In short
November stays mild in Essaouira — 22°C by day, 14°C at night, a sea still at 20°C — but autumn settles in: about six rainy days and shorter daylight. It is the cheapest, quietest month of the shoulder season, made for the medina, the hammam and the port's fish tables.
The month in numbers · November
Long-term averages
- 22°C
- daytime high
- 14°C
- night low
- 20°C
- sea temperature
- 10 kn
- average wind
- 6
- days of rain
- 7 h
- hours of sun a day
November is the month Essaouira becomes entirely itself again. The holidaymakers have gone, prices have dropped, the summer wind has let go, and the town returns to its own rhythm: boats coming in, cafés full of regulars, and a softer autumn light on the ramparts.
It's an excellent month — as long as you're coming for the medina, the food and the atmosphere rather than a tan.
The weather
22°C by day, 14°C at night, seven hours of sun. On paper that's a French spring. In practice, Atlantic autumn brings about six days of rain: clear spells of wet weather, often a day or two at a time, then the sky opens again.
The real difference from October isn't temperature, it's daylight: days drop to just over ten hours, and it's dark by about 6pm. Evenings start early, which is no bad thing in a town that eats well.
The sea
Still 20°C. The ocean loses its heat slowly, so it's often warmer than the air first thing. You swim briefly; you surf at length, in a 3/2.
It's one of the best times of year to learn: the swell is more consistent than in summer, schools are quieter, and you share the bay with ten people instead of a hundred.
The wind
Around 10 knots on average, close to the calmest month of the year. Summer's daily thermal has gone; what's left depends on Atlantic weather systems, so it's irregular. For a kiter, November is a month of opportunity, not of planning.
For everyone else it's a relief: the beach is usable in the afternoon again, and so are the terraces.
What to do in November
This is the indoor month — in the best sense.
- Hammams and spas, which make complete sense when it's 16°C and grey outside.
- A cooking class, three sheltered hours that end in lunch.
- The medina, finally walkable without squeezing past anyone. It's also the right time to buy: craftsmen have time to talk, and prices negotiate better out of season.
- The port grills and the fish restaurants, which don't care what the weather does.
And on fine days, which are still the majority, everything else: the ramparts, Diabat, the beach, Sidi Kaouki.
Prices and crowds
Along with January, this is the cheapest month of the year. Riads post low-season rates, tables are free without booking, and taxis negotiate more easily. If your budget is tight, November gives you the same town as October for noticeably less.
A few places close for a week or two of maintenance around now — rarely a problem, the town has plenty.
What to pack
- Layers, that's the whole trick: t-shirt at 2pm, jumper and jacket at 7pm.
- A light waterproof jacket rather than an umbrella.
- Closed shoes that cope with a wet street.
- A swimsuit anyway, the sea is at 20°C.
- And check whether your room has heating when you book: it's the detail that separates a mild night from a damp one in a stone house.
The verdict
The best value of the year, if rain doesn't put you off. You won't come for the beach, but you'll have the medina almost to yourself, restaurants you can walk into, craftsmen with time for you, and a town that isn't performing for visitors.
For a safer bet on weather, see Essaouira in October. Wind across all twelve months is in our wind and weather guide.
Common questions
What is the weather like in Essaouira in November?
Around 22°C by day and 14°C at night, with seven hours of sun and six rainy days on average. This is when autumn sets in properly: still plenty of fine days, but wet spells arriving off the Atlantic.
Can you swim in Essaouira in November?
The sea is still around 20°C, warmer than the air on some mornings. You can swim, briefly, and surfers are in the water every day in a 3/2 wetsuit. It is not a month for lying on the sand.
Is November a good month to visit Essaouira?
Yes, if you come for the town rather than the beach. It is the quietest and cheapest month before the holidays, the medina is a pleasure, and restaurants have space. Just plan for one wet day.
Is it cold in Essaouira in November?
Not cold, but cool in the evening: 22°C in the afternoon becomes 14°C at night, and many riads have no heating. Ask whether the room has some — or at least a good duvet — before you book.
Is there wind in Essaouira in November?
Less than the rest of the year, about 10 knots on average. Kitesurfing days still happen but become irregular, driven by weather systems rather than summer's daily thermal.
