As summer winds down in the Northern Hemisphere, September remains one of the best months to go on a surf trip. Crowds begin to thin, waves grow more consistent, and many world-class surfing destinations fire on all cylinders.
Here’s your ultimate list of the 10 best surf spots in September, including wave conditions, crowd levels, and why each destination is perfect this time of year.
Make sure to try our WaveFinder search engine to find the best destination for you!
El Salvador
Surfing conditions for the month of September in El Salvador
- Suitable skill level: Any
- Average wave size: 5 feet
- Swell consistency: 95%
- Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
- Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
- Crowd: Reasonable
Why surf in El Salvador in September?
El Salvador is an underrated surfing destination with world-class right-hand point breaks and super consistent waves. September offers solid swells without the peak-season crowds found in Costa Rica or Mexico. Surf towns like El Tunco and Las Flores are perfect bases.
Read our complete surfing guide to El Salvador
Book a surf camp in El Salvador, starting at $US797
Indonesia
Surfing conditions for the month of September in Indonesia
- Suitable skill level: Any
- Average wave size: 7 feet
- Swell consistency: 100%
- Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
- Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why surf in Indonesia in September?
Indonesia still delivers perfect, powerful waves in September as Indian Ocean swells keep rolling. While Bali offers beginner-friendly spots, experienced surfers should head to the Mentawai Islands or Sumbawa for reef breaks and pristine barrels.
Find the best Surf Camps in Indonesia, starting at US$125
France
Surfing conditions for the month of September in France
- Suitable skill level: Any
- Average wave size: 5 feet
- Swell consistency: 90%
- Water temperature: 21°C 72°F
- Air temperature: 18°C 65°F
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why surf in France in September?
September is prime time for surfing in France as autumn swells wake up the Atlantic coast. Head to Biarritz, Hossegor, or Seignosse for powerful beach breaks and vibrant surf towns. Crowds begin to thin after summer.
Maldives
Surfing conditions for the month of September in Maldives
- Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
- Average wave size: 6 feet
- Swell consistency: 85%
- Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
- Air temperature: 27°C 81°F
- Crowd: Fairly Crowded
Read our complete surfing guide to the Maldives
Why surf in the Maldives in September?
In September, the surf in Maldives is still nothing less than epic. The Indian Ocean remains very active and most surf spots in the Maldives will greatly benefit from those swells. In North Male, there are several public islands which are perfect to have an affordable surf trip in paradise!
Find a Surf Camp or Charter Boat in Maldives, starting at US$425
Japan
Surfing conditions for the month of September in Japan
- Suitable skill level: Any
- Average wave size: 7 feet
- Swell consistency: 80%
- Water temperature: 24°C 75°F
- Air temperature: 20°C 68°F
- Crowd: Reasonable
Why surf in Japan in September?
September brings powerful typhoon swells to Japan’s coastline. The waves can be incredible when storms pass safely offshore. Okinawa and Chiba Prefecture are top surf regions to explore.
Portugal
Surfing conditions for the month of September in Portugal
- Suitable skill level: Any
- Average wave size: 7 feet
- Swell consistency: 85%
- Water temperature: 19°C 68°F
- Air temperature: 20°C 69°F
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why surf in Portugal in September?
Just like France, Portugal benefits from the early autumn activity in the Atlantic Ocean and surf towns like Ericeira or Sagres become great surfing destinations for anyone in Europe. In September, temperatures in Portugal are still nice and warm while waves pick up in consistency and summer crowds start to fade. Those are all great ingredients for an amazing surf trip!
Morocco
Surfing conditions for the month of September in Morocco
- Suitable skill level: Any
- Average wave size: 6 feet
- Swell consistency: 80%
- Water temperature: 19°C 66°F
- Air temperature: 23°C 73°F
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Read our complete surfing guide to Taghazout, Morocco
Why surf in Morocco in September?
In September, Morocco also benefits from some early autumn swells coming from the Atlantic Ocean and many point breaks on the whole coast provide surfers with amazing right-hand waves. Taghazout is amongst many great surf towns along that coastline and remains a great place to establish yourself on a surf trip to Morocco.
Canada
Surfing conditions for the month of September in Canada
- Suitable skill level: Any
- Average wave size: 8 feet
- Swell consistency: 90%
- Water temperature: 14°C 57°F
- Air temperature: 15°C 59°F
- Crowd: Few people
Why surf in Canada in September?
On Canada’s east and west coast, surfing conditions peak around the month of September while weather is still mild and swells get more consistent. In Lawrencetown, Nova Scotia, September provides surfers with hurricane swells traveling up the Atlantic. On the other end of the country, in Tofino, surfing conditions are great and the environment is truly epic!
Costa Rica
Surfing conditions for the month of September in Costa Rica
- Suitable skill level: Any
- Average wave size: 5 feet
- Swell consistency: 85%
- Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
- Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why surf in Costa Rica in September?
Costa Rica remains a year-round surf haven and September still delivers clean waves in spots like Tamarindo, Nosara, and Santa Teresa. The “green season” means lush jungle and occasional showers, but the surf stays pumping.
Find a Surf Camp in Costa Rica, starting at US$315
Mexico
Surfing conditions for the month of September in Mexico
- Suitable skill level: Any
- Average wave size: 4 feet
- Swell consistency: 95%
- Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
- Air temperature: 26°C 79°F
- Crowd: Fairly crowded
Why surf in Mexico in September?
Mexico is another insanely consistent surfing destination in September and this country ticks all the boxes from tropical weather, cheap traveling costs and great surf spots. In September, Puerto Escondido might still get some few big swells and Baja California is obviously going off. If you are looking for a nice laidback surf town, Sayulita is a surfers favorite with many waves for all skill levels.