The Atlantic here is cooler than the sunshine suggests, and the wind makes it feel cooler still. What to wear across the year — all of it provided.
Visitors are regularly caught out by the water temperature. Essaouira is sunny for most of the year, but the Atlantic on this coast is fed by a cool current, and the wind that makes the sport possible also strips heat the moment you stand up.
Winter and early spring
The coolest water of the year. A full-length suit is essential, and most riders are glad of extra thickness in the arms and legs. Sessions are still very doable — you simply want to be moving rather than sitting still.
Late spring
Water begins to warm as the season opens. A full suit is still the standard choice, particularly for kitesurfing where you spend long periods partially submerged during body dragging.
Summer
The most comfortable months. Many surfers switch to a shorter suit, though the wind means a full suit is still the more popular option for long kite sessions in the afternoon.
Autumn
The warmest water of the year arrives after the summer, not during it. September and October are the most pleasant months to be in the sea here, which is one reason experienced riders favour that window.
The wind factor
Whatever the month, judge by wind as much as water. A 20 knot breeze on wet skin feels far colder than the sea temperature suggests, and this is why we default to full suits for kitesurf lessons across most of the year.
You do not need to bring one
- Wetsuits in all sizes are included in every lesson and camp
- Helmet and impact vest are included for kitesurf and wingfoil
- Hot showers and changing rooms are available at the school
- Equipment storage means you are not carrying a wet suit back to the riad
Bring swimwear to go underneath, and leave the rest to us.
Ready to get on the water?
Tell us your dates and we will put together the right lessons or camp for your level.
