Where to surf in February

It’s the middle of the winter season in the Northern Hemisphere, let’s surf! Winter storms generate bigger, more consistent swells so it’s time to pack board bags and head to one of these destinations. In this post, we’ve gathered the best spots for surfing in February around the world in terms of wave consistency, suitability for all levels (beginner, intermediate, pro), relatively cheap flights and good vibes only atmosphere.

Morocco

You can’t talk about surfing in winter without mentioning this North African hidden gem. The land of right-hand point breaks has over 3.600 km of coastline and it is guaranteed that everyone will have a perfect wave according to their level.

Morocco is a year-round surfing destination but in the winter, the North Atlantic Sea comes truly alive and delivers the best swell. The water is around 62 °F (17 °C) so a good 3/2 mm wetsuit should keep you up surfing all day long.

In the past years, the country has been investing massively into the tourism sector providing excellent road infrastructure connecting all the surf destinations. Morocco is a perfect mix of rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, history, delicious food and pumping waves — and best of it — affordable prices.

Best spots

Essaouira Beach — beginner
La Source, Taghazout — intermediate
Anchor Point, Taghazout — most famous

Main features

Close proximity to Europe
Friendly locals
Low-cost airlines offer cheap flights to the country
Inexpensive
A lot of uncrowded line-ups

Season

Between October and March

Portugal

A country that holds a Guinness World Record for the largest wave ever surfed is obviously on our list. Portugal is undoubtedly European mecca for surfing and winter time is the time for proper storms in North Atlantic which means strong and big waves. But don’t let the Guinness Record title fool you — from north to south — Portugal has a wave of all sizes.

Even though Portugal is one of the warmest countries in Europe, the average water temperature in winter is around 59 °F (15 °C) so make sure to bring a 5/3 mm steamer with you.

Being one of the cheapest countries in Europe, it’s easy to hire a car with roof racks and check spots like Ericeira, Peniche and Sagres. Oh, did we mention that the seafood is absolutely delicious and the wine outrageously cheap?!

Best spots

Foz do Lizandro, Ericeira — beginner
Cantinho da Baia, Peniche — intermediate
Praia do Norte, Nazare — most famous

Main features

Affordable
Year around sun
Good vibe and lively nightlife
Consistent surf
Wall-catered surf tourism

Season

Between October and April

East Coast of Bali Island, Indonesia

Yes, correct — it’s rainy season in Bali, but who cares? For surfers, it’s only good news: uncrowded line-ups. During the wet season, wind switches from west to east and the waves are firing up at the East Coast. Rain might be associated with cold, but in Bali, water temperature stays around 79 °F (26 °C) which means board shorts, rash vests, and bikinis when surfing.

Other perks of so-called “off-season”: the nature of these stunning island’s comes alive, the cooling effect of the rain and fewer tourists.

Prices in Bali aren’t as affordable as it used to be due to the large volume of visitors but remains nevertheless inexpensive. In case it’s flat ocean, there so much to do in these island paradise — boredom is not an option.

Best spots

Playgrounds, Nusa Lembongan — beginner
Serangan — intermediate
Keramas — most famous

Main features

Amazing wild nature and environment
Breathtaking beaches
Bali’s culture
Most nationalities have 30 days visa-free when traveling to Bali
Well-connected to the rest of Asia

Season

Between November and March

Australia

Get your bathers ready, mate! European winter means summer in Australia. Australian summer means cyclone and storm season that results in a great swell. Some of the world’s best surf spots (and surfers) can be found in this wild and beautiful country.

The Australia is huge (sixth largest in the world by the territory!), so for traveling to the spots in search of perfect waves, we recommend hiring a car and to head to New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria — all levels and tastes served.

The spots will be busy since surfing is the unofficial national sport in Australia and summer means locals are having their holidays. Don’t forget your sun protection — the sun is blazing hot!

Best spots

Noosa Heads, Queensland — beginner
Byron Bay, New South Wales — intermediate
The Box, Margaret River Valley — most famous

Main features

Laid-back lifestyle
Main spoken language English
Vibrant party scene
Beautiful landscapes
Abundance of beaches

Season

Between November and April

Canary Islands, Spain

Beginner-friendly, sand bottom, reef breaks, tubes — this scenic Spanish archipelago has it all. Consisting of seven islands, it is a place where European surfers (and other sportsmen like cyclist, for example) escape for winter months.

Canary’s climate is called “Eternal spring” which means almost guaranteed beams of sunlight. The water temperature is around 64 °F (18 °C) in winter so a good 3/2 mm wetsuit is in place. The islands are exposed to the swells coming from the North Atlantic paired with strong offshore wind.

The main surf islands are Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, and Lanzarote. So you can pick an island and beach according to your level. In addition, delicious food and award-winning vines won’t do harm after a three-hour-long surf session.

Best spots

S'Arenal, Santa Cruz — beginner
Rocky Point, Fuerteventura — intermediat
Playa de las Americas, Tenerife — most famous

Main features

Out of this world landscape
Cheap flights
Other activities: kite surfing, windsurfing, paragliding
Plenty of accommodation options
Local cuisine

Season

Between October and March

Learn more about how to read the surf / swell forecast in a special Windy.app presentation with examples and tips from professional surfers with many years of experience of riding the biggest and best waves on the planet.

This post was originally published in the Windy.app in January 2019.

Text: Windy.app team

Cover photo: Cottonbro / Pexels