Public beta — work in progress. We're building Surf Camp Scout in the open. Camps and ratings are early editorial picks, and the first surfer reviews are going up now. Where we list a booking link it goes to the camp's own site — never a booking aggregator. Spotted something off? Tell us →
Pick a month — water, wetsuit, air, rain, wave size and crowd all update to that month's typical conditions. Skill is the break's general level. Click a location to see its top spots and the surf camps there.
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Good for intermediates shows destinations pitched at intermediate skill and up (it leaves out the gentle beginner beaches); beginner and advanced show destinations that have waves at those levels. A destination can appear under more than one.
Atlantic and Indian-Ocean points. Morocco is a warm-water winter escape from Europe (Oct–Mar); Cape Verde catches the same winter swell 15° further south, in boardshorts; South Africa’s Eastern Cape fires through the austral winter (Apr–Sep) — cooler water, wetsuit country.
| Destination | When it works (Jan–Dec) | Water | Wetsuit | Air | Rain | Wave size | Skill | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde | ||||||||
Sal (Santa Maria)Cape Verde · Atlantic | Peak: Nov–Mar · Aug: low | 26°C (22–27 yr) | Boardshorts | 29°C | Wet | 2–5 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Low |
Top surf spotsPonta PretaAdvanced · fast right point Ponta do SinóBeginner–Int · reef / beach Monte LeãoIntermediate · point Where to stay & learnSal Surfcamp & SchoolBeg–Int · school + camp in Santa MariaNot confirmed Surf Hub Cape VerdeBeg–Int · surf, kite and wing schoolSite live Aug 2026 Ponta Preta Surf ApartmentBeg–Int · rooms + daily coursesNot confirmed | ||||||||
| Morocco | ||||||||
TaghazoutMorocco · Atlantic | Peak: Oct–Mar · Aug: low | 23°C (17–23 yr) | Springsuit / 2mm | 26°C | Dry | 3–5 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsAnchor PointIntermediate–Adv · point break Banana BeachBeginner · beach break Killer PointAdvanced · point break All spots in Morocco →Where to stay & learnSurf BerbereAll levelsWell reviewed Paradis Plage Surf & SpaAll levels · wellnessPremium Azur Surf HouseBeg–IntNot confirmed | ||||||||
| South Africa | ||||||||
Jeffreys Bay (J-Bay)South Africa · Indian Ocean | Peak: Apr–Sep · Aug: high | 15°C (15–22 yr) | 5/4 + boots | 13°C | Dry | 3–12 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsSupertubesAdvanced · right point Kitchen WindowsBeginner–Int · reef / point Magnatubes / PointIntermediate · point All spots in South Africa →Where to stay & learnSurf Lodge South AfricaBeg–Int · week packagesVerified Jul 2026 Island Vibe Jeffreys BayBeg–Adv · hostel + schoolVerified Jul 2026 Jeffreys Bay Surf SchoolLessons · Surfing-SA accreditedVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
Boardshorts water year-round. Each coast has an opposite monsoon, so there’s almost always somewhere firing.
| Destination | When it works (Jan–Dec) | Water | Wetsuit | Air | Rain | Wave size | Skill | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Australia | ||||||||
Byron BayAustralia · New South Wales · Pacific | Peak: Feb–May · Aug: medium | 20°C (20–26 yr) | 3/2 mm | 13°C | Dry | 1–6 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsThe PassBeginner–Int · right point WategosBeginner · sheltered point Tallow BeachIntermediate · beach break Where to stay & learnMojosurf Byron BayBeg–Int · 2–7 day camps at the Arts FactorySite live Aug 2026 Surf Camp Byron BayBeg–Int · beachfront at Backpackers InnSite live Aug 2026 Soul Surf SchoolBeg–Int · surf-and-stay dorm packagesSite live Aug 2026 Byron Bay Surf SchoolBeg–Int · 5–14 day camps, meals includedSite live Aug 2026 | ||||||||
Gold CoastAustralia · Queensland · Pacific | Peak: Feb–Apr · Aug: medium | 21°C (21–27 yr) | 3/2 mm | 12°C | Dry | 2–6 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsSnapper Rocks / SuperbankAdvanced · long right point Currumbin AlleyBeginner–Int · point / rivermouth Burleigh HeadsAdvanced · right point Where to stay & learnAustralian Surfing AdventuresBeginner · full-time camp, South Stradbroke Is.Site live Aug 2026 · 2 nights–2 months Coolangatta Learn To SurfBeginner · lessons only, 30+ yrs at Rainbow BaySite live Aug 2026 Kirra Point Surf SchoolBeg–Int · lessons onlySite live Aug 2026 | ||||||||
| Fiji | ||||||||
Fiji (Mamanucas)Fiji · Pacific | Peak: Apr–Oct · Aug: high | 25°C (25–30 yr) | Boardshorts | 23°C | Dry | 3–12 ft | Int–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsCloudbreakAdvanced–Expert · left reef pass RestaurantsAdvanced · left reef Namotu LeftsIntermediate · left reef All spots in Fiji →Where to stay & learnTavarua Island ResortAdv · all-inclusive islandVerified Jul 2026 Namotu Island ResortInt–Adv · all-inclusive islandVerified Jul 2026 Funky Fish Beach & Surf ResortAdv · budget island, no coachingVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
| French Polynesia | ||||||||
