Morocco
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48 %
Jan
59 %
Feb
68 %
Mar
71 %
Apr
79 %
May
81 %
Jun
86 %
Jul
80 %
Aug
67 %
Sep
56 %
Oct
48 %
Nov
45 %
Dec
Wind probability is derived from the historical average number of windy days within each month. A windy day is defined as having three or more consecutive hours of wind of at least 4bft (11-16 knots) within daylight hours. Statistics curated using localised wind data models from Windguru.cz, WindyApp.com and Windfinder.com.
Locations Morocco
Essaouira Bay
Kitesurf at Essaouira Bay
- Overview
- Good to know
- Getting there
Overview
Essaouira is a small UNESCO protected coastal city located on the western part of Morocco at the Atlantic Ocean. The town has a vibrant history and a diverse culture. The Old town Medina still looks like something from the past with all the different merchants and artisans selling their goods, clothing and spices in the narrow and enchanted lanes.For many years Essaouira has been a hub for diverse artists drawn to the colourful and ‘free spirit’ ambience. The locals are very friendly and happy to help, and the city has an easy going vibe. In this old fort town, everything is within the walking distance. Most of the accommodations (Riads) are located in the old town Medina, surrounded by many cosy cafes and markets, souks and bazaars and the central kitesurfing bay are just 10 min walk away along the beach front.Only a short flight away from Europe, Essaouira became a popular kitesurfing and surfing destination because of the notoriously known all year round wind and epic surfing conditions around the coast, great for both kite and surf beginnersand more experienced riders. You can find anything here, from flat water river estuary to huge sandy bay with small kickers to world-class waves. It's windy and warm all year round; moreover, it's safe and family-friendly, extremely authentic and historical. This location is excellent for anyone wanting to relax, explore and enjoy watersports.It is a Muslim country, so nightlife is not big here, but some bars offer live music and other entertainment. If you get tired of the wind, you can always try surfing, SUP or yoga. Mountain biking, quad tours and of course camel or horse riding is also very popular here.
Good to know
VISAS: Visas are not generally required for stays up to 90 days. More information can be found in this guide.CURRENCY: MAD (Moroccan Dirham), EURPRICES: Beer: €1-2 Food: Lunch €10-25 Accommodation: €10-80 pp Kite Lessons: 2H €64 Kite Gear rental: €35 per hourLANGUAGE: French, Arabic and SpanishINTERNET: Offered in most accommodations, but the signal can be weak. We recommended getting a Local SIM card.TRAVEL ADVICE: Don’t bring your drone to Morocco unless you have a special permit, it will be seized at the airport, and you will be fined. Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency therefore, you can only exchange in Morocco. Make sure that if you want to exchange some leftover bills, you do it before you go through security in the airport when leaving the country.Check this Lonely Planet guide for detailed health and insurance advise while traveling to Essaouira, Morocco.TEMPERATURE: Water temperatures range from 15 – 22°C / 59 - 71°F depending on the season, so a light 3/2 wetsuit is required most of the year. For the windy days, a windbreaker jacket and for the winter months a 4/3 wetsuit is recommended.
Getting there
NEAREST TOWN: EssaouiraNEAREST CITY: Marrakech NEAREST AIRPORT: Essaouira [ESU], Marrakesh [RAK] or Agadir [AGA]Essaouira airport is only 16km away from the old town, and taxis or buses to the town are very easy to find. Taxi will cost around €25 (ask your accommdation to organis it for y and the bus is less than €3 per person.Transfer time from Marrakesh is 2,5h and Agadir 3h, request your accommodation provider to organise you reputable transfer (please note that transfer can cost you around €70 - €100+ each way). For a more cost-effective option, you can get a bus (Supratours) or rent a car.GETTING AROUND: Everything is effortless to reach by foot in Essaouira, to get to kite Beach from Medina is only 10 min walk. If you want to explore the surrounding area a bit further, then a rental car would be a good option.
