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, unless you’re into cold water swimming or want to learn to kite and windsurf.
However, the reduced crowds and mild temperatures experienced during January in Essaouira make it ideal for strolling the medina - something I much prefer doing in the wintertime than during the sweltering heat of summer. You can leisurely wander between the city's signature blue and white buildings at an unhurried pace, popping 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 Ultimate Travel Guide to Essaouira.
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Essaouira weather in January
While it may not be lazying on the beach weather, Essaouira in January does offer a respite from the chilly conditions experienced in northern Europe at this time of year. The average high hovers around 20°C (68°F) while the average 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, although 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!
The Atlantic breezes, which can be quite strong in the summer months, are much calmer in January, creating ideal conditions for beachside strolls (even if it might be too cold to swim). That being said, the weather can be changeable, so it's best to be prepared for a mix of calm, sunny days interspersed with occasional overcast or windy spells.
Top tip: While many Essaouira riads have open fireplaces and/or central heating, not all do! If you’re visiting in the winter months, I’d recommend finding a hotel with adequate heating as the nights can get chilly.
Visiting Essaouira in winter
Is January a busy time in Essaouira?
Is Essaouira busy in January? The answer is no. This coastal city sees a significant drop in visitors during the winter months compared to the peak summer season and January is one of the quietest months in Essaouira. The usually bustling medina streets, marketplaces and beaches are much less crowded, which (for me) makes it an ideal time to visit.
If you're visiting Essaouira in January, you can leisurely explore the city's white-washed buildings, meandering lanes and artisan workshops, and take your pick of restaurants and cafes without having to make bookings. The 18th-century seafront ramparts will also be much quieter at sunset, so 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 alongside the fish market. While some shops and restaurants may have reduced hours, you'll still find plenty of spots open to browse for souvenirs or enjoy locally caught seafood.
Is January a good time to visit Essaouira?
What’s on in Essaouira in January
New Year - December 31/January 1
While Essaouira celebrates 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 lively 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 of which offer special packages to mark the occasion. Usually, there aren’t any fireworks at New Year’s in Essaouira, although this could change in the coming years.
Proclamation of Independence - January 11
On January 11, 1944, the Istiqlal Party submitted a document calling for Morocco's independence from French colonial rule. This event was 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
Best things to do in Essaouira in January
Due to the reduced crowds, January in Essaouira is the perfect time to wander through the labyrinthine medina and shop for handicrafts in the artisan stores. Admire the work by local creatives in one of the many art galleries that dot the streets and spend time people-watching in one of the eclectic cafes that are popping up throughout the city. If you love seafood, be sure to head down to the port to experience the comings and goings of the daily fish market - feasting on grilled sardines here is one of my favourite things to do in Essaouira!
While the Atlantic Ocean may be too chilly for swimming (sea temperatures are around 16-18°C (61-64°F) in January), there are still plenty of beach activities to experience. Water sports like kite surfing and windsurfing are in full swing, although the winds aren’t as strong as in the summer months. However, 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 choose to visit a local hammam (learn more here) or treat yourself at a spa-like hammam, many of which 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 Relais & Châteaux property.
Is January a good time to visit Essaouira?
Inside the sophisticated lobby of the Heure Bleue Palais in Essaouira (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Is January a good time to visit Essaouira?
For me, January is a great time to visit Essaouira, with the reduced crowds making 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 a cafe or restaurant 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 riads and hotels if you book in advance.
That being said, Essaouira in winter is not for everyone, particularly 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 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), making 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 a tranquil and uncrowded off-season escape in one of Morocco’s most trending destinations.
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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.