TahitiFrench Polynesia · Pacific | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 26°C (26–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 21°C | Dry | 2–12 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsTeahupoʻoExpert only · heavy left reef Papara (Taharuʻu)Beginner · black-sand beach break PapenooIntermediate · rivermouth Where to stay & learnTaharuu Surf LodgeBeg–Int · guesthouse at Tahiti’s most consistent breakNot confirmed · no official site Moorea Island Surf HouseBeg–Int · family guesthouse, MooreaNot confirmed École de Surf de Tahiti (Taie Faʻaheʻe)Beginner · lessons only, Papara / PapenooNot confirmed | ||||||||
| Indonesia | ||||||||
Bali (Bukit)Indonesia · Indian Ocean | Peak: Apr–Oct · Aug: high | 28°C (27–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 27°C | Dry | 3–10 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsUluwatuAdvanced · reef Padang PadangAdvanced · reef Batu Bolong (Canggu)Beginner · beach break All spots in Indonesia →Where to stay & learnThe Chillhouse CangguBeg–Int · yogaWell reviewed Uluwatu Surf VillasInt–AdvNot confirmed Rapture Camps PadangAll levelsNot confirmed | ||||||||
Java (G-Land / Batu Karas)Indonesia · Indian Ocean | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 28°C (27–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 31°C | Dry | 3–12 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsG-Land (Grajagan)Advanced · left reef Batu KarasBeginner · beach / point Watu Karung (Pacitan)Intermediate–Adv · reef All spots in Indonesia →Where to stay & learnG-Land Joyo's Surf CampAdv only · jungle campVerified Jul 2026 JavaCove Beach HotelBeginner · stay, no coachingVerified Jul 2026 Surf BatukarasLessons · beginner pointVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
LombokIndonesia · Indian Ocean | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 28°C (27–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 29°C | Dry | 3–10 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsGerupukBeginner–Int · reef (boat access) Desert PointExpert · left reef Kuta Lombok (Are Guling)Beginner · beach / reef All spots in Indonesia →Where to stay & learnLMBK Surf HouseBeg–Int · 2:1 coachingVerified Jul 2026 KuraSurfBeg–Int · 11 surfs/weekPublished 2026 rates Nuna SurfBeg–Adv · ISA coachesVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
Mentawai IslandsIndonesia · Indian Ocean | Peak: Apr–Oct · Aug: high | 28°C (27–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 30°C | Dry | 3–12 ft | Int–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsLance’s Right (HTs)Advanced · reef MacaronisAdvanced · reef Beng-Beng / NipussiIntermediate · reef All spots in Indonesia →Where to stay & learnMentawai Surf RetreatInt–Adv · 3-bungalow land campVerified Jul 2026 Kandui VillasInt–Adv · luxury land resortPublished 2026 rates Mentawai Surf ChartersAdv · liveaboard charter2026 schedule live | ||||||||
| Japan | ||||||||
Chiba (Ichinomiya)Japan · Pacific | Peak: Aug–Oct · Aug: high | 26°C (15–27 yr) | Boardshorts | 30°C | Dry | 1–8 ft | Beg–Int year-round | High |
Top surf spotsTsurigasaki (Shidashita)Intermediate · beach break, Tokyo 2020 venue Torami / IchinomiyaBeginner–Int · beach break OnjukuBeginner · gentle beach break Where to stay & learnSplash Guest House & Surf SchoolBeg–Int · Hebara Beach, lessons in EnglishSite live Aug 2026 Ryo’s Surf HouseBeg–Int · guesthouse in Asahi, 1 hr from NaritaSite live Aug 2026 | ||||||||
| Maldives | ||||||||
North Malé Atoll (Thulusdhoo)Maldives · Indian Ocean | Peak: Jun–Sep · Aug: high | 29°C (28–30 yr) | Boardshorts | 27°C | Wet | 2–8 ft | Int–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsCokesAdvanced · fast right reef ChickensIntermediate–Adv · long left reef NinjasBeginner–Int · softer reef Where to stay & learnCokes Surf CampInt–Adv · guesthouse beside Cokes and ChickensSite live Aug 2026 · rooms + boat transfers Twin Palms SurfhouseInt–Adv · seven-room guesthouse, ThulusdhooSite live Aug 2026 Samura MaldivesInt–Adv · boutique beachfront guesthouseNot confirmed | ||||||||
| New Zealand | ||||||||
RaglanNew Zealand · Tasman Sea | Peak: Mar–Sep · Aug: high | 14°C (14–21 yr) | 5/4 + boots | 7°C | Wet | 2–8 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsManu BayIntermediate–Adv · long left point Ngarunui BeachBeginner · black-sand beach break Whale BayAdvanced · left point Where to stay & learnSolscape Eco RetreatBeg–Int · eco retreat + Solsurfer schoolSite live Aug 2026 Green Wave RaglanBeg–Int · surf weeks with dorm/private rooms2026 dates published Raglan Surf School (Karioi Lodge)Beginner · lessons + lodge packagesSite live Aug 2026 | ||||||||
| Philippines | ||||||||
Siargao (Cloud 9)Philippines · Pacific | Peak: Aug–Nov · Aug: high | 29°C (28–30 yr) | Boardshorts | 30°C | Dry | 2–10 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsCloud 9Advanced · reef Jacking HorseBeginner · reef Quiksilver / CemeteryIntermediate · reef All spots in Philippines →Where to stay & learnSiargao surf camps (General Luna)All levelsNot confirmed Cloud 9 surf lodgesBeg–IntNot confirmed | ||||||||
