Autumn's vibrant colors are a beautiful reminder that winter's on its way. We love fall, truly! But by the time November's over, we're usually ready for some sunshine. Luckily, surfing isn't just a summer thing, It's a perfect year-round getaway.
If you're still dreaming of escaping the cold and rain this winter 2024-2025, we've got some awesome ideas and surf spots for you.
How does sipping cocktails on a palm-fringed beach, while enjoying amazing surf, sound? It's the perfect way to beat the winter blues and ring in the new year 2025.
Morocco
Long-haul flights to the Maldives, Hawaii, or Indonesia seem too much? There's a great, and much cheaper, alternative closer to Europe: Morocco.
It's become the #1 choice for European surfers, especially in winter. Experienced surfers will find awesome waves at places like Ras Lafaa Safi, Imsouane, Killer Point, Anchor Point, Boilers, and Essaouira.
Killer Point is legendary—a powerful, hollow wave with awesome tubes that can reach 16 feet during high tide. It's best for experienced surfers during big swells and intermediate surfers during smaller ones. This spot, located near high cliffs, is not for the faint of heart.
Anchor Point, another amazing right-hand point break, is a must for experienced surfers. You'll want a large board for the powerful takeoff. It gets crowded, so be aware of surfing etiquette.
For a less crowded experience, head south to Ifni and check out Desert Point. Known worldwide, it’s suitable for all levels despite its hollow, fast waves. Because it's a beach break, it's relatively safe.
Meanwhile, plenty of surf camps in Tamraght, Taghazout and Agadir cater to everyone from beginners to advanced surfers who want some extra coaching.
December through March is ideal for surfing in Morocco. The waves are great, and the water's a comfortable 64°F (18°C). You can leave the sweaters and hats at home—Moroccan winters are mild! The Atlantic coast has moderate temperatures year-round, rarely dropping below 25°C.
Hawaii
Hawaii—the birthplace of modern surfing! If you're going, you absolutely have to try surfing. And if you're already a surfer, Oahu and Maui's north shores are a must-see.
Hawaii is known for its incredible waves—places like Haleiwa, Banzai Pipeline, Waimea, and Jaws (to name a few). But there are waves for all skill levels throughout the year, and the surf culture is just amazing.
Hawaii gets swells from all directions, so you can surf pretty much all year. However, the north and south shores have different conditions.
Huge waves explode onto the north shores during the peak winter season, from October through April. Oahu's North Shore, with its “Seven Mile Miracle” (36 world-class breaks), is legendary. Maui's North Shore gets powerful swells, too.
During this time, the south shores have smaller, beginner-friendly waves, but sometimes the swell is pretty small there.
The water's always warm in Hawaii, thanks to the tropical climate. In winter, expect about 77°F (25°C).
Micronesia
A Christmas surf trip to Micronesia isn't cheap, but it's an incredible surf experience. Located in the western North Pacific between New Guinea and Hawaii, it's incredibly remote, meaning fewer crowds.
In the Federated States of Micronesia are the Marshall Islands, with 29 coral atolls. One of them, Beran Island, is home to an amazing private surf resort. The owner, Martin Daly, is a legendary surfer who helped pioneer surfing in Indonesia's Mentawai Islands. He's built a luxurious, off-grid resort near the infamous Bikini Atoll, with incredible surf breaks.
You can rent the entire island for around $50,000 a week. Besides surfing, you can also enjoy world-class diving and kitesurfing. The best time to go is during the Northern Hemisphere winter (same swell as Hawaii), but unlike Hawaii, you'll likely have these amazing waves all to yourself. Just make sure you can afford it!
The Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are like Europe's own Hawaii—a group of volcanic islands off the coast of Africa that are super popular with surfers worldwide. They get great waves from the North Atlantic all year, plus sunshine and fun nightlife, making them a top winter destination for most surfers.
You can surf there anytime, but October to March has the best waves. There are waves for everyone, from easy ones for beginners to huge ones only experts should try, and from easy-to-find spots to secret ones. Oh, and the water's a comfortable 66°F in the winter.
Madeira
Madeira (meaning wood) is older than the Canary Islands, so it has soil and forests, unlike its rockier cousins. While it has a pleasant climate compared to Northern Europe, it's not quite as sunny and dry as the Canaries—expect some extra moisture.
Madeira has fantastic surf, best suited for experienced surfers or intermediate surfers looking for a challenge. The west coast has powerful waves breaking over deep-water reefs, while the north coast offers a more varied selection of waves, though it can be windy. There are no beach breaks, so it's not ideal for beginners, and you won't find many surf camps or that type of scene.
You'll likely spend time driving around to find the best waves, depending on the daily conditions, but the scenery is amazing!
Madeira isn't for a relaxed surf trip with easy waves. But if you're up for an adventure and want to test your skills, you'll love it.
Southern Province, Sri Lanka
The water's always warm in Sri Lanka, and the waves aren't overly challenging, making it great for learning or improving. However, some spots will test even advanced surfers.
Sri Lanka has two main surf seasons, the west coast has consistent waves during the dry season (November to April). The east coast is good from May to October. The south coast is surfable year-round, and the water's usually around 81°F (27°C), and it's sunny most of the year.
Santa Teresa
Ring in the New Year with a surf trip to Costa Rica! The dry season begins in December, meaning warm water, sunny skies, and consistently good waves—perfect for beginner surfers on the Pacific coast.
Santa Teresa, on the Nicoya Peninsula, is a chill surf town, less crowded than other Costa Rican spots. It's all about surfing and yoga here.
Beginners will find Playa Santa Teresa, the main beach, easy to surf with two small waves perfect for learning at low tide. Nearby Playa Carmen is another great option for beginners.
January is fantastic for beginners and longboarders in Santa Teresa. The waves aren't huge, but they're consistently good, providing perfect learning conditions and a chance to make rapid progress. Start planning your surf improvement for New Year's 2025, this is an amazing spot to do it.