The Best Time to Surf in Morocco: A Month-By-Month Breakdown

Last Updated on 22nd January 2026 by Jessie

When’s the best time to surf in Morocco? This month-by-month breakdown helps you choose the ideal season based on swell size, crowds, and ability.

Morocco is more or less an all-year-round surf destination. Proving that there really isn’t much that the dreamy North African landscape can’t do. However, the size and quality of the waves vary throughout the year, generously catering to surfers of all skill levels.

In short, the winter months bring big, powerful swells; whereas, summer provides gentle waves that are perfect for beginners. This guide provides a full breakdown of the seasons, helping you determine the best time to surf in Morocco for your particular wants and needs.

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Surfing in Morocco by Season: Month-to-Month Breakdown

October to March: Morocco’s Official Surf Season

Late October to March is considered Morocco’s prime surf season. Winter weather patterns in the North Atlantic push powerful swells down onto the Moroccan coastline, creating ideal conditions for experienced surfers. The perfect storm, so to speak. Winter (November to February) brings the biggest waves, with consistent swells of 6-12ft at popular surf breaks like Magic Bay, Panoramas and Sidi Kaouki.

Whilst the sun continues to shine almost all year round on Morocco’s surf coast, the water temps do tend to dip a bit. You can expect water temperatures of 16-18°C in winter. Wetsuit advised.

April to September: A Beginner’s Playground

During the summer months (April to September, if we’re being generous), Morocco’s surf scene mellows out. The swells are smaller, gentler and far better suited to beginner surfers. The water is warmer, ranging between 18-22°C, and the sun has a bit more loving to it. Perfect conditions for learning to surf, when you’ll use any excuse (cold water, getting caned in the shore break, etc.) to call it quits. You can also avoid the hassle of a full wetty and get away with a spring suit or boardies.

While the big winter swells bid their farewells, you can still find enough power to play with at the more consistent breaks like Anza and Tamri.

Note that summer is the peak tourism season for domestic travel in Morocco. Locals flock from the cities to the coastal towns of Taghazout, Essaouira and Imsouane for a bit of beachside reprieve. The beaches are jam-packed with families sharing pots of mint tea and tagines, and the shallows are littered with kids splashing around. It’s best to avoid peak summer for surfing and thus avoid the inevitable shore break carnage.

See tips for booking a surf camp in Morocco.

Best Time to Surf for Different Skill Levels

Best Time for Beginners

For beginner surfers, you’ll find the most opportune conditions in the shoulder seasons – April to May and September to October. The waves are smaller and more manageable, perfect for learning the basics in the whitewash and then graduating to the more powerful (but still mellow) line-up.

I began surfing in Tamraght (as a relative beginner) in September, and the conditions were ideal. The big summer crowds had petered out, and the waves were still gentle but gradually gaining a bit more oomph. Friendly enough to tempt me out in the water, but still challenging enough to progress my skills.

Check out my top tips for learning to surf in Morocco.

Best Time for Intermediate Surfers

As an intermediate surfer, you want to visit from October to November or March to April. The shoulders of the shoulders, perhaps. The swells tend to be far more consistent than the summer season, but not as intimidating as the peak winter months. Spots like Devil’s Rock, Desert Point and Banana Point offer moderate-sized waves, with easy paddle outs, that allow you to test your skills without getting spooked. During these months, you’re also less likely to be competing for waves with the bigger dogs.

Best Time for Advanced Surfers

If you’re an experienced surfer seeking big, powerful waves, the winter months (November to February) are your go-to. This is when Morocco’s most notorious breaks, such as Anchor Point, Boilers, and Killer Point, work best – thanks to the hefty Atlantic swells.

Winter waves can bring swells of 10-15ft, attracting those who are a little more apt at their craft. Hence, the scheduling of comps like WSL’s Rip Curl Pro in Taghazout during this time.

If you’re seeking a desert mission to spend weeks or months surfing your brains out, then winter is the time to make the migration. But note that the more popular spots like Anchor Point get bizzzzzy.

Best Surf Spots on Morocco’s Central Coast by Season

Winter Surf Spots (October – April)

• Anchor Point – Morocco’s most famous wave, fit for the experienced only. In the right winter conditions, it’s possible to ride the right hander all the way to Taghazout.
• Boilers and Killer Point – Two waves north of Taghazout that thrive in big swells. Neither for the faint-hearted.

Summer Surf Spots (May – September)

• Devil’s Rock – Tamraght’s most popular break. It’s a friendly spot for beginners on smaller swells.
• Anza – A 10-minute drive south of Tamraght, Anza offers the most potential when neighbouring breaks are too small.

Year-Round Surf Spots

• Magic Bay – Boasting Africa’s longest rideable wave, The Bay works on all swell sizes.
• Crocos – To the right of Devil’s Rock, the long stretch of beach provides an abundance of breaks for all skill levels.

Enjoy.

More tips:

• The Lowdown on Surfing in Imsouane
• The Lowdown on Surfing in Tamraght
• Best Surf Camps in Tamraght
• Best Surf Camps in Taghazout
• Best Surf Camps in Mirleft
• 10-Day Moroccan Surf Itinerary

For more Maroc info and a little less of my own opinions, I’ve created a travel wisdom-sharing hub over on Reddit. Join the group here.