| Sri Lanka | ||||||||
Arugam BaySri Lanka · east coast | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 28°C (28–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 31°C | Dry | 3–8 ft | Int–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsMain PointIntermediate–Adv · point break Baby PointBeginner · point break Whiskey PointBeginner–Int · point break All spots in Sri Lanka →Where to stay & learnArugam Bay Surf HouseInt–AdvNot confirmed A-Bay seasonal campsAll levels · seasonalNot confirmed | ||||||||
WeligamaSri Lanka · south coast | Peak: Nov–Apr · Aug: low | 27°C (27–28 yr) | Boardshorts | 29°C | Wet | 2–3 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Low |
Top surf spotsWeligama BayBeginner · beach break HiriketiyaBeginner–Int · bay MirissaIntermediate · beach break All spots in Sri Lanka →Where to stay & learnSoul & Surf WeligamaBeg–Int · wellnessWell reviewed Mirissa Surf LodgeBeg–IntNot confirmed Hiri Surf HouseBeginnerNot confirmed | ||||||||
| Vietnam | ||||||||
Da NangVietnam · South China Sea | Peak: Oct–Mar · Aug: low | 28°C (22–30 yr) | Boardshorts | 31°C | Dry | 1–3 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Low |
Top surf spotsMy Khe (China Beach)Beginner · beach break Non NuocBeginner–Int · beach break Nam OIntermediate · reef / rivermouth All spots in Vietnam →Where to stay & learnSurf FeelingBeginner · lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 Wave Riders Surf SchoolFirst-timers · lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 Coco Surf DanangBeginner · lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
Warm water year-round (boardshorts every month). The Dominican Republic’s north coast is the region’s surf capital, best on North Atlantic winter swells (Nov–Apr); Puerto Rico’s west end runs on the same swell window; Barbados’ south coast keeps ticking over on trade-wind swell through the summer. The Punta Cana resort side is a smaller, beginner-friendly beach break.
| Destination | When it works (Jan–Dec) | Water | Wetsuit | Air | Rain | Wave size | Skill | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barbados | ||||||||
Barbados (South Coast)Barbados · Caribbean | Peak: Nov–Apr · Aug: medium | 28°C (26–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 30°C | Wet | 1–6 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsFreights BayBeginner–Int · mellow left point Soup Bowl (Bathsheba)Advanced · powerful right reef Drill HallBeginner–Int · beach / reef Where to stay & learnFreights Bay Surf SchoolBeg–Adv · family school on the pointSite live Aug 2026 Ride The TideBeg–Int · lessons at Freights, moves on swellSite live Aug 2026 Bodies School of SurfBeg–Int · personalised lessons, MaxwellNot confirmed | ||||||||
| Dominican Republic | ||||||||
CabareteDominican Republic · North Coast | Peak: Nov–Mar · Aug: low | 29°C (26–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 31°C | Dry | 2–4 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsPlaya EncuentroBeginner–Adv · reef & beach peaks Playa GrandeAdvanced · powerful beach break All spots in Dominican Republic →Where to stay & learnSwell Surf CampBeg–Int · adults, surf + stayVerified Jul 2026 El Encuentro Surf LodgeAll levels · beachfront lodgeVerified Jul 2026 Surfbreak CabareteBeg–Int · B&B + surf programVerified Jul 2026 Pauhana Surf SchoolAll levels · ISA, lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 Cabarete Surf CompanyBeg–Int · family schoolVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
Punta CanaDominican Republic · East Coast | Peak: Dec–Mar · Aug: medium | 29°C (26–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 31°C | Dry | 1–4 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsPlaya MacaoBeginner–Int · sandy beach break All spots in Dominican Republic →Where to stay & learnMacao Surf CampBeginner · lessons + packagesVerified Jul 2026 Punta Cana Surf AdventureBeginner · lessons, EN/ES/RUVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
| Puerto Rico | ||||||||
RincónPuerto Rico · Caribbean | Peak: Nov–Mar · Aug: low | 29°C (26–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 31°C | Wet | 2–5 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsDomesIntermediate–Adv · reef María’sIntermediate · reef Sandy Beach / StepsBeginner · beach and softer reef Where to stay & learnRincón Surf SchoolBeg–Adv · longest-running school in town, lessons onlySite live Aug 2026 Rincón Surf ResortBeg–Int · 4 and 7-day camps with lodging and mealsSite live Aug 2026 Surf 787Beg–Int · villa stays + private/small-group lessonsSite live Aug 2026 · year-round | ||||||||
Atlantic coasts. Cooler water, wetsuit country most of the year; best swells in autumn and winter. The Basque/SW-France stretch is the densest camp cluster in Europe. Ireland and Cornwall sit at the cold end — 4/3 wetsuits, hoods in winter — and their best swell arrives once the summer holiday crowd has gone home.
