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. The warm but not overly hot conditions are perfect for exploring the medina and 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 the shoulder season for tourism, so visitor crowds are usually thinner on the ground than during the peak summer months. As a result, you may find better deals on accommodations - Esssaouira 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, depending 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 Ultimate 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, although it’s not necessarily warm enough for lazing on the sand.
Essaouira is nicknamed "The Windy City" for good reason and 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), so 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.
Visiting Essaouira in May
Is May a busy time in Essaouira?
May is a relatively tranquil time to visit Essaouira as 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, so May is 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.
Best things to do in Essaouira in May
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. This highly anticipated event draws music lovers from all corners of Morocco and beyond, with a diverse program that features a wide range of classical music genres, including symphonic works, chamber music and solo recitals. In 2025, Le Printemps Musical des Alizés will take place from May 1 to 4 and will include two concerts by the Moroccan Philharmonic Orchestra.
Is May a good time to visit Essaouira?
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, a UNESCO World Heritage Site 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 and sweeping views of the Atlantic Ocean - it’s the place to watch the sunset in Essaouira. If you enjoy seafood, visiting the port for lunch is a "must" - choose your fish and have it grilled at one of the nearby barbecue spots, which also serve salad and bread to complement your meal.
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 and 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, an area that’s often overlooked by tourist. You can embark on a guided walk through traditional villages and argan forests to learn about Morocco's treasured oil or 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.
Is May a good time to visit Essaouira?
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, although 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 compared to the peak summer months of June through August and the Easter crowds have dissipated. This means you can enjoy a more relaxed experience exploring the medina's winding alleys, historic ramparts and bustling souks with fewer tourists around. Overall, May can be a fantastic time for an Essaouira getaway if you're seeking a laid-back coastal escape in Morocco.
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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.