February in Essaouira offers mild winter weather, with cool breezes and day time temperatures around 16°C (60°F). If it’s felt like a long winter and you’re craving some winter sun, Essaouira is an ideal getaway in February.
By February, many Northern Europeans are ready for a break from winter, and with affordable direct flights to Morocco, Essaouira makes an appealing choice for a sunny half-term escape.
That said, coastal weather here can be changeable. Expect mostly dry, bright days, but occasional cloud, drizzle, and some wind – Essaouira is known as the ‘Windy City of Africa’ for a reason. When the wind drops, daytime temperatures can reach a pleasant 20–22°C; ideal for exploring in light clothing, even if it’s not quite beach weather.
Evenings, however, can feel cool, especially in traditional riads, so pack a jacket and check for heating or extra blankets.
It’s also worth noting that February 2027 coincides with Ramadan, which may affect opening hours and the overall atmosphere in the city.
For 2027 (tentative dates), Ramadan in Morocco begins in the evening of Sunday, 7th February and will continue for 30 days until Monday, 8th March. These dates a subject to slight change according to moon sightings.
Essaouira weather in February
Daytime temperatures in Essaouira in February hit an average high around 19°C and drop to 12°C at night. Although with houses that aren’t insulated for the cold and don’t have double glazing or central heating, the evenings can feel rather chilly. You will need to pack the woolly jumpers.
There are generally around five rainy days in Essaouira in February. Although the sun makes a regular appearance with over 200 hours of sunshine during the entire month and February is one of the least windy months on average in Essaouira, meaning calm, sunny days are the majority.
But the weather can be rather interchangeable from day to day at this time of the year. So wearing layers is key. One day will be calm with brilliant blue skies, the next day overcast and windy, the next day sunny and windy… you get the idea. Just be prepared. Although we can guarantee it will be much warmer and brighter than London in February.
Early mornings and evenings can feel very chilly and you’ll want a jumper and light jacket, but by lunch time you’re peeling off the layers and the sunglasses are out. Make sure you have a backpack handy whilst out exploring to hold all your clothing layers.
Is Essaouira quiet in February?
February is a popular time for international visitors, especially with European half-term holidays, but it’s still far quieter than the peak summer months. Even when Ramadan falls during this period, visitor numbers remain fairly steady, although the overall pace of the city feels a little more relaxed.
On sunny, less windy weekends, the beach can still draw local visitors, so it’s best to visit midweek if you’re after a quieter stretch of sand; alternatively, head north to Assafi Beach for more space. Click here to read our guide to Essaouira beaches.
During Ramadan, evenings tend to be a little calmer than usual, but it’s still a good idea to book ahead for popular restaurants, particularly later in the evening when people gather to eat after sunset.
Is the water warm enough for swimming?
This is the Atlantic Ocean. So even in the height of the hot summer months the sea feels cold. The only difference is that in the summer months, the sea is a refreshing place to cool off. Whereas in the winter months, you don’t really feel the need to cool off.
However, February is also when the sea in Essaouira reaches its lowest temperatures. The heat stored from the summer months has long gone, with an average water temperature of 15°C. So February is the coldest month for swimming in the sea in Essaouira.
But as February is on average one of the least windy months, it is a great time for surfing in Essaouira! So grab a wetsuit and hit the waves! The surf schools are all open at this time of year.
Ramadan in Essaouira
READ: Ramadan in Essaouira
Most of February coincides with Ramadan. This is a time of great religious significance for Muslims, and involves fasting from dusk until dawn (this means no food or drink, including water).
However, Ramadan does not mean that Essaouira closes down. Essaouira is very much open to tourists and visitors during Ramadan. Almost all Essaouira hotels, riads, and Airbnbs will be open and operating usual services (although you may struggle to find staff around prayer time).
Though please note that some businesses will be closed, or have significantly reduced opening hours. Blue shutters line the medina alleyways where usually rug and ceramic goods spill onto the street, street food stalls are almost non-existent, and many local corner shops where you would normally buy bread, milk, and eggs, will be closed.
But Essaouira is a town that relies heavily on tourism, and we’ve noticed that post-pandemic, increasingly more restaurants and souvenir shops are opening during Ramadan, especially around Moulay Hassan Square and close to the Ramparts. Businesses have adapted to cater to this seasonal demand, ensuring visitors have access to dining and shopping options even during the holy month.
Either way, you will still be able to find places to buy food. Muslims still eat during Ramadan! The food markets will be open to stock up on fruit, veg, and bread, and there’s also the large Carrefour on the main road into Essaouira selling Western items. Self-catering is a good option if you are visiting Essaouira during Ramadan.
It should also be noted that all alcohol shops in Essaouira (including Carrefour) close for the entire month of Ramadan, and often close a few days beforehand. Check out our guide to alcohol in Essaouira for more information.
Also, a very nice benefit of visiting Essaouira during Ramadan is that there are no building works taking place around the medina. At other times, there is always building work going on, especially close to the Jewish quarter. But over Ramadan, this all stops. So you are guaranteed that there won’t be any hammering or drilling happening to disturb your peace.
Visiting Essaouira (or anywhere in Morocco) during Ramadan requires a fair bit of preparation with stocking up on food when shops are open. Self-catering accommodation is a good idea so that you’re not tied to eating in the same places every day, due to lack of choice.
Is February a good time to visit Essaouira?
If you’re hoping for a winter-sun escape to lounge by the pool all day, February in Essaouira may not quite deliver; temperatures are pleasant, but not reliably warm enough for sunbathing.
However, if you’re after mild, sunny weather for long walks, surfing, or exploring, it’s a great time to visit. Visitor numbers pick up slightly around European half-term, but it still feels relatively relaxed, even when Ramadan falls during this period. Days carry on much as usual, though the rhythm of the city shifts a little, with quieter daytime scenes and more activity after sunset.
You can still enjoy peaceful mornings on the beach (especially before 10:00) and cooler conditions are ideal for being active. Just pack a jacket for chilly mornings and evenings, and check your accommodation has heating if you’re staying in a traditional riad.
Explore Essaouira ebook
Updated for 2026, the Explore Essaouira ebook is the only travel guide you need for exploring Essaouira. This is jam-packed with inspiration on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and also includes a step-by-step self-guided walking tour (with photos).
This is a PDF download for use offline and on the go (and ad-free!). Save it to read on the plane to Morocco, download to your phone to follow the self-guided walking tour around the medina, or print it off at home before you leave on your adventures and highlight all the bits you want to remember for your visit.
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Before you go, these guides may be useful:
The best things to do in Essaouira
Essaouira walking tour (self-guided)
Day trips from Essaouira
How to get around Essaouira
The best restaurants in Essaouira
The best hotels in Essaouira
Essaouira travel FAQs: everything you need to know before your visit
A brief history of Essaouira