| Destination | When it works (Jan–Dec) | Water | Wetsuit | Air | Rain | Wave size | Skill | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| France | ||||||||
BiarritzFrance · Atlantic | Peak: Sep–Apr · Aug: medium | 21°C (13–22 yr) | 3/2 mm | 26°C | Dry | 2–6 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsCôte des BasquesBeginner · beach / fake point Grande PlageBeginner–Int · beach break Les Cavaliers (Anglet)Intermediate–Adv · beach break All spots in France →Where to stay & learnGliss’Experience (Anglet)All levels · small groupsTripAdvisor 4.8 · 65 · 2025 Jo Moraiz (Côte des Basques)All levels · heritageTripAdvisor 4.4 · 55 · 2025 | ||||||||
Hossegor / Les LandesFrance · Atlantic | Peak: Sep–Oct · Aug: high | 21°C (14–22 yr) | 3/2 mm | 26°C | Dry | 3–10 ft | Int–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsLa GravièreExpert · beach shorebreak Les BourdainesIntermediate · beach break La SudBeginner · beach break All spots in France →Where to stay & learnNatural Surf LodgeAll levels · intermediate trackTripAdvisor 4.9 · ~259 · 2025 Southwest Surf HouseAll levels · wellnessGoogle 4.8 · 93 · recent Ocean Adventure (La Centrale)Beg–Int · social/partyGoogle 4.0 · 24 | ||||||||
| Ireland | ||||||||
BundoranIreland · Atlantic | Peak: Sep–Apr · Aug: medium | 15°C (8–16 yr) | 5/4 + boots | 18°C | Dry | 2–7 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsTullan StrandBeginner–Int · beach break The Peak (Bundoran)Advanced · reef RossnowlaghBeginner · long, gentle beach break Where to stay & learnBundoran Surf CoBeg–Adv · surf lodge + school, since 2005Site live Aug 2026 Rossnowlagh / Fin McCool Surf SchoolBeginner · lessons onlyNot confirmed Strandhill schools (Sligo, 40 min)Beg–Int · lessons onlyNot confirmed | ||||||||
| Portugal | ||||||||
EriceiraPortugal · Atlantic | Peak: Oct–Apr · Aug: medium | 18°C (15–18 yr) | 4/3 mm | 26°C | Dry | 3–6 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsRibeira d’IlhasIntermediate · point break Foz do LizandroBeginner · beach break CoxosAdvanced · point break All spots in Portugal →Where to stay & learnLapoint EriceiraBeginner-friendly · socialWell reviewed Rapture Surfcamps EriceiraAll levelsSignal forming Surf Riders EriceiraBeginner–IntNot confirmed | ||||||||
| Spain | ||||||||
Basque Country (Zarautz)Spain · Bizkaia / Gipuzkoa | Peak: Oct–Apr · Aug: low | 21°C (12–22 yr) | 3/2 mm | 25°C | Dry | 2–4 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsZarautzBeginner–Int · long beach break MundakaAdvanced only · fickle left Roka PutaAdvanced · reef All spots in Spain →Where to stay & learnNorth Shore ZarautzAll levels · intermediate fitGoogle 4.9 · 392 · 2025 Peña Txuri (Sopelana)All levels · high-performanceGoogle · 433 · 2025 Good People SurfAll levels · socialGoogle ~4.8 · 163 · 2025 | ||||||||
Canary IslandsSpain · Atlantic | Peak: Oct–Mar · Aug: low | 23°C (19–23 yr) | Springsuit / 2mm | 27°C | Dry | 3–5 ft | Int–Adv year-round | Low |
Top surf spotsLas CanterasBeginner · beach break La SantaAdvanced · reef El QuemaoAdvanced · reef All spots in Spain →Where to stay & learnLaOla Surfcamp FuerteventuraBeg–Int · pool, yoga, skate waveVerified Jul 2026 · owner-attested Lapoint FuerteventuraBeg–Int · socialVerified Jul 2026 Pure Surfcamps FuerteventuraAll levelsVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
San SebastiánSpain · Basque · Atlantic | Peak: Oct–Apr · Aug: low | 20°C (12–21 yr) | 3/2 mm | 25°C | Dry | 2–3 ft | Beg–Int year-round | High |
Top surf spotsLa ZurriolaBeginner–Int · beach break La ConchaBeginner · sheltered bay OndarretaIntermediate · beach break All spots in Spain →Where to stay & learnStoke Surf HouseBeginner · social / partyPrice verified Pukas (lessons)Lessons · all levelsSchool, not a camp More camps being vetted—Coming soon | ||||||||
| United Kingdom | ||||||||
