Surfing isn’t just a summer sport, dedicated surfers will paddle out in all weather. The waves always maintain their sparkle, no matter how cold the air temperature gets. Even though most people prefer warmer waters to jump in, they still do it.
If you love surfing, you’re in luck! There are plenty of great places to go surfing where the weather is nice even during winter.
where to go surfing in the winter
We have created a list of places where you can go surfing even when the weather is cold. There is always a sunny location somewhere on Earth, so you won’t need a full wet suit or to turn into an ice cube!
There are plenty of activities to do during winter, such as longboarding, bodyboarding, bodysurfing, etc.
Surfing in Mexico
The first place to go surfing in the winter is Mexico. Just south of the American border is the gorgeous Latin American country. The sun shines there almost all the time!
Puerto Escondido is a famous surfing destination that attracts experienced surfers from all over the world. Zicatela, Todos Santos, Oaxaca, Sayulita, and Salina Cruz are all great places to surf for beginners. The spots that are easy to catch are not often very crowded.
Be careful of the strength of the waves. The Pacific Ocean is very powerful and the waves crash onto the shore very steep and fast. Aside from the waves, this destination has a lot of culture to discover and amazing food to eat!
Surfing in Morocco
Morocco is one of the best places to go surfing in the winter. The people who live in Morocco are very friendly, and the deserts there are beautiful. Morocco is one of the most popular destinations for surfing with a coastline of over 3,600 kilometers long. Kitesurfing is also popular in Morocco.
Safi, Morocco is known for being one of the best places in the world to surf. Many people visit Taghazout to take surfing lessons because it is a popular spot. There are also many other spots like it. This includes La Pointe des Ancres, Killer Point, Mysteries, La Source, and La Bouilloire.
There are many places in Morocco where you can have fun. Another great spot is in the Essaouira area. There are many surprises that Sidi Kaouki and Tafedna have to offer, and the locals will give you a warm welcome.
In winter, the water temperature is around 17° c, so a 3/2mm wetsuit is perfect. Sometimes you’ll even have the beach all to yourself.
Surfing in Australia
When it’s cold in Europe, it’s summertime down under. Australia is one of the best places tosurf in the winter. There’s no need to remind anyone how great the weather is in this part of the world.
If you’re looking for a beautiful region to visit in Western Australia, the Gold Coast is definitely one to consider. There are so many great places to surf, with beautiful, clear, blue, warm waters to enjoy. There are many places where surfing is popular, including Bondi Beach, Bells Beach, Superbank, Byron Bay, and Noosa Heads.
surfing and water sports are a big part of life in Australia. If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch the World Championship Surf Tour with the best surfers in the world while you’re there. Check out this video of surfing at Byron Bay for some inspiration from Australia.
Surfing in Tahiti
Surfing in Tahiti, French Polynesia is an amazing experience and is one of the best places to go surfing in the winter. With good weather year-round, Tahiti is like a daydream. Clear blue water, breathtaking scenery, and mythical waves can all be found here.
The most famous break in Tahiti is Teahupoo, but only the best surfers should attempt it. It is quite fun to watch here, however.
Papenoo and Papara are also well-known surfing spots because Michel Bourez allegedly caught his first waves there. Heading south to Papeete, you can surf Puna’auai. If you plan on going north, Papenoo beach in Tahiti, French Polynesia is a good place to book beginner surfing activities.
If you’re looking for a place to explore in Moorea, you should definitely check out Haapiti and Temae. You are guaranteed to have amazing surfing experiences that will last a lifetime if you come to this place.
Surfing in Indonesia
The South Asian country of Indonesia is one of the best places to go surfing in the winter. Indonesia has great tropical weather which makes it a great place to visit when it’s cold in Europe.
Indonesia is one of the most popular places for surfing due to its many ideal locations for the activity. The country of Indonesia is home to the largest archipelago in the world, which consists of approximately 13,000 islands.
This makes it a popular destination for surfers, as there are thousands of perfect surf spots to choose from. This place is known for having really great waves that are always consistent throughout the year.
The waves at this beach are not only consistent, but also enormous! The Mentawai Islands and Bali are both great places to surf in Indonesia. Although Lombok, Java, Nias, Keramas, and Padang Padang are all great surf spots, they are not as well known as some of the other more famous ones.
Surfers can also be found paddling out at other locations, such as G Land, Uluwatu, Macaronis, Desert point or Sumba.
If you’re new to surfing, Kuta is a great place to start. You can also book a surfing lesson in Kuta, Indonesia to improve your skills.
No matter what your level of surfing is, a professional will guide you from your first popup to your first barrel. In Indonesia, you can always hear the sound of the ocean.
Surfing in South Africa
Since the weather in South Africa is usually sunny and warm, it’s one of the best places to surf during the winter. There is much to explore in this sunny country.