- Beach
- Wind
- Rules/Hazards
Beach
Essaouira Bay is a long stretched sandy beach located just outside of the town walls. The water is clean and shallow with asandy bottom; a side onshore wind and plenty of space provide a safe environment for the learning kitesurfers. The island of Mogador, located just outside of the bay, stops the swell coming in the bay in front of the kite beach offering slow rolling and small steady waves with long intervals for beginner kitesurfers to learn. If you are a more advanced rider, you can go further left (south) of the bay where the island doesn't stop the swell, and the waves get bigger.In high tide, the river mouth further south of the kite beach fills up providing glassy conditions for some freestyle sessions. This river mouth lagoon is very dependent on the tides and is relatively small, fitting only a few riders at the time.Depending on the time of year and the wind direction you will hear kitesurfers referring to a ‘second beach’ 2km south of Essaouira. Diabat, a calm beach with beautiful small waves for surfing and great for kitesurfing. Many kiters choose to kite downwind there and get picked up by a quad or a camel for the return journey.More advanced kitesurfers have a great variety of wave spot for different level riders around Essaouira: Sidi Kaouki, The Cave and Moulay are only a few, most of the centres will run trips there almost every day.AMENITIES: Kite School, Gear Rental, Rescue boat, Beach Assistance, Gear Storage, Kite Shop, Kite/Gear Repair, Toilets, Shower, Parking, Cafe/Bar, Camping, Accommodation, Food Shop.
Wind
Essaouira is called ‘the city of the wind’ for a reason. The North - East trade winds Charkhi, bringing strong cross-on-shore/cross shore winds to Essaouira almost all year round. In the summer season, March to November and especially July to September the hot climate adds to the wind, and it can increase up to 30+ knots. The rest of the year there are often winds that come mostly from the south-west, creating some days that the wind may not be as predictable and slightly more cross-offshore but never the less still windy. Winter also brings some epic swells for surfers and wave riders. Generally, wind can be slightly more off-shore in the mornings, swinging and gradually increasing throughout the day and getting stronger in the afternoon. The wind can feel gusty as it is increasing, also depending on your position at the bay, due to the wind coming over town some areas are gustier than others.The average wind speed is 15 to 25 knots, but the thermal wind can add to the wind forecast by 5+ knots; therefore bigger kites will be used in the morning and the smaller size ones in the afternoon. If you are there in the summer and for wave riding smaller 7m or 9m kites will be used the most. For the winter months, occasional 12m days are expected.The air temperature can reach 27°C / 80°F and more in the summer months and can drop to 11-20°C / 51-68°F in the early season. There is plenty of sunshine all year round, and the weather is warm, but it is called ‘Windy city’ for a reason and a sweater/jacket and a beanie will come in handy at any time of the year especially after sunset.WIND DIRECTIONS: N, NE, S, SWWINDIEST MONTHS: High Season: May, June, July, August, September, October.Mid Season: March, April, November.
Rules/Hazards
There are no such rules, just a common sense - the main kite beach area is relatively large, sandy beach, no strong currents or rocks at the beach, therefore, the usual precautions when launching and landing the kite should be considered. Avoid kitesurfing near the town (the right side of the lagoon) as the winds are gusty and you can find hidden large rocks in the water.There are no such hard obstacles at the beach, but be aware of the horse and camel tours and the general population of tourists and locals at the beach, try to set up your equipment out of their way.*If you need kite related service like kite repairs, lessons or beach assistance please contact with the locally operating kite centre or camp.** We always recommend seeking additional knowledge about the spot from local kite school or qualified instructors.
Info
Rider Level:
- beginner,intermediate,advanced
Discipline:
- freeride, waveriding, foiling
Spot Type:
- Choppy, Small wave (up to 1m), Medium wave (up to 2m)
Launch area:
- Sand
Tidal:
- yes
Windiest Months:
- Mar,Apr,May,Jun,Jul,Aug,Sep,Oct,Nov,
Around Essaouira Bay
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The reviews say it all
Good
Essaouira Bay, Morocco
Waves, gusty wind, fun town
Abderrahim ettaleb
Large long sandy beach
Essaouira Bay, Morocco
Not much luck with wind during December but does get busy when it blows. Especially with kiting schools. Stay clear from the teaching area as some schools feel they own that public area when they stick their school pole in the sand :) Plenty of quieter areas down the beach, 7km downwind fun with a long walk back.Very cheap food and nice airbnb places to stay in, the locals are fairly friendly. Downtown gets busy and lot of things to see and buy. Do negotiate prices or look more into the non-touristic areas. Plenty of seafood at the port.A small non-professional Essaouira video on youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8h0sbrPab4
Wissam Annous
Kingston Ontario Canada
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Overall Rating
Beginner Friendly
Wind quality
Non-kiting activities
Nightlife
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FAQs
Kitesurf in Essaouira Bay, Morocco? ›
Essaouira kitesurfing season generally starts in late March and runs all the way until September. However with almost-year round winds, you can kite-surf most months in Essaouira. July is perhaps the most popular month when the average wind speed is 35kmph, with gusts of 55+kmph.
What is the best time of year to kitesurf in Mauritius? ›Best For. Kitesurfing season in Mauritius starts in April and easily goes all the way until the very end of November. This is the Mauritian winter with reliably strong and consistent South-east trade winds blowing at about 15-25 knots. The best time to come if you're planning kitesurfing holidays in Mauritius.
