Winter Surfing in Morocco Guide: Empty Lineups & Powerful Swells
🌊 The honest truth about winter in Morocco: The waves are bigger. The air is cooler. The crowds? Almost gone. If you’re an intermediate or advanced surfer who wants powerful point breaks and empty lineups, winter is Morocco’s best-kept secret.
⚠️ Important – Who Winter IS For: Winter Morocco is for intermediates (confident) and advanced surfers. If you’re a beginner or early intermediate, summer or spring is better. Winter waves regularly hit 4–10ft+ with power. Not for the faint-hearted.
Why Surf Morocco in Winter?
Most tourists visit Morocco in spring or fall. Smart surfers come in winter. Here’s why:
- 🏄♂️ Empty lineups: No waiting for waves. You’ll share the ocean with 5–10 surfers instead of 50+.
- 🌊 Consistent, powerful swells: North Atlantic storms send groundswell nearly every week. No flat spells.
- 💰 Lower prices: Flights and accommodation are 20–40% cheaper than peak season.
- ☀️ Sunny days: Yes, it’s winter. But Morocco still gets 6–8 hours of sun daily.
- 🏆 Morocco’s best waves: Spots like Killer Point, Devil’s Rock, and Anchor Point (at size) hit their peak.
Winter at a Glance (December – February)
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Wave Height | 4–10ft+ (bigger on swell days) |
| Water Temp | 17–18°C (63–64°F) |
| Air Temp | 15–20°C (59–68°F) – sunny days, cool nights |
| Wetsuit | 3/2mm full suit (booties optional) |
| Crowds | 🟢 Low – only committed surfers |
| Best For | Advanced intermediates, experienced surfers, big wave chargers |
Best Surf Spots in Winter
Winter changes the game. Some spots that are average in summer become world-class in winter. Here’s where to go:
🔥 Advanced / Expert
Killer Point
Wave type: Right-hand point break
Winter size: 5–10ft+
Why winter: Requires solid NW swell to activate. Winter delivers. Long, powerful, hollow sections. Not for beginners.
🔥 Advanced
Devil’s Rock (Tamraght)
Wave type: Right-hand reef/point
Winter size: 4–8ft
Why winter: Shorter and steeper than Killer Point. Hollow at size. Advanced locals only territory when it’s big.
⚡ Strong Intermediate / Advanced
Anchor Point
Wave type: Long right-hand point
Winter size: 4–8ft
Why winter: The famous long wave gets heavy in winter. Still peel for 200m+, but you need sharp takeoffs and strong paddling.
⚡ Intermediate (confident)
La Source
Wave type: Right-hand point
Winter size: 3–6ft
Why winter: More protected than other spots. Can be 6ft elsewhere but 3–4ft here. Rocky bottom. Good step-up spot.
🏄 Intermediate
Panorama’s
Wave type: Point break
Winter size: 3–5ft
Why winter: Less exposed than Main Point. Catches swell but with less power. Good for intermediates wanting to step up.
What About Beginners in Winter?
Honest answer: Winter is not ideal for true beginners. The waves have too much power and size. However:
- Beginner-friendly spots in winter: Banana Point (smaller days only), Taghazout Bay (beach break, less powerful)
- Better option: Come in summer (June–August) for small, forgiving waves or spring/fall for shoulder season conditions
→ Read next: Summer Surfing in Morocco Guide for beginners
What to Pack for Winter Surf in Morocco
Winter in Morocco is not freezing — but it’s not boardshort weather either. Here’s exactly what you need:
Water Temperature & Wetsuit Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Wetsuit | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 17–18°C | 3/2mm full suit | 🟢 Comfortable |
| January | 17°C | 3/2mm full suit + booties | 🟡 Cool but fine |
| February | 17°C | 3/2mm full suit + booties | 🟡 Cool but fine |
Compare this to winter surfing in Europe (5–10°C water, 5/4mm hooded suits, frozen fingers). Morocco is warm by winter standards.
Swell & Wind Patterns
Swell: North Atlantic lows send consistent NW groundswell. A typical winter week has 3–5 days of rideable waves. Swell periods are long (12–16 seconds) — meaning powerful, well-organized waves.
Wind: Winter has more variable wind than summer. But morning sessions are almost always glassy or light offshore. Afternoon wind can pick up (onshore), so surf early.
Winter vs Other Seasons: Quick Comparison
| Winter | Spring | Summer | Fall | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wave Size | 4–10ft+ | 3–6ft | 1–3ft | 3–6ft |
| Water Temp | 17–18°C | 18–19°C | 20–22°C | 20–21°C |
| Crowds | 🟢 Low | 🟡 Medium | 🟠 High | 🟡 Medium |
| Best For | Advanced | All levels | Beginners | All levels |
Pros & Cons of Winter Surfing in Morocco
✅ Pros
- Empty lineups – no fighting for waves
- Cheaper flights & accommodation
- Morocco’s best, most powerful waves
- Sunny days (unlike European winter)
- Still warm compared to UK/France/Germany
- Authentic, local vibe without crowds
❌ Cons
- Not for beginners
- Water is cool (but still fine in 3/2mm)
- Afternoon wind can be onshore
- Less nightlife (if that matters to you)
- Some beach cafes close for the season
Is Winter Right for YOU?
Come in winter if:
- ✅ You’re an intermediate (confident in head-high waves) or advanced surfer
- ✅ You want empty lineups and hate crowds
- ✅ You’re chasing powerful point breaks
- ✅ You’re on a budget (cheaper than peak season)
- ✅ You don’t mind cooler air temps (still 15–20°C/sunny)
Skip winter (come summer/spring) if:
- ❌ You’re a beginner or early intermediate
- ❌ You only want 1–3ft waves
- ❌ You hate wearing a wetsuit
- ❌ You need hot, summer beach weather
Winter Surf Trip Tips
- Book accommodation with heating: Nights can be cool (10–15°C). Solid Surf House has heated common areas and warm duvets.
- Surf early mornings: Best conditions are 8am–12pm before wind picks up.
- Bring layers: Hoodie, beanie, warm socks for evenings.
- Rent a car or join a camp with guiding: Winter spots require knowing which breaks are working. Guides are worth every dirham.
- Stay longer: Swells come in pulses. A 5–7 day trip almost guarantees at least 3–4 good days.
Ready for Your Winter Surf Adventure?
At Solid Surf House – Taghazout, we’re open all winter. Our experienced guides know exactly which spots are working each day – from sheltered point breaks to the big-wave slabs.
Your winter package includes:
- 🏄 Accommodation with pool (heated common areas)
- 🏄 Daily surf guiding (we’ll find the best waves for your level)
- 🏄 High-quality 3/2mm wetsuit & board included
- 🧘 Daily yoga (warm up those winter muscles)
- 🌊 Surf apnea workshop
- ✈️ Airport transfer