In short
June is Gnaoua festival month in Essaouira, usually in the second half of the month: the town fills up and prices soar. Weather-wise: 22°C by day, 17°C at night, ten hours of sun, no rain, the sea at 19°C and strong afternoon wind.
The month in numbers · June
Long-term averages
- 22°C
- daytime high
- 17°C
- night low
- 19°C
- sea temperature
- 18 kn
- average wind
- 1
- days of rain
- 10 h
- hours of sun a day
For a few days in June, Essaouira changes completely. The Gnaoua and World Music Festival fills the town with musicians, open-air stages and tens of thousands of visitors. The rest of the month is the start of summer: sun, wind, and a coolness the whole of Morocco envies.
The Gnaoua festival
It has been the event of the year in Essaouira since the late 1990s. The Gnaoua maâlems, masters of this spiritual music with roots in West Africa, play alongside jazz, blues and world musicians. There are big free stages on Place Moulay Hassan and on the beach, and more intimate concerts inside the medina.
It usually takes place in the second half of June, over three or four days. The exact dates are announced in spring.
What to know:
- Accommodation fills very early. For festival nights, book months ahead and expect prices several times higher than usual.
- The town is packed. Alleys, the square and the beach overflow, especially at night.
- So are the buses. Book your outbound and return journeys as soon as you know your dates.
- It's a rare experience. If the music interests you, it's the best time of year to come. If you want peace and quiet, it's the worst.
The weather
22°C by day, 17°C at night, ten hours of sun, and practically no rain. Mornings are sometimes grey: it's the summer mist, rising off the ocean and usually burning off before noon.
Sunset is around 8.45pm, the longest days of the year.
The real contrast is with inland Morocco. When Marrakech goes over 35°C, Essaouira stays mild. That's why Moroccan families spend their summer holidays here.
The wind
Around 18 knots on average. June is one of the windiest months: a near-daily trade wind, often 18 to 25 knots in the afternoon.
For kitesurfing, it's an ideal time, with reliable wind, a warming sea and endless days. A week-long course here gives you far more hours on the water than most places.
The sea
19°C. It often surprises visitors: the sea stays cool in the middle of summer. The wind pushes surface water offshore, and colder water rises from below along the coast. You can swim in the morning without trouble, just not for hours.
Planning your days
The summer rhythm sets in: beach and swimming in the morning, wind in the afternoon. Afternoons are for kiting, the hammam, a nap at the riad, or the medina sheltered by the ramparts. In the evening, everyone comes back out.
What to pack
- Summer clothes, but a jumper and a jacket for the evening: 17°C with wind cools you down fast.
- A windbreaker and a scarf for the beach in the afternoon.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat that stays on in the wind.
- For the festival: comfortable shoes and a small bag. The crowds are dense.
The verdict
June is two months in one. During the Gnaoua festival it's Morocco's musical experience of the year, with the crowds and prices that come with it. Outside it, it's an excellent month for kiting and for escaping the heat in the rest of the country.
The month before is just as windy and cheaper: Essaouira in May. The month after is high summer: Essaouira in July.
Common questions
When is the Gnaoua festival in Essaouira?
Usually in the second half of June, over three or four days. The organisers announce the exact dates in spring. During the festival, accommodation is fully booked weeks in advance.
What is the weather like in Essaouira in June?
Around 22°C by day and 17°C at night, ten hours of sun a day and almost no rain. Mornings are sometimes misty, afternoons windy: the start of summer in Essaouira, much cooler than inland.
Is it hot in Essaouira in June?
No, it's mild. While Marrakech often goes over 35°C, Essaouira stays around 22°C thanks to the ocean and the wind. That coolness is exactly why Moroccans spend their summers here.
Can you swim in Essaouira in June?
Yes, mainly in the morning. The sea is around 19°C, cool for a summer sea, and in the afternoon the wind makes the beach less pleasant. Kiters, on the other hand, are in their best season.
How far ahead should I book for June?
For the Gnaoua festival dates, months ahead if possible, and expect much higher prices. For the rest of the month, two to three weeks is usually enough.
