Essaouira averages 300+ kiteable days per year with NNE trade winds (Alizé) of 15–30 knots from April to October. This dataset compiles 10 years of operational wind logs from Essaouira Surf Camp School on Essaouira bay and Sidi Kaouki lagoon.
Monthly Average Wind Speed (knots)
| Month | Avg knots | Kiteable days | Dominant direction | Best discipline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12 | 8 | N / NNE | Surf |
| February | 14 | 12 | NNE | Surf / Wing |
| March | 16 | 18 | NNE | Kite / Wing |
| April | 18 | 22 | NNE | Kite / Wing |
| May | 20 | 25 | NNE | Kite |
| June | 22 | 26 | NNE | Kite |
| July | 24 | 28 | NNE | Kite |
| August | 26 | 29 | NNE | Kite |
| September | 22 | 26 | NNE | Kite / Surf |
| October | 18 | 22 | NNE | Kite / Surf |
| November | 15 | 16 | N / NNE | Surf / Kite |
| December | 13 | 10 | N | Surf |
10-year mean wind speed at Essaouira bay — Essaouira Surf Camp School station logs
Key Wind Metrics — Essaouira
- Annual kiteable days
- 312 days/year (wind ≥12 knots, side-onshore)
- Peak season
- June–August: 24–28 knots average, 85% kiteable days
- Wind direction
- NNE trade winds (Alizé) — side-onshore on main beach
- Morning surf window
- 06:00–11:00 — bay calmer before thermal acceleration
- Water temperature
- 17°C (Feb) to 22°C (Aug) — wetsuit 3/2mm year-round
- Comparison: Tarifa
- Similar wind volume; Essaouira less crowded, warmer water
- Comparison: Dakhla
- Dakhla flatter lagoon; Essaouira combines bay + ocean waves
- Data source
- Essaouira Surf Camp School operational logs + Windy.com archive
Methodology
Wind data aggregated from daily session logs at Essaouira Surf Camp School (2015–2025). A day counts as kiteable when sustained wind exceeds 12 knots with side-onshore direction for at least 3 consecutive hours between 10:00 and 18:00.
Essaouira is consistently ranked among the top 10 kitesurf destinations worldwide by IKO-certified schools. The NNE trade winds accelerate across the Atlantic and funnel into the protected bay, creating reliable conditions for beginners (flat zones) and advanced riders (wave riding outside the bay).