How do winter and summer compare for a Morocco surf trip?
Morocco’s Atlantic coast has surf all year, but the two halves of the year feel like different trips. Winter runs roughly September to April and is driven by north-west Atlantic swell. Summer, May to August, is calmer and warmer. Neither is better across the board. The right choice depends on your level and what you want from the week.
| Winter (Sept-April, peak Dec-Feb) | Summer (May-August) | |
|---|---|---|
| Swell consistency | Most consistent of the year | Least consistent |
| Wave size | Biggest, especially Dec-Feb | Smallest |
| Best suited to | Intermediate and experienced surfers; beginners still fine at Magic Bay | Beginners, children, families, first-timers |
| Water temperature | About 17-20C | About 20-23C |
| Wetsuit | 3/2 for most people; 4/3 if you feel the cold | 3/2 |
| Crowds in the water | Busiest from Dec to Feb | Line-up generally less busy for experienced surfers |
| Cathedral Point | Comes alive with bigger swell | Usually too small to be worth it |
| Wind | Mornings usually cleanest; onshore builds after midday | Same pattern |
| Our best-fit week | Surf Development Week | Surf Camp Week or Surf & Yoga Week |
When should I come if I’m a beginner?
Summer, from May to August, is the best time to learn. The waves are at their smallest and the water is warmest, so you can spend longer in the water without getting tired or cold.
That said, winter doesn’t rule beginners out. Magic Bay is a long right-hand point break of roughly 800 metres that peels over sand for much of its length. It is unusually forgiving even when the swell is up. Our group lessons are capped at five surfers, and children can join kids lessons from age six.
When should I come if I’m an intermediate or experienced surfer?
Come between September and April. December to February brings the biggest and most consistent swell, and that’s when Cathedral Point, on the exposed side of the headland, starts to work. It is more powerful than Magic Bay and breaks over rock, so it is for surfers who are comfortable in heavier waves.
Winter is also when spot-chasing makes the most sense. There are more than fifteen surf spots between Imsouane and Agadir, including Anchor Point at Taghazout, and several of them usually need a solid swell. Our Surf Development Week includes spot-chasing up the coast by 4x4.
When we’re not the right choice: if you’re an experienced surfer and can only travel in summer, you’ll mostly find small, gentle waves. They’re fun on a longboard, but they won’t challenge you. And if you want boardshorts and tropical water, Morocco isn’t that trip at any time of year.
How cold is the water, and what should I wear?
The water is about 17-20C in winter and 20-23C in summer. A 3/2 wetsuit covers most of the year. Some people prefer a 4/3 on the coolest winter mornings, especially if they’re surfing long sessions.
You don’t need to pack one. We rent wetsuits in 3/2 and 4/3 in every size, and boards and wetsuits are included in lessons and surf-week packages. You’re welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer.
What is the weather like out of the water?
The region gets around 340 days of sun a year. Winter days on the coast are usually mild but short, and evenings can feel cool, so bring a warm layer for the rooftop. Summer days are long and warm. Inland, Marrakech can get very hot in summer, which is worth knowing if you plan to combine the two.
Whatever the season, the wind pattern is the same. Mornings are usually cleanest and onshore wind builds after midday, so we plan sessions around the early part of the day.
Which week fits which season?
| Week | Best season | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Surf Camp Week | Any, ideal May-Aug for first-timers | 5 guided sessions, board and wetsuit included |
| Surf & Yoga Week | Any | Adds 5 rooftop yoga sessions, a hammam and slow-food family dinners |
| Surf Development Week | Sept-April | Coaching capped at five, daily video analysis, 4x4 spot-chasing |
All weeks are 7 nights in the surf house, about five minutes from the line-up, with Aïcha’s homemade meals.
Does the cost change between winter and summer?
We don’t publish prices here because they can vary with the season and the dates you choose. The quickest way to get an accurate figure is to message us by WhatsApp or email. We confirm availability the same day and give you the exact price for your week, including airport transfers from Agadir or Marrakech if you need them. A small deposit secures the week and the balance is settled on arrival.
Is there a middle ground?
The shoulder months, September to November and March to April, sit inside the consistent swell season but outside the December to February peak. They often suit mixed groups, such as a confident surfer travelling with a beginner. Conditions always vary from week to week, so treat any season as a tendency, not a guarantee.
Plan your trip
Compare our surf weeks to find the right fit for your season, or book individual lessons if you’re staying elsewhere. Gear is available through rental, and for flat or windy afternoons there’s a full list of activities, from Moroccan cooking to sandboarding and Paradise Valley. For anything not covered here, such as room details or dietary needs, contact us by WhatsApp or email and we’ll confirm it directly when you book.