October is often considered part of the shoulder surfing season, but don’t let that fool you. There are still incredible waves to be found all around the world. In the northern hemisphere, early swells start rolling in, while the southern hemisphere enjoys the tail-end of the high season.
Here are 10 of the best places to surf in October, carefully selected using our WaveFinder search engine.
1. Philippines
Surfing Conditions for the Philippines in October
- 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
Why Surf in the Philippines in October?
October marks the return of the surf season in the Philippines, especially on Siargao Island. The famous Cloud Nine wave and other spots come alive after the summer flat spells. While winds can be a bit unpredictable, the potential for epic surf is well worth it.
Read our complete surfing guide to Siargao Island, Philippines!
2. Spain
Surfing Conditions for Spain in October
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 6 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (75%)
- Water temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- Air temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why Surf in Spain in October?
October is when the Atlantic swells return in full force to Spain’s northern coast. With pleasant weather and fewer crowds than in summer, it’s a great time to score waves at world-famous spots like Mundaka.
Read our complete surfing guide to San Sebastian, Spain
3. Portugal
Surfing Conditions for Portugal in October
- Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced
- Average wave size: 5 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (70%)
- Water temperature: 20°C (68°F)
- Air temperature: 21°C (70°F)
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why Surf in Portugal in October?
Portugal also benefits from the Atlantic Ocean’s awakening in October and some great surf can be found on the whole coast from Ericeira to Algarve. Just like in Spain, weather remains very enjoyable in Portugal for the whole month of October while offering very consistent surfing conditions!
Read our complete surfing guide to Ericeira, Portugal
Find a Surf Camp in Portugal, starting at US$152
4. Indonesia
Surfing Conditions for Indonesia in October
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 6 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (100%)
- Water temperature: 29°C (84°F)
- Air temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why Surf in Indonesia in October?
October is towards the end of peak surfing season in Indonesia but there are still some incredible waves across every Indonesian Island. In October, crowds also tend to start fading which can lead to better sessions, especially on busier islands like Bali and Java.
Some quieter islands like Lombok, Sumba and Sumbawa can be a great option for a surf trip in Indonesia as they still have the same great waves without carrying the same crowds as Bali.
Read our surfing guide to Sumbawa, Indonesia
Book a surf camp in Indonesia, starts at $262
5. Peru
Surfing Conditions for Peru in October
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 5 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (90%)
- Water temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- Air temperature: 18°C (64°F)
- Crowd: Reasonable
Why Surf in Peru in October?
The month of October is a great time to visit Peru on a surf trip and enjoy the last bits of the winter season down there. With a bit of luck you might be able to enjoy Chicama, the longest wave in the world!
6. Sri Lanka
Surfing Conditions for Sri Lanka in October
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 5 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (90%)
- Water temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Air temperature: 28°C (82°F)
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why Surf in Sri Lanka in October?
Sri Lanka is a great surfing destination throughout the year, but the month of October is still right in the Indian Ocean swell window which provides great surf in the whole country. Arugam Bay, a small surf town on Sri Lanka’s east coast is also still pumping in October which would be a great time to go on a surf trip!
Read our complete surfing guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
7. Canada
Surfing Conditions for Canada in October
- Suitable for: Intermediate and advanced
- Average wave size: 6 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (90%)
- Water temperature: 14°C (57°F)
- Air temperature: 15°C (59°F)
- Crowd: Reasonable
Why Surf in Canada in October?
Whether you are on the west coast, near Tofino, or all the way east in Lawrencetown, October is one of the best time of the year to surf in Canada. Waves are picking up in size and consistency while weather is not too cold yet, making it a great setup to catch a few waves before winter hits!
8. France
Surfing Conditions for France in October
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 5 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (90%)
- Water temperature: 21°C (72°F)
- Air temperature: 18°C (65°F)
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why Surf in France in October?
The whole Atlantic coast of France is simply firing in October while Hossegor and Biarritz turn into some of the best beach breaks in the world. With swells picking up in consistency, it is one of the best time of the year to visit France on a surf trip!
9. Canary Islands
Surfing Conditions for the Canary Islands in October
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 6 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (70%)
- Water temperature: 23°C (73°F)
- Air temperature: 23°C (73°F)
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why Surf in the Canary Islands in October?
The Canary Islands are also entering their surfing season in October and waves are getting better on the Island’s north side. This volcanic archipelago is known as one of the best surfing destination in Europe for its surf consistency, versatile surfing opportunities and pleasant weather.
Read our surfing guide to the Canary Islands
10. Morocco
Surfing Conditions for Morocco in October
- Suitable for: All levels
- Average wave size: 6 feet
- Wave consistency: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (80%)
- Water temperature: 19°C (66°F)
- Air temperature: 23°C (73°F)
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why Surf in Morocco in October?
Morocco starts receiving early winter swells in October, and the legendary right-hand point breaks from Taghazout to Imsouane begin to light up.
Read our complete surfing guide to Taghazout, Morocco