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.

In June, Essaouira offers surfable conditions with an average swell height of 1.6m and a decent period of 8.9s, providing consistent, well-formed waves. The swell is predominantly from the NNW, NW, and WNW directions, with the majority of waves falling in the 1-2.5m range (65.5% between 1-2m and 13.5% between 2-2.5m), making it suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers. However, wind conditions are often less than ideal, with only 17% of days offering favorable offshore or light crossshore winds. The most common winds are northerly (N, NNE, NNW), frequently blowing at 20-40kph, which can create choppy or textured surfaces. While smaller days (0.5-1.5m) are surfable, the best sessions occur when winds ease or align favorably. Expect a mix of rideable days, but patience and timing are key to scoring cleaner conditions.