The Best Places to Go Surfing in Winter
Want to master the waves on your board and get away from the winter cold? Find the perfect places to surf in winter all around the world! Get ready to slip on unforgettable memories in a warm and pleasant climate...
If you're a surfing enthusiast and a little bit of a chill-chaser, then this article is for you! You're probably excited to hit the waves, feel the foam caressing your feet and hear the gentle murmur of the ocean, but you might be wondering where to go surfing during winter. You'll discover the best surf spots where the sun warms the sand and the crystal-clear waters offer ideal waves for board sports. These exotic destinations are not only perfect for surfing, they also offer mesmerising sceneries!
1. Morocco
Morocco is emerging as one of the best winter surf spots! The country's coastal climate is mild and pleasant during the winter months, providing a sunny escape for any surfing enthusiast... With over 3,600 km of coastline, Morocco is a popular country for surfing, with the Safi wave, for example, known as one of the best right-handers in the world!
Surfing in Taghazout is accessible to all levels of ability. You'll find beach breaks and point breaks favoured by the Atlantic winter swells. The best-known spot is undoubtedly Anchor Point at Taghazout, which is considered one of the finest surf places in the country, offering powerful, consistent waves.
Taking surfing lessons in Agadir is another alternative if you want to discover a new spot! The two towns are only 24 kilometres apart! Further north, in Casablanca, you'll find the Plage des Nations, a perfect blend of urban atmosphere and relaxed seaside town vibe. In winter, the water averages 17°C, so with a small 3/2 wetsuit, you'll be at your best, and the large, deserted beaches will delight everyone.
2. Costa Rica
This Central American country, bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west, has 1,290 kilometres of coastline, making it the perfect surfing destination in winter! A little green paradise on Earth, its territory is renowned for its rich biodiversity, its numerous national parks and protected nature reserves! Why you should go in winter? Because you'll be in the dry season, which is ideal for taming the waves! Thanks to its tropical climate, Costa Rica offers generous sunshine and has ideal conditions for surfing.
If you take surfing lessons in Tamarindo, you can be sure of experiencing unique sensations thanks to the quality lessons offered by experienced professionals. Surfing at Playa Montezuma on the Nicoya peninsula, just 4 hours away from San José, is a must if you're a fan of the sport! From beach breaks perfect for beginners to point breaks challenging the most experienced, you won't be disappointed by the diversity of the waves! Nestling in the Cabo Blanco nature reserve, the spot offers magnificent paradisiacal horizons, breathtaking waterfalls and lush vegetation!
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, Costa Rica offers a wide choice of surf schools and lessons accessible to all. What's more, private lessons are the perfect way to learn according to your level. After your surfing lesson, you can even go cycling in Monteverde or go hiking in the Arenal Volcano National Park! A small country full of wonderful surprises!
3. Australia
Surfing in Australia is much more than a passion: it's a culture that's deeply rooted in the country! With thousands of kilometres of coastline bordering the Pacific and Indian Oceans, the land of the kangaroos offers a multitude of winter surf spots in every corner... Its climate is influenced by its geographical position in the southern hemisphere. During the European winter, the country is in the middle of the summer season, creating ideal conditions for surfing!
With its majestic waves on the Gold Coast, its breaks at Bells Beach and the impressive rollers of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia is a top destination for surfing fans! The Byron Bay spot in the south-east combines a relaxed atmosphere with iconic beaches like The Pass, perfect for all levels. Another great spot is the Superbank in Queensland, an iconic place where surfers can cover several kilometres on a succession of breaks: it's one of the longest waves in the world!
Did you know that Australia hosts several rounds of the world surfing championships, including the Rip Curl Pro and the Quicksilver Pro Gold Coast? It's hardly surprising that the world's best surfers come from there...
4. Tahiti
French Polynesia, and more precisely Tahiti, is considered to be one of the best winter surf spots! The paradise-like environment of the islands, with their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters and coconut palms, creates an idyllic setting. As well as experiencing the adrenaline on the water, you'll be blown away by the surrounding beauty! Teahupoo is the world-famous surf destination with the most powerful and consistent waves in the world. European winters coincide with the big swell season in the South Pacific, creating ideal conditions for massive, spectacular waves. The warm waters and tropical climate make it the perfect destination for winter surfing!
The Papenoo or Papara beach breaks are also famous, as this is where the Polynesian professional surfer, Michel Bourez, is said to have learned to slide on the water. There is also the Puna'auia spot to the south of Papeete and Papenoo Beach to the north of the island, an accessible spot for novices. Moreover, the lagoons of Moorea are worth a visit, with the waves of Haapiti or Temae for the more experienced.
It's a paradise on earth that will leave you with unforgettable memories, and even if the plane ticket is quite expensive, it's well worth it, as the friendliness of the locals is no legend! To sum up, surfing in Tahiti in winter offers surfers an exciting adventure in an ideal climate.
5. Indonesia
In the space of just a few years, Indonesia has become the place to be for tropical surfing enthusiasts, particularly in Bali, the favourite place for surfers from all over the world. A veritable jewel of South-East Asia, it is quite simply the world's largest archipelago, with over 17,000 islands. The country is packed with thousands of surfing spots, renowned for the quality and density of its near-perfect waves.
With its giant waves and permanent swell, the Mentawai Islands are also a must-visit spot if you're heading to Indonesia. But as well as Bali (especially the west coast), there are also the waves of Lombok, Java, Nias, Keramas, Padang Padang, G Land, Uluwatu, Macaronis, Desert Point and Sumba to try out, with a diversion to Kuta if you're a beginner surfer.