What are the best months to kitesurf in Zanzibar? ›The two best seasons for kitesurfing in Zanzibar are the ones from December to March (the Kaskazi winds are kind in the mornings and brave past midday, making it excellent both for newbies and expert surfers) and the one from June to September (the season of the Kuzi winds, up to 20 knots in the morning and even 28 ...
Can you kiteboard in Tulum? ›The beaches around Tulum, offer great kiteboarding conditions and incredible scenary, perfect for kitesurfing lessons or courses in a kite school . The beach is one of prettiest of the Mayan Riviera.
Where can I kite in Dakhla? ›If you fancy getting some wave action in Dakhla it is just a short ride in a car away, there are a lot of great waves nearby, but Oum El Bouir is the most popular spot for the kiters. It is a right-hand point break that offers long perfectly peeling waves and the chance to get barrelled on the bigger days.
Which is the ideal place for kite surfing in Mauritius? ›Le Morne. Perhaps the most famous kitesurfing spot on the island, Le Morne is home to a large flat water lagoon that ends at the reef where you will find the legendary One Eye and Manawa waves.
What are the winds in Mauritius for kitesurfing? ›The kitesurfing season in Mauritius starts in April and continues easily until the end of November. It is the Mauritian winter with strong and constant south-easterly trade winds blowing at around 15-25 knots. This is the best time to come if you are planning a kiteboarding holiday in Mauritius.
What is the best month to kitesurf in Turks Caicos? ›The Turks and Caicos Islands have an incredible wealth of great spots for kiteboarding or kitesurfing. The best wind conditions tend to be between November and July, which conveniently overlaps with tourist season. Come August, the winds vanish, so don't expect to get any surfing done in the late summer or early fall.
What months can you kitesurf in Turks and Caicos? ›They went on to say that the Turks and Caicos kiteboarding season is during the time of year when the trade winds blow across the islands. This is typically from the months of November through June, although the high season is mid-December through mid-April.
What is the best time of year to kitesurf in Egypt? ›The best time for a kitesurfing holiday in Egypt is mid-May to mid-October when kiteable conditions are guaranteed virtually every day!
Is Cancun good for kitesurfing? ›
It's all about using the wind to power the large kite and sail the waters – and Cancun is one of the best spots for kitesurfing in Mexico. Kitesurfing is easy to learn and pick up – although it's very much dependant on the weather conditions.
Can you kiteboard in Bali? ›Some of the best coasts for kitesurfing in Bali include Sanur's southeast-facing Mertasari Beach and down to Tanjung Benoa and Nusa Dua. Sanur is excellent for beginners as this area enjoys a constant flow of onshore winds and flatwater near the shoreline.
Is wing boarding easier than kiteboarding? ›Wing foiling is more accessible to beginners than kitesurfing, as the learning curve is less steep. Wing foiling is less physically demanding than kitesurfing, although many kiteboarders learning to wing will tell you that the first three days can feel otherwise. Wingsurfing is considered to be less dangerous.
Do I need a wetsuit in Dakhla? ›Average air temperatures are 25°C in the summer and 22°C in winter, however it gets quite chilly in the evenings, so bring something to keep you warm. Water is a bit colder, between 16 and 20°C, therefore go with the water wear of your choice. We, however, feel most comfortable in a long 2/3 or 3/4mm wetsuit.
Where can I kite in Marokko? ›- Essaouira.
- Dakhla.
- Azemmour Beach.
- Agadir.
- Sidi Kaouki.
The nearest airport to Dakhla is Agadir (AGA) Airport which is 16.5 km away. Other nearby airports include Essaouira (ESU) (110.7 km) and Marrakech (RAK) (196.9 km).
What is the kitesurfing capital of Europe? ›Tarifa in Spain
It is THE European kitesurfing capital! The conditions are always excellent here, with almost 300 days of wind and sun per year. The beaches of Las Dunas, Valdevaqueros and Los Lances in Spain are prime locations, although they are sometimes very busy in summer.
There are 6 kite spots located on the three main islands of Seychelles: Mahe, Praslin, and La Digue. Find your favorite kitesurf spot below.
Where is the biggest kite festival in the world? ›Weifang International Kite Festival, China
It is officially the biggest kite festival globally, attracting tens of thousands of people, and it's a tremendous spectacle for anyone. The festival always takes place at the end of each April, and the locals decorate the city in enormous colours, lights, and symbols.
Crime levels are low, but petty crime occurs, including pick-pocketing and bag-snatching. Don't walk alone after dark. Use ATMs in banks, hotels and shops, not on the street. Some travellers have been robbed and assaulted in unregistered beachside bungalows.
