The month of January is a popular time of the year to go on a surf trip with winter hitting strong in the northern hemisphere. Luckily, many surfing destinations are absolutely firing in January allowing surfers of all skill levels to find their happy place and catch some waves.

Here are 10 of the best places to surf in January…

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1. Hawaii

Surfing conditions for January in Hawaii:

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 2ft to 20+ft (Depends on which side of the island)
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 25°C 77°F
Air temperature: 25°C 77°F
Crowd: Very crowded

Read our surfing guide to Maui, Hawaii

Winters in Hawaii are well known for providing massing waves on the islands north and west sides. The month of January is when such conditions peak in consistency which allows surfers to enjoy world-class surfing conditions on a daily basis. During this time of the year, beginners will also be able to find smaller waves on the south sides or every Hawaiian Island.

Book a surf camp in Hawaii, starting at US$1,300

2. Puerto Rico

Surfing conditions for January in Puerto Rico:

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 6ft
Swell consistency: 80%
Water temperature: 26°C 79°F
Air temperature: 25°C 77°F
Crowd: Very crowded

In January, Puerto Rico benefits from many decent swells coming from the Atlantic Ocean traveling down to the Caribbean Sea. The town of Rincon, on Puerto Rico’s west coast is a great place to settle and catch some of those great winter waves.

3. Barbados

Surfing conditions for January in Barbados:

Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 4-7ft 
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 26°C 79°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded

Barbados is another great option for a surf trip in January due to its amazing swell consistency at this time of the year. Also, being an island, you will always find a beach with offshore wind and optimal surfing conditions!

4. Canary Islands

Surfing conditions for January 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

The Canary Islands are an incredible playing field with various surf spots and many islands to chose from. The 4 major islands are Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura which all provide great surfing conditions during the month of January when the Atlantic turns into life.

Book a surf camp in Canary Islands, starting at US$306

5. Morocco

Surfing conditions for January in Morocco:

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 8ft 
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 16°C 61°F
Air temperature: 14°C 57°F
Crowd: Reasonable

Morocco is another country that benefits from the winter Atlantic swells during the month of January. With an impressive rugged coastline, Morocco is known as the right-hand point break paradise…Taghazout is a great place to settle and catch some amazing waves whether you are a beginner or advanced surfer.

Book a surf camp in Morocco, starting at US$293

6. Portugal

Surfing conditions for January in Portugal:

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 10ft 
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 15°C 59°F
Air temperature: 11°C 52°F
Crowd: Reasonable

Portugal is arguably the best surfing destination in Europe and during the month of January, this couldn’t be any more accurate. The whole Atlantic coastline is simply firing and many Portuguese beaches turn into world-class surf spots. Make sure to have a look at the 6 best surf towns in Portugal.

Book a surf camp in Portugal, starting at US$152

7. Costa Rica

Surfing conditions for January in Costa Rica:

Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 4ft 
Swell consistency: 50%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 27°C 81°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded

Costa Rica is one of the world’s most consistent surfing destination with rippable waves all year round. Although January is usually the “low season” in Central America, there are still some great surf for beginners and longboarders which is perfect to learn…Head out to Nosara or Santa Teresa for a quiet retreat or go to Tamarindo and Jaco for more party and action.

Book a surf camp in Costa Rica, starting at US$371

8. France

Surfing conditions for January in France:

Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 8ft 
Swell consistency: 85%
Water temperature: 13°C 55°F
Air temperature: 9°C 47°F
Crowd: Reasonable

Being right next to the Atlantic Ocean, France also greatly benefits from winter swells during the month of January. Towns like Biarritz and Hossegor have several world-class beach breaks that truly turn to life in January making it a prime surfing destination.

Find a surf camp in France, starts at $US476

9. Senegal

Surfing conditions for January in Senegal:

Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 5ft 
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 21°C 70°F
Air temperature: 22°C 72°F
Crowd: Reasonable

Senegal is not typically on top of everyone’s list when it comes to surfing destinations. However, in January, it really becomes a great place to go on a surf trip. With some great swells pushing from the Atlantic, Dakar and N’Gor Island turn into life and offer great surf with only a fraction of the crowd you will find in Europe.

10. South Sri Lanka

Surfing conditions for January in South Sri Lanka:

Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 3ft 
Swell consistency: 50%
Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded

January is not the typical swell season in the Indian Ocean. However, in South Sri Lanka, you will still find some good beginner-friendly conditions with favorable winds. Sri Lanka is a also a pure tropical paradise with lots to do on flat days! 

Read our surfing guide to South Sri Lanka

The post 10 Best Places to Surf in January appeared first on MyWaveFinder.

Summary

Surfing in Barbados is as dreamy as it gets. This small island from the Lesser Antilles is probably the most versatile surf destination in the Caribbean. From the hollow and powerful waves at Soup Bowl to the long and mellow left-handers at Freight’s Bay, Barbados will definitely be able to please any kind of surfer looking for a perfect surfing experience.

Pristine water, warm temperature and sunshine all year long are just a few other good reasons to head to Barbados. As it remains a Caribbean Island, the swell has a shorter period and will rarely become huge. Anyhow, there will still be plenty of opportunities to find action for beginners and advanced surfers.

This island, just like every single island in the Antilles bursts with magical vibrations and the Barbadian culture will definitely get right under your skin.

When to go

The best time to surf Barbados is from December to March. However, there are waves all year long. You should expect more rain during the hurricane season that lasts from June to November.

Where to stay in Barbados

Right next to Soup Bowl, Barbados’ best surf spot are Rest Haven Beach Cottages and The Atlantis Historic Inn.

Hilltop Apartments is a nice place to stay close to Freight’s Bay.

For higher-end places to stay in Barbados, The Crane Resort (Crane Beach) and Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels

Surf Spots in Barbados

Freight’s Bay

Located on the south side of the island, Freight’s Bay is a nice surf spot for beginners and longboarders as it rarely gets big. When it does, it becomes a whole different set up where advanced surfers can catch a long and challenging left-hander.

• Wave direction : Mostly left
• Bottom : Sand
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : S
• Optimal wind direction : N

Soup Bowl

Soup Bowl is the highest level wave in Barbados. On a good day, it becomes a powerful and hollow slab that attracts surfers from around the world.  Located on the east side, it will catch both north and south swells so as long as the wind is right, there should be something to ride.

• Wave direction : Right
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : N
• Optimal wind direction : S

Surfers Point

A user-friendly left located on the south coast. It’s a popular spot for surf schools and beginner surfers, with a rocky bottom but generally forgiving waves.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Rocks
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Any
• Optimal swell direction : SE
• Optimal wind direction : NW

South Point

A fast, punchy reef break that works best on mid to high tide. This wave offers both lefts and rights and is best for advanced surfers.

• Wave direction : Left and right
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Mid to High
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : SE
• Optimal wind direction : N

Tropicana

A reef break that produces long lefts with good shape. This spot is more suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers and works best on north-west swells with easterly winds.

• Wave direction : Left
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : E

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