Surf Report Taghazout: How to Read the Forecast

In short: a good day in Taghazout usually means a north-west swell with a long period (10 seconds or more), light wind or wind blowing from the land (east), and a tide that suits the spot. Small, shorter-period swells are what beginners want on the sandy beaches; bigger, longer swells light up the points.

Surf forecasts look complicated the first time: arrows, colours and numbers. Once you know what four or five numbers mean, you can read any forecast for Taghazout in a minute. Here is how.

The numbers that matter

Swell: height, period and direction

The swell is the energy that travels across the ocean from storms far away. In autumn and winter the North Atlantic storms send long-period swells that reach Morocco clean and powerful; that is the season for the right-hand points such as Anchor Point. In summer the swells are smaller and shorter, which suits beginners on the beaches.

A forecast of 1 metre at 12 seconds can be a much better surf than 1.5 metres at 7 seconds: the longer period means more organised waves.

Wind

Wind blowing from the sea onto the land (onshore) makes waves messy. Wind blowing from the land out to sea (offshore) holds them up and makes them clean. Around Taghazout, the coast faces west, so wind from the east is offshore. Mornings are often calmer; the wind tends to pick up in the afternoon, especially in summer.

Tide

The tide changes how and where waves break. Some beaches are better at mid tide, some points need a particular tide to work. Forecast sites show the tide times; local surfers and instructors know which tide suits which spot.

Where to check the forecast

• Windguru: a detailed table of wind and swell, popular with surfers and kitesurfers.
• Surfline: forecasts and surf reports for many spots (it took over Magicseaweed).
• Windy: maps of wind and swell, good for seeing a storm coming.

Look at two sites and compare; then check with your eyes on the beach. Forecasts are a guide, not a promise.

Beaches or points?

The easy way

If you stay at a surf camp, the team reads the forecast for you: each morning they choose the beach that suits your level and drive you there. That is what our daily transfers are for. See our surf spots map and surf lessons.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good swell period for Taghazout?

10 seconds or more usually means organised, powerful waves; beginners prefer smaller swells on the sandy beaches.

What wind is best in Taghazout?

No wind, or wind from the east (from the land). Strong wind from the sea makes the waves messy.

When are the waves biggest in Taghazout?

From October to April. Read the best time to surf in Morocco, month by month.