Best Surf Seasons in Morocco

Morocco Surf Seasons Overview

Morocco's surf season follows a clear rhythm driven by the North Atlantic storm cycle. From October to April, powerful low-pressure systems roll across the Atlantic, sending consistent, long-period groundswell toward the Moroccan coast. From May to September, the storm track shifts north, swell becomes smaller but remains consistent, and the weather turns warm and sunny.

Unlike many surf destinations that have distinct "on" and "off" seasons, Morocco receives rideable waves 365 days a year. The question isn't whether there will be waves — it's what kind of waves and whether they match your skill level. This guide breaks down every month in detail so you can time your trip perfectly for your ability, budget, and wave preferences.

October — Season Kick-Off

Wave height: 3–5 ft | Swell period: 10–13s | Water temp: 21–23°C | Air temp: 22–28°C | Crowds: Low to moderate | Price level: Shoulder season (good value)

October is when the Moroccan surf season wakes up. The first proper North Atlantic lows of autumn begin pushing swell toward the coast, and after the quiet summer months, the point breaks come back to life. Water temperatures are still warm from the summer — you can comfortably surf in a 3/2mm wetsuit or even a shorty on sunny days.

October is an excellent month for intermediate surfers. The swell is typically in the 3–5 ft range at 10–13 seconds — enough to produce fun, rippable waves at most breaks without being overwhelming. Anchor Point begins to show its potential, especially later in the month, and the beach breaks in Tamraght offer peaky, accessible waves for all levels.

Pros: Warm water, growing swell consistency, fewer crowds than winter, good value accommodation.
Cons: Swell can be inconsistent early in the month; the first big storm of the season can bring onshore wind for several days.

November — Swell Builds

Wave height: 4–7 ft | Swell period: 11–15s | Water temp: 19–21°C | Air temp: 18–24°C | Crowds: Moderate | Price level: Shoulder season

November is when the Atlantic gets serious. Storm activity intensifies, and Morocco starts receiving regular pulses of groundswell. The point breaks — Anchor Point, Killer Point, Imsouane Cathedral — are now firing on most days. Water temperatures begin to drop, and most surfers transition to a 4/3mm wetsuit by mid-month.

This is one of the best months for surfers who want quality waves without the peak-season crowds and prices. The weather is still pleasant (daytime temperatures 18–24°C), and the swell is consistent enough that you are almost guaranteed good waves during a one-week trip. November also sees the start of the offshore wind pattern — early morning easterly winds that groom the point breaks into perfection.

Pros: Reliable swell, comfortable weather, moderate crowds, good value.
Cons: Can be rainy (brief but heavy showers); water cooling down.

December — Peak Season Begins

Wave height: 5–10 ft | Swell period: 12–17s | Water temp: 17–19°C | Air temp: 16–22°C | Crowds: High (especially Christmas/New Year) | Price level: Peak (highest prices)

December marks the start of peak surf season. The North Atlantic is in full storm mode, and Morocco is the direct beneficiary. Swells of 6–10 ft at 14–17 seconds are common, producing overhead to double-overhead waves at the point breaks. This is the month advanced surfers dream about — Anchor Point at its grinding best, Killer Point connecting all the way through, and Boilers breaking on the biggest days.

The trade-off is crowds. The Christmas and New Year period is the busiest time of year, with European surfers on holiday joining the regular winter crowd. Accommodation prices peak, and the best surf camps are booked months in advance. If you are travelling during this window, book early — ideally by September.

Pros: World-class waves, consistent swell, offshore winds most mornings.
Cons: Crowded lineups, high prices, cold mornings (air temp can drop to 8–10°C at dawn).

January — Biggest Waves of the Year

Wave height: 5–10 ft (can exceed 12 ft) | Swell period: 13–18s | Water temp: 16–17°C | Air temp: 15–21°C | Crowds: High | Price level: Peak

January is statistically the biggest month for surf in Morocco. The North Atlantic is at its most ferocious, generating massive groundswells that march across the ocean and detonate on Moroccan reefs. On the biggest days (10–12 ft+), Anchor Point becomes a serious wave — only for very experienced surfers. But the same swell that maxes out the points makes Killer Point and the protected bays come alive at a more manageable size.

Water temperatures reach their annual minimum of 16–17°C. A quality 4/3mm wetsuit is essential, and many surfers add 3mm booties and a hood for dawn patrol. The air can be chilly in the mornings (8–12°C), but daytime temperatures are pleasant (15–21°C) under sunny skies. The offshore wind pattern — the famous easterly that grooms the waves — is most reliable during this month.

