Do you need a wetsuit in Morocco? For most of the year, yes. The Atlantic off Imsouane is cooler than many expect. Our month-by-month guide tells you which wetsuit thickness to pack or rent, whatever the season.
“Do I need a wetsuit in Morocco?” is one of the most common questions we get. The short answer is yes, for most of the year. The Atlantic off Imsouane is cooler than many people expect because of the Canary Current. This month-by-month guide tells you which wetsuit to pack, or rent, for your trip.
Imsouane sits on Morocco’s Atlantic coast, where the cool Canary Current flows south and deep water rises along the shore. That means warm, sunny air and noticeably fresher water, even in summer. Water temperatures typically range from around 16–17°C in late winter to around 21–22°C at the end of summer.
The numbers (4/3, 3/2) describe the neoprene thickness in millimetres: thicker on the body, thinner on the arms and legs for paddling.
Winter is the heart of the surf season, with the most powerful swells of the year. The water is at its coolest, and early mornings can be fresh, so a good-quality 4/3 mm full suit is the standard choice. If you get cold easily or plan long sessions, add booties. Read more in our surf season guide.
The water starts to warm slowly in spring, but March is often the coldest month in the sea, since the ocean lags behind the air. Keep the 4/3 mm into April. By May, many surfers switch to a 3/2 mm on sunny days.
Summer brings smaller, cleaner waves that are ideal for beginners, and the most comfortable water. A 3/2 mm full suit is the safe all-round option. Wind can make the afternoon feel cooler than the thermometer says. By August, some surfers go out in a springsuit, a short-arm and short-leg suit, on calm, hot days. See what to do in Imsouane in summer.
Autumn is our favourite season. The water holds its summer warmth while the swells start to return. September and October are usually 3/2 mm months. By the end of November you will want to go back to the 4/3 mm. Our autumn guide explains why this is the best-kept secret of the year.
If you take lessons or a surf package, a wetsuit is almost always included. Rentals are easy to find in the village, but sizes can be limited in high season. Bring your own if:
Besides the wetsuit, bring reef-safe sunscreen, a lycra rash vest for summer, a warm hoodie for the evenings and a towel poncho for changing on the beach. Evenings in Imsouane can be cool all year round, especially in winter.
Pack a 4/3 mm from December to April and a 3/2 mm from May to November, and you will be comfortable in the water almost all year. Not sure when to come? Our best time to visit guide breaks down the surf, weather and crowds season by season.
Don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our friendly local team knows Imsouane inside out and is happy to help you plan your trip.
+212 613 373 911
hello@imsouaneguide.com
