6 Amazing Destinations to Learn Surfing in Winter

Have you ever thought about combining your vacation with surfing in winter but don’t know where to go? In this post, I’m sharing my six favorite winter surf destinations where you’re sure to enjoy learning to surf.

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Picture this: Just a moment ago, you were at home in the cold and grey, but now the warm sunshine wakes you at one of the world’s most beautiful surf spots. Barefoot, with your surfboard under your arm, you feel the soft sand as you head towards the sea, where the waves, shimmering turquoise, are already waiting for you.

I’m glad you’re reading this article because that means you’re at least considering combining your next trip with surfing! Surfing in Winter is a fantastic idea—and usually leads to wonderful places with great weather. For me, it’s become a tradition to travel for New Year’s and practically surf my way into the next year. And what better way to kick off a new year than with this beautiful passion? (My little secret? Since many people are still sleeping on January 1st, you’ll find relatively empty line-ups at sunrise in many places. But shhh, keep that between us.)

Ever since I started surfing, I’ve spent a lot of time in the winter months researching travel destinations to escape the cold and find great waves. It wasn’t always easy to find out which surf spots were suitable for my level, as much of the information was either vague or not tailored to beginner and intermediate surfers. Not every beach is suitable for surfing—and not every surf beach is ideal for beginners. Many factors, such as the type of seabed (some beaches have rocky bottoms), strong currents, or tricky wave conditions, come into play. That’s why it’s important to pick the right spot. After many adventures, I’m excited to share my “Best Of” list for surfing in winter with you.

Don’t underestimate this…

Before you start researching the beautiful surf regions, there’s something I need to emphasize first: The importance of surf guides. As a beginner, I highly recommend starting with a surf school and exploring the surf spots with experienced guides! Personally, I think the experience in a surf camp is even better because you get the full package: surf lessons, accommodation, and the chance to spend time with like-minded people. Plus, the camp often includes activities beyond surfing, like Yoga or tours. There are camps for every age and budget, and many surf regions are now well-developed. So, aside from my personal recommendations, you’re sure to find even more options. Since most surf schools are located where beginner-friendly surf spots are, you’ll have a good starting point for your own research.

Reading Tip: Surf Camp or Surf School? Your Guide to The Perfect Surfing Start

Choosing the right location can make all the difference in how quickly you progress and how much fun you have. Here are my six best destinations for surfing in winter that offer ideal conditions—whether you’re an absolute newbie or have already caught a few waves.

Surfing in Winter – My Favourite Destinations

1. Costa Rica

Best time: November to March (dry season)
Surf spots: Tamarindo, Nosara, Santa Teresa
Surfwear: Bikini & board shorts

Costa Rica is my great love and a green paradise on Earth. It’s a perfect place for surfing in winter. The country offers tropical temperatures year-round and excellent surf conditions. There’s a rainy season (April-November) and a dry season (November-April). Traveling during the dry season is obviously much more comfortable. Beaches like Tamarindo and Nosara are known for their gentle waves and many surf schools specializing in beginners. Here, you can escape winter and immerse yourself in the laid-back “Pura Vida” lifestyle. All these locations offer a great selection of excursions, sports activities, bars and restaurants!

Surf camp recommendations: Rapture Surfcamp, Zopilote Surf Camp, Iguana Surf Camp

2. Morocco

Best time: October to March
Surf spots: Taghazout, Imsouane
Surfwear: 2/3 mm wetsuit

Morocco has become a top surf destination for Europeans, thanks to its proximity. While the water can be chilly, the winter months bring mild, mostly sunny weather, and it’s a relatively affordable destination. I found the culture fascinating and couldn’t wait to explore the country. As a woman, I was initially hesitant to travel alone, but in the surf regions, I felt safe and had a great experience in the camps. There’s a relaxed surf culture here, and the locals are accustomed to female surfers. The areas around Taghazout and Imsouane offer many beginner-friendly spots. Pack a warm sweater, though, as surfing in winter can get cool in the evenings and after surf sessions.

Surf camp recommendations: Dreamsea Imsouane, Olo Surf & Nature, West Surf Morocco

Getting there: Reaching the surf towns in Morocco is quite simple: Depending on your destination, you can fly to either Marrakech or Agadir. From there, you can take a taxi or use public transportation to get to your spot. It’s a good idea to check if your surf camp offers a pickup service from the airport. Personally, I felt more comfortable in Morocco knowing ahead of time who would pick me up and when. The few extra euros for an organized transfer were definitely worth it for me.

3. Fuerteventura

Best time: November to March
Surf spots: Corralejo, Cotillo
Surfwear: 2/3 mm wetsuit

I love surfing in winter in Fuerteventura! When I lived in Germany, it was a nearby and hassle-free destination for me. Fuerteventura offers consistent swells and plenty of beginner-friendly surf spots. There are both sandy beaches and reefs, and the weather is mild year-round. The beaches around Corralejo and Cotillo are perfect for beginners. Fuerteventura might not be the most exciting island for young people, but if you focus on surfing, you’ll definitely leave happy, no matter your skill level. And don’t forget: learning to surf without a guide is a big No-Go, especially on Fuerteventura. You could put yourself and others at risk. Same like Morocco: After your sessions in the cold water, you’ll be grateful for a hoodie—and maybe even a beanie!