Newquay (Cornwall)United Kingdom · Atlantic | Peak: Sep–Apr · Aug: medium | 16°C (9–17 yr) | 4/3 mm | 20°C | Dry | 2–6 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsFistral BeachBeginner–Adv · beach break Watergate BayBeginner · long beach break CrantockBeginner–Int · beach / rivermouth Where to stay & learnBase Surf LodgeBeg–Adv · lodge + daily coaching, 13 yrsSite live Aug 2026 · 3/5-night camps Star Surf Camps CornwallBeg–Int · woodland camp, video analysis2026 dates published Cornish WaveBeg–Int · bell-tent camp on a dairy farmSite live Aug 2026 | ||||||||
Warm, consistent Pacific surf — long beach breaks and world-class points. The biggest swells arrive in the green (rainy) season; Nicaragua adds 300+ offshore-wind days a year. The trade-off worth knowing.
| Destination | When it works (Jan–Dec) | Water | Wetsuit | Air | Rain | Wave size | Skill | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Costa Rica | ||||||||
Nosara / GuionesCosta Rica · Pacific | Peak: May–Oct · Aug: high | 28°C (27–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 29°C | Wet | 3–8 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsPlaya GuionesBeginner · beach break Playa PeladaBeginner–Int · beach break Nosara RivermouthIntermediate · rivermouth All spots in Costa Rica →Where to stay & learnNorte Nosara Yoga & SurfBeg–Int · yogaWell reviewed Surf SimplyCoaching · premiumAcclaimed Nosara surf schoolsBeginnerNot confirmed | ||||||||
Santa TeresaCosta Rica · Pacific | Peak: May–Oct · Aug: high | 28°C (27–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 29°C | Wet | 3–9 ft | Int–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsPlaya Santa TeresaIntermediate · beach break Playa CarmenBeginner · beach break Mal PaísIntermediate · reef All spots in Costa Rica →Where to stay & learnSelina Santa TeresaBeg–Int · socialVerified Tropico LatinoAll levels · beachfrontVerified | ||||||||
| El Salvador | ||||||||
El Tunco / Punta RocaEl Salvador · Pacific | Peak: Mar–Oct · Aug: high | 28°C (27–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 29°C | Wet | 3–10 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsEl SunzalBeginner–Int · point / reef El Tunco (La Bocana)Intermediate · rivermouth Punta RocaAdvanced · right point All spots in El Salvador →Where to stay & learnPuro Surf AcademyBeg–Adv · performance coachingVerified Jul 2026 Lapoint El SunzalBeg–Int · socialVerified Jul 2026 LAOLA Surf CampBeg–Int · private lessonsVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
| Mexico | ||||||||
Puerto EscondidoMexico · Pacific | Peak: May–Oct · Aug: high | 29°C (27–30 yr) | Boardshorts | 31°C | Wet | 3–12 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsZicatelaExpert · beach break La PuntaBeginner–Int · left point CarrizalilloBeginner · cove All spots in Mexico →Where to stay & learnB SurferBeg–Int · bungalow at La PuntaVerified Jul 2026 Puerto SurfBeg–Int · surf houseVerified Jul 2026 Oasis Surf & SpanishBeginner · surf + SpanishVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
Sayulita / San PanchoMexico · Pacific | Peak: May–Oct · Aug: high | 30°C (23–30 yr) | Boardshorts | 30°C | Wet | 2–6 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsSayulita (Punta Sayulita)Beginner–Int · beach / right point La Lancha (Punta Mita)Beginner–Int · sand-bottom point San Pancho / Punta BurrosIntermediate · beach / reef All spots in Mexico →Where to stay & learnWildMex Surf & AdventureAll levels · drives to the breakVerified Jul 2026 Lunazul Surf SchoolBeg–Int · lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 Hostel San PanchoBudget · dorms + lessonsVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
TronconesMexico · Pacific | Peak: May–Oct · Aug: high | 30°C (26–30 yr) | Boardshorts | 30°C | Wet | 2–8 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Low |
Top surf spotsPlaya TronconesBeginner–Int · beach break Troncones PointAdvanced · left point La Saladita (nearby)Beginner–Int · long left point (mid-length / longboard) All spots in Mexico →Where to stay & learnSurfari MexicoInt–Adv · guided surf tripsVerified Jul 2026 Log Surf RetreatsLongboard coaching · max 62026–27 dates listed Troncones Point HostelBudget · on the pointVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
