August is one of the most popular months to go on a surf trip, but finding the perfect destination can feel overwhelming. Based on our WaveFinder search engine, here are 10 of the best surfing destinations in August, rated for their prime conditions, consistency, and overall vibe.
To find the best surfing destination for YOU, try it out yourself!
Indonesia
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Indonesia
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 6-8 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (100%)
- Water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Air temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Crowd: Heavy
Indonesia is pumping every day in August. Whether you’re in Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa, or the Mentawai Islands, you’ll score consistent surf with perfect offshore winds. This is one of the most reliable surf seasons on the planet.
To find which Indonesian island suits you best, read our surfing guide to Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa and the Mentawai Islands.
Maldives
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Maldives
- Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced
- Average wave size: 7 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (95%)
- Water temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Air temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
The Maldives light up in August with world-class reef breaks and crystal-clear waves. While it’s often viewed as a luxury destination, budget-friendly surf options are available if you plan smart.
Read our complete surfing guide to the Maldives
Costa Rica
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Costa Rica
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 5 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (90%)
- Water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Air temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
August is still peak season in Costa Rica, especially on the Pacific Coast. This is a great time to surf Pavones, one of the world’s longest lefts. Costa Rica is perfect for all levels thanks to its consistency, warm water, and friendly surf towns.
Nicaragua
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Nicaragua
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 5 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (85%)
- Water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Air temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Crowd: Reasonable
Nicaragua is already known as one of the world’s most consistent surfing destinations due to its 320+ days of offshore winds. However, the month of August also happens to be during the peak swell season in Central America. Therefore, on a surf trip in Nicaragua during the month of August will most likely allow you to surf 5-star surf every single day. At surf spots like Popoyo, Playa Colorado or El Transito, you are almost certain to score perfect waves throughout the month of August in Nicaragua.
Read our complete surfing guide to Popoyo and San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
Mexico
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Mexico
Suitable for: All levels
Average wave size: 5 feet
Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (95%)
Water temperature: 28°C (82°F)
Air temperature: 27°C (80°F)
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Mexico also benefits from the South Pacific ocean’s activity during the month of August and some surf towns like Puerto Escondido and Sayulita truly become like paradise. Weather is also very enjoyable in Mexico at this time of the year, so leave your wet suits behind and enjoy some warm, epic waves!
Check out surf camps in Sayulita, starting at $800!
Tahiti
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Tahiti
- Suitable for: Advanced surfers
- Average wave size: 10 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (100%)
- Water temperature: 23°C (73°F)
- Air temperature: 21°C (70°F)
- Crowd: Reasonable
August is prime time for heavy south swells and powerful reef breaks in Tahiti. Teahupo’o is the crown jewel, often hosting the World Surf League event this month. These waves are heavy and shallow, best left to experienced surfers.
Read our complete surfing guide to Tahiti, French Polynesia
South Africa
Surfing conditions for the month of August in South Africa
- Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced
- Average wave size: 8 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (100%)
- Water temperature: 16°C (61°F)
- Air temperature: 13°C (55°F)
- Crowd: Reasonable
August is right by the end of the South African winter season which means the country still receives its share of massive swells from storms passing by Antarctica. This allows surf spots on the whole coastline to set up perfectly offering decent waves on almost any given day. Through the cold and sharky waters, surfers can find some true gems in South Africa.
Read our surfing guide to Muizenberg and Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Australia
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Australia
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 3-10 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (80%)
- Water temperature: Varies
- Air temperature: Varies
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
August means winter in Australia, which is when swells are as consistent as they will get throughout the year. Therefore, whether you are on the east coast, down in Victoria, or in Western Australia, it is time to score big. Winter obviously also means colder weather and water temperatures but it is sometimes the price to pay to have better, bigger waves and less surfers in the line-up.
Fiji
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Fiji
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 6 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (95%)
- Water temperature: 26°C (79°F)
- Air temperature: 23°C (73°F)
- Crowd: Reasonable
Fiji’s legendary reef breaks fire in August. Iconic spots like Cloudbreak and Restaurants offer powerful, fast, and perfectly shaped waves. Dry season weather keeps things comfortable both in and out of the water.
Read our complete surfing guide to Fiji
Peru
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Peru
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 6 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (95%)
- Water temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- Air temperature: 17°C (63°F)
- Crowd: Reasonable
Home to the world’s longest wave, Peru is sometimes a forgotten surfing destination. However, the month of August is a great time to see Chicama’s real potential turn to life. In August the whole South Pacific is very active and many storms push great waves towards the South American west coast, including Peru.