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Essaouira Bay kitesurf, wingfoil and windsurf spot
Morocco · Marrakech-Safi
Overview
Essaouira Bay is Morocco's most iconic kite and windsurf destination. The large crescent-shaped sandy bay stretches south of the historic medina, offering a perfect natural playground for all levels.
The bay benefits from the NE trade winds (Alizés) that blow almost daily from April to October, typically 15–25 knots with afternoon peaks to 30+. The wind hits the bay cross-shore to cross-onshore — safe direction pushing riders back towards the beach. The Îles Purpuraires offshore partially shelter the bay from the heaviest Atlantic swell, creating manageable chop inside with small waves near Fort Portugais in the south.
Essaouira is extremely well-set-up for learning and progression. Multiple IKO-certified schools operate directly on the beach (Explora, Ocean Vagabond, Alex Pastor Kite Club, Kite Tripping). Morning sessions offer lighter wind for beginners, while afternoons deliver strong wind for experienced riders. The sandy bottom and gentle shore make it very forgiving.
Beyond kiting, Essaouira offers a stunning medina (UNESCO), excellent restaurants, the Gnaoua music festival, and easy access from a direct international airport (EasyJet, Transavia, RAM) or 2.5h drive from Marrakech.
Spot forecast for Essaouira Bay
Sunrise 06:48 · Sunset 17:57
Forecasts provided by Open-Meteo
Tides
Heights above lowest astronomical tide, in the spot's local time. Computed 4.5 km from the spot.
- Saturday 24 October High tide · 2.8 m Low tide · 0.6 m High tide · 3 m Low tide · 0.4 m
- Sunday 25 October High tide · 3 m Low tide · 0.5 m High tide · 3.1 m Low tide · 0.3 m
- Monday 26 October High tide · 3.1 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 3.2 m Low tide · 0.3 m
- Tuesday 27 October High tide · 3.2 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 3.1 m Low tide · 0.3 m
- Wednesday 28 October High tide · 3.2 m Low tide · 0.3 m High tide · 3 m Low tide · 0.4 m
Essaouira Bay: when to go?
Rideable days and hours computed for a minimum wind of 7 knots · log in to set your own (foil, twin-tip…)
425h
in July · 29 rideable days
The season runs from April to September, peaking in July: 27 rideable days a month and 425 hours of usable wind, at 23 °C. The low point is January, at 13 days.
Rideable days per month
Wind strength when it is rideable
When the spot works, wind sits mostly between 7 and 12 knots — 50% of rideable hours. Big-kite territory. The coldest month is February, at 20 °C. The wettest month is March, with 69 mm.
Monthly averages: Essaouira Bay
| Month | Rideable days | Usable wind | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13.0 | 109 h | 21 °C | 7 mm |
| February | 17.5 | 171 h | 20 °C | 40 mm |
| March | 14.5 | 144 h | 20 °C | 69 mm |
| April | 22.5 | 271 h | 21 °C | 8 mm |
| May | 28.5 | 366 h | 21 °C | 0 mm |
| June | 27.0 | 360 h | 23 °C | 0 mm |
| July | 29.0 | 425 h | 24 °C | 0 mm |
| August | 29.0 | 404 h | 25 °C | 0 mm |
| September | 25.5 | 297 h | 24 °C | 1 mm |
| October | 19.0 | 206 h | 23 °C | 8 mm |
| November | 15.0 | 126 h | 23 °C | 9 mm |
| December | 16.5 | 125 h | 20 °C | 43 mm |
Photo gallery of Essaouira Bay
Ridden here? One photo or video, and the spot comes alive for everyone discovering it.
Technical details of Essaouira Bay spot
The spot works with winds from N, NNE, NE, W, WNW, NW, NNW.
Local association recommendations
Multiple kite/windsurf schools: Explora Morocco, Ocean Vagabond, Alex Pastor Kite Club, Kite Tripping, Kite Surf Essaouira. ION Club center. IKO certified instruction available.
Spot functioning
Wide sandy bay, shallow entry. Flat to small chop inside bay. Small beach break waves near Fort Portugais (south). Multiple kite schools on the beach. Kites 7–12m typical. Kite zone occupies the main beach, with surfers and swimmers closer to medina.
Spot opening date · Required level
- Spot opening date
- Open all year round
Year-round. Peak kite season: April–October. Surf season: November–March (less wind, bigger swell). Kite schools operate daily during season.
- Required level
- Beginner
On the water
Choppy inside bay. Small waves (0.5–1m summer, up to head-high winter). Sandy bottom. Water 17–20°C. Wetsuit 3/2mm year-round, 4/3mm winter.
Parking
Beach is a 10 min walk from the medina. Hotels along the beachfront are even closer. Petite blue taxis available in town. No car needed — everything walkable. Car rental optional for exploring nearby spots.
Wind specificities
NE trade wind ('Alizés'), cross-shore to cross-onshore on the bay. Season April–October, peak June–August. 15–25 knots typical, peaks 30–35+ summer. Thermal reinforcement afternoons. Mornings lighter (10–15 knots), excellent for lessons. Winter: lighter, more variable, occasional gusty NW. Essaouira is a thermal spot — forecasts not always reliable.
Hazards
Generally safe spot. Wind can be very strong in summer afternoons (30+ knots) — beginners should ride mornings. Gusty near the northern end by the medina walls. Light current possible near Fort Portugais area. Sand blast factor on windy days. Water is cool (17–20°C), wetsuit 3/2mm recommended year-round.
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