Sidi Kaouki - surf spot statistics

Best Surf Season (October - March)

The North Atlantic kicks into high gear during these months, sending powerful, long-period groundswells marching toward the Moroccan coast. With an average swell height consistently above 2m and wave periods frequently exceeding 12s, Sidi Kaouki transforms into a consistent, high-quality wave machine. The wind machine aligns too—dominant high pressure over the Sahara funnels offshore NO to OSO breezes over 50% of the time, grooming the WNW-to-WSW swells into clean, rippable lines. Expect pumping 1.5-2.5m surf with occasional XXL days when deep lows spin up in the North Atlantic. This is prime time for charging Sidi Kaouki.

Fair Surf Season (April - May & September)

As the Atlantic storm track begins to shift north in spring, swell heights dip to the 1.7-2.0m range and periods shorten to 9-11s. April receives a solid mix of NNW and NW swell, but the offshore wind window narrows to around 30% of the time, often blowing strong NNE trades that can introduce texture. May sees further trade-off: still plenty of NNW swell (62% of all wave energy) but periods drop to 9.4s, making for punchier, more short-period waves. September marks the transition back toward winter, with periods climbing to 10.1s and ideal wind percentages rebounding to 42%—a sweet spot for fun-sized 1-1.5m waves before the winter monster awakens.

Low Surf Season (June - August)

Summer in Sidi Kaouki is a study in consistency but at a cost. The swell is almost exclusively from the NNW (75-87% of all wave energy), with average heights hovering around 1.6m. Periods drop to a subdued 7.6-8.4s, producing choppier, less powerful waves. The offshore wind window shrinks to just 25-31% of the time, and the relentless NNE trades often blow 20-40kph, creating bumped-up, onshore conditions that favor larger boards and groveling. While it’s never flat, the quality takes a definite hit—best reserved for early morning glass-offs or when a rare southern hemi pulse sneaks in.

April: The Spring Compromise

April sees average swell height drop to 2.0m and period shorten to 10.8s, edging into the average, punchy category. The swell is overwhelmingly NNW (47%), with the NW (21%) and WNW (7%) still contributing. The trade winds become a factor—offshore wind is ideal only 30% of the time, with strong NNE (33%) and N (18%) winds often blowing 20-40kph. These winds can create bumpy conditions, but early morning cleanups and the occasional 6-second peak can still deliver fun, rippable waves for the patient surfer.