Visiting Essaouira in December: Weather + Events + Things to Do
Is December a good time to visit Essaouira? If you’re craving a crowd-free vacation or want to escape the “silly season” frenzy back home, visiting Essaouira in December can be ideal.
Visiting Essaouira in December lacks the large numbers of tourists that descend on the medina during summer and autumn. This means can immerse yourself in the city’s offerings in a more relaxed manner.
December in Essaouira means leisurely wanders through the city’s UNESCO-listed medina, people-watching at the cafes and genuine conversations with the locals.
Plus, there’s no rush to book hotels or riads well in advance (except if you’re travelling over the Christmas/New Year period). Nor do you need to worry so much about making advance dinner reservations.
This all adds up to a more relaxed holiday experience where you can follow your curiosity, rather than plan, plan, plan!
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Essaouira in December, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Essaouira in December to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in December here.
For more information about visiting Morocco’s “Windy City”, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Essaouira.
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Essaouira weather in December
Despite being the start of winter, Essaouira isn’t particularly cold in December. Daytime highs are usually around 21°C (70°F) while overnight lows dip to around 13°C (55°F). There are still plenty of sunny days, interspersed with overcast skies and drizzly rain. Essaouira experiences around four rainy days in December.
In summary, the weather in Essaouira in December can be fickle. For me, having layers to put on and take off is key. It’s also worth noting that as the month progresses, the days get noticeably shorter (until December 21). For most of December, the sun sets around 6:30 pm.
If you’re coming from northern Europe, this won’t be a drawback. Having 10 hours of daylight on Essaouira’s winter solstice will be considerably more than you’re accustomed to at this time of year!
Is December a busy time in Essaouira?
Generally speaking, December is a quiet time in Essaouira. For most people, the cool weather isn’t as appealing for a coastal escape. Understandably, the beaches are much less crowded than during the peak summer months. Plus, the medina has a more relaxed atmosphere.
Visiting Essaouira in December is perfect if you want to be able to leisurely wander and browse the artisan stalls, without the pressure of lots of other shoppers.
Having said all of that, there is an uptick in visitors around the Christmas/New Year period. During this period, many Europeans are on a short winter break.
If you’re visiting Essaouira around Christmas, I’d recommend booking your accommodation well in advance to secure your preferred hotel or riad.
Also, don’t expect a really festive atmosphere! Christmas isn’t a big thing in Morocco. This makes it a perfect destination for those who want to escape the tinsel and carols.
What’s on in Essaouira in December
New Year’s Eve
Essaouira welcomes the New Year (in the Western calendar) with a more low-key celebration compared to cities like Marrakech. People often come together with friends and family for dinner before taking a stroll through the medina and around the port.
If you find yourself in Essaouira during this time, consider reserving a table at one of the city’s leading restaurants. Many provide special packages for the celebration. Typically, you won’t see fireworks in Essaouira on New Year’s Eve, but this might change in the future.
Best things to do in Essaouira in December
December presents a wonderful opportunity to explore Essaouira’s enchanting medina without the usual crowds. You can really take your time appreciating the talent of local artists in the various galleries and browse the artisan shops for handicrafts.
I’d also recommend pulling up a chair at one of the medina cafes to enjoy some people-watching.
The Atlantic Ocean can be a bit too cold for swimming in December. Sea temperatures are around 16 to 18°C (61 to 64°F). But there are still numerous beach activities to enjoy.
Water sports such as kite surfing and windsurfing are incredibly popular in Essaouira. And while the December winds tend to be milder than in summer, this is perfect for beginners eager to learn. Just be sure to wear a wetsuit!
Top tip:
If you’re a seafood lover, don’t miss a visit to the port to witness the comings and goings of the fish market. Savouring grilled sardines there is one of my top recommendations for the best things to do in Essaouira!
If you prefer a more laid-back experience, Essaouira’s beaches offer an ideal backdrop for peaceful walks and horseback riding, accompanied by stunning coastal views. Alternatively, you can head for the hills. Or, more appropriately, the rolling countryside surrounding Essaouira for a hike between its villages and argan groves.
The cool climate in Essaouira during December is perfect for indulging in a hammam, a traditional way to cleanse and refresh. You can opt for a local hammam (find out more here) or pamper yourself at a spa-style hammam. Many private hammams offer body scrubs and massages too.
If you want to stay at a riad in Essaouira with its own hammam, I highly recommend the beautiful Riad Dar Maya or Heure Bleue Palais. The latter is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection.
Is December a good time to visit Essaouira?
If swimming and sunbathing at the beach aren’t at the top of your list of things to do, then December is a wonderful time to visit Essaouira. As the end of the year approaches, the crowds have thinned out. This creates a more laid-back and authentic atmosphere in the medina.
If you’re visiting Essaouira in December, the weather may not be conducive to long days spent lounging on the sand or beside a swimming pool. But it is ideal for sightseeing. Essaouira in December offers a unique opportunity for cultural immersion and a glimpse into the daily life of the locals.
Without the distraction of peak-season crowds, you can take your time exploring the city’s many art galleries and shopping for artisan goods in the souks. It’s also a fantastic time to visit Essaouira if you want to escape the Christmas hysteria back home!
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About Me
I’m Malika, a global traveller who first visited Morocco in 2014 before marrying a local and settling down in a little village on the Atlantic coast. Over the years, I’ve developed an intense love for Morocco, its incredible landscapes, storied cities and the exceptionally generous hospitality of its people.
Malika in Morocco is a place to share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. As a resource for travellers visiting Morocco, I want to encourage others to experience this captivating destination the way they desire, whether that’s independently or under the expert guidance of local tour operators.
I believe strongly in supporting responsible and sustainable tourism initiatives while inspiring travel experiences that are life-impacting and mutually beneficial for both travellers and locals.
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