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

Is June a good time to visit Essaouira? For music lovers, culture vultures or water sports enthusiasts, June is one of the best months to visit Essaouira. A highlight on the June calendar is always the Gnaoua World Music Festival – an intoxicating celebration of West African rhythms. 

June marks the start of the high season in Essaouira. But you won’t experience the heaving crowds of July and August when many Europeans are on their annual summer break.

The temperatures are warm enough for being at the beach (and not scorching like in Marrakech). Plus, the Alize winds are starting to ramp up, creating ideal conditions for windsurfing and kitesurfing. 

Visiting Essaouira in June offers something for everyone, whether you’re into the arts, outdoor pursuits or want to experience Moroccan religious traditions. Over the course of a few weeks, the medina transitions from being relatively quiet to absolutely packed to the rafters as the Gnaoua festivities ignite the city. 

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

Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in June here.

For more information about visiting Morocco’s “Windy City”, check out my Essential Travel Guide to Essaouira.

Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission when you make a purchase. Affiliate links cost you nothing and ensure my content stays free!

Essaouira weather in June

While much of Morocco swelters under scorching summer heat in June (temperatures regularly climb above 35°C in Marrakech and Fes), Essaouira remains really pleasant. The town’s enviable location along the Atlantic coast means it is consistently cooled by ocean breezes.

This keeps average daytime temperatures around a very comfortable 23°C (73°F) and nighttime lows around 18°C (64°F). Occasionally, the mercury will climb above 30°C (86°F), but those days tend to be outliers.

June in Essaouira usually means sunny skies and no rain, although the wind is definitely starting to pick up. While you can find calm, breezeless days, there are also those where the beach seemingly whips up into a sandstorm. These conditions draw kitesurfers and windsurfers visiting Essaouira in June.

On rare occasions, Essaouira becomes enveloped in a dense sea mist that limits visibility along the beach. This unique phenomenon creates a really mystical atmosphere…and the mist always lifts eventually.

Is June a busy time in Essaouira?

June marks the start of the peak tourist season in Essaouira. That being said, the crowds aren’t anywhere near as thick as in July and August. During these months, European and Moroccan school holidays bring a surge of tourists and the medina can feel crowded.

June weekends can still draw sizeable crowds to Essaouira, especially when there’s little wind and the beach conditions are ideal. The crowds tend to concentrate on the stretch of beach closer to the medina. So if you’re seeking a more tranquil experience, head to the quieter southern end. 

If you’re visiting Essaouira for the Gnaoua World Music Festival (June 25 to 27 2026), you definitely won’t have the medina (or beach) to yourself. This beloved festival floods the city with half a million visitors for what is a really exhilarating few days. We have been once and absolutely loved it!

But with accommodations scarce (and expensive) and the city’s infrastructure stretched to the max, crowd-averse travellers may want to steer clear during the festival and opt for early June instead. 

What’s on in Essaouira in June

Gnaoua World Music Festival

Each June, the coastal city of Essaouira bursts to life during the Gnaoua World Music Festival. This three-day event honours the Gnaoua people, an Indigenous group from the Maghreb. Their rich musical heritage includes call-and-response chants, dynamic percussion and the evocative tones of the guembri lute.

However, the festival is not limited to Gnaoua music. It also showcases artists across various contemporary genres, resulting in an exhilarating blend of cultural sounds.

In 2026, the Gnaoua World Music Festival will take place from June 25 to 27. If you’re planning to attend, be sure to book your accommodation well in advance as this is the busiest time to be in Essaouira!

Discover more of Morocco’s best music festivals here!

Best things to do in Essaouira in June

No visit to Essaouira is complete without strolling the narrow streets of the old medina. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is brimming with artisan shops, art galleries and historic buildings.

Don’t miss the Skala de la Kasbah, an 18th-century coastal fortress featuring historic brass cannons and breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the ideal spot to watch sunset in Essaouira.

The city also boasts some fascinating museums, focused on everything from cultural heritage to contemporary arts. These are the perfect place to retreat to if the midday heat gets too much. 

For seafood lovers, a visit to the port for lunch is essential. You can select your fish and have it grilled at one of the nearby barbecue stands (they’ll provide a Moroccan salad and bread to complete the meal). 

If you’re visiting Essaouira in June, the wind can be intense, whipping up sand that makes hanging out at the beach less than ideal. These days are perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing (Essaouira is famous for both). There are several shops where you can either rent gear or book in for a lesson.

On calmer days, you can enjoy a beachfront stroll or even a swim in the refreshing waters of the Atlantic Ocean. If you want to swim but don’t like the wind, I’d recommend finding an Essaouira hotel with a pool!

For music lovers, the best thing to do in Essaouira in June is attend the Gnaoua World Music Festival. Many of the concerts are free to attend. The streets of the medina really do feel electric during these days, with parades of musicians in what feels almost like a carnival.

If you love music but not crowds, there are also paid performances with more of an intimate feel and designated seating. 

Is June a good time to visit Essaouira?

June can be an amazing time to visit Essaouira, whether you’re craving a relaxed exploration of the medina or want to experience all the buzz of the Gnaoua World Music Festival.

During the first half of the month, you can expect idyllic weather. It’s perfect for wandering the whitewashed streets, dining alfresco at the cafes and shopping in the artisan markets.

The temperatures are usually warm enough for some time at the beach. But whether that’s swimming and sunbathing or kitesurfing/windsurfing will depend largely on the winds. 

June also falls just before the peak tourist season of July and August. So while the city is lively, it’s not as crowded as it can get later in the summer. The only exception to this is the few days of the Gnaoua World Music Festival when the city is absolutely packed to the rafters. Be warned: accommodation books out well in advance.

Plan your visit a few months in advance if you want to experience the festival. Or avoid Essaouira during these dates if crowds aren’t your thing. 

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.