Visiting Essaouira in January: Weather + Events + Things to Do

Is January a good time to visit Essaouira? In my opinion, yes. But I also acknowledge that it’s not for everyone.

While this whitewashed coastal city is synonymous with sunshine and surf (and wind!), it may be less appealing for beach activities in the wintertime. That is, unless you’re into cold water swimming or want to learn to kitesurf and windsurf. 

However, the reduced crowds and mild temperatures of January make it ideal for strolling Essaouira’s UNESCO-listed medina. This is something I much prefer doing in the wintertime than during the sweltering heat of summer.

If you’re visiting Essaouira in January, you can leisurely wander between the city’s signature blue and white buildings at an unhurried pace. Along the way, be sure to pop into artisan shops and art galleries as your interest takes you. 

In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Essaouira in January, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Essaouira in January to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary. 

Planning a longer Moroccan winter escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in January 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 January

Okay, so it may not be lazying on the beach weather. But visiting Essaouira in January does offer a welcome change from the chilly conditions experienced in northern Europe at this time of year. Average highs hover around 20°C (68°F) while the low dips to a cool 8°C (46°F) in the evenings.

By day, it’s comfortable enough to explore the whitewashed medina in light layers. That being said, I’d recommend you bring a jacket for the chillier nights. 

Rainfall is infrequent during winter in Essaouira. However, there is a slightly higher chance of showers in January compared to other months. Packing a light rain jacket is definitely not a bad idea if you’re visiting Essaouira in January!

The Atlantic breezes (which can be really strong in the summer months) are usually calmer in January. This creates ideal conditions for beachside strolls.

That being said, the weather can be changeable. Be prepared for a mix of calm, sunny days interspersed with occasional overcast or windy spells. 

Is January a busy time in Essaouira?

Is Essaouira busy in January? Generally speaking, no.

This coastal city sees a significant drop in visitors during the winter months, compared to the peak summer season. In fact, January is one of the quietest months in Essaouira. The usually bustling souks and beaches are much less crowded. For me, this makes it an ideal time to be here! 

If you’re visiting Essaouira in January, you can leisurely explore the city’s whitewashed streets, meandering lanes and artisan workshops. Plus, you can take your pick of restaurants and cafes without having to make advance bookings.

The 18th-century seafront ramparts will also be much quieter at sunset. In all likelihood, you won’t have to jostle for space to take photographs. 

Essaouira’s working fishing port also takes on a calmer, more authentic feel in January. You can watch local fishermen unload the day’s catch before having your pick prepared at one of the grills located nearby.

If you’re visiting Essaouira in January, some shops and restaurants may have reduced hours. But you’ll still find plenty of spots open to browse for souvenirs or enjoy locally caught seafood. 

What’s on in Essaouira in January

New Year – December 31/January 1

While Essaouira does celebrate the arrival of the New Year (in the Western calendar), it’s generally a more subdued affair than in places like Marrakech. Friends and families gather for meals in the evening before heading out to stroll around the medina and the port.

If you’re visiting Essaouira at New Year’s, I’d recommend booking a meal at one of the city’s leading restaurants. Some offer special packages (usually a multi-course meal) to mark the occasion.

Usually, there aren’t any fireworks at New Year’s in Essaouira. However, this could change in the coming years as it is rapidly becoming one of Morocco’s most popular travel destinations. 

Proclamation of Independence – January 11

On January 11, 1944, the Istiqlal Party submitted a document calling for Morocco’s independence from French colonial rule. It marked a crucial turning point in the nation’s history, igniting a lengthy fight that ultimately resulted in Morocco’s liberation.

Every year, Moroccans unite to celebrate their hard-earned freedom, with the waving of flags in an expression of national pride.

Yennayer: Amazigh New Year – January 12 and 13 

Yennayer signifies the beginning of the agricultural year and is celebrated by Amazigh communities throughout Morocco. Essaouira usually hosts festivities to mark this significant cultural event, with Amazigh groups showcasing their long-established traditions through dance and song.

Families gather for elaborate feasts and if you’re lucky enough to be invited to one, it’s a real treat!

Best things to do in Essaouira in January

Due to the reduced crowds, January in Essaouira is the perfect time to wander the labyrinthine medina and shop for handicrafts in the artisan stores. You can admire the works of local creatives in one of the many art galleries that dot the streets.

I’d also recommend spending some time people-watching in one of the eclectic cafes that are popping up throughout the city.

In January, the Atlantic Ocean may be too chilly for swimming (sea temperatures are around 16-18°C (61-64°F) in January). But there are still plenty of beach activities to enjoy.

Water sports like kite surfing and windsurfing are in full swing, although the winds aren’t as strong as in the summer months. This makes it ideal for beginners looking to learn the ropes.

For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the quiet beaches provide the perfect setting for leisurely strolls and horseback riding. The coastal scenery around Essaouira is gorgeous! 

The brisk weather that Essaouira experiences in January also makes it an ideal time to enjoy a hammam, a traditional practice of cleansing and rejuvenation. You can opt to visit a local hammam (learn more about what to expect here) or treat yourself at a spa-like hammam. Many of these also provide body scrubs and massages as part of their treatment options.

If you want to stay at an Essaouira riad with a hammam, I’d highly recommend the gorgeous Riad Dar Maya or Heure Bleue Palais, a hotel under the prestigious Relais & Châteaux umbrella.

For more ideas about how to spend your time in Essaouira, check out my suggested one-day itinerary here. 

Is January a good time to visit Essaouira?

For me, January is a great time to visit Essaouira. I just find that the reduced crowds make for a much more relaxed experience in the medina.

I feel like I can really take my time in the artisan markets and dine at restaurants on a whim, without having to make bookings in advance.

Accommodation rates tend to drop slightly during this off-season. So you can get some good deals at Essaouira’s best riads and hotels if you book in advance. 

That being said, visiting Essaouira in January is not for everyone. This is particularly true if you’re craving a classic beach vacation with lots of swimming and sunbathing.

I’m a big fan of cold water swimming and am happy to brave the Atlantic at this time of year. But I completely understand that it’s not everybody’s cup of tea.

I do love that Essaouira’s winds tend to die down during the winter months (they can be notoriously strong in the summer). This makes it much more pleasant for beach walks in January than in July. 

Overall, January in Essaouira is a wonderful time to visit for travellers seeking an uncrowded off-season escape in one of Morocco’s most trending destinations. 

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.