Essaouira Weather in January

January weather

January feels mild by day and cool after sunset. The air can feel damp, and rain falls on a handful of days, but there's usually plenty of sun between showers. Compared with December, it's a little drier; February is slightly wetter.

You can wander the medina, browse its lanes and visit the Skala de la Ville ramparts without summer heat. Beach walks work well, too, but the Atlantic is chilly and the wind can make long stretches on the sand feel brisk. Save a full day outdoors for a dry spell, and don't count on January for a relaxed swim.

Events and quieter streets

New Year's Day and Amazigh New Year fall in January. The latter is also called Yennayer. It's an important cultural occasion, though you shouldn't expect a large, fixed festival programme in Essaouira.

If you hate crowds, January is a quieter time to explore the medina than the busy summer months. Accommodation and restaurant prices are often gentler than in peak season, though rates vary. The town still has visitors, so the main lanes and port won't feel empty.

Make the wind work for you

Travelling with kids? The compact medina is easier to enjoy than a long, windy beach day. Duck into the Sidi Mohammed ben Abdallah Museum if a shower passes, then head back out when the skies clear.

At the Skala, the Atlantic wind can be strong even when the sun feels warm. Keep your walk along the ramparts short on gusty days, and take shelter in the medina's lanes afterwards. For a warming meal, try fish from the port grills; January evenings are a good time to linger over dinner indoors.