The month in detail
What to expect in May
Spring marks the start of the good season in Essaouira. Temperatures rise (72°F) and tourists have not yet arrived en masse. Rain is virtually absent (4% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if July (9.3/10) remains theoretically better.
May ranks 5 out of 12 months in Essaouira. Compared to April: +2°F daytime, 5 pts fewer rainy days, +0.5h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in May
UV index
8 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
comfortable
15°
Sea
18°C
cool, invigorating
Daylight
13.6h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 35
Compare
Is May the right month?
The best month in Essaouira is July (9.3/10), 0.6 pt higher than May.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Essaouira
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
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🎟️ Activities & tours · Essaouira
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a beach trip.
Country · Morocco
🗣️LanguageArabic
💶CurrencyMoroccan Dirham (MAD)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate oceanic
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 77°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 66°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘNovember · 16%
🏖️ Beach trip
📅Peak seasonJuin → Sept
🏖️Swell (Sept–Mar) ⓘModérée
Explore
Other destinations in May
If May doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Essaouira ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
MoroccoTemperate oceanic climate with a 9.3 → 7.8 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
31.51°N · 9.77°W
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Essaouira?
July is the best month with 77°F highs, 66°F lows, 9.7h of sunshine and 0.0% rainy days. The months of July & August offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Essaouira get in July?
Essaouira averages 9.7 sunshine hours per day in July. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.0/10.
What is the rainiest month in Essaouira?
January is the most unfavourable month with January has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Essaouira in July?
In July, overnight lows reach 66°F, while afternoon highs average 77°F.
Is Essaouira good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Essaouira scores 7.3/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains July with a score of 9.0/10.
When should you avoid Essaouira?
January is the most difficult month to visit Essaouira, with January has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Essaouira in May?
In May, the sea averages 65°F in Essaouira: cool, invigorating. Swimming is possible but brisk; sensitive swimmers may prefer a wetsuit.
Do you need sun protection in Essaouira in May?
The average UV index reaches 8 in May in Essaouira (very high), with about 13.6h of daylight. Protection essential.