A fortified port town on Morocco's Atlantic coast, Essaouira was built in the 18th century by Sultan Mohammed III as a model city blending Moroccan and European design. Previously known as Mogador, the town was a major trading port connecting Morocco to Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. Jimi Hendrix famously visited in 1969, and its consistent trade winds make it a world-class destination for windsurfing and kitesurfing.
The year in Essaouira moves gently: summer sits around 24°C and winter around 16°C.
Most of the rain falls in winter, least in summer. The wettest month is December, with 56 mm.
Wind is a factor: July averages 20 km/h, enough to notice on a terrace or a bike. Air quality is worth watching: August averages an AQI of 54, while December clears to 36.
Days stretch to about 14.0 hours of light in June and shrink to 10.0 in December — something to weigh if you work to a fixed timezone.
For what you're after, the best months in Essaouira are June – October. Expect fast internet (67 Mbps) and a low cost of living (about €800 a month).
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