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…

To dig deeper, try our FREE WaveFinder search engine and find your perfect surfing destination!

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 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.

• Summary

• When to go

• Surf spots

• Where to stay

• Getting there

• Safety/things to know

Summary

Puerto Rico is the undisputed surfing capital of the Caribbean, offering warm waters, powerful waves, and a mix of reef and beach breaks perfect for all skill levels. With consistent Atlantic swells and a laid-back tropical atmosphere, it’s no surprise that many surfers from the U.S. choose Puerto Rico over Hawaii for their winter surf trips.

From beginner-friendly beaches near San Juan to world-class reef breaks in Rincón, Puerto Rico is a year-round surf destination with something for everyone. And best of all? You can leave your wetsuit at home.

Why Surf Puerto Rico?

• No passport required for U.S. citizens

• Consistent swell from August through April

• Water temps stay between 78–84°F (25–29°C) year-round

• A mix of world-class reef breaks and mellow beach breaks

• Thriving surf culture with easy access to surf schools, rentals, and guides

Whether you’re chasing barrels at Gas Chambers or long cruisy rights at Domes, Puerto Rico delivers some of the best waves in the Atlantic.

When to surf Puerto Rico

Hurricane Season (August–November)

The surf season kicks off with hurricane-generated swells that begin arriving in late August. These storms send powerful surf to the north and west coasts. You can expect punchy waves and fewer crowds early in the season.

Prime Season (December–April)

This is the most consistent time of year. Powerful winter swells from North Atlantic storms hit Puerto Rico’s exposed reefs and points, lighting up world-class breaks like Middles and Tres Palmas. Perfect for advanced surfers, but there are beginner options too.

Off-Season (May–July)

Waves are smaller and less consistent, but perfect for beginners. It’s also a great time to enjoy snorkeling, hiking, and other Caribbean activities on your lay days.

Where to stay in Puerto Rico

The best place to stay on a surf trip to Puerto Rico is Rincon, a little surf town on the island’s west coast. There are a lot of surf spots in the area as well as great accommodation.

Browse our interactive map to find your dream place to stay on a surf trip to Puerto Rico!

Best surf hotels in Rincon

Casa Islena Inn

Rincon of the seas

Coconut Palms inn

Surf spots in Puerto Rico

Playa Aviones

Not too far from San Juan is this beautiful and consistent surf spot offering waves for all skill levels over a forgiving reef. This place tends to get crowded so everyone must respect other surfers and locals.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : Any
• Skill level : Beginner, intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : N
• Optimal wind direction : S
   
   

Middles

One of Puerto Rico’s best surf spot. A challenging, fast and barreling wave that breaks over a few rocks. Located on the north western part of the island, Middles is breaking pretty consistently on a NE swell.

• Wave direction : Right
• Bottom : Sand and reef
• Best tide : Low to mid
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : NE
• Optimal wind direction : S
   
   

Tres Palmas

Beautiful reef break offering both lefts and rights but isn’t so consistent. This surf spot is pretty powerful and resembles the Hawaiian type of waves.

• Wave direction : Right and left
• Bottom : Reef
• Best tide : High
• Skill level : Intermediate and advanced
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : E
   
   
   

Gas Chambers

Inconsistent barreling wave that works on a large NW swell. When it is on, it is a shallow and dangerous spot to be kept for advanced surfers only

• Wave direction : Right
• Bottom : Reef and sand
• Best tide : High
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : E
   
   

Domes

A nice point break that tends to get crowded. Works well on a NW swell and produces fun rights.

• Wave direction : Right
• Bottom : Pebbles
• Best tide : Mid to high
• Skill level : Advanced
• Optimal swell direction : NW
• Optimal wind direction : SE

Getting there

The main international airport is in San Juan, which is where most flights will land. From there, you can either stick to the north side beaches or move to the west side of Puerto Rico where Rincon is located.

Safety/things to know

• -Hurricane season runs from August to November. Some of them might not just bring waves, but also hit the island. Stay safe.
• -Most waves in Puerto Rico break over reef. Be careful and bring a good first aid kit.
• -Localism can be an issue. Always respect local surfers.

The post Puerto Rico, Carribean Sea appeared first on My Wave Finder.