| Nicaragua | ||||||||
Los Clavos / TolaNicaragua · Pacific | Peak: Apr–Oct · Aug: high | 27°C (25–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 30°C | Wet | 3–10 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsLos ClavosBeginner–Adv · beachfront NahulapaIntermediate–Adv · lefts and rights All spots in Nicaragua →Where to stay & learnLapoint NicaraguaBeg–Adv · premium beachfrontVerified Jul 2026 Mukul ResortAll levels · luxury surf resortVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
PopoyoNicaragua · Pacific | Peak: Apr–Oct · Aug: high | 27°C (25–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 30°C | Wet | 3–10 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsPopoyoIntermediate · reef / beach Outer Reef / Lances LeftAdvanced · reef All spots in Nicaragua →Where to stay & learnMagnific Rock Surf CampBeg–Adv · surf + yogaVerified Jul 2026 Popoyo Surf CampBeg–Int · 1:2 coachingVerified Jul 2026 Sardina Surf CampBeg–Int · 2 cabanasVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
San Juan del SurNicaragua · Pacific | Peak: Mar–Oct · Aug: high | 27°C (25–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 30°C | Wet | 2–8 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsPlaya MaderasBeginner–Int · beach break All spots in Nicaragua →Where to stay & learnChica BravaBeg–Int · women-focusedLive 2026 calendar Maderas VillageBeg–Int · surf lodgeVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
| Panama | ||||||||
Santa CatalinaPanama · Pacific | Peak: Apr–Oct · Aug: high | 29°C (27–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 25°C | Wet | 3–8 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsLa PuntaIntermediate–Adv · right point / reef Playa El EsteroBeginner · beach break Punta BravaAdvanced · reef / point All spots in Panama →Where to stay & learnWaluaa Surf & YogaBeg–Int · all-inclusive retreatVerified Jul 2026 Fluid Adventures PanamaBeg–Int · flexible campsVerified Jul 2026 Rancho EsteroAll levels · eco cabanasVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
Pacific summer. While the Atlantic goes flat, Southern-Hemisphere winter fires south swells north across the equator — lighting up south-facing breaks from California to Hawaii through Jul–Aug, in warm, dry, near-rainless weather.
| Destination | When it works (Jan–Dec) | Water | Wetsuit | Air | Rain | Wave size | Skill | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| USA | ||||||||
Oʻahu South ShoreUSA · Hawaii · Pacific | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 27°C (24–27 yr) | Boardshorts | 28°C | Dry | 1–7 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsAla Moana BowlsIntermediate–Adv · left reef Queens (Waikiki)Beginner–Int · reef A-frame Canoes (Waikiki)Beginner · rolling reef All spots in USA →Where to stay & learnHans Hedemann Surf SchoolBeginner · lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 Pro Surf School HawaiiBeg–Int · lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 Ty Gurney Surf SchoolBeginner · lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
San DiegoUSA · California · Pacific | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 22°C (15–22 yr) | Springsuit / 2mm | 25°C | Dry | 2–8 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsLower TrestlesIntermediate–Adv · cobblestone point La Jolla ShoresBeginner · sandy beach break Blacks BeachAdvanced · beach break (canyon) All spots in USA →Where to stay & learnSurf Diva (La Jolla)Beginner · women-focused · lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 Pacific Surf SchoolBeginner · lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 Leucadia Surf SchoolBeg–Int · lessons onlyLive 2026 calendar | ||||||||
Equatorial and cool-current Pacific — warm, consistent points near the equator (Ecuador, north Peru), cooler and more powerful further south. A long, affordable surf-travel trail with mellow longboard lefts and a few serious reefs.
