Best winter surfing destinations

Top 7 Best Winter Surfing Destinations For Epic Waves

Are you dreaming about picture-perfect waves rolling in while you’re seeping a cup of warm coffee and getting ready to shred? Or maybe sipping on coconut water in a sunny tropical destination? 

Either way, winter is no doubt THE BEST season for surfing!

While I’m more of a summer person, I get excited for winter because of the waves it brings. Not all of us get excited about putting on a thick, rubbery wetsuit to catch a couple of waves before we freeze our toes. But it’s well worth the reward. 

You can also escape the cold and surf in places like Costa Rica, El Salvador, or Sri Lanka, where you still get the thrill of winter waves but no rubber involved. 

In this blog post, I’ll list the best winter surfing destinations based on my research and personal experience. So get ready to plan your winter surf trip no matter the water temperature!

1. Costa Rica

Surfing in Santa Teresa Costa Rica
Santa Teresa, Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a top winter surf destination, and it’s easy to see why. Unlike chillier spots, the water here stays warm year-round, averaging around 80°F (27°C) even in winter.

That means no wetsuits, just board shorts and bikinis, which makes paddling out a breeze.

From November to March, consistent Pacific swells create perfect surfing conditions for all skill levels.

The vibe is laid-back and friendly, with seasoned surfers and beginners enjoying the waves together amidst lush tropical scenery and a welcoming “pura vida” attitude.. It’s the kind of place where you can surf all day and relax by the beach bonfire at night.

2. El Salvador

El Sunzal
El Sunzal, El Salvador

    Just north of Costa Rica. El Salvador is a hidden gem for winter surfing, offering tropical waves without the peak-season crowds.

    During the winter months, places like Punta Roca and El Sunzal still enjoy consistent swells, but the vibe is way more relaxed than in summer. Water temps hover around 82°F (28°C), so you can leave the wetsuit behind.

    Punta Roca is famous for its powerful, long right-hand point breaks that attract more experienced surfers, while El Sunzal is a mellower, with gentle, rolling waves perfect for beginners and intermediates. 

    The conditions are clean, and mornings often deliver glassy surf, making it ideal for catching smooth, rideable waves.

    The laid-back, local surf culture means everyone’s there to have a good time, making it easy to feel at home on the breaks.

    3. Australia

    West coast of australia
    Somewhere In Western Australia

      Australia’s east and west coasts offer fantastic winter escapes for surfers, with Noosa and Margaret River being standout spots.

      Since it’s summer down under, conditions are perfect, and the water temperatures range from 72°F to 77°F (22°C – 25°C), making it comfortable for all-day surf sessions. 

      Noosa, on the Sunshine Coast, is known for its long, mellow right-handers—ideal for beginners and longboarders. Also, you’ll find it wasy to rent a surfboard or get surfing lessons, so you can easily gear up and get lessons if needed.

      Over on the west coast, Margaret River delivers more powerful, consistent waves, attracting more experienced surfers. You’ll find a mix of reef breaks and beach breaks, with surf shops and schools nearby to get you set up.

      Other popular surf spots in Australia are Gold Coast, Byron Bay and Sydney. The list goes on and on…

      Consider joining a surf camp in Australia to maximize your surfing experience and meet like-minded people. 

      4. New Zealand

      surfing in new zealand
      Somewhere In New Zealand

        New Zealand is one of the best places to surf in winter. The water stays cool but manageable, ranging from 59°F to 64°F (15°C —18°C), so a 4/3 wetsuit and maybe booties and a hoodie depending on your sensitivity to cold.  

        Raglan is a must-visit surf spot. It is famous for its world-class left-hand point breaks, which offer long, consistent rides that attract surfers from all over. 

        Piha, closer to Auckland, has a wilder vibe, with powerful beach breaks that suit more experienced surfers.

        When it comes to exploring New Zealand’s surf, renting a camper van or a car is a popular choice, giving you the freedom to chase waves up and down the coast.

        Plus, local surf shops and camps are super helpful, offering rentals, lessons, and insider tips. The surf culture is friendly, with a tight-knit community vibe, and the natural beauty—think rugged cliffs and lush green hills—makes every surf trip a bit of an adventure.

        5. Morocco 

        Taghazout Morocco
        Taghazout, Morocco

          Morocco’s coastline, especially around Taghazout and Imsouane, is a top winter surf destination with warm temperatures and ideal waves. The water hovers around 64°F to 68°F (18°C – 20°C), so a light wetsuit is enough for comfort.

