Best time to go to Essaouira Average weather of Essaouira, Morocco
Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Essaouira?
Beautiful fishing port of Morocco, Essaouira is located on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and less than 200 kilometers from Agadir. The best time to visit Essaouira depends on several factors, including the weather, the activities you plan to do, and your tolerance for crowds. In general, Essaouira can be visited throughout the year thanks to its semi-arid climate which offers pleasant temperatures and low rainfall.
However, to make the most of the weather, the ideal period extends from March to December. During these months, you can expect mostly sunny days, with temperatures ranging from mild to warm. Whether you prefer lounging on the beach, exploring the medina, or tasting local specialties on a terrace, this time of year offers optimal weather conditions for all these activities.
If you enjoy swimming, it is recommended to visit Essaouira between August and October. During these months, the sea water temperature is the warmest of the year, ranging between 19.2°C and 23.4°C. It is therefore the perfect time to enjoy Essaouira's beaches and engage in water activities such as surfing or kitesurfing.
On the other hand, if you prefer to avoid crowds, you may consider visiting Essaouira outside of the peak tourist season which takes place in August. Although this time of year is very lively and offers an interesting glimpse into the local culture, it can also be quite crowded, especially in tourist areas. By visiting Essaouira outside of this period, you can enjoy the city at a more leisurely pace and discover its charms without being disturbed by the crowds.
Finally, even though the weather is not as favorable in January and February, these months offer a unique opportunity to discover Essaouira in a different light. The climate is cooler, but still pleasant for strolling and exploring the city. Moreover, it is a less touristy period, allowing you to enjoy Essaouira in a more authentic way.
In summary, no matter the time of year you choose, Essaouira always has something unique to offer. You just need to choose the period that best suits your preferences and expectations for an unforgettable trip to Essaouira.
So, when is the best time to go to Essaouira? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The weather is good all year round in Essaouira
- On average, the warmest months are July, August and September
- Essaouira has dry periods in June, July, August and September
- The coldest months are January, February and March
- The best months for swimming are August, September and October
Annual weather in Essaouira
Weather details in Essaouira month by month
Weather and climate in Essaouira
Located in Morocco, the city of Essaouira enjoys a semi-arid climate, a type of dry climate. It is part of the Köppen-Geiger classification, specifically a hot and dry steppe climate (BSh). Like most cities in Morocco located on the coast, such as Rabat or Casablanca, the city benefits from a pleasant climate throughout the year, with minimal seasonal variations. It is far from the stifling heat of Marrakech or Ouarzazate in the height of summer.
Essaouira in Winter (January - March)
Winter in Essaouira is far from harsh. Temperatures remain pleasant with an average ranging from 13°C (56°F) to 21°C (70°F) . Precipitation is rare, and the sky is generally clear or slightly cloudy. Temperatures are mild in the morning and remain stable throughout the day. The sky is mostly sunny, making winter in Essaouira ideal for outdoor activities.
Essaouira in Spring (April - June)
Spring is arguably the best season to visit Essaouira. Temperatures are slightly higher, ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 26°C (79°F) . Days are mostly sunny and rain is almost nonexistent. It is the perfect time to enjoy the beaches and explore the city.
Essaouira in Summer (July - September)
Summer in Essaouira is characterized by temperatures ranging from 21°C (70°F) to 29°C (85°F) . The sky remains clear most of the time, offering visitors plenty of sunshine hours. Summer in Essaouira is dry with little to no precipitation, making it an ideal time to visit the city.
Essaouira in Autumn (October - December)
Autumn in Essaouira is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 15°C (59°F) and 26°C (79°F) . Precipitation remains low and the sky is often clear. It is a perfect time to enjoy the city without crowds while benefiting from a pleasant climate.
In conclusion, Essaouira is a destination that can be visited throughout the year thanks to its semi-arid climate. Whether you prefer the gentle winter sun or the summer heat, you can be assured of a pleasant stay. The absence of significant precipitation is also an advantage, allowing you to make the most of your trip.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Essaouira
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Essaouira: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Essaouira
Find out when Essaouira has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Essaouira
- Very low season in Essaouira
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February, March, June and September. - Low season in Essaouira
The months with low numbers of tourists are: April, July, November and December. - High season in Essaouira
The number of visitors to Essaouira is high in: May and October. - Peak season in Essaouira
The largest number of tourists visiting Essaouira is during: August.
Figure: Visitor index for Essaouira month by month
Best time for low prices in Essaouira
Average prices of hotels in Essaouira month by month
Generally, May is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Essaouira. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, August is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Essaouira
A return flight between London and Essaouira is generally cheaper if you go in november ($ 128 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 361 more for your airline ticket to Essaouira if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Essaouira
Average price of hiring a car in Essaouira
On average, it costs $ 34 per day to hire a car in Essaouira. This price varies by $ 20 depending on the month. In november, hiring a car costs an average of $ 28 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in august is $ 48.
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