The climate of Essaouira
Essaouira,
Morocco is designated as having a subtropical steppe climate according to the Köppen climate classification, noted as a BSh predominant climate. Situated along the Atlantic Ocean, the city experiences relatively mild temperatures all year round due to the moderating influence of the sea.
Throughout the year, average highs range from 18.1°C (64.6°F) in
January to a peak of 22.1°C (71.8°F) in
September. The lowest average temperature occurs in January at approximately 11.2°C (52.2°F), while it elevates to around 17.4°C (63.3°F) in
August and September. Relative humidity is generally high, fluctuating marginally from 80% in January and
November to 86% in
July and August. The number of rain days varies dramatically, with almost no rainfall in July and an average of 8.6 rain days in November.
Essaouira also boasts an impressive amount of sea temperature stability, with values spanning from a low 17.2°C (63°F) in
February to a high 21.5°C (70.7°F) in September. The number of daylight hours extends from 10.1 in
December to 14.2 in
June. UV index fluctuates throughout the year. Its lowest value of 3 is observed in January and December while the maximum value of 11 is observed in July.
Distinctive weather patterns include a noticeable drop in rainfall from
May to September, a period during which monthly rainfall is under 3mm (0.12").
The best time to visit Essaouira
The most favourable time to visit
Essaouira,
Morocco depends largely on visitor preferences. For those who prefer basking in the sun, the period from
March to
October offers the most sunshine, peaking at 9.7 hours per day in
June and
July. The UV index also peaks during these two months at 11, so sunscreen is essential. For bathers, the sea temperature remains fairly stable all year, though tends to be warmest from June to October when it remains above 20°C (68°F).
The worst time to visit Essaouira
The less favourable time to visit
Essaouira generally falls in the winter months of
November through
January. During this time, rainfall is the heaviest with average monthly totals reaching up to 73mm (2.87") in November. Furthermore, the average high temperature dips to 18.1°C (64.6°F) in January and the average low drops to 11.2°C (52.2°F).
Spring weather in Essaouira
Spring weather in
Essaouira, which spans from
March through
May, sees a steady rise in temperature. Average highs range from 18.7°C (65.7°F) in March to 20.6°C (69.1°F) in May. Average lows similarly increase, from 12.8°C (55°F) to 16.5°C (61.7°F). Rainfall is much lighter compared to winter months, decreasing from 40mm (1.57") in March to negligible 2mm (0.08") in May.
Summer weather in Essaouira
The summer period extending from
June until
August in
Essaouira is characterised by higher temperatures and almost no rainfall. Average highs for this period range from 21.3°C (70.3°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F), and average lows from 17.2°C (63°F) to 17.4°C (63.3°F). Relative humidity tends to peak during these drier months, reaching up to 86% in
July and August.
Autumn weather in Essaouira
The autumn season in
Essaouira, covers
September through
November and brings a bit cooler temperatures and increased rainfall compared to the summer. In September, average highs peak at 22.1°C (71.8°F), then fall to 20.3°C (68.5°F) by November. Average lows decline from 17.4°C (63.3°F) in September to 14.4°C (57.9°F) in November. Rainfall substantially increases to 73mm (2.87") by November.
Winter weather in Essaouira
Winter in
Essaouira, encompasses
December through
February, and is characterised by the city’s lowest temperatures and heaviest rainfall. Average highs range from 18.1°C (64.6°F) to 18.7°C (65.7°F), and lows from 11.2°C (52.2°F) to 12.8°C (55°F). Rainfall peaks in December at 65mm (2.56") and decreases to 37mm (1.46") by February. Despite the lower temperatures and increased rainfall, Essaouira’s winters remain relatively mild when compared to many other regions.
Weather in January
January in
Essaouira,
Morocco witnesses mild winter with sporadic rainfall. Compared to
December's weather, temperatures increase slightly, signaling an end to the coldest period. Humidity stays relatively high due to the precipitation, taking a toll on the overall comfort.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February shows a continuation in
Essaouira's winter season, similarly characterized by cooler temperatures and significant precipitation. Transitioning from
January, the weather conditions begin to stabilize, with less fluctuation in temperature.
Weather in February » Weather in March
With the arrival of
March in
Essaouira,
Morocco, indications of spring begin to emerge. Both high and low temperatures increase from
February, creating a more temperate climate. Higher ultraviolet (UV) index levels give a stark contrast to February's lower levels, indicating stronger sun intensity.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
For anyone interested in a spring visit to
Essaouira,
April's predictably mild weather, extending day lengths, and decreasing rainfall might appeal. In comparison with
March, fewer rainfall days and less overall precipitation point to a drier trend.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May signals the transition to warmer weather in
Essaouira. Temperatures continue to climb from
April, promising more sun-soaked days. It's worth highlighting that rainfall drops dramatically during May, with a monthly total of 9mm (0.35").
Weather in May » Weather in June
A typical
June in
Essaouira,
Morocco, experiences increased temperatures and humidity, characteristic of the approaching summer. Contrasting from
May, the weather becomes routinely pleasant, enhancing the allure of beachside strolls and water activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July welcomes the peak of summer in
Essaouira. Increased sea temperatures from
June provide prime conditions for sailing and other water-based activities. The high humidity levels persist, often causing a feeling of stickiness. A singular feature of the month is the near absence of rainfall, with a mere 0mm (0") recorded on average.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Essaouira sustains the summer peak with elevated temperatures and extended hours of sunshine. Slight increases in both sea and air temperatures from
July contribute to the quintessential summer weather. The humidity remains somewhat constant, ensuring the hot weather feels hotter.
Weather in August »Weather in September
As
September rolls in,
Essaouira still enjoys summertime warmth, but a slight drop in temperatures signifies the approaching end of summer. Relative to
August, there are shorter days but still plenty of sunshine for outdoor ventures.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
While
October in
Essaouira retains some semblance of the fading summer, there's a recognizable transition toward colder months. Cooler temperatures compared with those in
September represent the onset of autumn. Rainfall begins to increase, although it does not reach its annual peak in this month.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November brings a distinct shift in weather as
Essaouira moves deeper into autumn. Temperatures drop from
October, and the rainfall continues to escalate. The need for warmer clothing begins to assert itself as humidity decreases.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Essaouira signifies the onset of winter, with falling temperatures and shorter days. The weather contrasts noticeably to
November's with colder air and less daylight. Rainfall remains high, keeping the humidity consistent.
Weather in December » [Resources]