Is Essaouira windy all year round?

Yes, Essaouira is windy for much of the year — its nickname is the "Wind City of Africa" — with the strongest trade winds blowing from spring through summer, which is exactly why it’s a magnet for windsurfers and kitesurfers. The wind is the town’s defining feature and rarely disappears entirely.

The upside of the breeze is that Essaouira stays cool and comfortable when inland cities like Marrakech are baking, making it a popular summer escape. The downside is that the beach can be too gusty for lazy sunbathing, and you’ll want a windbreak or a light jacket even on sunny days.

Autumn and winter tend to be a little calmer, though still breezy. If you want the classic windswept Essaouira for water sports, come in spring or summer; if you prefer calmer air for strolling, the shoulder months are gentler.