The 2026/27 Surf Season in Imsouane: When It Starts and How to Plan Your Trip

The waiting is over. Every autumn the North Atlantic wakes up, sends its first long-period swells down the Moroccan coast, and Imsouane goes from sleepy summer village to one of the most talked-about surf destinations in Africa. If you have been wondering when the 2026/27 season really starts — and when you should book — this is your guide.

So when does the surf season in Imsouane start?

The short answer: late September is when the first proper swells arrive, and October is when the season truly settles in. From there it keeps building through the winter, peaks between November and February, and tails off gently in March and April.

Unlike a lot of surf destinations, though, Imsouane never really switches off. The Bay is a long, gentle point break that works on very little swell, so even in the quietest months there is usually something to ride. What changes with the seasons is the size, the consistency and the crowd.

The 2026/27 season, month by month

• September — the shoulder. Warm water, warm air, mostly small and playful, with the first bigger swells sneaking in towards the end of the month. A lovely time to learn.
• October — the season opener. Swell becomes noticeably more regular, the line-up fills with travelling surfers, and The Bay starts serving up those long rides it is famous for.
• November to February — peak season. The most consistent, most powerful conditions of the year. This is when Imsouane is at its best and at its busiest.
• March and April — the tail end. Still plenty of good days, fewer people in the water, and the weather warming up again. A quietly brilliant time to visit.
• May to August — the mellow months. Smaller waves, sunshine and space. Ideal for absolute beginners and longboarders who want an unhurried session.

For the full picture beyond the surf — weather, temperatures and village atmosphere — see our season-by-season guide to visiting Imsouane.

What the season does to The Bay

The Bay is the reason most surfers come here: a right-hand point break that wraps around the curve of the bay and just keeps going, sometimes for several hundred metres. In summer it is soft and forgiving. In season, the same wave gets longer, faster and far more rewarding — without ever losing the mellow character that makes it so friendly.

That combination is rare. Very few waves on earth let a beginner and an experienced longboarder enjoy the same session, and in winter that is exactly what The Bay does. If you want the complete breakdown of the wave itself, read our guide to surfing The Bay.

When it gets too big: the other options

On the biggest winter days The Bay can become crowded or unruly for less confident surfers. That is when the area around Cathedral Point comes into its own, offering a faster, punchier wave for surfers who want more of a challenge. There are also quieter stretches of sand up and down the coast worth exploring on a big day — have a look at Imsouane’s beaches and our round-up of must-see places in Imsouane.

If in doubt, ask. The local schools and guides read these conditions every single day and will happily point you to the right spot for your level.

What to pack for the season

• Wetsuit — a 3/2mm covers most of the season, with a 4/3mm more comfortable through the coldest weeks of winter. Booties if you feel the cold.
• Board — think volume and glide. Longboards, mini-mals and mid-lengths make the most of those long, slow sections. Shortboarders will want their step-up on the bigger days.
• Warm layers for after — the Atlantic wind is cool once you are out of the water, even under blue skies.
• Reef-safe sunscreen — the Moroccan sun is strong all year, winter included.

Travelling light? Boards and wetsuits can be hired in the village — see our listings for surf shops in Imsouane.

Book early — the season fills up

Peak season is genuinely busy. Surf camps, hostels and guesthouses in a village this small fill up weeks in advance for the Christmas and New Year period especially. If you are planning a winter trip, sort your bed before you sort your flights.

Start with our listings for surf camps, surf schools, hostels and hotels.

A word on the line-up

A famous wave attracts a crowd, and in peak season The Bay can hold a lot of surfers. Basic etiquette keeps it enjoyable for everyone: respect the priority, do not drop in, and be patient. The atmosphere here is friendly and unhurried, and it stays that way when visitors treat the line-up — and the village — with respect. Our guide to local customs and etiquette is worth five minutes before you arrive.

More than the surf

Between sessions, Imsouane is a working fishing village with a rhythm of its own: boats coming in at the harbour, mint tea on the terraces, tagine and the day’s catch grilled to order. It has also changed a great deal in recent years, and if you want to understand the place you are visiting, spend a moment with In Memory of Old Imsouane.

Hungry after a long session? Our guide to what to eat in Imsouane covers the essentials.

Ready for the 2026/27 season?

The swell is on its way, the water is still warm, and the best months of the year are ahead. Plan your route with our guide on how to get to Imsouane, work out your budget with our realistic budget guide, and get ready for one of the longest rides of your life.