Essaouira - surf spot statistics

Essaouira offers consistent surf conditions year-round, with the best months for wave quality and favorable winds being from October through March. During this period, ground swell dominates (73–93%), providing powerful, clean waves with mean swell sizes ranging from 1.7m to 2.1m. October and November strike a good balance between swell size and wind conditions, with 39% of days having offshore or light winds. The winter months (December–February) bring the largest swells (2.1m) but have more inconsistent winds, with good wind days dropping to 37–43%. March still offers solid ground swell (83%) but sees increasing onshore winds (70% unfavorable). From April to September, conditions deteriorate as wind swell takes over, peaking in July (90% wind swell), and swell size drops to 1.5–1.7m. Wind conditions are poorest in summer (June–August), with only 17–22% of days having favorable winds. Late September can be a transition month with improving ground swell (48%) but still challenging winds. For the most reliable surf, aim for October–November when swell energy, size, and wind conditions align best, though winter months deliver bigger waves for those willing to endure less predictable winds.

April in Essaouira offers decent surf conditions with a mix of rideable swells and variable winds. The average swell height is 1.9m with a solid period of 11.3s, indicating well-formed and powerful waves. Swell direction is predominantly from the NW, NNW, and W, with the best size distribution falling in the 1-2.5m range—ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers. The wind is the main challenge, as clean offshore conditions (ideal for surfing) only occur about 20% of the time. Winds are frequently from the NNE and N, bringing stronger onshore gusts (20-40kph), which can create choppy conditions, especially in the afternoons. However, mornings may offer cleaner windows, particularly when lighter winds coincide with the larger NW swells. Expect a mix of surfable days, with the best sessions likely during early mornings with favorable wind alignments. Prepare for variable wind patterns, but when conditions align, the waves can be high-quality and powerful.