Is August a good time to visit Essaouira? In all honesty, August isn’t the best time to visit Essaouira, largely due to the crowds. While the weather is idyllic along Morocco’s coastline (and much more bearable than inland at places like Fes and Marrakech), everyone has the same idea of spending their summer vacation at the beach.
Not only is there an influx of European visitors to Essaouira in August but Moroccan school holidays are in full swing. Many domestic tourists flock to the city to enjoy its laidback atmosphere and some sun, sand and surf on Plage d’Essaouira. The city’s notoriously strong winds are also at their peak during August, creating ideal conditions for kitesurfers and windsurfers.
If you don’t mind the crowds and/or August is your only opportunity for a Moroccan holiday, then Essaouira is a good choice. Yes, it’s busy but it also has all of the ingredients for an unforgettable seaside escape. There’s a long sweep of golden sand, fantastic seafood restaurants and amazing artisan souks where you can get your post-beach retail fix.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Essaouira in August, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Essaouira in August to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in August here.
For more information about visiting Morocco's "Windy City", check out my Ultimate Travel Guide to Essaouira.
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Essaouira weather in August
In August, while many parts of Morocco endure sweltering heat, with temperatures often soaring above 40°C in cities like Marrakech and Fes, Essaouira enjoys a pleasantly mild climate thanks to its coastal location. The city is graced with refreshing ocean breezes that keep daytime temperatures around 26°C (79°F) and nighttime lows at approximately 19°C (66°F). Although there are a few rare instances when temperatures might exceed 30°C (86°F), this is not common.
Essaouira in August is characterised by bright, sunny days and minimal rainfall, though the winds can be quite strong. Some days are calm while others can turn the beach into a sandstorm, drawing in kitesurfers and windsurfers eager to take advantage of the ideal conditions. Occasionally, a thick sea mist rolls in, enveloping the beach, although this usually clears as the sun rises throughout the day.
Visiting Essaouira in August
Is August a busy time in Essaouira?
Yes!!! August is one of the busiest months of the year in Essaouira, with an influx of both domestic and international visitors during the Moroccan and European school holidays. Moroccan families head to Essaouira to escape the intense heat of the inland cities and enjoy the refreshing Atlantic waters. At the same time, the city attracts many European visitors who come to relax in their summer homes or explore the unique mix of North African and European cultures. All of this adds up to crowds and more crowds!
As accommodation in Essaouira is so highly sought after in August, you can expect significantly inflated prices. Many hotels and riads also require a minimum stay of three nights. If you’re visiting Essaouira in August, it’s a good idea to book your stay well in advance, especially for longer visits. One way to avoid the crowds is to consider staying in the countryside around Essaouira and making day trips into the city.
One of my top tips is to book an Essaouira hotel with a swimming pool so you have somewhere to refresh other than the beach if the winds pick up in the afternoon. Dining in Essaouira can also become quite hectic in August and I suggest making reservations ahead of time, especially on weekends. Since Moroccans typically dine later in the evening, you might find it easier to secure a table if you eat early.
Best things to do in Essaouira in August
What’s on in Essaouira in August
To be honest, August is a relatively quiet month when it comes to events in Essaouira. But that’s probably a good thing, with so many tourists already visiting the city. Throw in a festival and the city would be bursting at the seams! August is a month for lazy days at the beach and mellow sightseeing in the medina, as well as long lunches at Essaouira’s seafood restaurants.
Planning a summer coastal escape to Morocco? Here are 7 of the best beachfront hotels in Essaouira.
Is August a good time to visit Essaouira?
Best things to do in Essaouira in August
Essaouira is centred around a whitewashed medina that is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and exploring its narrow streets is an experience you won't want to miss. The area is brimming with artisan shops, art galleries and beautifully preserved buildings, along with inviting cafes where you can relax and watch life unfold. Additionally, there are several fascinating museums that explore both cultural heritage and contemporary art - these are good places to escape to during the midday summer heat.
For seafood lovers, a trip to the port for lunch is essential; you can select your fish and have it grilled at one of the nearby barbecue stalls, which also serve up tasty Moroccan salads and bread. In the late afternoon, make your way to the Skala de la Kasbah, an 18th-century coastal fortress with ancient brass cannons and panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean. This spot is particularly popular for sunset watching, often attracting a crowd of photographers eager to capture the moment!
In August, the winds can pick up considerably, kicking up sand and making lounging on the beach less pleasant. The mornings tend to be calmer, making this a great time to swim. Early mornings are also quieter on the beach, with more visitors arriving as the day progresses. By mid-afternoon, especially on weekends, the beach can get quite crowded, but it’s a wonderful way to immerse yourself in Moroccan beach culture.
The windy conditions are what make Essaouira such a renowned kitesurfing and windsurfing destination and there are plenty of shops where you can rent equipment or sign up for lessons if you're new to the activity. If you want to avoid the wind but still swim, I’d recommend booking an Essaouira hotel with a swimming pool.
If the crowds in the medina get too much, there are plenty of day trips and tours you can take from Essaouira, including market visits and village walks. However, it's important to remember that temperatures can soar considerably as you venture inland, so keep that in mind when planning August activities. On particularly warm days, it might be best to stick near the coast. A sunset camel ride or horseback adventure is a fantastic way to wrap up your day in Essaouira!
Is August a good time to visit Essaouira?
Is August a good time to visit Essaouira?
While August may seem like the perfect time for a beach getaway in Essaouira, it's actually not ideal if you want to experience the city’s usually laidback atmosphere. During August, Essaouira transforms into a bustling hub packed with tourists and vacationers. The narrow streets of the medina become crowded with visitors while the sandy beaches are packed with sun-seekers and families enjoying their summer holidays.
However, if August is the only time your schedule allows for a visit, there are still ways to escape the crowds and find some respite. Venturing beyond Plage d’Essaouira to one of the quieter beaches either north or south is a good tactic. Generally speaking, the further you go, the thinner the crowds. Similarly, staying at one of the lovely villas nestled in the picturesque countryside surrounding Essaouira is also a great way to escape the crowds and it’s easy to day trip into the city whenever you desire.
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About the author
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 majestic landscapes, storied cities and the incredibly warm hospitality of its people. As the owner and content creator of Malika in Morocco, I share my years of experience exploring the country, from north to south and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Sahara Desert. I am passionate about helping others plan their Moroccan travel adventures to ensure they get the most out of their North African experience.