At Essaouira the sea sits at around eighteen to twenty degrees depending on the season, and the wind is almost always there. You can swim in it, but rarely for long. A pool heated to 29 degrees, sheltered from the wind by the garden, lets you swim every day of the year, December included.
The climate of Essaouira, in short
Essaouira has a mild, steady climate, with no great heat and no real cold. That is what makes it a workable destination all year round, unlike Marrakech where the summer is punishing.
The downside is the trade wind. It blows almost without a break, above all from April to September. It makes the heat very bearable and gives the town its reputation among surfers and kitesurfers, but it cools you noticeably as you come out of the water.
What that means in practice
- 01The ocean stays bracing all year round, so you swim in it briefly.
- 02An unheated pool follows the air temperature, it turns cold as soon as autumn arrives.
- 03A pool heated to 29 degrees stays usable from January to December.
- 04A dense garden cuts the wind, which counts as much as the water temperature.
Coming out of season
This is our favourite season. There are fewer people in the medina, the restaurants take you without booking, the light is lower and finer, and the pool is at the same temperature as in August.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the pool heated in winter as well?
- Yes, to 29 degrees all year round, without interruption.
- Is it cold in Essaouira in winter?
- Rarely. The days stay mild, the nights cool down. A jumper in the evening is enough most of the time.
- Can you swim in the ocean?
- Yes, the beach is about ten minutes away. The water is cool and the wind often present: many people prefer to walk there and swim back at the house.
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