Is September a good time to visit Essaouira? With the intense heat and crowds of summer in the past, September is a fantastic time to visit Essaouira. Daytime temperatures are really comfortable (mid-20s C/high-70s F) and the strong winds that Essaouira is known for tend to die down. As someone who feels really “scattered” in the wind, I find September is one of my favourite months in Essaouira.
Best of all, visiting in September allows you to experience a more authentic side of this artsy, laid-back destination. Without so many other tourists about, there’s more opportunity to mingle with locals, chat with stall owners and gain deeper insights into what makes Essaouira such a special place.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about visiting Essaouira in September, from the weather to crowds and special events. I’ll also share with you some of the best things to do in Essaouira in September to help you plan a seasonally suitable itinerary.
Planning a longer Moroccan escape? Discover everything you need to know about travelling to Morocco in September 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 September
In September, while many parts of Morocco are still bathing in the intense heat of late summer, Essaouira enjoys a much milder climate thanks to its coastal location. The city enjoys refreshing ocean breezes that keep daytime temperatures around 25°C (77°F) and nighttime lows around 19°C (66°F). While there are occasional moments when the temperatures rise above 30°C (86°F), this is not the norm.
If you’re visiting Essaouira in September, you can expect bright, sunny days and hardly any rainfall - in fact, no precipitation is common. However, don’t be surprised if there are a couple of days when the beach becomes completely enveloped in mist - this is completely normal for Essaouira! While sea temperatures are nearing their warmest, it’s important to remember that this is the Atlantic Ocean, so expect around 22°C (71°F).
September has a reputation for being one of the least windy months in the “Windy City”, but that doesn’t mean it’s wind-free! It just means that the wind speeds are (generally) a bit lower than at other times of the year.
Visiting Essaouira in September
Is September a busy time in Essaouira?
With the European school holidays coming to an end and summer officially over, September is a quieter month in Essaouira (compared to July and August at least). This makes it a great time to visit if you still want to enjoy the warm weather and go swimming at the beach, as well as dine alfresco in the evenings.
The reduced tourist demand means that you might benefit from slightly reduced accommodation rates and be able to simply turn up at restaurants, without having a reservation. If you’re visiting Essaouira at the start of September, I’d recommend you still secure hotel and riad bookings early, just to be on the safe side.
What’s on in Essaouira in September
To be honest, September is a relatively quiet month when it comes to events in Essaouira and there aren’t any big festivities (at this stage at least). But with so many art galleries and cafes in the city, you can expect pop-up exhibitions and live music nights throughout the month. While exploring the medina, keep an eye out for flyers and posters about small-scale events taking place throughout the city or ask your hotel staff to see if they know about any local events happening.
Is September a good time to visit Essaouira?
Best things to do in Essaouira in September
Essaouira is renowned for its whitewashed medina, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It really is a wonderful place to stroll, particularly when the temperatures aren’t too hot. You’ll find a plethora of artisan shops, art galleries and well-preserved buildings, alongside inviting cafes perfect for people watching. If the temperatures get too hot to be walking around outside, the city also boasts several fascinating museums that delve into cultural history and modern art.
For those who love seafood, visiting the port for lunch is a “must”. You can choose your fish and have it grilled at one of the nearby barbecue stands, where Moroccan salads and fresh bread are also on offer. Later in the afternoon, head over to the Skala de la Kasbah, an 18th-century coastal fortress with historic brass cannons and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s a beloved spot for watching the sunset and taking photographs in the golden light.
It's no secret that Essaouira is famed for its windy conditions, which attract kitesurfers and windsurfers from all over, and even though there tends to be a bit of a lull in wind speeds during September, there’s still enough to get out on the water. There are plenty of shops where you can rent gear or take lessons if you're just starting out.
If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the medina, there are numerous day trips and tours available from Essaouira, including visits to local markets and villages. Just be aware that temperatures can be higher as you head inland, so it's wise to consider this when organising your activities. On especially hot days, it might be best to stay close to the coast to take advantage of the refreshing breezes.
Is September a good time to visit Essaouira?
Is September a good time to visit Essaouira?
In my opinion, September is a fantastic time to visit Essaouira, particularly when considering the intense heat and crowds of summer are behind you. The month sees warm days with ample sunshine - perfect for exploring the medina or lazing on the beach (or a bit of both!) More importantly, September falls outside of the peak tourist season, meaning you can enjoy a more authentic atmosphere without contending with overwhelming crowds.
While Essaouira is known as the "Windy City of Africa" due to its reputation for strong winds, September sees a notable decrease in wind speed, particularly towards the end of the month. This means that while adventurous travellers may still have the opportunity to participate in water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing, those seeking a more laid-back experience can revel in the calmer conditions.
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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.