In short
February in Essaouira is still mild winter: 18°C by day, 11°C at night, the sea at 17°C and about five rainy days, with noticeably longer days. In 2027 Ramadan starts around 8 February, so the town runs to the rhythm of the fast by day and comes alive in the evenings.
The month in numbers · February
Long-term averages
- 18°C
- daytime high
- 11°C
- night low
- 17°C
- sea temperature
- 10 kn
- average wind
- 5
- days of rain
- 8 h
- hours of sun a day
February is a month of transition in Essaouira. Evenings are still cool and the sea is at its coldest, but the days are lengthening, the sun is gaining ground, and the first visitors of the French winter holidays arrive in search of the light they're missing at home.
In 2027 it has one particular feature: Ramadan begins around 8 February. That is a reason to come, not to stay away — as long as you know what to expect.
The weather
Expect 18°C by day and 11°C at night, with eight hours of sunshine. Atlantic fronts are rarer than in January: about five rainy days across the month. The fine days are bright, dry and genuinely pleasant in the midday sun.
Days gain nearly an hour over the month. Sunset is around 7.15pm mid-month — an hour earlier once the clocks change for Ramadan, see below.
The sea
17°C, the lowest of the year. No long swims, but excellent surfing: the winter swell is still here, the wind stays light, and schools have space.
Bring a 4/3; schools provide one with the board.
The wind
Around 10 knots on average, still calm. Windy days come with weather systems, and the first signs of the spring pattern appear at the end of the month. For most visitors, wind isn't a factor in February.
Ramadan in 2027
Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February 2027 and end around 9 March with Eid al-Fitr. The exact date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon in Morocco and is only announced the evening before.
What it actually changes for a visitor:
- The rhythm of the day. The town is slower in the daytime, especially in the afternoon. At sunset everything stops for ftour, the breaking of the fast — harira, dates, chebakia — then the streets fill up until late at night. Ramadan evenings are among the best of the year.
- Meals. Riads serve breakfast as usual, and medina restaurants that serve visitors stay open at lunchtime. Some small places used mainly by locals close during the day and open for ftour.
- Discretion. Avoid eating, drinking or smoking in the street during the day. Nobody will tell you off, but it's a question of respect.
- Alcohol. Some places cut their hours or stop serving it for the whole month.
- The clocks. Morocco traditionally puts its clocks back an hour during Ramadan, on a date announced by the government. Check your bus and flight times: it's the most common visitor mistake.
One piece of advice: if someone invites you to share ftour, say yes.
What to do in February
- A cooking class, a chance to learn harira and the dishes of Ramadan.
- The medina and its craftsmen, quiet during the day.
- The hammam, in late afternoon.
- A historical walk through the medina, to understand a town built to a plan in the 18th century.
- The evenings, especially during Ramadan: Place Moulay Hassan and the alleys come alive after ftour.
Prices and crowds
February is still low season, with gentle prices. The French winter school holidays, spread from early February to early March depending on the region, bring a few more people, mostly at weekends. Book your riad two or three weeks ahead if your dates fall in those holidays.
What to pack
- Layers, still: warm in the sun, cool in the shade and at night.
- A warm jacket for the evenings, all the more during Ramadan, when life happens outdoors at night.
- Clothes that cover shoulders and knees for the medina: a matter of respect, even more so during the month of fasting.
- A light waterproof and closed shoes.
The verdict
A good month for the town, the surf and a rare cultural experience, not for the beach. Ramadan in 2027 gives February a particular atmosphere: peaceful days and evenings that are among the liveliest of the year.
The month before is the calmest of winter: Essaouira in January. The month after brings back spring and the wind: Essaouira in March.
Common questions
What is the weather like in Essaouira in February?
Around 18°C by day and 11°C at night, with eight hours of sun a day and five rainy days on average. It is still winter, but the days are getting longer and fine days become more frequent as the month goes on.
When is Ramadan in 2027?
It is expected to begin around 8 February 2027 and end around 9 March with Eid al-Fitr. The exact date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon in Morocco and is only confirmed the evening before.
Can you visit Essaouira during Ramadan?
Yes, without any difficulty. Medina restaurants that serve visitors stay open at lunchtime, riads serve breakfast, and the evenings are especially lively after the fast is broken. Just be discreet: don't eat, drink or smoke in the street during the day.
Can you swim in Essaouira in February?
The sea is at 17°C, its lowest of the year. Surfers wear a 4/3; few people swim. February is a month for the town, the food and the surf, not the beach.
Is Essaouira busy in February?
A little busier than January, especially during the French winter school holidays, which run from early February to early March depending on the region. It is still low season: gentle prices, easy restaurants, a quiet medina.
