Is April a good time to visit Essaouira? While April is definitely a busy time to be in Essaouira with the Easter crowds, the near-perfect daytime temperatures make it absolutely ideal for sightseeing. The spring sunshine is warming but not yet too hot and Essaouira’s strong summer coastal winds are still relatively subdued. In fact, the sea breezes are welcoming for walking along the historic stone ramparts and watching the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean.
Because of the influx of European and North American tourists on their extended Easter break, Essaouira’s medina can feel crowded in the middle of the day. Many of these visitors come on day trips from Marrakech, so if you hit the streets early, you can avoid the crowds. Plus, there are lots of great Essaouira tours and experiences if you want to escape for a few hours. I’d still highly recommend booking your accommodation well in advance if you’re visiting Essaouira in April to ensure you don’t miss out!
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Essaouira in April, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Essaouira in April to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in April 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 April
The weather in Essaouira in April is generally perfect, with average daytime temperatures hovering in the low 20s Celsius (high 60s F). The evenings tend to be cooler, with temperatures dipping down to around 15°C (59°F), so it’s important to bring layers for heading out at night. April sees very little rainfall in Essaouira, so you probably don’t need to bother bringing a waterproof as most days will be clear skies and sunshine.
The main variable in Essaouira's April weather is the wind - this coastal city isn't known as the "Windy City" for nothing! Some days may be completely calm while on others, strong winds can seemingly whip up out of nowhere. That being said, the medina is somewhat protected from the full brunt - you can leave the beach for those who want to kitesurf or windsurf!
Visiting Essaouira in April
Is April a busy time in Essaouira?
April is generally a busy time in Essaouira, largely due to the Easter holidays that draw large numbers of visitors from Europe and North America. Accommodations and popular restaurants are often booked up in advance, so it pays to be organised! However, the crowds in April pale in comparison to the peak summer months of July and August when not only international visitors but also Moroccans flock to the coast to escape the inland heat. So while April is certainly a lively time to be in Essaouira and you won’t have the medina to yourself, it provides a less hectic and more laid-back experience compared to visiting in the height of summer.
Best things to do in Essaouira in April
What’s on in Essaouira in April
Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc
Since 1990, the Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc has been drawing women to compete in what is a highly unique road car rally. Using only traditional navigation methods, the female-only competitors steer their way along off-road routes, predominantly through the Sahara Desert. In 2025, the event will be finishing in Essaouira, with an official arrival on the beach. The awards ceremony and closing party will take place on April 26, also in Essaouira. You can learn more about this empowering motorsports event here.
Is April a good time to visit Essaouira?
Best things to do in Essaouira in April
With its mild temperatures, April in Essaouira is a great time to stroll through the atmospheric medina while admiring its charming blue and white buildings. You can shop for artisan goods in the markets, relax at the inviting cafes and browse the works of local creatives in the many art galleries. If you’re a fan of seafood, I’d highly recommend heading to the port for lunch - you can pick your own fish and have it grilled at one of the barbecues (they also provide salad and bread to accompany your meal).
Even if it may not be warm enough to swim (water temperatures are around 16 to 19°C (61 to 65°F)), the April sunshine makes it pleasant to be at the beach, either horseback riding or simply strolling along the sand. If the winds pick up, you can test your skills at windsurfing or kitesurfing, with several schools offering rentals and lessons. On calmer days, traditional surfing is really popular - Essaouira is a great place to learn to surf!
April is also an ideal time for exploring the surrounding countryside, with guided walks that take in picturesque villages and argan forests where you can learn about Morocco’s prized oil. The dry weather is perfect for quad-biking, which is a really popular way to explore Essaouira’s coastline and doesn’t require any previous experience. For something gentler, I’d recommend visiting one of the nearby villages, such as Sidi Mbark, to get an authentic taste of rural life or enjoy a foodie experience at the Sunday Market in Had Draa.
For more Essaouira day trips, tours and experiences, check out my detailed article here.
Is April a good time to visit Essaouira?
Is April a good time to visit Essaouira?
Provided you don’t mind sharing the medina with Easter holidaymakers, April can be a fantastic time to visit Essaouira. The mercury is yet to climb to the scorching temperatures of summer and is perfectly comfortable for both sightseeing and adventurous outdoor pursuits. While the water temperatures aren’t really inviting for long days at the beach, there are still plenty of active ways to enjoy Essaouira's gorgeous coastal setting.
If you’re visiting Essaouira in April and looking to escape the crowds, I’d recommend getting up early to explore the medina before the day trippers arrive from Marrakech. Then, you can head out on an excursion or tour in the middle of the day (or just relax at your riad) and return for another wander amidst the whitewashed buildings in the late afternoon. While the evenings can be a bit cooler, requiring a light jacket or sweater, the weather remains very blissfully beautiful throughout April.
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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.