Essaouira in winter offers a unique experience: the medina is quieter, the port retains all its authenticity, and temperatures remain mild along the Atlantic coast. We were charmed by this city, which reveals a more intimate side during the off-season.
Here are all our tips for visiting Essaouira in winter: activities, weather, temperatures… Plus, information on spending Christmas or New Year’s in this charming, windy city.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Visiting Essaouira in the winter: Is it worth it?
Our review
Yes, visiting Essaouira in winter is definitely worth it. The medina remains lively, the harbor is bustling, and the white-and-blue alleyways are just as beautiful as they are in the height of summer. You’ll appreciate the mild temperatures along the Atlantic coast, which generally range from 15°C to 20°C in winter—perfect, in our opinion, for enjoying walks outdoors. You’ll also be able to book your accommodations more easily and at better rates. For surfing and kitesurfing enthusiasts, the trade winds blow steadily year-round, making Essaouira a year-round destination for board sports. Check out all our ideas for things to do in Essaouira here.
WHERE TO STAY IN Essaouira
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
In the medina
Hotel Salut Maroc! – see pictures and availability
On the seafront
Hôtel Atlas Essaouira Riad Resort – Check photos and availability
In the hinterland
Hôtel Jardin des Douars – Check photos and availability
Benefits
- Temperatures remain mild, ranging from 15°C to 20°C during the day.
- The medina, the souk, and the city walls can be visited when there are fewer crowds.
- Accommodation rates are more affordable than during peak season.
- The conditions are ideal for surfing and often for kitesurfing (though there may sometimes be no wind)
- Restaurants, museums, and major attractions remain open.
- The city has a calmer and more authentic atmosphere.
Disadvantages
- Evenings and nights are cool: be sure to pack warm clothes.
- The wind can be strong, especially by the sea.
- There is a chance of rain, although precipitation will remain light.
- The days are shorter.
- Swimming in the ocean is only for the daring, given the water temperatures.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Maroc
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Adapt your choice of vehicle to your itinerary!
- For more choice, book early.
Read our tips (coming soon)
Weather, temperatures and conditions
Winters in Essaouira are mild. The Atlantic coastline shields the city from extreme weather: temperatures generally range from 12°C to 20°C during the day and drop to around 8°C to 10°C at night. There is no frost. The sun shines for much of the winter, although cloudy days and occasional rain are to be expected. The city is nicknamed the “City of Wind” for good reason: the trade winds blow constantly along the coast, making days feel cooler than the thermometer indicates. Be sure to pack a windbreaker or a light coat, even during the day. On the other hand, these conditions are a dream come true for surfers and kitesurfers, who find consistent waves here all year round.
A LITTLE MORE PATIENCE
All the photos, maps, information and addresses you need to make your stay at Maroc a success will soon be available in a single ebook!
Coming soon!
What is there to do in Essaouira in the winter?
Essaouira offers plenty of activities in the winter. In our opinion, this season is actually the best time to explore the city. Here are our suggestions.
Getting lost in the medina and the souk
The medina of Essaouira, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the heart of the city. Its cobblestone alleys, lined with whitewashed facades and blue doors, create a distinctive setting. In winter, the crowds thin out, and you can stroll at your own pace through the souk, whose main thoroughfare is Avenue de l’Istiqlal. We loved discovering the workshops of thuja wood artisans, colorful ceramics, and silver jewelry there. If you see something you like, don’t hesitate to haggle—it’s a well-established tradition in Morocco. To take it a step further, book a guided tour of the medina to uncover the city’s secrets with a local guide.
Stroll along the ramparts and through the Sqala of the Kasbah
Walking along the ramparts of Essaouira to the Sqala of the Kasbah is a stroll we recommend to all visitors, no matter the season. In winter, the low-angled sunlight casts a unique glow on the stones and the ocean. From the viewing platform, you’ll enjoy an unobstructed view of the medina and the Atlantic, without the summer crowds. The cannons lined up along the ramparts serve as a reminder of this fortress city’s strategic past. Admission is free and open to the public. Additionally, if you’d like to visit the Sqala du Port, there is an admission fee (60 dirhams), but the view of the harbor and the beach is well worth the trip.
Visit the harbor and its fish market
Essaouira’s fishing port is one of the city’s liveliest spots, and winter doesn’t change that: every morning, the blue boats return loaded with sea bream, octopus, and rockfish. We loved going there early, when the fish market is in full swing. You can enjoy grilled fish right on the spot at one of the stands set up next to the market stalls—a simple, delicious meal costing between 8 and 20 euros. In winter, the crowds are smaller and the atmosphere is even more authentic.
