As the jewel of Morocco's Atlantic coast, Essaouira offers pleasant weather year-round with low rainfall. Perfect for a few days of water sports or cultural exploration, visitors can enjoy festivals, artisanal shops, the Medina, and the fishing port. Discover the best time to stay in a riad or villa and make the most of this seaside town on Morocco’s Atlantic coast.
Spring is one of the best times to discover Essaouira. Average temperatures are mild, with plenty of sun, making it a wonderful time to enjoy the coastal town and the beaches of Essaouira. The best months for a short visit are April to June, and it’s advisable to bring a light jacket as occasional rain may occur.
This is the best time of year for water sports enthusiasts, with perfect wind conditions for surfing, kite surfing, and windsurfing. Courses offered by centers such as Océan Vagabond make it easy for beginners and experts alike.
On the cultural front, spring is marked by the famous Gnaoua World Music Festival, which brings together artists from all over the world to celebrate traditional Moroccan music. Visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere while discovering art galleries and meeting local people, and sampling the charming restaurants around the medina.
Our clients recommend these villas for Spring Holidays in Essaouira, Morocco: Dar Ondina , Dar Sophia , Villa Camel
In summer, from June to August, the city receives little rainfall. The days are filled with many hours of sun, making it the best months to enjoy the beaches. The Atlantic Ocean water is warmer and the air is pleasant, perfect for swimming and water sports.
Summer in Essaouira is unique. Unlike other Moroccan cities where the weather can be stifling, Essaouira benefits from an ocean breeze that eases summer swelter between June and August. With direct flights from major European cities, visitors can reach this coastal town easily and start enjoying its beaches and water sports without long travel times.
These are the best months in Morocco for experienced surfers and kitesurfers, who take advantage of the favourable weather and constant winds to ride the waves. The windy coastline becomes a veritable playground for sports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
Essaouira is a wonderful year-round destination, offering not only beaches and water sports but also rich history, vibrant markets, and lively cultural events for visitors of all ages. Summer evenings in June, July and August are punctuated by a variety of musical events and open-air festivals. The Festival des Alizés celebrates musical diversity in a laidback atmosphere. Essaouira is an ideal destination for an extended holiday to fully enjoy sun, culture, and coastal activities.
Recommended villas for your Summer holiday in Essaouira: Fort de Mogador , Villa Mamouna , Villa Granvia
Autumn is a charming season in Essaouira. September and October temperatures remain pleasant, allowing you to enjoy the city in a more peaceful atmosphere than in the high season with fewer tourists for several months. Around the end of September and in October, Essaouira experiences little rainfall and plenty of sun, perfect for days spent outdoors.
This period is also ideal for travellers seeking authenticity, with the chance to witness the olive and argan harvests, two of the region's emblematic products. Visits to local cooperatives are a great way to learn more about these prized crops, taste the high-quality oils, and buy souvenirs in their shops. Afterwards, you can enjoy a meal at a nearby restaurant, sampling dishes made with these fresh local ingredients.
Apart from the harvest, autumn is an ideal time to explore Essaouira's historic heritage. The medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is revealed in a new light, with its lively alleyways and craftsmen at work. Visiting Essaouira during Eid Al-Adha gives visitors a unique opportunity to witness the Feast of Sacrifice, with locals celebrating through special meals, prayers, and cultural gatherings. The months of September, October and November are also synonymous with lower prices, so that people can enjoy a more affordable stay while discovering the city from a more intimate angle.
Our selection of exceptional autumn villas in Essaouira: Villa Inoun, Dar Maha , Kasbah Mamouna
Far from the hustle and bustle of summer, winter in Essaouira has fewer tourists, making this a wonderful time for rest and contemplation. Temperatures remain mild compared to other parts of Morocco, making it an ideal destination for a winter getaway in December, January and February. This is a great time to stay in a villa with a heated swimming pool and take advantage of the typical hammams and spas, offering relaxation at any time of day.
Culture lovers will love the long walks along the ramparts and bustling fishing port, where the rich history of this Muslim country is revealed through its architecture and crafts. A visit to the Sidi Mohamed Ben Abdallah Museum is an excellent way to learn more about local history and traditions. Strolling through the heart of the medina, discovering art galleries and craft shops, interacting with the people, sipping traditional mint tea, and soaking up Essaouira's peaceful atmosphere in winter are all experiences to be savoured for total cultural immersion.
Our recommendations for your winter stay in Essaouira: Dar El Salam , Riad Dharma , Lucia Mogador
Villanovo offers a beautiful choice of riads and villas in Essaouira with house staff , a private swimming pool, some close to the beach or set on Golf Mogador. Discover our exceptional villas and riads in the medina, outside Essaouira or at Golf Mogador for an unforgettable family holiday, and enjoy every moment thanks to our attentive concierge service. You can also extend your stay with a visit to Marrakech to see a more cosmopolitan side of Morocco.
Our attentive concierges take care of all the details so you can take time to enjoy your Moroccan holiday. This personalised service curates every detail of your stay, from booking quad biking and horseback riding excursions, private yoga sessions, or an afternoon of water sports, to arranging a dedicated chef and bespoke experiences tailored just for you. Each stay in one of our villas includes a travel book, with our recommendations for restaurants, shops, beaches, the best things to do, and other experiences to discover in Essaouira.