In short
July is Essaouira's windiest month: 23°C by day, 18°C at night, no rain, the sea at 20°C and a trade wind often above 20 knots in the afternoon. Perfect for kiting and cool compared with the rest of Morocco, but the beach is a morning thing.
The month in numbers · July
Long-term averages
- 23°C
- daytime high
- 18°C
- night low
- 20°C
- sea temperature
- 19 kn
- average wind
- 0
- days of rain
- 9 h
- hours of sun a day
In July the rest of Morocco swelters and Essaouira breathes. Marrakech goes over 40°C; here you put on a jumper in the evening. That contrast is what brings Moroccan families all summer, and the wind is what makes it possible.
Because July is also the windiest month of the year. That doesn't spoil anything, as long as you plan your days around it.
The weather
23°C by day, 18°C at night, zero days of rain. Nine hours of sun on average. That's less than you'd imagine for a Moroccan summer, because of the morning mist: a grey veil rising off the ocean that covers the town until 10 or 11am, then disappears. Don't judge the day by the sky at breakfast.
Sunset is around 8.45pm. Evenings are long, bright, and cool facing the sea.
The wind
19 knots on average, the highest of the year. In the afternoon the trade wind often goes above 20 knots, sometimes 25. Sand flies across the main beach and flags snap on the ramparts.
- For experienced kiters, it's peak season. Guaranteed wind every day, long sessions, downwinders.
- For beginner kiters, lessons tend to run in the morning or late in the day, when the wind is lighter.
- For everyone, the beach is a morning thing.
The sea
20°C. Cooler than the Mediterranean, and cooler than you'd expect in midsummer. The trade wind pushes surface water offshore and cold water from the depths rises in its place. That's what keeps Essaouira cool.
In the morning the sea is calm and the waves gentle: that's children's time. Kids' surf lessons start from age 5, in the whitewater close to shore.
What to do in July
The right rhythm is the residents' one:
- Morning: beach, swim, a surf lesson.
- Afternoon: a nap or the medina, sheltered from the wind behind the ramparts.
- Late in the day: a camel or horse ride towards Diabat, when the wind drops and the light turns golden.
- Evening: Place Moulay Hassan and the port grills, with the whole town outdoors.
Crowds and prices
The first half of the month stays fairly quiet. From mid-July, the Moroccan holidays are in full swing and Moroccans living abroad come home for the summer. The town fills up, prices rise, and the best riads are taken weeks ahead.
Throne Day, on 30 July, is a national public holiday, with a festive feel all over town.
What to pack
- Summer clothes, plus a proper jumper for the evening.
- A windbreaker and a scarf against the afternoon sand.
- High-factor sunscreen: mist and wind hide a very strong sun.
- A swimsuit, of course, and a wetsuit if you stay in the water for long.
The verdict
The best month for experienced kitesurfers and for escaping Morocco's heat. For a classic beach week, come knowing the afternoon belongs to the wind, and book early for the second half of the month.
The month before is festival month: Essaouira in June. The month after is the busiest of the year: Essaouira in August.
Common questions
What is the weather like in Essaouira in July?
Around 23°C by day and 18°C at night, no rain, and a sky often veiled in the morning by summer mist, which lifts late morning. It's a mild summer with no crushing heat.
Is Essaouira too windy in July?
It depends on what you're here for. It's the windiest month of the year: the trade wind often goes above 20 knots in the afternoon. Perfect for kitesurfing and windsurfing, tiresome for an afternoon on the beach. Mornings are calm.
Can you swim in Essaouira in July?
Yes, in the morning. The sea is around 20°C, cooler than the Mediterranean, because the wind brings cold water up along the coast. With children, mornings on the beach are ideal.
Why is Essaouira so cool in summer?
The ocean and the trade wind. Sea air and water around 20°C keep the town near 23°C, while Marrakech, two and a half hours away, often goes over 40°C. That's what draws Moroccan families all summer.
Do I need to book for July?
Yes, especially from mid-July, when the Moroccan holidays start and Moroccans living abroad come home. Book your riad one to two months ahead for the second half of the month.
