Visiting Essaouira in July: is it too hot?

Is July a good time to visit Essaouira? What’s the weather like in Essaouira in July? It it too hot like the rest of Morocco? Or is it high season due to the school holidays? We answer all these questions here and more, so read on.

Essaouira in July (and most of August) is notoriously windy, more so than other months (the wind drops considerably in September). Don’t expect too many days lying on Essaouira beach sunbathing, as the wind will be covering you in sand and finding its way in to every crevice; Essaouira is coined “The Windy City of Africa” for a reason! Although there are still the odd less-windier days, and when the wind drops you can expect the beach to be much busier.

But Essaouira is wonderfully cool in comparison to elsewhere in Morocco in July when summer temperatures are soaring to uncomfortable temperatures. And for this reason, when the school holidays start (mid-July), the high season commences and Essaouira is much busier with tourists. The last two weeks in July are exceptionally busy.

READ: When is the best time to visit Essaouira?

⇦ Essaouira in June | Essaouira in August ⇨

Essaouira weather in July

Temperatures in July hover around 28°C, and sunshine is pretty much guaranteed every day.

On windy days it can feel cooler, and on calm days it will feel much warmer, sometimes muggy. The wind often tends to build up throughout the day. In the evenings you will need a light jumper; yes, it can be pretty chilly on the beach at sunset.

Though there are often days over 30°C, and, if you go inland just a few kilometres, it’s much much hotter than by the coast.

You can also expect a couple of days where the town and beach are covered in sea mist, with little wind. The island off the coast disappears and you can’t see from one end of the beach to the other. It’s rather eerie and an interesting contrast to the bright, sunny days.

The sea beckons for a refreshing dip. This is the Atlantic Ocean, so don’t expect it to be warm; the water is still on the chilly side. Plus, due to the wind, it can feel rather chilly emerging from the water.

Is it too windy in July?

And let’s talk about the wind in July in Essaouira; it can be very strong and if you’re on the beach, the sand will be whipped up and get in every crevasse. But there are some calmer days in July with a light wind for sunbathing, and there’s always the medina to seek shelter from (perhaps try our self-guided Essaouira walking tour).

The guaranteed winds in July also mean that it’s a great month for kite-surfing, which is one of the top things to do in Essaouira.

Is Essaouira busy in July?

July and August is the high season in Essaouira as this coincides with the Moroccan school summer holidays, as well as the European summer school holidays. Domestic tourism is booming as locals flock to the beach to cool down. Plus, this time of year is especially popular with French visiting their summer houses in Essaouira, and for this reason, it can be tricky to find a decently priced Airbnbs.

Indeed, expect accommodation prices to increase. Some Essaouira hotels even have a three night minimum stay from mid-July. Book ahead your accommodation, especially if you are looking at a long term Airbnb rental.

The beach is still rather quiet in the early mornings and gets busier as the day goes on (then starts to clear from 5pm, especially if it’s windy). At the weekends (in particular if it’s a Sunday with no wind) and the last two weeks of July can get exceptionally busy. If you want to avoid the afternoon crowds on these days, perhaps follow our Essaouira walking tour, or take a petit taxi to the far end of the beach and along to the sand dunes past the camels (towards Diabet); it much quieter along here.

Along the corniche most evenings are small food trollies selling ice-cream, popcorn, and BBQ sweetcorn.

Essaouria restaurants are also exceptionally busy the last two weeks of July as school holidays are in full swing. Trying to get a table from 7pm onwards can be tricky. Either plan to eat early, or book a table.

Is July a good time to visit Essaouira?

Essaouira really does feel alive this time of year. But if you want to avoid a busy beach or higher accommodation prices, you may want to avoid; easier said than done if you’re a family with kids in school.

However, if you book accommodation far enough ahead and make the most of the weekdays at the beginning of the month, it’s a great time to visit; the sun is shining every day, evenings are lovely and cool, and it’s a great place to come to avoid the soaring temperatures further inland in Morocco.

Don’t worry about it being too hot. But if there is a very hot day with little wind, we suggest doing a pool day pass at either Les Jardins de Villa Maroc and Hôtel Domaine de L’Arganeraie.

---

If you have found this website useful for planning your Essaouira adventures, you can show your support by buying Jenny a coffee. Thanks so much!