaouira for markets and souks since it’s shoulder season with thinner crowds.

There’s a lot to explore in and around Essaouira, and spring is when this area of Morocco is at its best.

Essaouira Weather by Month

The weather in Essaouira is generally mild throughout the year, making it a great destination no matter what month you choose to visit.

This seaside town is also known for its strong winds, which make it a popular destination for wind-based sports such as kite-surfing and windsurfing. The windiest months are from June to August, when the average wind speed is around 12-14 mph.

However, there is generally a breeze throughout the year, so prepare for windy conditions when visiting Essaouira, especially if you plan on spending time on the beach. It’s not the best for sunbathing because of the wind, but don’t let this deter you from a trip to this gem.

Month	High/Low (°F)	High/Low (°C)	Precipitation (mm)	Average Wind Speed (mph)
January	66/48	19/9	66	11.9
February	68/48	20/9	53	11.5
March	70/50	21/10	49	11.1
April	72/52	22/11	38	11.0
May	74/54	23/12	18	11.3
June	77/59	25/15	4	12.3
July	82/63	28/17	1	13.6
August	82/64	28/18	1	14.0
September	81/63	27/17	10	13.0
October	77/59	25/15	44	12.5
November	72/54	22/12	68	12.1
December	68/50	20/10	70	11.9

Essaouira Weather in January

In January, the weather in Essaouira is cool and pleasant, with an average high temperature of 66°F (19°C) and an average low temperature of 48°F (9°C). January is a great time to explore the city’s museums and art galleries or warm up at a hammam. You can also take advantage of the cooler weather for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

Essaouira Weather in February

In February, the weather in Essaouira is still cool, with an average high temperature of 68°F (20°C) and an average low temperature of 48°F (9°C). This is the month to take advantage of the quieter beaches. Try a kite surfing lesson or book a horse ride.

Essaouira Weather in March

In March, the weather in Essaouira begins to warm up, with an average high temperature of 70°F (21°C) and an average low temperature of 50°F (10°C). March is a great time to explore the medina, picnic in the dunes, or go on a quad tour (I love Aziz at Quad Attitude!).

Essaouira Weather in April

In April, the weather in Essaouira is mild and sunny, with an average high temperature of 72°F (22°C) and an average low temperature of 52°F (11°C). April is a great time to visit the city’s colorful markets and souks, as the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are minimal. Visitors can also enjoy outdoor activities, such as horseback riding and camel trekking.

Essaouira Weather in May

In May, the weather in Essaouira is warm and pleasant, with an average high temperature of 74°F (23°C) and an average low temperature of 54°F (12°C), making it the perfect time to explore the city’s many attractions. Wander through the historic medina (which is a UNESCO World Heritage site), soak up the sun, and dine al fresco at one of the many rooftop restaurants.

Essaouira Weather in June

In June, the weather in Essaouira is balmy and bright, with an average high temperature of 77°F (25°C) and an average low temperature of 59°F (15°C). June is a wonderful time to go kite surfing, kayaking, or swimming. But the main highlight is the Gnaoua World Music Festival, which attracts musicians from all over the globe. If you plan on visiting Essaouira in June, be sure to book accommodation well in advance.

Essaouira Weather in July

In July, the weather in Essaouira is hot and sunny, with an average high temperature of 82°F (28°C) and an average low temperature of 63°F (17°C). July is a popular time to visit the city, so it’s recommended to reserve rooms early. Also, consider making dinner and tour reservations in advance!

Essaouira Weather in August

In August, the weather in Essaouira is at its hottest, with an average high temperature of 82°F (28°C) and an average low temperature of 64°F (18°C). But the wind is also at its strongest, which keeps the city cool. August is a busy time in Essaouira — prices are higher, and you shouldn’t leave booking to the last minute. Hang out on the beach or enjoy water activities, such as surfing and kite-surfing.

Essaouira Weather in September

In September, the weather in Essaouira begins to cool down, with an average high temperature of 81°F (27°C) and an average low temperature of 63°F (17°C). September is the best time to visit Essaouira if you’re looking for a quieter vacation. Take advantage of the cooler weather for outdoor activities like long beach walks and hiking. The Essaouira Andalusian Festival also takes place during this month.

Essaouira Weather in October

In October, the weather in Essaouira is mild, with an average high temperature of 77°F (25°C) and an average low temperature of 59°F (15°C). October is a great time to explore the city’s markets and souks, as the weather is still pleasant and the crowds have thinned out. Visitors can also attend the Essaouira Andalusian Festival, which celebrates the city’s Andalusian heritage with music, dance, and food.

Essaouira Weather in November

In November, the weather in Essaouira is cool and pleasant, with an average high temperature of 72°F (22°C) and an average low temperature of 54°F (12°C). November is the best time to visit Essaouira for markets and souks, as the weather is still pleasant and the crowds are minimal — get your holiday shopping done here. This is also the time to indulge in a classic Essaouira experience like horseback riding and camel trekking.

Essaouira Weather in December

In December, the weather in Essaouira is cool and pleasant, with an average high temperature of 68°F (20°C) and an average low temperature of 50°F (10°C). December is the best time to visit Essaouira for a more relaxed experience. There aren’t many people around, which makes it a spectacular month to unwind in this chilled out city.

So When is the Best Time to Visit Essaouira?

Ultimately, the best time to visit Essaouira depends on personal preferences.

Summer is best for beach activities and music festivals, autumn offers a quieter vacation with cultural events, winter is great for outdoor activities and sports, and spring is perfect for enjoying the city’s colorful markets and outdoor activities.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Essaouira is a great destination year-round. With its beautiful beaches, rich history, and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder why so many visitors fall in love with this charming city.

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