Is it OK to wear swimwear in Morocco?
Yes, on the beach and in the water. Imsouane is a surf town, and bikinis, swim shorts, boardshorts and wetsuits are normal along the sand at Magic Bay. The thing to remember is where the beach ends.
Imsouane is also a working fishing village with a harbour where the boats land. Families live and work there, and most locals dress modestly. Swimwear on the sand is fine. Swimwear on the walk to the shop, the café or the harbour isn’t. A light cover-up, shorts and a T-shirt, or a beach dress solves this in a few seconds.
Going topless is not acceptable anywhere in Morocco, on the beach or anywhere else.
What should I wear off the beach?
A simple rule works well across Morocco: cover your shoulders and knees when you’re away from the sand. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Women: loose trousers, midi or maxi skirts, knee-length shorts, and T-shirts or light shirts. Nobody expects a headscarf from visitors who aren’t Muslim.
- Men: shorts to the knee or longer and a T-shirt. Shirtless is for the beach only.
- Everyone: loose, breathable fabrics are both more comfortable and more respectful than tight or very short clothing.
Cities like Agadir and Marrakech are generally more relaxed than rural areas, but souks and older neighbourhoods are more traditional. On a trip to the Agadir souk, dressing as you would in the village is a safe bet.
What to wear, place by place
| Setting | What works | Why |
|---|---|---|
| In the water | Wetsuit, or swimwear in the warmest months | Water is about 17-20C in winter and 20-23C in summer |
| On the beach | Swimwear, with a towel or poncho for changing | Swimwear is normal on the sand |
| Village, harbour, cafés | Shorts or trousers to the knee, T-shirt | Working fishing village with conservative local dress |
| Souks and medinas | Shoulders and knees covered, light scarf optional | More traditional settings |
| Rooftop yoga | Comfortable, stretchy clothes | A private space at the surf house, but layers help on cool mornings |
| Evening meals on the rooftop | Casual clothes plus a warm layer | Evenings by the coast can be cool, especially in winter |
| Hammam | Swimwear or underwear bottoms, flip-flops | Customs vary, so ask if you’re unsure |
Which wetsuit do I need for Imsouane?
A 3/2 wetsuit covers most of the year. People who feel the cold sometimes choose a 4/3 in the coolest months, and in high summer some surfers get by with a shorty or swimwear and a rash vest for a short session.
| Months | Water temperature | Typical choice |
|---|---|---|
| December to February | About 17-20C | 3/2, or a 4/3 if you feel the cold |
| March to April, September to November | Between winter and summer temperatures | 3/2 |
| May to August | About 20-23C | 3/2, shorty, or rash vest for some |
Boards and wetsuits are included in our lessons and surf weeks. We also rent 3/2 and 4/3 wetsuits in every size, so you don’t have to pack a heavy suit. If you’d rather bring your own, that’s fine too.
Magic Bay breaks over sand for much of its length, so most people surf it barefoot. Cathedral Point, on the exposed side of the headland, is more powerful and breaks over rock, and some surfers wear reef booties there.
What about the sun?
Imsouane gets around 340 days of sun a year, and sun reflecting off the water burns faster than you’d expect. Useful things to pack:
- Water-resistant sunscreen for your face, and a zinc stick for your nose and cheeks
- A rash vest or long-sleeved top for long sessions in summer
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses for time on the beach
- A light long-sleeved shirt, which protects you from the sun and covers your shoulders in town
Mornings are usually the cleanest time to surf. Onshore wind builds after midday, which can make the beach feel cooler and sandier than you’d guess.
How cold does it get in the evenings?
Days are often warm, but early mornings and evenings on the Atlantic coast can be cool, especially from December to February. You’ll want a fleece or hoodie for dawn paddle-outs and for dinner on the rooftop, plus a windproof layer. Long trousers are worth having for the evenings at any time of year.
The questions people are shy to ask
Where do I change? On the beach, a towel or changing poncho makes it easy to get in and out of a wetsuit discreetly. The surf house is about five minutes from the line-up, so many guests just change there.
What do I wear in the hammam? Customs vary, but many visitors wear swimwear or underwear bottoms. Bring flip-flops, and ask if you’re unsure. Nobody minds the question.
Will I stand out? A little, as any visitor does. Dressing modestly in the village goes a long way, and people notice and appreciate it.
Is laundry available? We confirm details like this directly when you book, so just ask on the contact page.
A short packing list
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Swimwear (two sets) | One can dry while you wear the other |
| Towel or changing poncho | For changing discreetly on the beach |
| Knee-length shorts or light trousers | For the village and harbour |
| T-shirts and a light long-sleeved shirt | Sun protection and modest cover |
| Fleece or hoodie, windproof layer | Cool mornings and evenings |
| Flip-flops and walking shoes | For the beach, plus Paradise Valley or the souk |
| Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses | Strong sun most of the year |
Plan the rest of your trip
If you’re still deciding how to surf, our lessons include a board and wetsuit, and so do our surf weeks. If you’d rather travel light, see what’s available to rent. For days out of the water, from Paradise Valley to the Agadir souk, take a look at our activities.