Surfing and Kitesurfing
Essaouira is a well-known spot on the international surfing and kitesurfing scene, and the winter conditions there are particularly good. The trade winds blow steadily, and the waves are well-formed. Many schools offer lessons for all skill levels, starting at around 30 euros. We recommend booking your surfing or kitesurfing lesson in advance to secure the best time slots. For those looking for a different kind of thrill, ATV tours through the dunes and introductory sandboarding sessions are also available year-round around Essaouira.
Warm up in a hammam
In winter, a visit to the hammam is a must after a day spent enjoying the sea air. Essaouira offers many options, from traditional hammams in the medina to hotel spas such as the Hôtel Palais des Remparts & Spa or the Hôtel Jardin des Douars. We particularly enjoyed this wellness break, which is an integral part of Moroccan culture. A massage and an argan oil treatment are the perfect way to round out a day of exploration.
Visit the Bayt Dakira Museum and the Le Real Mogador Art Center
Cooler winter days are the perfect opportunity to explore Essaouira’s cultural life. The Bayt Dakira Museum, which is free and located in the medina, traces the history of the coexistence between the Jewish and Muslim communities that shaped the city, formerly known as Mogador. We found this historical perspective particularly interesting for understanding what makes Essaouira so unique. The Le Real Mogador Art Center is another must-visit spot: this riad, converted into a gallery-museum, houses works of art brut and surprisingly creative furniture; it’s open from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and closed on Sundays (free admission; 50 dirhams for photos and access to the upper floors).
Discover a women-led argan oil cooperative
About a 15-minute drive from Essaouira, the women-run argan oil production cooperatives offer an informative excursion that’s available year-round. These facilities, run exclusively by women, offer a glimpse into the traditional steps of oil extraction: sorting the nuts, grinding them with a stone mill, and pressing them by hand. We were impressed by the precision of this work. You can also purchase argan oil for cooking or skincare directly from the source. In winter, these sites are less crowded, and the women who work there are often more available to answer questions. Cooking workshops featuring local products are also available in Essaouira.
To learn more, check out our full article on things to do in Essaouira!
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How do I get to Essaouira?
Essaouira has a small airport located about 15 km from the city center, with domestic flights and a few international routes. Check out our flight offers here.
From Marrakech (about a 3-hour drive) or Agadir (about 3.5 hours), renting a car is an option. Since the medina is closed to cars, parking lots are located outside the city walls, notably the Bab Marrakech parking lot and the one near Bab Doukkala. But in our opinion, the most convenient option is to take a private transfer.
Buses operated by CTM (more info here) and Supratours (more info here) are a good alternative, with regular departures from both major cities. In winter, the roads are clear and driving is easy.
It’s time to book!
Compare everything: companies, prices, schedules and availability.
Christmas in Essaouira
Spending Christmas in Essaouira means experiencing the holiday season in a unique setting, far from the usual European traditions. The city isn’t decked out in garlands like Paris or Brussels, but in December it retains a warm atmosphere unique to Moroccan evenings. We enjoyed this gentle, offbeat ambiance, where mint tea replaces hot chocolate. During this time of year, restaurants offer special menus that blend Moroccan specialties with festive touches. You’ll also find beautiful decorations and special touches for the holidays in the riads and hotels. Hotels such as the Hotel Salut Morocco! Luxury Boutique Hotel or the Hôtel Jardin des Douars offer Christmas getaways in a charming setting that we highly recommend.
DISCOVER Essaouira
- Things to do in Essaouira
- Best hotels (coming soon)
- Best restaurants
- Itinerary: 1 day
- How to get there
New Year’s in Essaouira
New Year’s Eve in Essaouira has a different pace than in big cities. The town is quiet, the narrow streets of the medina empty out in the evening, and the atmosphere takes on a particularly intimate feel. We recommend reserving a table at one of the city’s top-notch restaurants for the occasion: Restaurant Jardin des Douars offers refined bistronomic cuisine in an exceptional setting, while Restaurant Umia and Alma feature New Year’s Eve menus. Check out our complete selection of restaurants in our article on the best restaurants in Essaouira.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Morocco
- Best of
The most beautiful landscapes in Morocco
What to do in Morocco (coming soon)
The most beautiful riads
The most beautiful cities
The most beautiful medinas
The most beautiful gardens (coming soon)
The best museums (coming soon)
The most beautiful beaches in Morocco (coming soon)
- Practical advice
When to go? (coming soon)
How to rent a car in Morocco (coming soon)
Driving tips (coming soon)
Itineraries (coming soon)
Where to stay in Morocco (coming soon)
- The must-dos
Marrakech
Casablanca
Fès
Meknès
Chefchaouen
Sahara Desert (coming soon)
