Essaouira in August
Good time to visit
August is peak summer with perfect beach weather but maximum crowds and prices. The medina buzzes with energy, but finding quiet moments requires strategic timing.
Weather
August matches July's heat but can feel slightly more humid as Atlantic moisture increases. The trade winds remain strong, preventing the oppressive heat found elsewhere in Morocco. Zero rainfall is typical.
27°C high20°C low0 rain days
Crowds & Cost
peak crowds
~$100/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Summer music festivals (various small events)
August Tips
- •Highest prices of the year - book well in advance or expect sticker shock
- •Beach is packed by 10am - arrive early for good spots
- •Many locals take August holidays, so some traditional shops may close
All Months
April through June gives you the sweet spot. Temperatures hover around 22-25°C, the wind stays manageable, and you avoid both winter rain and summer crowds. May particularly shines — warm enough for beach time, cool enough for medina wandering.
September through November works almost as well. The Atlantic stays warm from summer heating, but the oppressive July-August wind calms down. October brings perfect weather, though hotel prices reflect that.
Winter (December-March) means rain and rough seas. January averages 8 rainy days, and the Atlantic gets too choppy for swimming. But accommodation costs drop by 40%, and you'll have the medina largely to yourself.
Summer presents challenges. The trade winds that keep Essaouira cooler than inland cities also create constant 30-40 km/h gusts. Great for windsurfers, exhausting for everyone else. July and August see the medina packed with Moroccan families escaping the heat of Casablanca and Rabat.
Essaouira Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
8/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
7/10
Budget
8/10
Luxury
6/10
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