| Destination | When it works (Jan–Dec) | Water | Wetsuit | Air | Rain | Wave size | Skill | Crowd |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brazil | ||||||||
BertiogaBrazil · São Paulo | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 20°C (20–25 yr) | 3/2 mm | 17°C | Dry | 1–5 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Low |
Top surf spotsEnseada de BertiogaBeginner · gentle beach break All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnTablas Surf Skate CampBeg–Int · surf + skate, bungalowsVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
BúziosBrazil · Rio de Janeiro | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 19°C (19–25 yr) | 3/2 mm | 18°C | Dry | 2–6 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsPraia de GeribáBeginner–Int · beach break All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnFresia Surf ClassBeg–Int · pro-run school on GeribáVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
FlorianópolisBrazil · Santa Catarina | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 19°C (19–25 yr) | 3/2 mm | 15°C | Dry | 2–8 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsPraia da JoaquinaBeginner–Adv · beach break All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnBJJ & Surf ExperienceBeg–Adv · surf-and-stay + jiu-jitsuVerified Jul 2026 Sea Wolf Surf HostelBeg–Int · social hostel + schoolVerified Jul 2026 Evandro Santos Surf SchoolBeg–Int · founder-taught, guest roomsVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
GaropabaBrazil · Santa Catarina | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 19°C (19–25 yr) | 3/2 mm | 15°C | Dry | 2–7 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsPraia da FerrugemBeginner–Adv · beach break All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnVento SulBeg–Int · original school, since 1995Verified Jul 2026 Surf Trips Camp GaropabaBeg–Int · small-group, video analysisVerified Jul 2026 PedramarcaBeg–Int · boutique hostel at FerrugemVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
Guarda do EmbaúBrazil · Santa Catarina | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 19°C (19–25 yr) | 3/2 mm | 15°C | Dry | 2–8 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Low |
Top surf spotsGuarda do EmbaúAdvanced · rivermouth point All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnGuarda do Embaú Surf CampBeg–Adv · budget campground + chalésVerified Jul 2026 Gaia ExperiênciasBeginner · family lessons, no lodgingVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
Imbituba (Praia do Rosa)Brazil · Santa Catarina | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 19°C (19–25 yr) | 3/2 mm | 15°C | Dry | 2–10 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Low |
Top surf spotsPraia da Vila (Imbituba)Beginner–Adv · beach break All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnRosa Surf HostelBeg–Int · HI hostel + surf clubVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
ItacaréBrazil · Bahia | Peak: Year-round · Aug: high | 26°C (26–28 yr) | Boardshorts | 23°C | Dry | 2–7 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsPraia da TiriricaIntermediate–Adv · point break All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnEasyDrop Surf CampBeg–Adv · established since 1998Verified Jul 2026 Casa Clareia Surf CampBeg–Adv · boutique, small-groupVerified Jul 2026 Surf SeekersBeg–Int · all-inclusive coached retreatVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
MaresiasBrazil · São Paulo | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 20°C (20–25 yr) | 3/2 mm | 17°C | Dry | 2–8 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsMaresiasBeginner–Adv · beach break All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnPousada Recanto da NinaBeg–Adv · family pousada + schoolVerified Jul 2026 Escola de Surf Abolição Amigo do MarBeg–Int · lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
Praia da PipaBrazil · Rio Grande do Norte | Peak: Year-round · Aug: high | 27°C (27–29 yr) | Boardshorts | 24°C | Dry | 1–5 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsPraia do Madeiro (Pipa)Beginner–Int · sheltered bay All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnSurfcamp AraraBeg–Adv · pool, coworking, daily lessonsVerified Jul 2026 Surf Camp Pipa HostelBeg–Int · ISA courses, nightly video reviewVerified Jul 2026 Pipa Surf SchoolBeginner · Baía dos Golfinhos, lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
Rio de JaneiroBrazil · Rio de Janeiro | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 21°C (21–26 yr) | 3/2 mm | 18°C | Dry | 1–8 ft | Beg–Int year-round | High |
Top surf spotsArpoadorIntermediate–Adv · iconic beach break Barra da TijucaBeginner–Int · long beach break All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnSurf Inn RioBeg–Int · stay + surf package, yogaVerified Jul 2026 Mandala Rio Surf SchoolBeginner · lessons at ArpoadorVerified Jul 2026 Escola de Surf RicoBeg–Int · Barra da Tijuca, lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