Surf Camp recommendations: Wellenreiter, Nomad Surf Camp, Rapa Nui Surfcamp

Getting there: Since Fuerteventura is a small island, getting to Corralejo is straightforward. From the airport, it takes only about 30 minutes by car or taxi. If no one is picking you up and you want to save money, there is also a bus that goes directly there, but it can take up to 1.5 hours.

Reading Tip: Surfing in Fuerteventura: 7 Reasons to Bok Your Trip in 2025

4. Sri Lanka

Best time: November to March
Surf spots: Weligama, Ahangama (southwest coast)
Surfwear: Swimsuit / board shorts

Sri Lanka stole my heart. The people, the culture, the surf, the food—I didn’t want to leave. The southwest coast of Sri Lanka offers perfect surfing conditions. Weligama Beach is ideal for beginners with its gentle, slow-breaking waves. The area is also known for its many surf camps and yoga retreats—a dream combo to unwind after surfing. The warm, tropical temperatures make it an ideal surfing in winter destination. When I was there in January for two weeks, the waves were perfect for beginners.

Surf camp recommendations: KIMA Surf, Dreamsea, Layback Surf

Getting there: To reach the area around Weligama, fly to Colombo and preferably take the public train or a private shuttle. However, many surf camps also offer their own shuttle service, which I’ve always enjoyed using. The drive takes about 3 hours by car, while the train ride takes approximately 4.5 hours. Of course, the train option is significantly cheaper.

5. Indonesia / Bali

Best time: Year-round
Surf spots: Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu
Surfwear: Swimsuit / board shorts

I learned to surf in Bali in 2018 and lived there for six months in 2023. Bali offers beautiful waves year-round for all levels of surfers. Despite the rainy season from November to March, the waves remain great, and beginners will find excellent conditions at spots like Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu. However, Bali can get very crowded in high season, so my tip is to visit during the off-season to enjoy more peace and save money. Surfing in winter or during Bali’s rainy season is definitely worth it. Bali is also home to some of the most stunning sunsets, and there’s nothing quite like catching the last wave of the day as the sky turns shades of pink and orange.

Surf camp recommendations: KIMA Surfcamps, Pelan Pelan, In Da Surf

Getting there: You’ll find it easy to reach your surf camp. Fly into Denpasar, and it’s just about 4 km to Kuta and around 19 km to Canggu. With good traffic, you can get there in under an hour. If there is no shuttle service available, I recommend using Gojek for an affordable option (similar to Uber); install the app beforehand and book your taxi to ensure you’re treated fairly.

Reading Tipps: Surfing in Indonesia

6. Australia

Best time: November to February (Australian summer)
Surf spots: Byron Bay, Noosa, Gold Coast
Surfwear: Swimsuit / board shorts

If you’ve spent any time on saltwatersecrets.com, you’ll know I’m obsessed with Australia. The year I spent there was one of the best of my life! Of course, Australia is far away and not somewhere you’d go for just a two-week vacation, but I had to mention it, because its perfect for surfing in winter. Surfing is part of the culture in Australia, deeply rooted in its identity. You’ll find incredible spots to learn to surf year-round, and it’s hard to narrow down the list. While winter rages in Europe, it’s summer Down Under.

Be mindful, though, that Australia is vast, and the south is much colder than the northern regions. Byron Bay, Noosa, and the Gold Coast have all captured my heart and offer fantastic conditions for beginners. You won’t find as many surf camps in Australia, but plenty of excellent surf schools. Surf hostels provide a similar atmosphere, so it’s not an issue!

Surf camp/school recommendations: Soul Surf, Mojo Surf, Go Ride a Wave

Getting there: The great thing about traveling in Australia is that everything is wonderfully structured, modern, and easy to navigate. You fly into the respective airports and then take a public or shuttle bus to your destination. To get to Byron Bay, fly directly to the Gold Coast; it takes about an hour by bus from there. For Noosa, you would fly to the Sunshine Coast. If you fly to Brisbane, you will also find a shuttle or bus to the respective destinations from there. The public bus is actually very affordable and is used by many backpackers.

Reading Tip: Surfing in Australia: The Best Surf Spots & Insider Tips for Beginners

Summary

No matter which destination you choose, each of these winter getaways offers perfect conditions for beginner surfers. Whether it’s the warm Pacific of Costa Rica, the culturally fascinating Morocco, the volcanic landscapes of Fuerteventura, the exotic warmth of Sri Lanka, tropical Bali, or the endless surf paradise of Australia—these destinations will give you unforgettable surfing experiences and help you progress on your surf journey.

Surfing in winter is becoming more popular, and booking a surf trip during this season is no longer a secret. Many people want to escape the winter blues and dream of waking up in a warm, sunny place. That’s why I recommend looking for flights early, especially during the holiday season (from just before Christmas to mid-January)—ideally 2-3 months in advance—and securing a spot in a good quality surf camp! Enjoy riding the first waves of the day at beautiful spots, leaving everyday life far behind. Surfing brings you closer to nature—and with every wave, you come closer to yourself.

Reading Tip: 10 Ultimative Tips for Finding the Best Surf Camp for You

pssst…

Booking a surf trip in the winter is no longer a secret. Many people want to escape the winter blues and dream of waking up in a warm, sunny place. That’s why I recommend looking for flights early, especially during the holiday season (from just before Christmas to mid-January)—ideally 2-3 months in advance—and securing a spot in a good quality surf camp! Looking for the Best Surf Destinations during the summer months? Check out this article.

This post covered my six favorite winter surf destinations, where you’re guaranteed to have a great time learning or improving your surfing in winter.

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