Imsouane Weather & What to Wear: A Month-by-Month Guide, August to May
Quick answer: Imsouane weather has a mild Atlantic climate. The water stays between roughly 16°C and 22°C all year. Most surfers wear a 3/2mm wetsuit for much of the season, a thin shorty or spring suit in late summer, and a 4/3mm suit in the coldest weeks of winter. On land, daytime is warm and sunny almost all year, but mornings, evenings and wind can feel cool, so layers are the rule.
Imsouane sits on Morocco’s Atlantic coast between Agadir and Essaouira. Its two famous waves, The Bay and The Cathedral, work through most of the year, so the real question is what to pack. Below is what to wear in the water and out of it, month by month.
Imsouane weather at a glance (August to May)
Month | Air (day / night) | Water | Wetsuit in the water |
August | 26–30°C / 19–21°C | 19–21°C | Rash vest + boardshorts, or 2mm shorty |
September | 26–29°C / 18–20°C | 20–22°C | 2mm shorty or 3/2mm spring suit |
October | 25–28°C / 16–18°C | 19–21°C | 3/2mm spring or full suit |
November | 22–25°C / 13–15°C | 18–20°C | 3/2mm full suit |
December | 19–22°C / 11–13°C | 17–19°C | 3/2mm or 4/3mm |
January | 18–21°C / 9–12°C | 16–18°C | 4/3mm, boots optional |
February | 19–21°C / 10–12°C | 16–18°C | 4/3mm, boots optional |
March | 20–23°C / 11–13°C | 16–18°C | 3/2mm or 4/3mm |
April | 21–24°C / 12–14°C | 16–18°C | 3/2mm full suit |
May | 22–25°C / 14–16°C | 17–19°C | 3/2mm or spring suit |
Figures are typical ranges and vary by year and by day. Wind and offshore conditions can make the sea colder than average.
What to wear in Imsouane in August
In the water: Warm and sunny. A rash vest with boardshorts or a 2mm shorty is enough for most people. Pack UV protection, as the sun is strong.
Out of the water: Light cotton or linen, a hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen. Bring a light layer for breezy evenings by the bay.
What to wear in Imsouane in September
In the water: Water temperatures peak around now, so a 2mm shorty or 3/2mm spring suit works. A thin rash vest is a good backup if the wind is up.
Out of the water: T-shirts and shorts by day, a light sweatshirt at night. Good flip-flops or sandals for the village.
What to wear in Imsouane in October
In the water: The sea is still pleasant, but mornings start to feel fresher. A 3/2mm is the safe choice.
Out of the water: Still warm in the afternoon. Pack a light jacket or hoodie for sunset and early sessions.
What to wear in Imsouane in November
In the water: A 3/2mm full suit is the standard. Surf booties are useful at The Bay for rocky entries and exits.
Out of the water: Long trousers and a fleece or jumper for evenings. Daytime is still comfortable in a T-shirt.
What to wear in Imsouane in December
In the water: A 3/2mm works for many surfers, but a 4/3mm is more comfortable on long sessions, especially if you feel the cold.
Out of the water: Jeans, a warm jumper, a light windproof jacket and closed shoes at night. Days can be sunny and mild, so keep layers easy to remove.
What to wear in Imsouane in January
In the water: One of the coolest months. Choose a 4/3mm suit. Boots are a nice extra if you tend to get cold feet.
Out of the water: Warm layers for evenings and early mornings. A hoodie, long trousers and a windproof jacket cover it. Sunny days still call for sunglasses.
What to wear in Imsouane in February
In the water: Water is at its coldest, so a 4/3mm suit is the most comfortable option, with 3mm boots for longer sessions.
Out of the water: Same as January: layers, a windproof jacket and a warm change of clothes after surfing.
What to wear in Imsouane in March
In the water: Things start to warm slowly. Choose a 3/2mm or a 4/3mm depending on how much you feel the cold.
Out of the water: Pleasant days and fresh evenings. A hoodie and a light jacket are usually enough.
What to wear in Imsouane in April
In the water: A 3/2mm full suit is the go-to. Boots are rarely needed.
Out of the water: T-shirts by day, a light layer at night. A good month for yoga outdoors and long walks.
What to wear in Imsouane in May
In the water: A 3/2mm or a spring suit. Water is still a little fresh for boardshorts alone.
Out of the water: Summer clothes by day, a light layer for evenings, plus sun protection.
Packing checklist for Imsouane
Wetsuit suited to your month (see the table above), if you join a surf camp, we will provide the wetsuit, but it's always good to have your own.
Rash vest for sun and wind protection
Windproof jacket and hoodie for evenings
Reef-safe sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Modest, comfortable clothes for the village, since Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country
Comfortable yoga clothes (mats and equipment are provided at The Little Kasbah)
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to surf in Imsouane?
Waves work through much of the year. Beginners usually prefer April to September for smaller waves and warmer water, while intermediate surfers often enjoy October to March for bigger, more consistent swell. March, April and October suit mixed groups.
How cold is the water in Imsouane?
Roughly 16–22°C across the year, coldest in late winter and warmest around September.
Do I need a wetsuit in Imsouane?
In late summer a rash vest or shorty can be enough. From November to April most surfers wear a 3/2mm.
What should I wear in Imsouane in winter?
Layers. Days can be sunny and mild, but evenings are cool and the wind adds a chill.
Can beginners surf in Imsouane in winter?
Yes, with the right wetsuit and a good lesson plan. Check our surf packages here.
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