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

Is May a good time to visit Essaouira? With idyllic weather, little rainfall and relatively sparse crowds, May can be one of the best months for visiting Essaouira. In 2026, it will also coincide with the Eid al-Adha celebrations (around 26 to 30 May), bringing a fascinating cultural element to the experience

The warm but not overly hot conditions in May are perfect for exploring the medina. The temperatures are also perfect for relaxing at the outdoor cafes, where you’ll experience some fantastic people-watching.

Plus, the winds that Essaouira is notorious for aren’t yet at their peak!

Additionally, May is still considered the shoulder season for tourism. Visitor crowds are usually thinner on the ground than during the peak summer months. As a result, you may find better deals on accommodations – Essaouira has some amazing boutique hotels to choose from!

The only potential downside is that the Atlantic waters may still be a bit brisk for swimming. However, this depends on your individual preferences.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy the coastal setting, with everything from windsurfing to horseback riding and seaside strolls on offer. 

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

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

Essaouira experiences really idyllic weather in May, with the average daytime high temperature hovering around 21°C (70°F). This is perfect for strolling through the medina and dining alfresco at the cafes. However, it’s not necessarily warm enough for lazing on the sand. 

Essaouira is nicknamed “The Windy City” for good reason. The strong trade winds that blow in off the Atlantic can make it feel considerably cooler at the beach. That being said, they’re usually not at their peak in May. You can find calm and still days throughout the month.

The sea temperature in May is usually around 19°C (66°F). So while it’s certainly possible to swim, the water may feel chilly for some.

In the evenings, the mercury dips to around 16°C (61°F). Bring a sweater or light jacket for walking around at night or dining outdoors. Rainfall is virtually non-existent in May, so you can count on abundant sunshine nearly every day of your visit. 

Is May a busy time in Essaouira?

May is a relatively tranquil time to visit Essaouira. The throngs of tourists who descend upon the city during the Easter break have departed. The peak summer season (which sees the medina swell with visitors once again) is still a few weeks away. If you’re visiting Essaouira in May, it’s somewhat of a sweet spot. 

The early mornings are especially peaceful, with only the occasional local resident going about their daily routine. I love being out and about in the medina at this time! While many of the market stalls and souks might not be open yet, it’s a great time for photography.

What’s on in Essaouira in May

Le Printemps Musical des Alizés

The Printemps Musical des Alizés festival is a celebration of classical music that takes place each May in Essaouira. It draws music lovers from all corners of Morocco and beyond, with a diverse program that features symphonic works, chamber music and solo recitals.

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha is an eagerly awaited Islamic celebration that is celebrated in cities, towns and villages across Morocco. Families honour the occasion by sacrificing a sheep, commemorating Abraham’s readiness to sacrifice his son Ishmael.

The festival is marked by three days of feasting, prayer and community festivities. It’s a really wonderful time to visit Essaouira. In 2026, Eid al-Adha will be roughly around 26 to 30 May.

Some businesses will close for a few days and activities may be on pause while locals celebrate with families and friends. In Morocco, Eid al-Adha is officially a two-day public holiday, with banks, post offices and government offices closing their doors.

Some shops and restaurants will also close (many for as long as five days). However, in tourist-oriented destinations, such as Essaouira, it may only be one (or even half a day). 

You should expect closures on the first morning of Eid when locals are attending special prayers at the mosque and sacrificing their sheep. In the afternoon, some businesses will reopen.

Alcohol-selling establishments typically close at least two days prior to the celebration and reopen two to three days afterward. Most hotels will be operating restaurants and bars as normal. So you can always head there for a meal or a drink.

Learn more about what to expect in this article: Travelling to Morocco During Eid al-Adha. 

Best things to do in Essaouira in May

Due to its pleasantly warm and sunny weather, May in Essaouira is ideal for exploring the city’s many attractions. One of the top things to do is wander through the winding alleys of the old medina. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with handicraft stores, art galleries and whitewashed buildings.

Be sure to check out the impressive Skala de la Kasbah, an 18th-century seaside bastion with old brass cannons. It boasts sweeping views across the Atlantic Ocean and is the place to watch the sunset in Essaouira.

While the water might be a bit chilly for swimming (around 19°C/65°F), you can still enjoy beachside activities like horseback riding or coastal walks. If the winds are strong, it’s a perfect opportunity to try your hand at windsurfing or kitesurfing. There are numerous schools in Essaouira that provide rentals and lessons.

When the winds drop, the conditions are good for more traditional surfing. Essaouira is a great place to learn to surf!

Before the heat of summer kicks in, May is also a wonderful month to discover the picturesque countryside surrounding Essaouira. It’s an area that’s often overlooked by tourists.

You can embark on a guided walk through traditional villages and argan forests to learn about Morocco’s treasured oil. Alternatively, soak up the coastal views during a quad-biking experience.

If you’re visiting Essaouira on a Sunday, consider heading to the market in Had Draa to mingle with the locals in what is always a colourful setting. 

For more Essaouira day trips, tours and experiences, check out my detailed article here. 

In 2026, June is also going to be a wonderful time to experience Moroccan culture, particularly over the festive days of Eid al-Adha. The two days prior to the celebration are exceptionally busy in the markets. Locals come to stock up on produce for their feasts and experiencing this buzzing energy is fantastic.

On the first day of Eid, most people don their traditional djellabas to attend the mosque for prayers before returning to their homes to sacrifice a sheep. While this is definitely not for everyone, it’s worth mentioning that the sacrifice is done with great respect for the animal and every part of the sheep that can be eaten is. 

Is May a good time to visit Essaouira?

May can be an excellent time to visit Essaouira, with warm and sunny days complemented by refreshing sea breezes. The ocean waters are beginning to warm up, making it more inviting for swimming and water sports than earlier in the year. However, if you’re visiting Essaouira in May, it may still be too cool for a day lazing on the sand.

That being said, May is outside of Essaouira’s peak windy season. So you’ll likely encounter calmer conditions that are more suitable for beach time and alfresco dining. 

One advantage of travelling to Essaouira in May is that tourist crowds are usually thinner. That is, compared to the peak summer months of June through August. Additionally, the Easter crowds have dissipated.

In 2026, there’s the added bonus of experiencing Eid al-Adha, which will take place from around 26 to 30 May.

This means you can enjoy a more relaxed experience exploring the medina’s winding alleys, historic ramparts and bustling souks. Overall, May can be a fantastic time for an Essaouira getaway if you’re seeking a laid-back coastal escape in Morocco.

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.