          Taghazout is famous for its consistent right-hand point breaks, offering long, smooth rides that attract surfers from all over. It’s a great mix of spots for both beginners and advanced surfers, with surf camps catering to all skill levels.

          If you’re starting out, Imsouane is perfect; its legendary long rides at the “Magic Bay” are gentle and forgiving, stretching for hundreds of meters—ideal for perfecting your technique.

          The surf camps here offer packages that include lessons, board rentals, and even yoga, so you can unwind after a day on the waves.

          The vibe on land is laid-back, with a mix of locals and travelers, all soaking in that easygoing Moroccan charm. In the water, I generally found the vibe to be a bit more competitive and localized in the better spots. 

          6. Sri Lanka

            Sri Lanka’s surf scene, especially around Weligama and Arugam Bay, is perfect for beginners and longboarders looking for warm weather and easy waves.

            The water temperature stays around a balmy 80°F (27°C) year-round, so it’s board shorts and bikinis all day. 

            Weligama is the go-to spot for first-timers, with its gentle, sandy-bottom beach breaks that make learning a breeze. You’ll find plenty of surf schools here, offering lessons, rentals, and even beginner-friendly surf camps that take care of everything from coaching to accommodation.

            Over on the east coast, Arugam Bay has a mix of mellow waves and more challenging breaks, giving longboarders and intermediate surfers lots to play with.

            The local hospitality is something special—expect warm welcomes, home-cooked meals, and a friendly, laid-back vibe that makes you feel right at home.

            7. Portugal

            ERICEIRA PORTUGAL
            Ericeira, Portugal

              Portugal’s surf hubs, Ericeira and Peniche, are winter favorites for their reliable swells and mild weather. The water temps dip to around 59°F to 64°F (15°C – 18°C), so a 3/2 wetsuit is a must, but the conditions make it worth it.

              Checkout the full guide on Portugal’s Surfing Season.

              Ericeira is known as Europe’s first World Surfing Reserve, with a variety of breaks that suit everyone from beginners to pros. It’s got a mix of beach breaks and reef breaks, plus a cool surf-town vibe with plenty of surf camps offering packages that cover lessons, board rentals, and accommodation.

              Over in Peniche, the famous Supertubos break draws more experienced surfers with its powerful barrels, while nearby beaches provide gentler waves for learners.

              Both towns have surf camps that run through winter, so you can sharpen your skills while enjoying Portugal’s chill coastal atmosphere and amazing seafood.

              Conclusion 

              Winter is the perfect time to go surfing, whether you’re seeking warm waters or braving cooler conditions for the best waves. When the cold winter months roll in, many surf spots come alive with epic swells, and you can find reliable breaks across the globe, from the North Atlantic to the tropics. 

              Dreaming of mild, sunny days? Head to places like El Salvador or Sri Lanka, where you can surf all year round and enjoy warm water. 

              Or, if you’re up for a bit more chill, try the powerful winter swells on the Atlantic coast of Portugal or the rugged shores of New Zealand—winter is when they really shine.

              The beauty of winter surfing is that you get to escape the crowds and experience many surf towns at their best, with fewer tourists and more space to catch waves. And there are plenty of surf camps that stay open through winter, ready to guide beginners and intermediate surfers with top-notch surf coaches. 

              If you want a warm escape or plan to tackle the strong waves of the North Atlantic, winter is the best time to plan your surf trip.

              Grab your wetsuit, board, and a sense of adventure—there are endless destinations for winter surfing, each offering a unique vibe and unforgettable waves!

              Frequently Asked Questions

              What are the best winter surfing destinations?

              Some of the best winter surfing destinations include Morocco, particularly the town of Taghazout, the Portugal, Costa Rica, and Sri Lanka. Each of these locations boasts consistent winter swells, warm water temperature, and suitable conditions for surfers of all levels, from beginner to experienced surfers.

              Which surfing destinations are suitable for beginners in winter?

              Locations like Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka and various beaches in Costa Rica offer gentle beach breaks ideal for those just starting.

              Why is winter a good time for surfing?

              Winter often brings the best waves in the world due to the increased storm activity that generates larger swell conditions. Many of the best surf spots experience winter swells that create powerful and consistent waves.

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