Is February a good time to visit Essaouira? In my opinion, February can be a great time to visit Essaouira - a charming coastal city known for its laid-back vibe, historic medina and breezy beaches. Compared to the busy summer months, the streets are relatively uncrowded and the mild temperatures make it great for leisurely explorations and sightseeing.
That being said, winter in Essaouira might not be everyone’s cup of tea, particularly if you’re craving a classic beach vacation with long days lounging on the beach. The air and water temperatures may be a bit cool for swimming, although there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy the coastal setting while windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The trade winds that have earned Essaouira the nickname the "Windy City" are still prevalent in February, although it’s usually a bit calmer than in the summertime. This makes it perfect for long walks along the coastline and horseback riding on the beach. The reduced tourist numbers also mean you can often find better deals on accommodations and enjoy more authentic interactions with the friendly locals.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Essaouira in February, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Essaouira in February 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 February 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 February
Mild and comfortable is how I would describe the weather in Essaouira in February - it will come as a warm respite if you're travelling from northern Europe. You can expect daytime highs of around 18°C (64°F) and nighttime lows of about 10°C (50°F). Rainfall is relatively low during winter in Essaouira, with an average of only four wet days throughout the month, so you can probably get away without bringing a waterproof if you’re travelling light.
While Essaouira is known for its strong winds, January tends to be one of the calmest months, which is one of the reasons I love it so much! However, the weather can shift rapidly from one day to the next - brilliantly sunny skies can quickly give way to overcast, blustery conditions before cycling back to sun again. Mornings may require you to rug up in a jumper or jacket, but by midday, you'll likely be stripping down to short sleeves.
Top tip: Although Essaouira’s winter temperatures may sound mild, the lack of insulation, double glazing and central heating in many buildings can make nighttimes chilly. I’d highly recommend booking a riad or hotel with adequate heating (ideally a fireplace!) if you’re travelling to Essaouira in February.
Visiting Essaouira in February
Is February a busy time in Essaouira?
While February in Essaouira is definitely the “off-season”, there are still enough tourists around to create a lively atmosphere in the city. Compared to late January, there are usually more families visiting Essaouira in February due to the mid-term school break in some European countries. That being said, the city is still much quieter than in the peak summer months and you won’t be jostling for space in the medina.
Essaouira is usually at its busiest on weekends, when domestic tourists come to enjoy the coastal setting and the sun-drenched beaches. On Fridays and Saturdays, it’s still a good idea to make dinner reservations at the city's most sought-after restaurants, although you can probably just walk in on weekdays. While February may not see the crowds of the summer high season, Essaouira still hums with vibrancy as visitors come to soak up the winter sun.
Best things to do in Essaouira in February
What’s on in Essaouira in February
February is a really quiet month in Essaouira in terms of events, as there are limited festivities happening throughout the city. Morocco doesn't have any public holidays during this month and it’s too chilly for the music festivals that energise the streets in the warmer months. That doesn’t mean there’s not lots of things to do in Essaouira in February, with everything from cooking classes to horseback riding and kitesurfing lessons on offer.
Is February a good time to visit Essaouira?
Best things to do in Essaouira in February
Due to the relatively uncrowded conditions, January in Essaouira offers a wonderful opportunity to wander through the whitewashed medina and shop for handicrafts in the artisan stores. You can appreciate the creativity of local artists in the art galleries scattered throughout the city and enjoy some people-watching at the vibrant cafes that are emerging in the city.
Although the Atlantic waters might be too cold for swimming, with temperatures around 16-18°C (61-64°F), there are still numerous beach activities to enjoy. February is a great time to learn to windsurf or kitesurf due to the milder winds, with plenty of surf schools offering lessons and equipment For those seeking a more relaxed pace, the quiet beaches provide the perfect setting for leisurely strolls or horseback riding excursions.
The brisk February weather in Essaouira also makes it a great time to indulge in a traditional hammam, a quintessentially Moroccan form of relaxation and rejuvenation. If you're looking for a riad with a hammam experience, consider the beautiful Riad Dar Maya or Heure Bleue Palais, a Relais & Châteaux property. If the weather is unfavourable outside for sightseeing, book in for a cooking class in Essaouira to learn the secrets of Moroccan cuisine.
Is February a good time to visit Essaouira?
Views across Essaouira's medina from the Heure Bleue Palais (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Is February a good time to visit Essaouira?
In my opinion, February in Essaouira can be a great time to visit if you love mild climates and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months. While the temperatures aren't really warm enough for lounging on the beach, there are still plenty of opportunities for coastal exploration. If you’re into cold water swimming (like I am), you’ll love the bracing waters of the Atlantic Ocean at this time of year!
Essaouira is a sought-after destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing throughout the year, with the conditions in February particularly good for beginners. Rather than winter rains, the skies are often clear and sunny, perfect for long walks along the beach or strolling through the winding alleys of the medina.
While visitor numbers see a slight uptick during the mid-term European school break, Essaouira still retains a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere. With fewer tourists compared to the busy summer months, you can take your time browsing the shops and art galleries, sipping mint tea in quiet cafes and soaking up the unique ambiance of this breezy, bohemian enclave.
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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.