While most countries in the northern hemisphere are going through the coldest month of the year, some other places on the globe are witnessing their best surfing conditions.
Grab your stick and your wax and escape this mid-winter crisis with a little heart-warming surf trip.
Here are a few ideas of places where you are almost certain to score some good waves no matter what your skill level might be…
Fore more ideas and to find the perfect surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!
1. Canary Islands, Spain
Surfing conditions for February in Canary Islands
Suitable skill level: beginner, intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: From 2 to 8 feet depending on which side of the island
Swell consistency: 85%
Water temperature: 19°C 66°F
Air temperature: 18°C 64°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Read our Surfing Guide to The Canary Islands
With consistent winter northern swells, Canary Islands is a perfect place to escape Europe’s coldest month and get some surfing action.
The Canary Islands are usually exposed to solid winds. However, if you chose your equipment accordingly and find some sheltered spots, you will be rewarded with amazingly powerful waves breaking mostly over lava rocks.
Beginners can also find some nice waves in Canary at beaches like Las Americas.
Book a surf camp in Canary Islands, starting at US$277
2. Barbados
Surfing conditions for February in Barbados
Suitable skill level: beginner, intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 4 to 6 feet
Swell consistency: 80%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 26°C 79°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Read our full surf guide to Barbados
In February, the surf in Barbados is also close to the most consistent it will ever get throughout the year. However, there are no unpleasant signs of winter down here…
Warm water, sunshine and endless surf sessions are the only things waiting for you in Barbados.
This little island located in the lesser Antilles is surrounded with surf spots but most of the swell will hit either the south or east coast.
Therefore, experienced surfers will be able to aim for exposed breaks like Soup Bowl while beginners will find spots where the swell wraps around and loses a bit of power, like at Freight Bay.
Barbados will charm you with a rich Carribean culture, delicious rum and pure tropical vibes.
3. Puerto Rico
Surfing conditions for February in Puerto Rico
Suitable skill level: beginner, intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 4 to 6 feet
Swell consistency: 80%
Water temperature: 26°C 79°F
Air temperature: 25°C 77°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
For a long period of time, Puerto Rico has been in the shade of Hawaii as far as winter surfing goes. However, this charming island in the Carribean is starting to build for itself a reputation of being one of America’s top surfing destination.
In summer, Puerto Rico is mostly flat due to a lack of activity in the Atlantic, but as soon as the hurricane season starts in August, conditions become very favorable for a successful trip.
Located on the island’s west coast, Rincon is Puerto Rico’s main surf town being surrounded with a handful of surf spots, mostly suitable for experienced surfers.
Beginners will also be able to find some deeper reefs or beach breaks like Playa Aviones, which is closer to Puerto Rico’s capital city, San Juan.
Read our complete surf guide to Puerto Rico
4. Nicaragua
Surfing conditions for February in Nicaragua
Suitable skill level: beginner and intermediate
Average wave size: 2 to 4 feet
Swell consistency: 80%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 27°C 81°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Nicaragua’s best waves are not found in winter. However, it is a perfect time for beginners to get into surfing or for experienced surfers to enjoy 3-4ft barrels without the fear of getting smashed on a sharp reef.
In fact, with 300+ days of offshore winds per year, Nicaragua is one of the most consistent surfing destination in the world.
Places like Popoyo, for a relaxed vibe, and San Juan Del Sur, for a party town, are both very good places to base yourself on a surf trip in Nicaragua.
February also is Nicaragua’s driest month so forget the rain jacket, bring only a massive load of sunscreen for endless surfing sessions.
Book a surf camp to Nicaragua, starting at US$330
5. Sumbawa, Indonesia
Surfing conditions for February in Indonesia
Suitable skill level: intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 4 to 6 feet
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 26°C 79°F
Crowd: Uncrowded
In Sumbawa, swells are pretty consistent throughout the year. However, from November to March, winds are much lighter than during the usual Indonesian season which runs from April to October.
Being a little more remote than Lombok and Bali, this Indonesian island remains pretty uncrowded and you are almost sure to share the line-up with only a few other surfers.
Most waves in Sumbawa are powerful reef breaks which will be more suitable for intermediate and advanced surfers. Barrels guaranteed.
Read our complete surf guide to Sumbawa
6. Hawaii
Surfing conditions for February in Hawaii
Suitable skill level: beginner, intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: from 2ft to 10ft+ depending on the which side of the island
Swell consistency: 100%
Water temperature: 25°C 77°F
Air temperature: 25°C 77°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Surfing in winter rhymes with Hawaii…
Nowhere else gets as big and consistent in February as Hawaii, while keeping a warm and enjoyable climate.
If you are an experienced surfer, head to any of the Hawaiian islands’ north shore for epic and powerful waves.
If you are simply getting into surfing, some gentle southern swells are also hitting Hawaii providing mellow waves, perfect for learning.
Make sure to also read our article about how to chose the right Hawaiian island for a surf trip which breaks down all the pros and cons of every major island.
No matter on which island you end up, Hawaii has something for everyone with some of the world’s most amazing hikes, beaches and landscapes.
7. Portugal
Surfing conditions for February in Portugal
Suitable skill level: beginner, intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 6ft
Swell consistency: 90%
Water temperature: 14°C 57°F
Air temperature: 12°C 54°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Portugal is blessed with year-round sunshine and an amazing coastline which is very exposed to any storm that may form in the Atlantic Ocean.
Over winter, big and consistent NW swells form in the latest and rush onto Portugal’s beaches creating beautiful waves for all skill levels.
Advanced surfers can aim for exposed surf spots like Ericeira or Peniche while beginners can find sheltered beaches in Algarve.
Winter in Portugal also brings some of the world’s biggest waves in Nazaré! If you find yourself lucky enough to be here during an XXL swell, make sure to make a trip to Forte de Sao Miguel for an awesome view of the planet’s best chargers looking for the ride of a lifetime!
Book a surf camp to Portugal, starting at US$311
8. Bocas del Toro, Panama
Surfing conditions for February in Panama
Suitable skill level: intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 6ft
Swell consistency: 80%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 27°C 81°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Bocas del Toro is a little tropical archipelago composed of three major islands, located off the Panamanian east coast.
In January and February, Bocas de Toro truly lights up and receives some of Central America’s biggest and most consistent waves.
Besides a few beach breaks, most waves are quite hollow and break over sharp reefs.
Even on lay days, the islands provide a lot of outdoor activities to chose from which takes some pressure off the surfing conditions and guarantees you an awesome trip!
See our full surf guide to Bocas del Toro
9. Siargao Island, Philippines
Surfing conditions for February in Philippines
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 8ft
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Siargao Island, in the Philippines, is an absolute tropical paradise with world-class surfing potential. In February, swells are consistent and make Cloud Nine and surrounding spots turn to life. Beginners and experts can all find their optimal surf spot and enjoy this magical island!
10. Azores
Surfing conditions for February in Azores
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 10ft
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 17°C 63°F
Air temperature: 14°C 57°F
Crowd: Uncrowded
The Azores is a small Portuguese archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic that greatly benefits from the winter surfing conditions up here. Swells run from many angles and wind is always offshore somewhere providing surfing potential on any given day. In February, conditions tend to be quite big and scary which would suit advanced surfers.