Pros: The biggest, most powerful waves of the year. Offshore wind reliability. Unforgettable sessions for advanced surfers.
Cons: Cold water and cold mornings. Powerful waves not suitable for beginners at most breaks. Crowded lineups at premier spots.

February — Still Pumping

Wave height: 5–9 ft | Swell period: 12–16s | Water temp: 16–17°C | Air temp: 16–22°C | Crowds: High | Price level: Peak

February is essentially January continued — big, powerful, consistent swell. The storm track remains active, and most weeks deliver at least two solid swell pulses. The water is still at its coldest, so the same 4/3mm wetsuit applies. February can sometimes deliver slightly cleaner conditions than January, as the storm track begins to settle into a more stable pattern with longer gaps between swells.

February is also when the almond blossoms appear in the valleys behind Taghazout and Tamraght — a beautiful counterpoint to the raw power of the winter ocean. The days are getting longer, sunrise is earlier, and the evening light on the Atlantic is spectacular.

Pros: Same quality as January with slightly more settled weather. Beautiful landscape.
Cons: Still cold, still crowded, still expensive.

March — The Secret Best Month

Wave height: 4–7 ft | Swell period: 11–15s | Water temp: 17–19°C | Air temp: 18–25°C | Crowds: Moderate (declining) | Price level: Shoulder season

Ask any local Moroccan surfer what the best month is, and most will say March. Here is why: the North Atlantic is still producing consistent swell, but the winter crowds have thinned significantly. European holidaymakers have gone home, and the lineups at Anchor Point and Killer Point are half what they were in January. The weather is warming — daytime temperatures reach 20–25°C, the sun is strong, and the water begins its slow climb toward summer temperatures.

March swell is typically in the 4–7 ft range at 11–15 seconds — big enough for exciting sessions at the points, but not so big that it becomes intimidating. This is the month where everything aligns: quality waves, comfortable conditions, manageable crowds, and reasonable prices. If you have flexibility in your travel dates, target March.

Pros: The perfect balance of swell, weather, and crowds. Beautiful spring conditions. Good value.
Cons: Can be windy in the afternoons. Occasional sandstorms from the Sahara.

April — Transition Month

Wave height: 3–6 ft | Swell period: 10–14s | Water temp: 18–20°C | Air temp: 20–28°C | Crowds: Low to moderate | Price level: Shoulder season

April is a transition month. The powerful winter storms become less frequent, but the North Atlantic still delivers regular swell. Wave heights drop slightly — expect 3–6 ft on most days, with the occasional bigger pulse. Water temperatures begin their spring warm-up, reaching 18–20°C, and a 3/2mm wetsuit becomes comfortable for most sessions.

Easter in April can bring a brief surge of holiday crowds, but outside of that week, the lineups are quiet. The weather is glorious — sunny, warm, and increasingly dry. This is an excellent month for intermediates who found the winter swell too intimidating. The waves are accessible, the water is warming, and the vibe is relaxed.

Pros: Beautiful weather, smaller but still fun waves, quiet lineups outside Easter week.
Cons: Swell can be inconsistent between pulses. Easter week prices spike.

May–September — Summer Season

Wave height: 2–4 ft | Swell period: 8–12s | Water temp: 20–23°C | Air temp: 24–32°C | Crowds: Low | Price level: Low season (best value)

The summer months (May through September) offer a completely different surf experience. The North Atlantic storm track shifts far north, and swell generation decreases significantly. But Morocco never goes flat — the Azores high-pressure system generates consistent 2–4 ft swell that produces fun, accessible waves at beach breaks and mellow points.

This is the best time for beginners and intermediate surfers. The smaller waves, warm water (20–23°C), and sunny weather create ideal learning conditions. Imsouane Bay becomes a longboard paradise. The beach breaks in Tamraght offer peaky, forgiving waves. And the point breaks — while much smaller — can still produce enjoyable sessions on the right tide and swell direction.

May: The shoulder season hangover — still some 3–5 ft days, especially early in the month. Water 19–21°C.

June: Summer pattern established. Consistent 2–4 ft, warmest water temps arriving. Excellent for beginners.

July: Peak summer heat (up to 32°C). Midday sessions are hot — dawn patrol and late afternoon are best. Water 21–23°C.

August: European holiday month — slightly more crowded but still quiet compared to winter. Water warmest of the year (22–23°C). Can occasionally get a surprise SW swell from tropical storms.

September: Transition begins. Slightly bigger swell returns toward the end of the month. Water still warm (21–22°C). An underrated month for value-seeking surf travellers.

Quick Reference Table — Best Month for Your Level