The two most popular places to visit in South Africa are Durban and Cape Town. J-Bay is well-known and is situated in Jordy Smith’s hometown, who is one of the most excellent surfers in the world!
Jeffrey’s Bay, located in the Eastern Cape province, is a well-known surfing hotspot where you can book professional surfing excursions.
Supertubes and Boneyards are great breaks to check out. Be careful of the sharks and other wildlife.
CAPARICA, Portugal
Not only is Lisbon the capital of Portugal, it’s also one of the most popular surfing destinations in Europe. The reason why waves are constant all year round is not difficult to see. The waves in Lisbon come in many different forms, including those found at the beach, at reefs, and at points.
The beach at Caparica, known to the locals as Costa da Caparica, is a long beach with numerous jetties. The bridge spans the bay south of Lisbon and reaches the Tejo River. It can be reached by a 20 minute drive. When the wind blows from the east, it creates strong offshore winds.
There are surfing options for all levels along the thirty kilometers of Caparica. The best waves for surfing can be found in the north where there are sand bars and jetties.
PENICHE, Portugal
- WHEN: The main season for surfing in Peniche runs from September through to October.
- LEVEL: ALL
Peniche, Portugal has long been a favorite surfing destination among Europeans for its great waves and lovely beaches.
Peniche is very easy to access because there are budget airlines like EasyJet and Ryanair that fly to many destinations within Europe for a reasonable price. Although you may have to pay more, it may be worth it to bring your own board on a budget airline.
SAGRES, Portugal
- WHEN: The season is all year long but winter can deliver some pretty awesome uncrowded days.
- LEVEL: ALL
Sagres has many empty beaches and amazing landscapes. The waves vary in level, so you can find a spot that is challenging or easy for you.
Although the locals may not be the friendliest, as long as you respect their culture and mind your own business, you should be just fine. You should definitely visit—Sagres won’t leave you disappointed.
ERICEIRA, Portugal
- WHEN: for BEGINNERS between May and September, for intermediate and professional the rest of the year.
- LEVEL: ALL
This fisherman’s village is located north of Lisbon, only 45 minutes’ drive away. Besides fishing, you can find some great surfing conditions here. The various surfing spots to choose from are Coxos, Foz do Lizardo, Pedra Branca, etc.
Conditions for surfing are currently good for surfers of all skill levels. The beaches are not as crowded in the Algarve as they are in other parts of Portugal, but you’ll probably want to hit the waves in the off-season.
If you’re looking for a charming town to explore with great seafood and nightlife, Ericeira is the perfect spot. If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city, Mafra is a beautiful historical town that’s only a 15 minute drive away.
Few surf houses and hostels in the city means you can easily go on a solo trip. You will make friends quickly in this town.
LOFOTEN, Norway
The waves in Lofoten, Norway, are said to be the best in the country.
The archipelago offers exciting water activities for people of all ages and levels of experience.
Even though the climate is chilly, top-notch wetsuits with hoods, neoprene gloves and boots will keep surfers toasty as they have fun at what could be the most gorgeous cold water surf spot on the planet.
In addition to enjoying the delightful waves, surfers can view and explore stunning fjords, breathtaking and picturesque landscapes, and stunning scenery, not to mention the Northern Lights.
The best time to surf at Lofoten is from November to March when the waves are more consistent. Lofoten is one of the best places to try out a heavy-duty wetsuit with neoprene gloves and boots.
There is a lot to see and do in Lofoten, including whale watching, bird watching, and seeing the Northern Lights. You can also go on themed photo trips, or go surfing.
SAN SEBASTIAN, Spain
Although Spain may not typically be thought of as a surfing destination, it is home to some of the best surfing locations in the world. San Sebastian is a great example of this.
The best time to surf in San Sebastian is during the winter months. Although the water is not as cold as it is in Cornwall, England, it is still pretty chilly.
Although San Sebastian itself is quite touristy and built up, that’s not what this city is all about. We are about the surf, right?
MUNDAKA, Spain
Mundaka is a surf spot located near Bilbao, Spain. It is considered to be one of the best surf spots in the country. The waves are best in the fall and spring, and the warm water is enjoyable to be in. The beaches near Mundaka are immaculately clean, with gentle, soft sand.
After a long day out boating, relax in one of the many beachside bars and cafes. Order a freshly caught fish dinner and enjoy it with some classic Spanish sangria.
PLAYA DE RODILLES, Spain
The beach at Rodiles is located in the north of Spain in the Asturias region. The surfing spot is beautiful and surrounded by very tall cliffs. The scenery, Spanish culture, and Asturias region are great and you’re going to have a wonderful time on your surf trip!
It’s not a good place to surf for beginners or anyone still learning. Playa de Rodiles is best for intermediate and advanced surfers because the waves and currents are stronger than average. The waves are really high and it’s so much fun!
This is the best spot to surf in Europe, so make sure to stop by while doing a northern Spain surf trip!
