Best Surf Destination by Month: Your Surf Season Travel Guide (2026)
Ok, so you want to travel but aren’t sure which place would be a good fit for the month you’ll be travelling? Well, I put together the best surf destination by month for you!
I’ll be honest.
I’ve been travelling full-time for the past four years, chasing swells, peak seasons, and the best surf travel destinations across the globe.
The most important thing when going on a surf trip is knowing when to go where.
Whether you want to go to Portugal, Bali, or Costa Rica, you need to know when the best conditions and best waves are to make the most out of your trip.
In this guide, I put together the best surf breaks for each month of the year.
Now, this is not to say those are the only surf spots worth visiting, but generally speaking, those will be the best for that month.
Also, this guide primarily targets intermediate and experienced surfers.
If you’re a beginner, check this guide for the best spots for surf lessons.
TL;DR
Monthly Slides Best Waves by adrian ghantousHow To Use This Guide When Planning Your Surf Trip
I will keep this very simple. Follow these four steps and you’ll be halfway through planning the best surf trip ever!
1) Pick Your Month– Just pick the dates you want to travel and go to the month you choose.
2) Choose Your Region– Where do you plan to travel? North America, Asia, Europe, etc. Here this site makes it easy.
3) Assess Your Skill Level– Before you jump on a plane, make sure you can handle the type of waves the place has to offer.
4) Jump To The Full Guide For More Details And Local Tips– I’ll be uploading these in the upcoming months, so apologies if you can’t find it. I will link to whatever I have on my site for now.
Ok, let’s dive in.
Where To Surf In January- Sri Lanka, Morocco, Costa Rica
January is one of the best times of year to plan a surf trip if you want warm water, friendly waves, and consistent swell season. This month offers some of the world’s best beginner waves, especially across Sri Lanka and Costa Rica.
Sri Lanka’s south coast is the main surf hub this month. Places like Weligama and Midigama offer surf for all levels, and you’ll find more than enough surf shops and local surf culture to keep you stoked.
Morocco is another top surf destination, especially Taghazout, where long right-hand points peel for days.
Costa Rica rounds out the list with year-round surf and a mellow vibe perfect for planning your next surf trip.
→ Read the full January surf guide
Where To Surf In February- Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nicaragua
February keeps the warm-water magic alive. If you’re looking to discover the best surf spots for a chilled, sun-soaked escape, this month delivers.
It’s still high season across South Sri Lanka, and arguably the best time of year to score playful waves with clean faces.
The Maldives is entering its prime time for cruisy, shoulder-high surf, ideal for intermediate surfers who want long rides without dealing with heavy crowds. It’s one of the ultimate surf destinations if you’re dreaming of turquoise water and friendly reef setups.
Nicaragua is also starting to show signs of its famous offshore winds. Around Playa El Gigante, you’ll find different surf spots that suit surfers of all levels. Surfing in Nicaragua is often considered a year-round activity, but some months are better than others.
→ Read the full February surf guide
Where To Surf In March – Bali, Morocco, Portugal (South)
March is when global surf starts shifting. You’ll still catch season swells in Morocco, but Bali and Portugal begin waking up with fresh energy. This is one of the best months as peak season draws to a close.
Bali is entering the early stages of its dry season. You’ll find warm water, long walls, and classic Bali surf setups that work for both beginner surfers and more confident riders.
South Portugal is another gem during March. It’s still quiet and affordable, but the first Atlantic pulses start rolling in. It’s great for beginners because the surf is not at its heaviest yet, but still offers punchy waves to level up your skills.
Morocco keeps delivering long rights and stable winds, making it a perfect destination if you want more consistent point breaks.
→ Read the full March surf guide
Where To Surf In April – Bali, Maldives, Mexico
April kicks off peak surf season in the Maldives and ramps things up across Bali. This is one of the top surf months for clean, playful waves and warm water. If you’re planning your surf trip early in the year, April gives you a sweet spot between small summer crowds and shoulder-season discounts.
Bali continues improving, offering surf across both beaches and reefs. Beginners will find easy takeoffs at Batu Bolong, while intermediate surfers can score glassy rights and lefts around Bukit.
The Maldives is entering prime time with its classic blue-water reefs. Expect fun shoulder-high waves, slow takeoffs, and long rides — perfect for surfers of all levels.
Mexico starts waking up too, especially around Sayulita and Puerto Vallarta. This is a fun time to go surfing if you want warm water and a mellow surf vibe.
→ Read the full April surf guide
Where To Surf In May – Indonesia, Maldives, Nicaragua
May is when things get serious, at least in the southern hemisphere.
Indonesia turns into the world’s best surf season, especially for intermediate surfers wanting long, clean, powerful waves. Bali, Lombok, and Sumbawa all light up.
The Maldives stays in high season, giving you long, perfect waves with fewer crowds than mid-summer. It’s one of the best times of year to book a surf trip if you want dreamy conditions.
Nicaragua hits its famous offshore season. Around San Juan del Sur, you’ll find consistent beach breaks and point breaks with warm water. For heavier waves, check out Poppoyo and Playa Colorado. By the way, I saved some searching time for Nicaragua in here.
→ Read the full May surf guide
Where To Surf In June – Indonesia, Maldives, Costa Rica
June sits right in the middle of peak surf season in Indo. If you want powerful, perfect waves and the full tropical setup, this is the month. It’s one of the world’s ultimate surf windows.
