Got your sights set on a Moroccan surf trip? Whether you’re driving south from Europe or flying in from further afield, Morocco is a bucket list surf destination.
There’s nothing else like it on the planet. From the waves to the friendly hospitality and the sweet (but delicious) tea, there’s a reason why Morocco is the end point of so many epic surf adventures.
Maceda and Morocco have a long and storied history.
Together, the owner and builder of our camp, João, plus our camp hosts Loïc and Rachel have visited and surfed every corner of the country.
This year we’ll be taking a select few lucky Maceda guests back to the spots that we’ve explored over the years.
Before we leave though, here’s everything you need to know about the best time to surf in Morocco.
Why should I consider a Moroccan surf trip?
Morocco is one of those rare surf destinations that feels like a genuine surf trip.
The exotic sights and smells. The vibrant and unique cultures. The thrill of exploring a new place and discovering its secrets. It’s got so much going for it, including:
- Gentle waves for beginner surfers
- Surf breaks to suit all levels
- A wide variety of surf spots, from beach breaks to point breaks and reef breaks
- Warmer water temperatures than continental Europe
- Coastal towns that are straight out of a storybook
- Consistent waves and favourable winds (two key ingredients for any trip)
- Warmer air temperatures than other popular surf destinations like Portugal and France
- An affordable cost of living
- Amazing food, beverages and hospitality
When are the best surf seasons in Morocco?
Like all surf destinations (Portugal included!), Morocco has different surf seasons.
Some times of year are more suited to beginner surfers. Others to experienced surfers.
There’s no real hard and fast rule that certain skill levels should stick to one season and avoid others. However, going when you have a high chance of scoring good conditions is always preferable.
Here’s our seasonal breakdown based on years of combined experience.
Winter – Beginners to advanced surfers
Winter is undoubtedly the best time to surf in Morocco when you consider price, crowds and surf conditions.
Average daytime temperatures hover around 20°C and the ocean rarely drops below 17°C. Consistent swells march north and turn the entire coastline into a surfer’s playground. Plus, fewer crowds due to the peak tourist season being over means you can score some great waves without the hassle.
Essentially, it’s quieter, more peaceful and with more surfable days on average. These are the main reasons why winter is the best time to surf in Morocco.
Book your winter in Morocco surf trip
Autumn – Beginners to advanced surfers
If winter is the best season then autumn is a close second. Warm weather, mellow waves and the odd big day make autumn a great time to visit Morocco for any surfer.
It’s not as busy as summer but there are still plenty of people. Powerful swells are few and far between which means you have a mix of beginners, intermediate surfers and advanced surfers.
The Atlantic ocean is yet to come alive for the winter surf season.
It’s like the entire surf community is waiting with baited breath for more challenging waves. If we couldn’t do a winter surf adventure in Morocco, autumn would be our second pick.
Spring – Beginners and intermediate surfers
Spring in one word? Northerly winds.
It’s during the months of March, April and May that stronger winds blow down from the north. This essentially means that most waves are chopped up and a little messier than other times of year.
Sure, you can still find epic surf spots if you know where to look. But you’ll be checking the surf forecast more regularly and driving further afield to find perfect conditions.
To surf Morocco this time of year is to really roll the dice. And while it’s not as bad as the summer season, its a pretty close second.
Summer – Non-surfers and beginners
Summer surfers in Morocco are generally not fussy. If waves are small and mellow, they’re happy.
Unfortunately, the Moroccan summer doesn’t offer great deals to surfers of any skill level. Prices rise in line with tourist numbers while the consistency of swell decreases.
Don’t get us wrong, you can still score some fun beach breaks (especially if you’re a beginner). But there’s rarely enough swell which means summer surfing can feel more like summer waiting.
Don’t expect to see a famous wave like Anchor Point, Killer Point or Devil’s Rock break in summer.
Instead, the summer surf season is all about mushy beachies and fickle North Atlantic swells.
What can I expect from a winter surf adventure in Morocco?
Taking all that into consideration it’s easy to see why our Morocco surf adventure is held in winter.
You don’t get the warmer air and sea temperatures of the peak summer season. You do get far fewer crowds and a much more relaxed vibe. For winter, everyone from an experienced surfer to a true beginner can find waves.
It all comes down to where you go and who you know.
The Moroccan coastline is littered with secret spots, after all. And our surf adventure fishing village Tafedna is just one of many places they can be found. With perfect surfing conditions, thrilling rides and consistent breaks, the winter months are the perfect time to explore Morocco’s surf scene.
