Essaouira in January
Not the best time
January is for budget travelers who don't mind cooler weather and occasional rain. The medina feels authentically Moroccan without tourist crowds, but you'll need layers for the evening chill.
Weather
January brings cool, wet weather with Atlantic winds that can be fierce. Temperatures hover around a comfortable range during the day but drop noticeably at night. Rain comes in bursts, often clearing quickly but leaving the medina's stone streets slippery.
18°C high9°C low8 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$45/day average
January Tips
- •Pack a windbreaker - the Atlantic winds are relentless even on sunny days
- •Many riads offer significant discounts, sometimes 40-50% off peak season rates
- •Some restaurants in the medina close for winter holidays, so check ahead
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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