Essaouira in December

In December, Essaouira averages 20°C (68°F) during the day and 12°C (53°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.

Peak season

Conditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.

December is a great month to visit Essaouira: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

20°C
Avg high
12°C
Avg low
3
Rain days
30 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Essaouira

9th
warmest month of the 12
7th
wettest month of the 12
12%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
10 h 7 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Essaouira (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C below the annual average (22°C). December runs 2°C cooler than November (22°C) and cools 1°C in January (19°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Essaouira

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
8:30 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:37 PM
Day length
10 h 7 min

Times shown for Essaouira local time (Africa/Casablanca), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Essaouira — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Essaouira's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
7:30 AM – 8:10 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
8:10 AM – 9:10 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:57 PM – 6:57 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:57 PM – 7:37 PM

📅 When to book — Essaouira in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Essaouira's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
3-5 months
Flight prices are near their annual peak. Watch fare-alert tools, book directly when you see a fare under the typical range for this city.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
3-5 months
Reasonable selection still available at 3-4 months out, but central locations vanish first.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Essaouira

Peak season

Essaouira is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Essaouira

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
6.3
High
Cover up and apply SPF 30+ for any outdoor activity longer than 30 minutes.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Essaouira in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 19°C / 65°F 11°C / 51°F 39 mm 3
February 19°C / 66°F 11°C / 52°F 40 mm 4
March 20°C / 68°F 13°C / 55°F 35 mm 5
April 21°C / 70°F 14°C / 58°F 19 mm 4
May 23°C / 73°F 16°C / 62°F 12 mm 2
June 24°C / 75°F 18°C / 64°F 2 mm 1
July 26°C / 78°F 19°C / 67°F 0 mm 0
August 26°C / 80°F 20°C / 68°F 1 mm 0
September 25°C / 77°F 19°C / 66°F 3 mm 0
October 25°C / 76°F 18°C / 64°F 21 mm 3
November 22°C / 71°F 14°C / 58°F 53 mm 5
December 20°C / 68°F 12°C / 53°F 30 mm 3

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Essaouira in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Essaouira in December?

In December, Essaouira averages a high of 20°C (68°F) and a low of 12°C (53°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Essaouira in December?

December is generally dry in Essaouira, with about 3 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Essaouira?

December is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Essaouira in December?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full December packing list for Essaouira for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Essaouira on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.