Essaouira Weather by Month: Temperatures, Rainfall & Climate Guide

Essaouira sits on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, about 190km west of Marrakech, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the trade winds known locally as the alizés. The city’s climate is a mild Mediterranean-meets-Atlantic blend, temperatures stay comfortable year-round thanks to the cooling ocean influence, rarely exceeding 25°C (77°F) in summer or dropping below 7°C (45°F) in winter. The wind is the defining feature: it blows consistently from April through September, making Essaouira Africa’s wind sports capital. If you’re coming from inland Morocco like Marrakech, the coastal cool will feel like a different country.

Essaouira Weather by Month: Quick Reference

Essaouira Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)

Winter brings Essaouira’s coolest temperatures, with daytime highs of 17-18°C (63-64°F) and nights dipping to 7-8°C (45-46°F). December and January are the wettest months, each seeing 50-72mm of rainfall spread across 8-10 rainy days. The rain comes in short, sharp bursts rather than all-day drizzle, you’ll get 6 hours of daily sunshine even in the wettest month. Pack layers: a fleece or light jacket for evenings, a waterproof shell for passing showers, and you’ll be fine. The Atlantic stays at 16-17°C, cold for swimming but fine for a quick dip. Hotel prices are at their lowest and the medina is quiet, making this the best season for budget travelers and photographers who want empty streets.

Essaouira Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)

Spring is when Essaouira wakes up. March starts at 19°C (66°F) and by May you’re looking at 21°C (70°F) with nights warming to 13°C (55°F). Rainfall drops sharply from 42mm in March to just 12mm in May, and sunshine climbs from 8 to 10 hours daily. The trade winds kick in properly by April, bringing consistent 20-30 knot breezes that windsurfers and kitesurfers chase from across the globe. The countryside turns green after winter rains, and wildflowers blanket the coastal hills. The best time to visit Essaouira guide breaks down exactly which spring weeks offer the best wind-to-crowd ratio. Sea temperature rises from 17°C to 18°C (wetsuit territory).

Essaouira Weather by Month: Summer (June to September)

Summer is Essaouira’s peak season, but it doesn’t feel like a typical beach summer. Daytime highs hold steady at 22-24°C (72-75°F) with almost zero rain, just 0-6mm across the four months combined. The constant Atlantic breeze means you’ll rarely feel hot, though the sun is intense with 9-10 hours daily. This is when inland Moroccans flee the 40°C+ heat of Marrakech for Essaouira’s breezy coast. The Gnaoua World Music Festival in late June draws 300,000+ visitors, book accommodation 3-4 months ahead if you’re coming then. See the things to do in Essaouira guide for summer activities and the Essaouira events and festivals calendar for festival dates. Sea temperatures peak at 20-21°C in August and September, warm enough for comfortable swimming without a wetsuit. The wind is at its strongest in July and August, making these prime windsurfing months. Nights are pleasantly cool at 16-18°C (61-64°F).. Essaouira travel tips

Essaouira Weather by Month: Autumn (October to November)

Autumn is the shoulder season sweet spot. October still feels like summer with highs of 22°C (72°F) and sea temperatures at a comfortable 20°C, the ocean is actually warmer now than in June. November brings a shift: temperatures drop to 20°C (68°F) daytime and 11°C (52°F) at night, and rainfall jumps to 67mm. The wind starts to ease off in October, making beach days more pleasant for sunbathers who found summer too breezy. The Gnaoua Festival crowds are long gone, hotel prices drop from August peaks, and the medina regains its relaxed rhythm. Check the where to stay in Essaouira guide for autumn hotel deals. November’s rains are the first real soaking since spring, pack a rain jacket if visiting in the second half of the month.. Essaouira neighborhoods