Essaouira in November: is it a good time to visit?

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In November, Essaouira provides and extra doses of Vitamin D for northern Europeans and a quieter time to explore. Average daily temperatures drop to a still very pleasing 22°C/71°F, although a light jacket for the early mornings and evenings may be needed.

For Europeans craving calm before the Christmas rush and an extra dose of Vitamin D before the winter sets in, November is a lovely time to visit Essaouira. Admittedly temperatures may not be quite right for days sunbathing on the beach or by the pool, but Essaouira isn’t really that sort of holiday anyway.

November is the month where locals feel the turn into winter; a coolness creeps into the air in the early mornings and evenings (bring a light jacket with you) and there may even be the odd drizzly day towards the end of the month.

But with daytime temperatures hovering around 22°C and dropping to 14°C in the evening, November is a very pleasant time for shopping in the souks, taking long walks along the beach, and getting active with quad biking or horse riding.

READ: When is the best time to visit Essaouira?

Essaouira weather in November

In November, Essaouira experiences mild and pleasant weather, typical of its coastal climate. Daytime temperatures usually hover around 22°C (71°F), making it comfortable for exploring the city or enjoying the coastal walk between Diabat and Essaouira.

The evenings can be cooler, often dipping to around 12°C (53°F), so if you’re wondering what to pack for your Essaouira visit, a light jacket is advisable.

Rainfall is infrequent but can occur, with a monthly average of 4 rainy days in November. As always, the cool Atlantic breeze adds a refreshing touch, especially in the afternoons. But there’s an average of 7 to 9 hours of sunshine a day, which still makes Essaouira a fantastic winter sun destination.

Is Essaouira busy in November?

In November, Essaouira enjoys a slower, more laid-back vibe compared to its bustling summer months. While still popular with travellers seeking its coastal charm, the city doesn’t experience the same large influx of tourists that it does during peak season, such as during the Gnaoua World Music Festival in June, and the busy summer months of July and August where visitor numbers increase with domestic tourists seeking the cooler coastal temperatures.

And even though we recommend September and October as the best months to visit Essaouira, November shoulders this time with the advantage of fewer crowds.

You also don’t really need to prebook restaurants at this time of year and accommodation prices are lower.

Is the sea warm enough for swimming?

In all honesty, the sea is pretty chilly even in the summer months; this is the Atlantic Ocean after all. But November isn’t really the time for sunbathing beach days either, although there are some warm, blue sky days.

However, the ocean is actually only just starting to loose it’s warmth stored from the summer months, and the average water temperature in Essaouira in November is 19°C (64°F).

For many, this can feel a bit chilly for swimming in Essaouira, especially without a wetsuit, but there are people that do it. Just be prepared for a rather refreshing dip.

Most visitors tend to opt for beach walks, beach yoga, or kitesurfing during this time, as the steady winds make Essaouira ideal for these activities.

Is November a good time to visit Essaouira?

I personally love visiting Essaouira in November as the cooler temperatures mean that long walks and activities and much more comfortable. Plus, it’s a good time of year to browse the souks and stock up on Christmas gifts (do check out our guide to shopping in Essaouira, as well as our Morocco haggling tips).

November also one of the quieter months to visit as there are no school holidays, which also means lower accommodation rates.

In all honesty, any time is a good time to visit Essaouira. But we hope this gives you a good idea of what to expect during November in Essaouira if you are planning a visit.

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