Which month is windy in Mauritius? ›
The windiest month of the year in Mauritius is July, with an average hourly wind speed of 28 kilometres per hour (15 knots). The windy part of the year lasts from around late-May through to late-September, with average wind speeds of more than 24 kilometres per hour (13 knots).
What months are windy at Mauritius? ›Wind in Mauritius is usually moderate. The windiest month is August, followed by September and July.
How long does it take to be good at kitesurfing? ›Learning to kitesurf might take between 6 to 12 hours of lessons – but take this with a grain of salt. It often takes more than 12 hours and it rarely takes less than 6. But don't let this discourage you! After all, no one is born with the ability to fly a kite.
What is the windy side of Turks and Caicos? ›Year round weather across the Turks and Caicos Islands is generally predictable, pleasant and mild with about 350 days of sunshine year round. The heat of the tropical sun is tempered by ideal trade winds blowing from the east, 10-15 mph, and the surrounding cooler water of the Atlantic Ocean.
What are the rainiest months in Turks and Caicos? ›The Turks and Caicos rainy season typically takes place between the late-summer to early-winter months, from late August to early December. According to the National Climatic Data Center, November is the rainiest month, with an average precipitation of 3.7 inches, or 94 millimeters.
Is there a seaweed season in Turks and Caicos? ›Sargassum Is Seasonal
It's important to be aware that sargassum is largely seasonal, and is most apparent during the later summer months.
Turks and Caicos is a beach vacation destination best visited for a minimum of one week. Of course, you can spend as little or as long as you want on this island paradise, but one week gives enough time for travel days, beach-side relaxing, pool-side lounging, and some vacation adventures.
What is hurricane season in Turks and Caicos? ›Hurricane season occurs in the summer months in Turks and Caicos. Between June and November is typically the rainy season on the islands, and this is also the season which is most at threat of hurricanes.
Why is Egypt popular with kitesurfing? ›Its desert landscape along the beautiful Red Sea makes for a longer kitesurfing season than most countries. According to Casey, the perfect wind conditions range between 20-25 knots and in Egypt “that's quite average.
How many hours does it take to kitesurf? ›“Most people need around 10-12 hours, or a course of three lessons to get up and riding along. Some need more – or if a student has prior board-riding experience [like wakeboarding or windsurfing], plus the right one-to-one coaching, they could potentially be independent in a single day,” says Luke.
When can you kitesurf in Zanzibar? ›
KITE SEASONS
The best conditions for kitesurfing are from June 15th to September 15th and from December 15th to March 15th.
Cabo San Lucas is one of the top kitesurfing spots in Mexico. This spot has up to 4 predominant winds from North, North-North-East, North-East and North-North-West.
Why is kitesurfing so addictive? ›The rush of kitesurfing comes from the power, the speed, the loss of gravity when flying, the ocean and nature that surrounds you. Few other sports combine these elements the way kitesurfing does. For these reasons, kitesurfing is extremely addictive.
How much is holbox kitesurfing? ›Kitesurfing Schools on Holbox Island
Taster courses for 2 hours are available from 135 USD. A 3-day basic course with a total of 9 hours costs from 480 USD. A good kite equipment rental for a 3 hour session is available from 75 USD.
Kitesurfing on the picturesque island lagoons of the Maldives is just about as perfect as it gets for beginners and improvers alike. The kitesurfing experience in the Maldives is unlike any other, with flat, warm waters that are protected by reef systems.
Is it illegal to not wear a helmet in Bali? ›Do not break the rules! Top 5 driving violations in Bali are: driving without a license, without a helmet, with more than one passenger on a motorbike, not using car seat belts, going over the traffic lights' stop line. Try to at least follow these simple rules. Helmets are mandatory on motorbikes.
Why is kiteboarding so expensive? ›You may think that you can learn the sport on your own – and yes, you can, however, lessons are by far the best way to go. Kitesurfing lessons are expensive due to the cost of gear and insurance. Kitesurfing gear used by kitesurfing schools costs $3000-$4000 plus the costs of maintenance and repairs.
Is kiteboarding losing popularity? ›According to Google Trends, kiteboarding is declining in popularity.
What is the lowest wind you can kiteboard in? ›We recommend that you learn to kiteboard between 15 to 25knots. 15knots is generally the minimum wind strength that anyone is able to kitesurf (without a light wind specific kite) while holding an edge.
What are the cons of kitesurfing? ›The disadvantages of kitesurfing
The main disadvantage of kitesurfing is that it's enormously dependent on the right kind of weather conditions, especially in terms of having enough wind.
