Morocco Water Temperature: Which Wetsuit to Bring, Month by Month

If you are planning a surf trip, the Morocco water temperature is one of the first things to check, because it decides which wetsuit goes in your bag. Many people imagine North Africa means warm, tropical water. In reality the Atlantic here is refreshing, cooled by currents from the north, but it is comfortable all year with the right suit.

This guide covers the water temperature around Agadir, Tamraght and Taghazout month by month, the wetsuit thickness you need, and whether it is worth bringing your own or renting.

How cold is the sea in Morocco?

Around Agadir and Taghazout, the sea stays in a fairly narrow range through the year:

• December to April: about 17 to 18°C
• May and June: about 18 to 20°C
• July to November: about 20 to 22°C

That is warmer than the Atlantic in Britain, France or northern Spain in winter, but cooler than many people expect in summer. Nobody surfs here in boardshorts for long, even in August. The upside is that the difference between seasons is small, so surfing is comfortable every month.

Morocco water temperature and wetsuit, month by month

Use this table as a simple guide. Everyone feels the cold differently, so if you tend to get chilly, choose the thicker option.

Month	Water temperature	Recommended wetsuit	Waves
January	17–18°C	4/3 full suit	Peak swell season
February	17–18°C	4/3 full suit	Consistent swell
March	17–18°C	4/3 full suit	Consistent swell
April	17–18°C	4/3 full suit	Swell season ends
May	18–20°C	4/3 early in the month, 3/2 later	Smaller, friendlier
June	18–20°C	3/2 full suit	Smaller, friendlier
July	20–22°C	3/2 full suit	Small, great for beginners
August	20–22°C	3/2 full suit	Small, great for beginners
September	20–22°C	3/2 full suit	Small, building
October	20–22°C	3/2 full suit	Swell season begins
November	20–22°C	3/2 full suit	Consistent swell
December	17–18°C	4/3 full suit	Peak swell season

Notice the sweet spot in October and November: the water is still at its warmest and the winter swell has started to arrive. For more on how the seasons affect the waves, see our guide to the best time to surf in Morocco.

What do the wetsuit numbers mean?

Wetsuits are described by the thickness of their neoprene in millimetres. The first number is the thickness on the body, the second on the arms and legs, where you need more flexibility for paddling.

• 4/3: 4 mm on the torso, 3 mm on the limbs. Warm enough for Moroccan winters and long sessions.
• 3/2: 3 mm on the torso, 2 mm on the limbs. Lighter and more flexible, ideal from late spring to autumn.
• Shorty or spring suit: short arms and legs. Some people use one on the warmest days, but most surfers are happier in a full 3/2 here.

Fit matters as much as thickness. A suit that is too loose lets cold water flush through; one that is too tight makes paddling hard work. It should feel snug everywhere without restricting your shoulders.

Booties, hoods and gloves: do you need them?

For most people, no. The water around Taghazout rarely gets cold enough to need a hood or gloves, and you will see very few surfers using them.

Booties are a personal choice. Some surfers like them on the rocky point breaks, such as Anchor Point or Killer Point, where you walk over reef and rocks to get in and out. On the sandy beaches where beginners learn, like Tamraght beach and Devil’s Rock, you will not need them. If you already own a thin pair and like surfing reefs, pack them; otherwise, do not worry.

Bring your own wetsuit or rent one?

Both work. Here is how to decide:

Bring your own if

• You surf regularly and already own a suit that fits you well.
• You have an unusual body shape or size and struggle to find rentals that fit.
• You are staying a long time and plan to surf twice a day.

Rent if

• You are a beginner or only surf on holiday.
• You want to travel light or avoid baggage fees.
• Your own suit is the wrong thickness for the month you are visiting.

At Surf Chill Vibe, all surf material, including wetsuits and soft-tops, is included in our surf packages. If you build your own trip, board and wetsuit rental is €12 a day. Our team will help you pick the right size and thickness for the conditions.

Staying warm between sessions

Even when the water is fine, the wind can make you feel cold once you are out. A few simple habits help:

• Bring a changing poncho or a big towel and a warm hoodie for the beach, especially from December to April.
• Rinse your wetsuit in fresh water and hang it in the shade so it is dry for the next day.
• Drink water and eat something between sessions. Being hungry makes you feel the cold faster.
• Evenings in winter can be cool, so pack a light jacket. Our Morocco surf trip packing list has the full list.

Does the season change how long you can stay in?

A little. In winter, with a good 4/3, most people are comfortable for a two-hour lesson, especially while they are paddling and moving. Beginners who spend a lot of time standing in waist-deep water waiting for waves may feel the cold sooner than surfers who paddle constantly. In summer and autumn, a 3/2 keeps you comfortable for as long as your arms last. If you start shivering, come in, warm up and have a snack before going back out; cold muscles make everything harder.

The short version

Pack a 4/3 from December to April, a 3/2 from June to November, and either in May depending on how much you feel the cold. Leave the hood at home, bring booties only if you like them on reef, and if you would rather not carry a suit at all, rent one when you arrive.

Want to see what the ocean is doing right now? Check our live surf report. And if you would like everything sorted for you, from wetsuit and board to lessons and transfers, take a look at our surf packages or put together your own VIP trip.

Frequently asked questions

What is the water temperature in Morocco for surfing?

Around Agadir and Taghazout the sea is about 17 to 18°C from December to April, 18 to 20°C in May and June, and 20 to 22°C from July to November.

What wetsuit do I need to surf in Morocco in winter?

A 4/3 full wetsuit is the best choice from December to April. It keeps you warm through long sessions when the water is around 17 to 18°C.

Do I need booties or a hood to surf in Morocco?

Rarely. Most surfers never use them around Taghazout. Booties can help on rocky point breaks or if you feel the cold, but a hood is almost never needed.

Can I rent a wetsuit in Taghazout or Tamraght?

Yes. At Surf Chill Vibe a board and wetsuit can be rented for €12 a day, and all surf material is included in our surf packages.

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