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.

December in Essaouira offers solid surf conditions with an average swell height of 2.1m and a strong period of 12.8s, producing powerful, well-spaced waves. The swell is predominantly from the NW, WNW, and W, with the highest frequency in the 1.5-2.5m range, ensuring consistent, quality waves. Offshore winds (ideal for surfing) occur 43% of the time, mostly from northerly directions, though occasional onshore winds from the SSW to SSE can reduce quality. The spot handles larger swells well, with 15-20% of waves exceeding 2.5m, providing good opportunities for advanced surfers. Wind speeds are generally manageable (10-20kph), but stronger gusts (20-30kph) from NNE and NE can occasionally create choppy conditions. Overall, December delivers reliable surf with clean conditions nearly half the time, making it a solid choice for intermediates and experts.