Indonesia’s best swells hit the reefs of Bali, Sumbawa, and Mentawais. Great for intermediate surfers leveling up, but also perfect for watching — even if you don’t paddle out.
The Maldives remains consistent and smooth, with clean faces and mellow reef setups. If you prefer cruisy long rides instead of heavy barrels, this is your place.
Costa Rica’s green season adds warm water, glassy mornings, and friendly waves. Beginners will find a wide range of great beginner waves, especially on the Pacific side.
→ Read the full June surf guide
Where To Surf In July – Indonesia, Fiji, Peru
July is prime time for powerful surf across the Pacific. Indo hits its peak, Fiji lights up, and Peru delivers endlessly long lefts.
Indonesia remains the main surf hub this month. Whether you surf or simply love to watch, it’s one of the best places to witness world-class waves.
Fiji is firing. Cloudbreak and Restaurants become playgrounds for advanced surfers, but beginners can still enjoy mellow waves in safer lagoons.
Peru offers some of the longest lefts on earth, perfect for intermediates wanting to practice lines and rail surfing.
→ Read the full July surf guide
Where To Surf In August – Indonesia, Portugal, Canary Islands
August is a global surf month with different surf options depending on your level.
Indonesia still dominates with some of the world’s best waves. Great if you’re an intermediate aiming to push your comfort zone.
Portugal is fun and mellow in summer, with clean beach breaks that are great for beginners. While it could be surfed year-round, it’s best to know when the best time is to surf in Portugal before you go.
The Canary Islands stay warm year-round, offering surf for all levels and a nice alternative to busy European beaches.
The perfect month if you’re searching for popular surf destinations without heavy crowds.
→ Read the full August surf guide
Where To Surf In September – Portugal, Morocco, Sri Lanka (East)
September turns on famous surf across Europe and North Africa. Portugal and Morocco hit peak season, with powerful Atlantic swells and offshore mornings.
Portugal continues to shine with strong beach breaks and variety.
Morocco’s points come alive, giving long rights ideal for intermediates.
Sri Lanka’s east coast offers light winds and clean waves, perfect for beginner surfers who want warm water and an easy-going surf trip.
→ Read the full September surf guide
Where To Surf In October – Portugal, France, Italy (Sardinia)
October might be the best month of the year for Europe. Portugal and France get powerful, clean season swells.
Portugal offers clean, consistent surf across the Algarve and Peniche.
France turns into a playground with hollow beach breaks for more confident surfers.
Sardinia is starting to wake up with many breaks across the island’s west coast. Here’s everything you need to know about surfing in Sardinia.
→ Read the full October surf guide
Where To Surf In November – Sri Lanka, Canary Islands, Mexico
November brings warm water, clean conditions, and some of the best surf seasons in the world.
Sri Lanka’s west coast officially opens, offering soft waves, friendly takeoffs, and surf for all levels.
The Canary Islands fire with bigger swells and long walls. Perfect for intermediates wanting to push skills.
Mexico cools down slightly but stays warm and consistent, making it great for both beginners and experienced surfers.
→ Read the full November surf guide
Where To Surf In December – Hawaii, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka
December is iconic! Not to mention Christmasy. Ho Ho HOOOO 🎅
Ok, sorry about that. It’s the Christmas spirit.
Hawaii turns into the world’s best stage for big-wave surfing. Even if you don’t surf heavy waves, watching Pipeline is wild.
Costa Rica stays warm, glassy, and beginner-friendly, with loads of easy beach breaks.
Sri Lanka remains mellow and reliable, perfect forlearning to surf or booking your first international surf trip.
→ Read the full December surf guide
Conclusion
Wherever you are in the world, there’s always a wave breaking somewhere. This guide walks you through some of the best destinations to surf by month, but trust me, there are way more incredible surf spots out there than I could ever fit into one blog post.
Think of this as your starting point. A simple way to understand seasons, chase the right swell, and plan a surf trip that actually matches your level and vibe.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, each month has its own complete guide with more details, surf tips, and spot breakdowns.
Pick your month, check the conditions, and start planning your next surf adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best month for surfing?
March and April are two of the best months globally. They sit right at the seasonal shift, the start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere and the end of winter in the Northern Hemisphere, creating fresh swells and reliable conditions in many regions.
But the “best month” still depends on your skill level and what type of waves you want. Beginners might prefer mellow spots like Sri Lanka, while intermediates often chase spring swells in Bali, Portugal, or Morocco.
Where has the most consistent surf?
Indonesia is considered one of the world’s most consistent surf zones thanks to its long swell season from May to September. Costa Rica and Sri Lanka also offer year-round surf, making them ideal for beginners and intermediate surfers who want predictable conditions without guessing the wrong season.
What month has the best warm-water surf?
For guaranteed warm water and reliable waves, April to October in Indonesia and the Maldives is unbeatable. If you’re traveling in winter, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica deliver tropical conditions and clean surf from November to March. No matter when you go, there’s always a warm destination somewhere with waves on tap.
Where can beginners surf year-round?
Beginners can surf year-round in warm, consistent spots like Sri Lanka (Weligama), Bali (Canggu), Costa Rica (Tamarindo), and Nicaragua (San Juan del Sur). These places offer soft waves, easy beach breaks, and plenty of surf schools no matter the season.
Where is the best surf in winter?
The best winter surf is in Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, the Canary Islands, and Hawaii.
These regions have consistent swell, warm water, and reliable conditions from November to February.
Winter generally brings heavier surf, especially in places like Hawaii and Portugal, making it more suitable for experienced surfers.