Do you wear bra under wetsuit? ›
For women you can wear a sports bra and some sort of compression shorts, or you can wear a swimsuit. You do not want to wear something cotton-based which holds water because it will increase your chaffing. Also, do not wear underwear. Underwear will not dry out and will cause a sore saddle.
What wetsuit do I need for Morocco? ›Wetsuit size in Morocco
During summer and autumn, you'll need a 2mm shorty. If the wind is up or you go surfing early in the morning, you might need a 3/2mm wetsuit. In winter, grab on a 4/3mm wetsuit. Out of the water, you can chill on the beach in swimwear even in winter.
Nothing at all
If your wetsuit is decent and comfortable, you don't have to wear anything under it. Wetsuits are designed to trap a thin layer of water between you and your suit, your body then heats that water to help keep you warm.
Every year, Gujarat celebrates more than 200 festivals. The International Kite Festival (Uttarayan) is one of the biggest festivals celebrated. Months beforehand, homes in Gujarat begin to manufacture kites special box kites for the festival.
Can you kite surf in Agadir? ›Agadir is another one of Morocco's best kiteboarding destinations. It is mainly a wave spot, though there is a secret flat water spot and beginner camps are offered here.
Where is International Kite Festival? ›Marrakech Menara Airport, Morocco
This airport is like an art in itself!
Casablanca airport has the high-quality services that you may find in the international airport's standards such as trains, rental cars, ATMs. Mohamed V airport remains the best airport for Grand Morocco Tour once you decided to explore the diversity of the country.
Where is best to fly to in Morocco? ›If you want to spend time on the beach, you could fly into Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and take a connecting flight to Essaouira Airport (ESU), whereas if you want to soak up the culture of Morocco, you could fly into Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) or Fez Sais International Airport (FEZ), which ...
Which month is best for surfing in Mauritius? ›Summer months of November to April is undeniably the best time to surf in Mauritius. During these months, there are good waves in the sea. The swells on the southern ocean during this season are reliable and regular.
What time of year is best for kite surfing? ›
The kite seasons are from June till September and from December till March. The wind direction is always sideshore.
What is the best period to surf in Morocco? ›Surf season for Morocco is best in September through to March when you will find consistent swell, relatively warm water and warm air temperatures. The winter storms in the North Atlantic spin northwest swell down to the points and reefbreaks.
How many days is enough for Mauritius? ›How many days do you need in Mauritius? About 7 to 10 days would be perfect for a trip to Mauritius. A trip of any shorter duration would not allow you to enjoy all the major attractions and activities in Mauritius in a hassle-free and leisurely manner.
Which part of Mauritius is best? ›It's often said that 'west is best' and we certainly agree: Mauritius's west coast has unbeatable beaches ranging from the fine white sands of Trou aux Biches in the far north to the isolated Le Morne Peninsula on the south-west tip of the island.
What is cyclone season in Mauritius? ›The tropical cyclone season in Mauritius usually runs from November to May. You should follow the Mauritius Meteorological Services updates.. Cyclones can cause extensive damage to property. There is a well-structured system of phased warnings.
What is the rainiest month in Mauritius? ›Summer (November to April)
These are the hottest and wettest months, with temperatures peaking at an average of 30.1 °C in both January and February, and with February being the wettest month with an average of 253 mm rainfall. These months are also quite humid, but are also the sunniest.
The temperature of the Indian Ocean in the region of Mauritius is higher during the summer, and in winter time the temperature of the water will drop a little. Sea temperatures are generally pleasant throughout the year ranging from 26-29° C in summer to 23-25° C in winter.
When should you not fly a kite? ›Never fly a kite near electric lines or poles. Never fly a kite with metal parts or lines that will attract electricity. Never fly a kite in the rain because the kite's string can carry electricity. Do not fly a kite if there is a risk of thunderstorms or lighting.
What is the accident rate of kite surfing? ›kitesurfing are the foot and ankle complex, followed by the head, knees and thorax [6]. The injury rate has been estimated to be 7.0 injuries per 1000 hours during practising, whereas during competitions, the estimate was more than twice this: 16.6 injuries per 1000 hours of competition [6].
Is wind surfing or kite surfing harder? ›Windsurfing, like skiing, is easy to get going on, but more challenging to develop in, whilst kitesurfing, like snowboarding, is trickier to get riding on, but easier to progress in once you start putting in turns and developing a more dynamic ride.
When to kitesurf Turks and Caicos? ›
The most reliable wind months in Turks and Caicos tend to be December through to July and this is an exceptionally long and reliable wind season compared to many other kiteboarding spots in the world.