Essaouira's climate in short
Essaouira lies on the Atlantic coast, and the trade winds (alizés) shape its weather and its reputation for water sports. Winters are cooler and wetter. Summers have very little rain. Wind is a standard part of a visit, so plan for it.
The numbers on this page come from two kinds of sources. Temperature and rain are long-term monthly averages for the Essaouira weather station, published by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Wind comes from a local operator's analysis of model data. The best time to visit depends on what you plan to do, because a good month for a city walk is not the same as a good month for kitesurfing.
Temperature, rain and wind by month
Mean temperature is the average over day and night, so afternoons are warmer and nights cooler. The wind column shows the share of days with a daily maximum of 12 knots or more (about 22 km/h), from an operator analysis for 2021 to 2025.
| Month | Mean temperature (°C) | Rain (mm) | Windy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 14.9 | 44.1 | 46 % |
| February | 15.6 | 34.2 | 52 % |
| March | 16.5 | 38.1 | 64 % |
| April | 16.6 | 19.1 | 69 % |
| May | 17.7 | 7.2 | 79 % |
| June | 19.2 | 0.7 | 78 % |
| July | 19.6 | 0.1 | 91 % |
| August | 20.1 | 0.1 | 94 % |
| September | 20.0 | 3.0 | 73 % |
| October | 19.4 | 25.9 | 52 % |
| November | 17.8 | 35.7 | 59 % |
| December | 16.2 | 76.8 | 40 % |
A low monthly average does not rule out a rainy day, so carry a light jacket even in the dry months.
Essaouira tours for any season
Walking tours, cooking classes and day trips from Essaouira, with live prices and availability.
What the seasons mean for your trip
Pick the month by what you plan to do.
June to August: dry and windy
These are the driest months, with 0.7 mm or less of average rain in June, July and August. They are also the windiest in the operator's table, with 78 % to 94 % windy days. That suits kitesurfing and makes the beach breezy rather than still.
September and October: warm, rain returns
The monthly mean is still about 20 °C in September and 19.4 °C in October. Rain rises from 3.0 mm in September to 25.9 mm in October.
November to February: cooler and wetter
Mean temperatures are between 14.9 and 17.8 °C, and December has the most rain at 76.8 mm. This is a good time for walks in the medina and the port when the sun is out. Bring a warm layer and a rain jacket.
March to May: mild and getting drier
Rain falls from 38.1 mm in March to 7.2 mm in May, while temperatures climb from 16.5 to 17.7 °C. Wind days increase over these months, from 64 % to 79 %.
Best time to visit, by goal
There is no single best month. Weigh these goals against the table.
- City visit: the medina and port can be seen in any season. Winter needs warmer clothing and a rain plan, and December is the wettest month.
- Beach days: wind is common all year, so do not expect calm air on the sand. The warmest monthly means are in August and September. See the beach guide.
- Kitesurfing: a local school names May to September as the main time, and July and August have the most windy days. Read the surfing and kitesurfing page.
- Surfing: the same school says swells are more regular from October to April.
A schedule note: the Gnaoua festival was held from 25 to 27 June 2026, and the next edition is announced for 24 to 26 June 2027. Some areas are ticketed, so check the organizer's program before you plan around it. Book rooms early if you want to be in town that week, and see where to stay.
Essaouira weather: frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Essaouira?
It depends on your goal. For dry weather, June to August. For kitesurfing, May to September. For a city walk, any month works with the right clothes.
Does it rain a lot in Essaouira?
Mostly in winter. December has the highest monthly average at 76.8 mm. June, July and August average 0.7 mm or less.
Is Essaouira always windy?
Wind is common, but it varies by day. In an operator analysis for 2021 to 2025, between 40 % and 94 % of days reached a daily maximum of 12 knots, depending on the month.
How warm is it in summer?
The mean temperatures are 19.2 °C in June, 19.6 °C in July and 20.1 °C in August. A mean combines day and night, so afternoons are warmer.
What should I pack?
A windproof layer for any month, sun protection in summer and a rain jacket from October to March.
When is the Gnaoua festival?
The 2026 edition took place from 25 to 27 June. The next edition is announced for 24 to 26 June 2027. Ticket rules differ by edition, so check the organizer.