Best Time to Surf in Morocco: A Month-by-Month Guide
Winter brings the big swells, summer brings the gentle waves. Here is what each month in Morocco looks like for surfers, with water temperatures and wetsuit advice.
Morocco’s Atlantic coast gets surf all year. What changes is the size and power of the waves, the wind, and how many people are in the water. Choosing the right month depends mostly on your level.
The quick answer
- Beginners: May to October, or the beach breaks at any time of year.
- Intermediate surfers: October, November, March and April are a sweet spot, with good swell and fewer crowds than midwinter.
- Advanced surfers: December to February for the biggest, most consistent swells at the point breaks.
Why the seasons matter
Morocco’s waves come from storms in the North Atlantic. In winter those storms are stronger and closer, so the coast receives long-period northwest swell that wraps perfectly around the headlands of Taghazout. In summer the storms weaken and the swell becomes smaller and less frequent, while a steady north wind (often stronger in the afternoon) is common.
Month by month
| Months | Waves | Water | Crowds | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December to February | Biggest and most consistent swell, points firing | About 17 to 18°C | High at the famous points | Intermediate and advanced |
| March and April | Still plenty of swell, often cleaner weather | About 17 to 18°C | Medium | All levels |
| May and June | Swell drops, more wind in the afternoon | About 18 to 20°C | Low | Beginners, longboarders |
| July and August | Smallest waves of the year, warm and sunny | About 20 to 22°C | Busy beaches, quiet line-ups | Beginners, surf and yoga trips |
| September to November | Swell returns, water still warm | About 20 to 22°C | Medium | All levels, arguably the best balance |
Water temperatures are approximate and vary from year to year.
What wetsuit do you need?
- Winter (December to April): a 4/3 mm full suit. Some surfers add booties for the rocky points.
- Summer and autumn (June to November): a 3/2 mm full suit is usually enough.
Most surf camps, including ours, include a wetsuit with lessons, so you do not have to carry one. See our packing list for a Morocco surf trip for the rest.
Best time for beginners
If you are learning, avoid assuming winter is “better”. Big winter swell does not help on the beach, and powerful white water can be exhausting. The softer waves of late spring, summer and early autumn let you spend more time standing and less time being washed around. Early morning sessions are best, because the wind is usually lighter.
Read our beginner’s guide for what a first surf week looks like.
Best time for experienced surfers
From December to February the right-hand points around Taghazout, such as Anchor Point and Killer Point, can offer some of the longest rides in Europe and North Africa. Expect crowds on the best days. October, November and March often deliver excellent waves with more space. Our guide to the surf spots between Agadir and Taghazout covers where to go.
Plan around the weather, not just the waves
The Agadir coast enjoys mild weather all year, with warm days even in winter, though evenings can be cool from December to February. Summer is hot inland but tempered by the ocean breeze on the coast. Occasional rain falls mainly in winter.
Whatever month you pick, check our live surf report before you come, and have a look at our surf packages for every season.
Frequently asked questions
When is surf season in Morocco?
The main surf season runs from about October to April, when North Atlantic storms send consistent swell to the coast. You can still surf in summer, but waves are smaller.
Is summer a good time to learn to surf in Morocco?
Yes. From May to September the waves are generally smaller and softer, which is ideal for beginners. Mornings are usually cleaner before the north wind picks up.
How cold is the water in Morocco?
Around Agadir and Taghazout the water is roughly 17 to 18°C in winter and 20 to 22°C in late summer and early autumn.
Ready for waves?
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