In short
In May Essaouira is sunny and windy: 21°C by day, 15°C at night, ten hours of sun, almost no rain, and a trade wind blowing most afternoons. Excellent for kitesurfing, less so for sunbathing in the afternoon. In 2027, Eid al-Adha falls around 16 May.
The month in numbers · May
Long-term averages
- 21°C
- daytime high
- 15°C
- night low
- 18°C
- sea temperature
- 16 kn
- average wind
- 2
- days of rain
- 10 h
- hours of sun a day
May is when you understand why Essaouira is called the "city of the trade winds". Almost every day follows the same script: a calm, bright morning, wind getting up around 11am, and an afternoon at 15 or 20 knots. Kiters are delighted. People hoping for a nap on the sand, much less so.
So it all depends on what you're coming for.
The weather
21°C by day, 15°C at night, ten hours of sun. Rain becomes rare, two days on average in the month. The weather is remarkably stable: if you check the forecast a week before you leave, it will be right.
Sunset is around 8.30pm. Evenings are mild in a sheltered spot, cool facing the sea.
The wind, May's real story
Around 16 knots on average, with afternoons often reaching 20 knots and more. This is the heart of the windy spring, just before summer.
For kiters, it's one of the best windows of the year: reliable wind day after day, mild temperatures, and fewer people than in July.
For everyone else, simply turn the day around. Beach and swimming in the morning. Medina, souks, a cooking class or the hammam in the afternoon, sheltered by the walls.
The sea
18°C. It's starting to warm, slowly. In the morning, when the water is flat and there's no wind, a swim on a fine day is perfectly possible. In the afternoon the sea belongs to boards and kites.
What to do in May
- Morning: the beach, the port, a walk to Diabat before the wind.
- Afternoon: a kite session, or anything sheltered, such as a cooking class in the medina.
- A quad ride in the dunes south of town. The wind lifts the sand there, so bring a scarf.
Eid al-Adha 2027
Eid al-Adha, the Feast of the Sacrifice, is expected around 16 or 17 May 2027, depending on the moon sighting. It's the most important celebration of the year for Moroccan families.
- Two public holidays, with many shops, craftsmen and small restaurants closed for several days.
- Packed transport in the week before: many people travel home to family. Book buses well ahead.
- Riad restaurants and tourist businesses stay open.
What to pack
- Light clothes and an essential windbreaker.
- A scarf or buff for sandy afternoons.
- Sunscreen and sunglasses: ten hours of sun, and wind that hides it.
- A jumper for the evening.
The verdict
One of the best months of the year for kitesurfing, and a good month for everyone, as long as you accept that the afternoon belongs to the wind. Watch the Eid dates if you're travelling by bus.
The month before is gentler on the wind: Essaouira in April. The month after is Gnaoua festival month: Essaouira in June.
Common questions
What is the weather like in Essaouira in May?
Around 21°C by day and 15°C at night, with ten hours of sun a day and two rainy days on average. The weather is stable and dry; the only real variable is the afternoon wind.
Is it windy in Essaouira in May?
Yes. The trade winds blow most afternoons, often 15 to 22 knots. Mornings stay calm. It's an excellent time for kitesurfing, and the reason you keep the beach for the morning.
When is Eid al-Adha in 2027?
Around 16 or 17 May 2027, depending on the moon sighting. It is the Feast of the Sacrifice: two public holidays, many shops closed for several days, and very busy transport in the week before.
Can you swim in Essaouira in May?
The sea is around 18°C: cool, but fine for a swim on a warm morning, before the wind. Surfers and kiters wear a 3/2.
Is May a good month to visit Essaouira?
Yes, especially if you kite or don't mind the wind. Guaranteed sun, little rain, prices still reasonable. Just avoid the days around Eid if you're travelling by bus.
