Essaouira in January

In January, Essaouira averages 19°C (65°F) during the day and 11°C (51°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.

High season

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

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

19°C
Avg high
11°C
Avg low
3
Rain days
39 mm
Rainfall

How January compares to the rest of the year in Essaouira

12th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
15%
of yearly rainfall falls in January
10 h 19 min
daylight on the 15th

January is one of the coolest months in Essaouira (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C below the annual average (22°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (20°C) and stays flat into February.

January sunrise & sunset in Essaouira

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
8:38 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:57 PM
Day length
10 h 19 min

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

Photography light in Essaouira — January

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

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
7:38 AM – 8:18 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
8:18 AM – 9:18 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:17 PM – 7:17 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:17 PM – 7:57 PM

📅 When to book — Essaouira in January

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 January's tier (High season) and Essaouira's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.
⚠ 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 — January in Essaouira

High season

This is a busy month in Essaouira — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.

Why this tier: excellent tourism weather

Sun & mosquito risk — January in Essaouira

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
6.8
High
Cover up and apply SPF 30+ for any outdoor activity longer than 30 minutes.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●○○○○
Minimal
Occasional mosquitoes possible near standing water. Repellent rarely needed.

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 January weather

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

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Essaouira in January?

In January, Essaouira averages a high of 19°C (65°F) and a low of 11°C (51°F) — generally mild and pleasant.

Does it rain a lot in Essaouira in January?

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

Is January a good time to visit Essaouira?

January 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 January?

Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full January 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.