Taghazout in January: Surf, Weather and What to Expect

January is one of Taghazout’s most consistent surf months, and for surfers who arrive after the New Year rush, it’s one of the best times to visit. The swells that have been building since November are still firing, the village settles into a quieter rhythm, and the days are clear and mild. There’s a reason experienced wave-chasers keep targeting January.

Surf in January

January sits firmly inside Taghazout’s prime swell window. North Atlantic low-pressure systems push consistent swell south towards the Moroccan coast every week, with Anchor Point, Mysteries, and Killers all capable of producing exceptional sessions.

Swell: Average 2–4m, NW to NNW direction. Multiple swell events per week in a good January, with occasional flat spells of a day or two between systems.

Anchor Point is the standout — the long right-hand point break runs at its best in mid-to-large January swell, with rides of 150–300m possible on lined-up NW groundswell. Mysteries is powerful and consistent. Hash Point handles the crowds and works on smaller days between bigger swell events. Imsouane, an hour north, is worth the drive on smaller or cleaner swells.

Water temperature: 17–18°C. A 3/2mm wetsuit is the minimum; 4/3mm is recommended if you run cold or plan long morning sessions.

Wind: Early mornings are often offshore or light — the sharpest window of the day. Onshore winds tend to build from the southwest through the afternoon.

Weather in January

Daytime temperatures average 14–18°C — mild enough for a t-shirt in midday sun, but layers are needed for early morning paddleouts and evenings. Nights drop to 9–12°C on the coast.

January sees occasional rain showers, typically brief, between long clear spells. The argan landscape along the road to Paradise Valley shows some green at this time of year. Days are shorter (sunset around 6:15pm), so morning sessions are the priority.

What to pack: 3/2 or 4/3 wetsuit, fleece or light jacket for evenings, layers for the day.

Crowds and Prices

The first two weeks of January — especially January 1–10 — carry the tail end of the New Year’s crowd. After that, numbers drop noticeably. Mid-to-late January is among the quieter periods within the high surf season, which is useful for those who want consistent swell without peak-season competition in the lineup.

Accommodation remains at high-season rates, but availability improves post–January 10. Booking a week ahead is usually sufficient for mid-January; last-minute options exist that wouldn’t be available in February.

Activities in January

Non-surf days or non-surfers have solid options:

Paradise Valley: The natural pools are accessible year-round and far less crowded in January than in summer. The mountain drive is particularly dramatic after winter rain.

Yoga: Several surf camps and studios run structured retreats in January — particularly popular in weeks two and three when the New Year crowd has cleared.

Agadir day trip: The Agadir souk, medina, and beach are uncrowded in January. Worth a half-day when there’s no surf.

Essaouira: The 2.5-hour coastal drive is worth making in good conditions — Essaouira in January is atmospheric and relatively quiet.

Who January Suits

Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers chasing consistent point break waves. Those arriving after January 10 get peak swell with manageable crowds.

Less ideal for: Complete beginners hoping for beach-holiday conditions — the days are mild but not warm enough to spend hours on the sand. January rewards surfers.

January at a Glance

Swell	Excellent (2–4m NW)
Daytime temp	14–18°C
Water temp	17–18°C
Wetsuit	3/2 minimum, 4/3 recommended
Crowds	High Jan 1–10, moderate after
Accommodation	High-season rates

Planning Tips

Book well ahead for the New Year period (December 29–January 8) — it fills early. For mid-to-late January, a week’s notice is usually enough. The Souk to Surf shuttle runs year-round from Agadir airport and is the easiest way to arrive with a board.

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Taghazout in February — the month many surfers rate as the best overall Best time to visit Taghazout — full seasonal breakdown