What is the weather like in Imsouane?
Imsouane sits on Morocco’s Atlantic coast in Souss-Massa, roughly between Essaouira and Agadir. The cool ocean keeps the climate mild all year. Winters are sunny and fresh, summers are warm without the heat you get inland, and rain is limited to a handful of days a month in winter.
The area gets around 340 days of sun a year. You won’t find a real cold season or a real heatwave season here. What changes most through the year is the wind, the rain and the size of the swell.
Imsouane weather by month at a glance
The figures below are approximate typical values for this stretch of coast, based on long-term climate patterns. Individual years and individual weeks can be quite different.
| Month | Air temp (day / night) | Rainy days (approx.) | Wind (typical) | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Sea temp |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 19-20C / 9-10C | 4-5 | Light to moderate | ~7 | ~17-18C |
| February | 20C / 10C | 4 | Light to moderate | ~8 | ~17C |
| March | 21C / 12C | 3-4 | Moderate | ~8-9 | ~17C |
| April | 21-22C / 13C | 2-3 | Moderate | ~9 | ~18C |
| May | 22-23C / 15C | 1 | Moderate, afternoon builds | ~10 | ~19C |
| June | 24C / 17C | 0-1 | Fresh afternoons | ~9-10 | ~20C |
| July | 25C / 18C | 0 | Fresh afternoons | ~9-10 | ~21C |
| August | 25-26C / 19C | 0 | Fresh afternoons | ~9 | ~22-23C |
| September | 25C / 18C | 1 | Moderate | ~8-9 | ~22C |
| October | 24C / 16C | 2-3 | Light to moderate | ~8 | ~21C |
| November | 22C / 13C | 4 | Light to moderate | ~7 | ~20C |
| December | 20C / 10C | 4-5 | Light to moderate | ~7 | ~18-19C |
Nights near the coast feel cooler than the daytime numbers suggest, especially in winter, so bring a warm layer whatever month you come.
When does it rain in Imsouane?
Most of the rain falls between November and March, often as short fronts that pass through in a day or two. Even in the wettest months, rain usually falls on only four or five days, and the days in between are usually bright.
From May to September the coast is almost completely dry. Early summer does bring morning sea mist to much of this coast. It usually burns off by late morning, but it can make the first hours of the day grey and cool.
How windy is Imsouane, and when?
Wind matters more to surfers than temperature does. The usual pattern at Imsouane is calm or light wind in the morning, with onshore wind building after midday. This pattern is why the cleanest waves usually come early.
In summer, the afternoon wind along Morocco’s Atlantic coast tends to be stronger and more regular. Autumn and winter have more days that stay calm for longer, although passing weather systems can bring wind at any time of day.
How warm is the sea in Imsouane?
The water is about 17-20C in winter and 20-23C in summer. The sea warms and cools more slowly than the air, so it is usually coolest around February and March and warmest around August and September.
| Season | Sea temp | Suggested wetsuit |
|---|---|---|
| December - March | ~17-19C | 3/2, or 4/3 if you feel the cold |
| April - June | ~18-20C | 3/2 |
| July - October | ~21-23C | 3/2, or a spring suit for some |
| November | ~20C | 3/2 |
A 3/2 covers most of the year. Long sessions in midwinter and early mornings are when a 4/3 is worth having.
How does the weather affect the surf through the year?
The season for waves doesn’t line up with the season for sun. North-west Atlantic swell is most consistent from September to April, and the biggest, busiest period is December to February. May to August brings smaller, gentler waves that are ideal for learning, although the afternoon wind is stronger then.
Magic Bay, the long right-hand point break of around 800 metres, peels over sand and is forgiving enough for beginners in most conditions. Cathedral Point, on the exposed side of the headland, breaks over rock with more power and suits experienced surfers when the swell is up.
Which month should I choose?
- For warm water and dry weather: July to October.
- For consistent, bigger waves: December to February, with cooler water and some rain.
- For learning in small, friendly surf: May to August.
- For a balance of all three: September, October, March and April.
Whatever month you pick, plan to surf in the morning and keep the windier afternoons for other things.
Plan your time in Imsouane
Once you’ve chosen your season, you can compare our surf lessons by group size, or see what’s included in each of our surf weeks. If you’re bringing your own gear, rental covers the right wetsuit for the month. For windy afternoons, have a look at our activities, from sandboarding to Moroccan cooking.