The 10 best activities to do in Essaouira
Surfing in Morocco: 4 seasons in the surfing Mecca
The ideal season for surfing in Essaouira is from September to April, with steady waves and water temperatures between 18 and 22°C. Essaouira, one of Morocco's most beautiful cities, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, captivating visitors with its Portuguese, French and Berber history, visible in the architecture of its medina and ramparts. This Moroccan city is also a cultural crossroads, known for its Gnaoua music festival, its unique crafts and its rich cuisine.
What are the best seasons for surfing in Essaouira?
Taghazout has an ideal climate, dry throughout the year. Rain is fairly rare and from a meteorological point of view conditions are as follows:
High season: December, January, February, March and April are considered the high season, offering more consistent waves and ideal conditions for keen surfers.
Mid season: September, October, November, May and August are considered mid season, with more stable conditions, more consistent waves and favourable conditions.
Low season: The low season runs from June to July, when the waves are generally smaller and suitable for beginner surfers or those looking for milder conditions.
3/2, 4/3 or shorty wetsuits for surfing in Essaouira?
When it comes to wetsuits for surfing in Essaouira, the choice depends on a number of factors, including the season and individual tolerance to the cold.
- 3/2 wetsuit: Recommended for most sessions. It offers adequate protection against the cold, while also protecting against the sun's rays. Ideal for extended sessions in the varied waters of Essaouira.
- 4/3 Wetsuit: Recommended for cooler surfers, particularly during the cooler months of November to April. This thicker suit offers extra insulation, ensuring a comfortable surfing experience even when water temperatures are lower.
- Shorty: An option for warmer days or shorter sessions of an hour or two. The shorty offers greater freedom of movement, which can be appreciated by less chilly surfers during the summer months.
High Season
December
December in Essaouira marks the peak of the surfing season. The waves are often more powerful, creating the perfect backdrop for surf enthusiasts looking for memorable adventures.
- air temperature 18°C
- water temperature 17°C
- type of wetsuit 4/3mm or shorty for the less chilly!
- Winter conditions bring impressive swells, attracting surfers looking for a challenge.
January
January in Essaouira guarantees exceptional surfing conditions. Robust waves and moderate temperatures make this a popular month for surfers of all levels !
- air temperature 19°C
- water temperature 17°C
- type of wetsuit 4/3
- surfers can look forward to memorable sessions with well-formed swells.
February
Essaouira continues to offer exceptional surfing conditions. Powerful waves and moderate temperatures make this a great month for surfers looking for a varied surfing experience.
- air temperature 18°C
- water temperature 16°C
- type of wetsuit 4/3
- Well-formed swells offer continuous opportunities for unforgettable surf sessions...
March
Persistent waves and pleasant temperatures create the perfect environment for a variety of surfing adventures.
- air temperature 19°C
- water temperature 17°C
- type of wetsuit 4/3mm integral
- March often offers favourable surf conditions for a memorable end to the high season.
April
Although the high season is drawing to a close, surfers can still enjoy consistent waves before the calmer months arrive.
- air temperature 20°C
- water temperature 18°C
- type of wetsuit 3/2mm
- Waves persist, offering surfers a smooth transition to the quieter summer months at Imsouane.
Mid Season
September
Essaouira is seeing a slight increase in wave size, marking the transition to more favourable conditions for experienced surfers!
- air temperature 26°C
- water temperature 22°C
- type of wetsuit 3/2mm integral
- Surfers can enjoy a gradual transition to more consistent waves while taking advantage of the pleasant temperatures.
October
the waves are starting to drop, so surfers can still enjoy pleasant conditions before the arrival of the calmer months.
- air temperature 25°C
- water temperature 20°C
- type of wetsuit 3/2mm integral
- Surfers can enjoy the last waves in a more peaceful atmosphere, anticipating the arrival of the winter conditions to come.
November
Essaouira wakes up in November with ideal surfing conditions to kick off the high season. The waves get bigger and bigger, offering surfers exciting sessions in an exceptional coastal setting!
- air temperature 20°C
- water temperature 18-20°C
- type of wetsuit 3/2mm or shorty for the less chilly!
- The November waves in Essaouira offer exceptional opportunities with more pronounced swells.
May
Mild conditions ideal for less experienced surfers or those looking for a more relaxing experience !
- air temperature 23°C
- water temperature 20°C
- type of wetsuit 3/2mm or shorty for short sessions
- the winds remain moderate, creating pleasant surfing conditions.
August
It's an ideal period for beginner surfers looking for calmer conditions and easy progress!
- air temperature 27°C
- water temperature 21°C
- type of wetsuit 3/2mm integral
- moderate winds create waves suitable for a variety of skill levels.
Low Season
Even during the low season in Essaouira, we are committed to providing a rewarding experience with a minimum of three surf lessons per week.
June
June marks the start of the low season for surfing in Essaouira. The waves are generally smaller, offering beginner surfers an optimal learning ground in a unique coastal setting.
- air temperature 25°C
- water temperature 20°C
- type of wetsuit 3/2mm or shorty!
- winds are generally moderate.
July
In July, Essaouira continues to offer milder conditions for surfing. The waves are suitable for surfers of all levels, offering a relaxed atmosphere on the beaches!
- air temperature 26°C
- water temperature 21°C
- type of wetsuit 3/2mm
- The winds are moderate, creating waves suitable for a variety of skill levels.
