Mohamed AchhibatNational Kitesurf Champion · IKO InstructorKitesurfing in Essaouira comes down to one simple promise: wind almost every day, a huge bay, and water that never really gets cold. Whether you are planning your first trip or your tenth season, here is the complete guide — wind, spots, seasons, levels and budget — written by the Windy Essaouira team, on the water here all year round.
Why Essaouira is a reference kitesurf spot
Essaouira is nicknamed the city of wind, and that is no marketing line. The north-east trade wind funnels into the bay every afternoon with a regularity that is rare elsewhere. The beach runs for several kilometres, the water is open, and there is almost always room to set up your kite. For background on the town and its climate, Essaouira on Wikipedia is a good start.
Wind in Essaouira, month by month
The kite season runs from March to October. Here is what to expect by period. Before coming, we check the Windguru forecast for Essaouira every day.
| Period | Wind | Water | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| March–May | 12–18 knots | 17–18°C | Learning, calm sessions |
| June–August | 18–25 knots | 20–22°C | High season, all levels |
| September–October | 15–20 knots | 19–21°C | Great sessions, fewer crowds |
| November–February | variable | 16–17°C | Surf rather than kite |
The best kitesurf spots around Essaouira
Three stretches of water cover every level. We move with the wind of the day — the advantage of a mobile school.
Diabat, the second beach — our spot
Eight minutes south of Essaouira, Diabat is the second beach, and it's where we run all our kitesurf lessons in Essaouira. It's the best spot in town to ride: fewer people on the sand, no horses or camels, more space, and above all a cleaner, steadier wind than the main bay. You learn and progress safely, without weaving between swimmers. Once you're independent, it's also the ideal place to rent kitesurf gear.
The main beach in the bay
The most famous beach, right in the town centre, and where the crowds go: swimmers, horse and camel rides, and a wind that's often gustier because of the town and buildings. Many schools stay there for convenience — we load the gear and head to Diabat, better on every count.
Moulay Bouzerktoun
25 km north, Moulay is a world-famous spot, windier and more demanding, with chop for jumping. Reserved for advanced riders, often as a guided downwind from Moulay to Essaouira.
Learning to kitesurf in Essaouira
Never touched a kite? Even better. The wind is steady, with no violent gusts, and space is never an issue. The progression is simple: kite control, body drag, then waterstart. Most students are riding within a few sessions. We break down every step in our beginner kitesurf guide. For safety and teaching, we follow the IKO standards, applied by certified instructors.
Progressing: intermediate and advanced
Already riding? Essaouira has plenty for you: water-relaunch, going upwind, then first jumps and tricks. To break a specific barrier — freestyle, strapless, transitions — a personalised kitesurf coaching session with Mohamed saves a lot of time.
How much does kitesurfing in Essaouira cost
Good news: it is more affordable than in Europe. We have gathered all the 2026 prices — lessons, packs and camps — in our kitesurf prices in Essaouira article. For an all-in trip with accommodation, look at the kitesurf holiday with villa.
When to come kitesurfing in Essaouira
For reliable wind, aim for June to September. For milder conditions and fewer people, spring and autumn are perfect. The full calendar is in when to kitesurf in Essaouira.
We take care of the gear
No need to bring your own board. Every session includes:
- A kite sized to your weight and the wind of the day
- A twin-tip board, plus specific boards by level
- Harness, impact vest and helmet
- A wetsuit suited to the season
Booking your session
We stay a small team, led by Mohamed Achhibat, national kitesurf champion. The easiest way to book is WhatsApp: we reply within a few hours and set the dates around the weather. In high season, plan one to two weeks ahead.