Where Are The Best Places to Surf in February 2026? 

If you’re wondering where the best places to surf in February are, well, I’ve got you covered.

While half the world is bundled up waiting for spring, surfers are chasing warm water, steady swell, and empty lineups. And honestly? This time of year delivers some of the best surf you’ll score all winter.

While February is still peak winter in the northern hemisphere, that doesn’t mean you can’t score perfect beginner-friendly waves. 

Some places like Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, and Taghazout are deep in their dry season, meaning offshore winds, glassy mornings, and dreamy beach breaks. Others are firing because a north Atlantic or long-period swell hits just right.

Wherever you end up, February is one of the best times to escape, recharge, and surf your heart out, especially if you’re planning your next surf travel adventure. 

Best Places to Surf in February for Beginners

If you’re a beginner or early intermediate surfer, February is one of the easiest and most enjoyable months to learn. A ton of beginner-friendly destinations around the world fall right into their most reliable season, which means smaller swells, light winds, warm water, and an overall relaxed atmosphere both in and out of the water. 

This is also the best month to practice your fundamentals. Check these surfing tips to get started. 

Weligama, Sri Lanka

It is at the top of the list for a reason. February sits right in the middle of the dry season on the south coast, which gives you glassy mornings, playful waves, and long, forgiving rides that beginners dream about.

The lineup vibe is friendly, there are countless surf camps, and you can go from catching whitewash to riding green waves in just a couple of days.

Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Arguably, one of the best places in the world for people learning to surf.

The town blends an easygoing surf culture with a perfect little bay that handles February’s dry-season swell like a champ. You get reliable waves morning after morning, mellow paddles, and a huge variety of surf lessons, surfhouses, and coaches to help you progress. 

Plus, if you want a bit more juice after warming up, you can hop to nearby beaches like Playa Grande.

Playa de Famara, Canary Islands

For European learners, the Canary Islands are another February gem. It delivers the consistency of the Atlantic, but the bay shape protects beginners from the heavier stuff.

The beach is long, the sandbanks form inviting peaks, and the town has a raw, authentic surf vibe without the tourist overload.

Best Places to Surf in February for Intermediates

Intermediate surfers absolutely thrive in February. This is when conditions balance out perfectly, the swells are solid but not overwhelming, the winds calm down in many destinations, and there’s plenty of variety so you can challenge yourself while still having fun.

Taghazout, Morocco

One of the most iconic surf destinations for progressing surfers.

February falls smack in the middle of the region’s prime surf window, giving you long, rolling right-handers at places like Anchor Point, Killer Point, and Panorama.

These waves aren’t beginner-friendly, but they’re perfect for intermediates wanting to improve cutbacks, trimming, and positioning. The warm climate, surf-town energy, and endless coastline make it incredibly easy to stack multiple sessions a day.

And when the North Atlantic swell hits just right, it becomes one of the most rewarding places on Earth to surf.

Caribbean coast of Costa Rica

It is another incredible option for intermediate surfers planning a February trip. 

This side of the country works very differently from the Pacific, and February often lines up with one of its most reliable swell windows.

When the north Atlantic sends energy across the Caribbean, the best surf spots like Puerto Viejo, Playa Cocles, and Playa Grande start to light up with clean, punchy waves that are perfect for surfers looking to level up. 

You get a mix of beach breaks and reefs, plus that wild, jungle-backed atmosphere that makes the Caribbean feel like a completely different world.

Nicaragua & El Salvador

Some of the best breaks in Central America, towns like those in Nicaragua and El Salvador also shine, though they start to fire even harder later in the year. Still, February provides user-friendly waves with fewer crowds, making it a great month to work on confidence, timing, and building comfort on slightly bigger faces.

This is the sweet spot for intermediates: real waves, manageable size, fewer crowds, and the perfect environment to push yourself without feeling out of your depth.

Best Places to Surf in February for Advanced Surfers

If you’re an advanced surfer looking for something heavier, longer, or just more intense, February opens up a whole different world. While beginners chase the mellow beach breaks, February brings some of the most powerful, high-quality surf of the year to certain regions. 

Indonesia

One of the best regions for advanced surfers in February is Indonesia, especially if you know where to look during the wet season.

While the primary surf season hits later in the year, many islands and reefs still catch solid swells from the Indian Ocean.

Crowds are way lower, the water is warm, and you get that dramatic Indo energy without the mid-year chaos. Spots like Nias, Lakey Peak, and parts of Bali can still offer heavy, technical surf that pushes your limits.

European Breaks

For cold-water chargers, February is prime time across parts of Europe.

Places like Ireland, northern Spain, southwest France, and Portugal receive consistent, powerful winter swells that can be both thrilling and humbling.

These waves often break over shallow reefs or strong beach breaks, which means you need confidence, fitness, and local knowledge.

The reward? Some of the best barrels and long walls on the planet.

Yes, you’ll freeze a bit, but the pay-off is unreal.

Why February Is a Prime Time to Surf

February lines up as a prime surf season thanks to global swell patterns that fire almost nonstop.

The North Atlantic and North Pacific are both at peak consistency, sending clean, powerful waves across multiple continents. Many top destinations are also in their dry season, which means lighter winds, sunnier days, and smoother conditions, while a few regions in their wet season still benefit from steady offshore windows.

The best part? February works for every skill level.

Beginners get mellow beach breaks, intermediates find playful walls, and advanced surfers score heavy, world-class waves. Add warm water and easy travel vibes, and February becomes a dream month for surf holidays.

Conclusion

February might just be one of the best times to surf in the world.

From warm-water surf beaches in Sri Lanka and Costa Rica to Morocco’s legendary right-handers and Europe’s cold-water power, you’ll find breaks for all levels, tons of variety, and dreamy surf towns that make the whole experience unforgettable.

Pick the spot that fits your skill level, book your surf house, and let the world-class waves do the rest.

Your next surf trip is closer than you think. Go chase it!

FAQ- Best Places to Surf in February