São SebastiãoBrazil · São Paulo | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 20°C (20–25 yr) | 3/2 mm | 17°C | Dry | 1–4 ft | Beg year-round | Low |
Top surf spotsPraia de JuquehyBeginner · gentle family beach All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnGreen Way BrasilBeginner · family surf + SUP schoolVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
SaquaremaBrazil · Rio de Janeiro | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 21°C (21–26 yr) | 3/2 mm | 18°C | Dry | 2–10 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsItaúna (Saquarema)Advanced · national-title competition wave All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnGreen House SaquaremaBeginner · budget hostel + schoolVerified Jul 2026 Casa do Surf ItaúnaBeg–Adv · beachfront pousadaVerified Jul 2026 Itaúna Inn & ESS Surf CampBeg–Adv · ISA methodologyVerified Jul 2026 Surf Zone HostelInt–Adv · beachfront on the peakVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
UbatubaBrazil · São Paulo | Peak: May–Sep · Aug: high | 20°C (20–25 yr) | 3/2 mm | 17°C | Dry | 2–8 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsItamambucaBeginner–Adv · beach break All spots in Brazil →Where to stay & learnSoulNatu Surf HouseBeg–Adv · family-run, 1:1 coachingVerified Jul 2026 Surf Base HostelBeg–Adv · budget social hostelVerified Jul 2026 Praiah SurfBeg–Int · weekend package w/ lodgingVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
| Chile | ||||||||
PichilemuChile · Pacific | Peak: Apr–Oct · Aug: high | 12°C (12–18 yr) | 5/4/3 hooded | 9°C | Wet | 4–10 ft | Int–Adv year-round | High |
Top surf spotsPunta de LobosAdvanced · left point break La PuntillaBeginner–Int · left point InfiernilloIntermediate–Adv · beach / reef All spots in Chile →Where to stay & learnPunta de Lobos SurfcampBeg–Adv · hostel + ISA schoolVerified Jul 2026 Surf Lodge Punta de LobosAll levels · wellness lodgeVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
| Ecuador | ||||||||
AyampeEcuador · Pacific | Peak: Dec–Apr · Aug: medium | 21°C (21–26 yr) | 3/2 mm | 24°C | Dry | 2–5 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Low |
Top surf spotsAyampe beach breakBeginner–Int · beach break Las TunasIntermediate · beach / point Río ChicoBeginner · beach break All spots in Ecuador →Where to stay & learnVistamar AyampeBeg–Int · custom surf + yogaVerified Jul 2026 La Casa Hostel AyampeBudget · long-stay beachfrontVerified Jul 2026 Otra OlaBeginner · surf + Spanish, lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
MontañitaEcuador · Pacific | Peak: Dec–May · Aug: medium | 21°C (21–26 yr) | 3/2 mm | 24°C | Dry | 2–6 ft | Beg–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsMontañita La PuntaIntermediate–Adv · right point Montañita beachBeginner · beach break OlónBeginner · beach break All spots in Ecuador →Where to stay & learnBalsa Surf CampBeg–Adv · ISA school at La PuntaVerified Jul 2026 Casa del SolBeg–Int · surf + stay packageVerified Jul 2026 Montañita Spanish SchoolBeginner · Spanish + surfVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
San Cristóbal (Galápagos)Ecuador · Pacific | Peak: Dec–Apr · Aug: medium | 20°C (20–26 yr) | 3/2 mm | 24°C | Dry | 2–6 ft | Int–Adv year-round | Low |
Top surf spotsTongo ReefIntermediate–Adv · reef El CañónAdvanced · reef Punta CarolaBeginner–Int · point All spots in Ecuador →Where to stay & learnGalápagos Surf AdventureInt–Adv · 7-day guided campVerified Jul 2026 Galápagos Surf DiscoveryAll levels · lessons + guidingVerified Jul 2026 LavaWave SurfInt–Adv · guidingVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
| Peru | ||||||||
ChicamaPeru · Pacific | Peak: Apr–Oct · Aug: high | 17°C (17–22 yr) | 4/3 mm | 15°C | Dry | 3–8 ft | Int–Adv year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsEl Hombre / MalpasoAdvanced · fast left point Keys (the Cape)Intermediate–Adv · long peeling left El Point (inside)Intermediate · mellow left All spots in Peru →Where to stay & learnChicama Boutique HotelInt–Adv · tow-back serviceVerified Jul 2026 Chicama Surf CampInt–Adv · budget week packagesVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
MáncoraPeru · Pacific | Peak: Oct–Mar · Aug: medium | 20°C (20–26 yr) | 3/2 mm | 22°C | Dry | 2–6 ft | Beg–Int year-round | Medium |
Top surf spotsMáncora PointBeginner–Int · left point Los ÓrganosIntermediate · point LobitosAdvanced · left point All spots in Peru →Where to stay & learnAlgae Surf CampBeginner · eco surf houseVerified Jul 2026 Surf RacerBeg–Int · all-inclusive houseVerified Jul 2026 Lobitos Surf AcademyInt–Adv · lessons onlyVerified Jul 2026 | ||||||||
How to read this: the colour strip is typical seasonal guidance, not a forecast. Water, air, wave size and crowd are the selected month's typical figures (bigger swells and crowds cluster in each region's peak months). Wetsuit is our recommendation from the water temp. “Works in Aug” means medium-or-better typical consistency that month. Always check a live forecast before booking.