The relaxed atmosphere, the ever-present surf culture and the opportunity to explore new breaks all contribute to making Indonesia the dream destination for surfing enthusiasts in search of adventure and discovery. Whatever your level, you won't be able to escape the call of the waves and the barrels wherever you are in this archipelago, which is now very popular with surfers from all over the world.
6. South Africa
The new Eldorado of world surfing: South Africa is renowned for its wide variety of spots suitable for surfers of all levels. With over 2,500 kilometres of coastline, all levels of surfer are welcome. Surfing in South Africa in winter means opting for a favourable climate with sunny, dry weather and temperatures ranging from 20 degrees to 25 degrees with plenty of sunshine. Located in the Eastern Cape province, surfing at Jeffrey's Bay is a world-famous spot for its waves, particularly the legendary Supertubes right! It's one of the most popular spots for experienced surfers.
If you're more of a beginner, surfing in Muizenberg Beach is ideal for those looking for gentler waves. Experienced instructors will teach you the basics in complete tranquillity. Located on the east coast, Durban's surf spot is also perfect for those who want to familiarise themselves with the waves on the popular beaches of North Beach, South Beach and Addington Beach.
7. Guadeloupe
Whether you head to the south or the north, the island offers a good number of spots to get on the board. Whichever town you go to, surfing in Guadeloupe is a sure thing! Thanks to its mild climate and beautiful sunshine, you can enjoy surfing in winter just as you should. Here, you won't get the shivers or goose bumps when you come into contact with the water; instead, you'll experience the immense pleasure of surfing the clear, gentle waves... Whether you're a surfing enthusiast, a complete beginner or an experienced surfer, there's something for everyone on the beautiful island of the West Indies!
You can take advantage of surfing courses in Saint-François or surfing lessons in Sainte-Anne for occasional surfers. In both places you'll find a constant swell with waves of varying peaks, so there's something for everyone, isn't there? After enjoying the water, you'll be impressed by the cultural richness of the sun-drenched archipelago, while the Creole cuisine and warm welcome of the Guadeloupeans will add an unforgettable dimension to your adventure!
8. Hawaii
Can you talk about winter surfing without mentioning Hawaii? Certainly not, because Hawaii has a subtropical climate all year round, so the weather is always fairly good, even if the period from December to March is relatively cool. Hawaii is closely linked to the history of surfing and its origins, as it all began on these paradise islands.
As far as the spots are concerned, the mythical Jaws wave is a name that makes you shudder and says a lot about the power of these waves, so big that they look like mountains of water... It's impossible not to mention Pipeline, undoubtedly the most famous wave in the world and the undisputed star of the surfing world. It can be found on the well-known North Shore of the island of Ohawu.
It's also important to mention the waves at Waimea. One of the most famous spots in the world for Big Wave Riding. Surfing legends such as Greg Noll and Pat Curren were forged on this legendary spot in the north of Honolulu at the end of the 1950s. The Waimea wave is a challenge for every surfer: as soon as you get in the water, you have to face a huge short break before paddling for several hundred metres. Prodigy and Waterman Kai Lenny also hails from this magical place, where the water sports culture is very strong, with an impressive number of champions. So Hawaii is the must-visit destination, the surfing mecca!
9. Martinique Island
Surfing in Martinique in winter is an excellent choice, as it is suitable for all levels, from beginner to advanced. Its tropical climate means that winter on the island is warm, with water temperatures as pleasant as 27 degrees! No need to tell you that a thick wetsuit is not necessary. Its tropical landscapes and relaxed atmosphere make it an attractive destination to spend a winter riding the waves...
If you take surfing lessons on the Presqu'île de la Caravelle in Trinité, you'll have the chance to admire the nature reserve with its exceptional biodiversity, where you can observe the many plant species and birds typical of the Lesser Antilles. The schools offer courses adapted to different levels, with qualified instructors. The spot at Anse Bonneville is perfect for more experienced surfers, as the waves are powerful: there are essentially three peaks with regular rights and lefts of good amplitude.
10. Canary Islands
This last location of the best winter surf spots is the Canary Islands. When the temperatures drop throughout most of Europe, the Canary Islands remain a perfect destination for a surf getaway in winter. The islands are only a 2-3 hour flight from Paris, and you can walk around wearing a T-shirt in January!
The Canary Islands are well-known for kiteboarding and windsurfing because the winds get strong here. But surfing is great too if you know where to go. You can expect volcanic soil and desert landscapes, empty beaches, and surf classes for everyone. If you are a beginner, surfing excursions in Fuerteventura, near Corralejo are idyllic! Surfing activities in Lanzarote are also a good option if you want to get out of your comfort zone. The locals are nice, but make sure you’re respectful. Also, be careful with the reef and volcanic rocks under the surf break! It’s a good idea to wear wetsuit booties to protect your feet.
Whether you choose to book a surfing activity in Tenerife, Canary Islands or another one of the seven main islands of the Canaries, there are plenty of places to enjoy the waves!
Water adventures continue...
If you want to discover more places to surf, be sure to check out all of our surfing activities worldwide. You can also read our article on the 10 best surf spots in the world for beginners!
And if you want to continue experiencing and exploring the links between the different aquatic worlds while staying on your board, why not try paddle boarding? Stand Up Paddling gives you a unique view of the seabed and a soothing experience that's accessible to everyone! Alternatively, bodyboarding could also be an option if you're looking to push yourself to the limit!