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Best Time to Surf in Morocco: Month by Month

Morocco has surf all year, but the waves, the crowds and the water change with the seasons. Here is what to expect each month, for beginners and experienced surfers.

By Mouad Updated 3 min read

Surf student riding a wave while a friend watches from the water

In short: you can surf in Morocco all year. October to April is the main season, with the most consistent swells and the points of Taghazout at their best. May to September has smaller, easier waves and warmer weather, which is ideal for beginners.

Morocco’s Atlantic coast faces the open ocean, so it receives swells generated by storms in the North Atlantic. Those storms are strongest in autumn and winter, which is why the waves are bigger then. In summer the swells are smaller, and the afternoon wind is more common. Here is what that means in practice, with Taghazout as the example.

The seasons at a glance

Season Waves Best for Wetsuit
Winter (Dec to Feb) Biggest and most consistent swells; the points work often Experienced surfers; beginners on sheltered beaches 4/3 mm
Spring (Mar to May) Still consistent, slowly getting smaller Every level 4/3 mm, 3/2 mm from May
Summer (Jun to Aug) Smaller, softer waves Beginners 3/2 mm
Autumn (Sep to Nov) Swells return; warm water from summer Every level, one of the best times overall 3/2 mm, 4/3 mm from November

The Atlantic stays cool all year because of the cold current along the coast, so you will always wear a wetsuit. Surf camps provide one; ours is included in every package.

Month by month

January and February

The heart of the season for experienced surfers: big, regular swells and the right-hand points such as Anchor Point at their best. Days are often sunny and mild, though mornings and evenings are cool. Beginners still surf, on the more sheltered beach breaks chosen each day by their instructor.

March and April

Consistent waves continue, with longer, warmer days. A great balance for mixed groups of beginners and experienced surfers, and popular for Easter holidays.

May and June

Swells become smaller and gentler. Excellent conditions to learn, with warm weather and fewer people than in high summer.

July and August

The smallest waves of the year and the warmest weather. Perfect for complete beginners and families. The beaches are busier with summer holidaymakers, and the wind more often picks up in the afternoon, so morning sessions are best.

September and October

Many surfers’ favourite time: the water is at its warmest after summer, and the first autumn swells arrive. Good for every level.

November and December

The season is back in full: regular swells, quieter beaches and sunny days, a good escape from the European winter.

Beginners catching white water during a lesson near Taghazout
Beginners catching white water during a lesson near Taghazout

The best time for beginners

Any time of year works with lessons, because instructors choose the beach that suits your level each day. If you can choose, May to October offers smaller, softer waves and warmer water, which makes learning easier and more comfortable. Read more about our surf lessons.

The best time for experienced surfers

October to March, when the North Atlantic swells light up the points of Taghazout and the coast further north. See the best surf spots in Morocco.

What to pack by season

  • All year: strong sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, flip-flops.
  • October to April: a warm jumper or fleece for the evenings.
  • May to September: light clothes, but still one warm layer for windy evenings.

Frequently asked questions

Can you surf in Morocco during Ramadan?

Yes. Our camp runs as normal, with lessons and all your meals. You can eat outside too: people here are used to tourists. Most restaurants close before iftar, the meal at sunset, and shops close about 2 hours before it. Cafés close as well, but a couple stay open, and after iftar everything opens again. In 2027 Ramadan is expected from about 8 February to 8 March.

Can you surf in Morocco in summer?

Yes. The waves are smaller and gentler, which makes summer one of the best times to learn.

Can you surf in Morocco in winter?

Yes, and winter is the main season for experienced surfers, with the biggest and most consistent swells.

Is the water warm in Morocco?

No, the Atlantic is cool all year, so you always surf in a wetsuit: a thinner one in summer and a thicker one in winter.

Found your dates? See our packages: a full week with daily lessons, meals and the airport pick-up from €499.

Mouad

Mouad runs Surf Camp Morocco in Taghazout and writes about surfing, the bay and travelling in Morocco.

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