Summary

Surfing in the Azores offers uncrowded lineups, year-round swell, and stunning natural beauty. Located in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, this Portuguese archipelago is gaining popularity as a top surf destination in Europe, yet still feels like a hidden gem.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for mellow summer waves or an advanced surfer chasing powerful winter swells, the Azores surf scene has something for everyone.

Why Surf the Azores?

The Azores’ mid-Atlantic location gives the islands exposure to a wide range of swell directions. North swells dominate in winter, while southern swells light up the coasts in summer. This dual exposure means you can surf the Azores any time of the year.

Unlike mainland Portugal’s crowded beaches, many Azores surf spots remain relatively uncrowded. The archipelago’s remote setting has kept it off the radar, until now.

The Azores consist of nine islands, with the majority of surf infrastructure, surf schools, and surf camps located on São Miguel and Terceira.

Best time to surf the Azores

The best time to surf the Azores is in winter, from October to March while the islands receive consistent north swells. However, the archipelago is gifted with waves year-round with the summer months (June-July-August) offering warmer weather and smaller southerly swells.

Surf Camps in Azores

8-Day Surf Camp on Sao Miguel for Beginners and Intermediate Surfers

• 5 days of surf lessons (duration: 2 hours/each)
• Equipment appropriate to each student’s level included
• Transfer to/from the designated surf spot
• 7 nights accommodation
• Photos package
• Daily breakfast
• Airport transfer
• Weekly BBQ

Where to stay in Azores

There are two solid options to base yourself on a surf trip to the Azores. The first one is Sao Miguel, which is the Azores most populated island and also where you can find the highest amount of surf spots. The other option is Terceira, further up north, second most populated island and a great place to go for a surf trip with a few surf camps and surf schools.

Browse our interactive map to find the best accommodation deals in Azores!

Getting to the Azores

The easiest way to get to the Azores is by air. Daily flights operate from Lisbon and Porto to the Azores’ main international airport on São Miguel Island (João Paulo II Airport). There are also direct flights from other European cities, especially in summer.

Safety/things to know

• Most Azores surf spots are reef breaks, so reef boots are recommended.

• Swells are consistent year-round, but always check local surf forecasts.

• The ocean can be powerful, especially in winter—always surf within your level.

Surf spots in Azores

Mosteiros

Mosteiros is one of the best-known spots on São Miguel’s west coast, offering a reliable right-hander with clean lines on a west swell.

• Wave direction : Right
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : W
• Optimal wind direction : E

Rabo de Peixe (São Miguel)

Rabo de Peixe is one of the most accessible surf spots on the island, known for its sandy bottom and fun peaks. It’s a great option for beginners and intermediates.

• Wave direction: Left and right
• Bottom: Sand
• Best Tide: Mid to high
• Skill Level: All levels
• Optimal Swell: NW
• Optimal Wind: SE
• Hazards: Rip currents in bigger swells

Quatro Ribeiras

Quatro Ribeiras is one of the standout spots on Terceira Island. This shallow reef can produce fast, hollow waves during winter swells.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : W
• Optimal wind direction : E

The post Azores, Portugal appeared first on My Wave Finder.

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.

The post 10 Best Places To Surf in February appeared first on My Wave Finder.