August is the heart of summer: sun at its zenith, crowded beaches and days stretching on until late. For surfers, it’s the perfect time to learn or improve. In Europe, the swells calm down and make the spots accessible to beginners, while in the tropics, some destinations still offer long, steady waves.
Whether you choose a surf trip to France, Portugal or the Canaries, or take off for Bali or Costa Rica, August is synonymous with sunny sessions and memorable vacations.
Find your next surfing destination in our guide or go surfing.
Surfing in August: the best summer destinations
Seignosse (France) – between Estagnots and Penon
On the Landes coast, Seignosse lives 100% to the rhythm of surfing. In August, the atmosphere is electric: surf lessons galore, families on the beach and beginners riding their first waves. The Estagnots and Penonsspots are the most emblematic. In summer, the sandbanks provide gentler, more accessible waves, perfect for learning.
The air hovers around 25°C, the water rises to 21°C. Shorty or light 3/2 are all you need. And when you get out of the water, you can hop on a bike in the pine forest, take a stroll to the market or just hang out on the sand until the sun goes down.
- Atmosphere: Natural & summery
- Temperature: 25°C air / 21°C water
- Waves: Summer beach breaks
- Access: Train or flight to Biarritz/Bordeaux
- Budget: €500 – €800
This summer, book your surf photo shoot in Seignosse with Surf Memoriz.
Algarve (Portugal) – surf and golden cliffs
In summer, theAlgarve is bathed in sunshine. On the west coast, the beaches ofArrifana andAmado roll out steady waves, ideal for beginner to intermediate surfers. Here, morning sessions are often calmer and perfect for learning, while the end of the day is accompanied by a sunset over the ochre cliffs.
With 28°C in the air and 19°C in the water, light wetsuits are still the order of the day, but the relaxed atmosphere and warm welcome more than make up for it.
- Atmosphere: Summery and friendly
- Temperature: 28°C air / 19°C water
- Waves: regular beach breaks
- Access: Flight to Faro or Lisbon
- Budget: €400 – €650
Canaries (Fuerteventura / Tenerife) – waves and sunshine guaranteed
The Canaries are a safe bet. In Fuerteventura, beaches like El Cotillo offer long, steady waves, ideal for beginners. In Tenerife, Playa de las Américas offers a mix of reefs and beach breaks for progress.
With 29°C in the air and 23°C in the water, you’ll be surfing in shorts, and sometimes even in a swimsuit. And when you leave the beach, the volcanic landscapes remind you that you’re on a unique island, between desert and ocean.
- Temperature: 29°C air / 23°C water
- Waves: Gentle and accessible
- Access: Direct flight from France
- Budget: €450 – €700
- Atmosphere: International & sunny
See our special Canaries surfing guide.
Bali (Indonesia) – summer in paradise
In August, Bali’s dry season is in full swing. In Canggu, Kuta or Medewi, the waves roll in gently. Long and steady, they’re ideal for learning to pick up speed and improve your technique. The atmosphere is cosmopolitan: surfers from all over the world, trendy cafés and lush green rice paddies in the background.
The air rises above 30°C, while the water stays warm at 28°C. It’s boardshort surfing from morning to night, before an evening by the beach or dinner in a local warung. Our special guide to Bali is available.
- Temperature: 31°C air / 28°C water
- Waves: Long and regular
- Access: Flight to Denpasar
- Budget: €600 – €900
- Atmosphere: Tropical & trendy
Find your best surfcamp in Bali →
Costa Rica (Tamarindo / Nosara) – the pura vida spirit
August is the green season in Costa Rica. Rains often arrive at the end of the day, but the mornings remain sunny, with superb conditions for surfing. The beach breaks in Tamarindo and Nosara offer gentle waves, ideal for beginners or advanced surfers in a relaxed atmosphere.
The air hovers around 30°C, while the water remains at 27°C. You’ll be surfing in your swimsuit, surrounded by jungle and howler monkeys. And even if it rains in the evening, that’s part of the charm: this is Costa Rica in all its authenticity.
- Temperature: 30°C air / 27°C water
- Waves: Gentle beach breaks
- Access: Fly to Liberia or San José
- Budget: €600 – €850
- Atmosphere: Tropical & relaxed
Read all about it in our guide to surfing in Costa Rica.
Comparison chart – Where to surf in August
| Destination | Air/water temperature | Wave type | Budget | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seignosse | 25°C / 21°C | Summer beach breaks | 500 – 800 € | Nature & summer |
| Algarve | 28°C / 19°C | Regular beach breaks | 400 – 650 € | Summer & friendly |
| Canary Islands | 29°C / 23°C | Mild and accessible | 450 – 700 € | International & sunny |
| Baler | 31°C / 28°C | Long and regular | 600 – 900 € | Tropical & trendy |
| Costa Rica | 30°C / 27°C | Mild beach breaks | 600 – 850 € | Tropical & relaxed |
Why surf in August?
August is an ideal time to combine surfing and summer vacations. In Europe, conditions are milder, perfect for learning. The tropics, on the other hand, offer more consistent but still accessible sessions. It’s also the month when the atmosphere is liveliest: surfing in the morning, strolls, parties and discoveries the rest of the time.
Practical tips
- In Europe: a shorty is usually enough.
- In the tropics: surf in a swimsuit all day long.
- Book early, August is high season.
- For starters: Seignosse (Estagnots, Penon), Famara (Lanzarote) or Tamarindo (Costa Rica).
- To progress : Algarve or Bali.
August is the perfect month to combine surfing, sun and vacations. Whether you choose the beaches of Seignosse in the Landes, the cliffs of theAlgarve, the volcanic scenery of the Canaries, the tropical ambience of Bali or the pura vida spirit of Costa Rica, each destination offers you its share of waves and discoveries.
It’s summer, so make the most of it: sessions in August rhyme with warmth, conviviality and unforgettable memories. 🌊
Perhaps you’re planning your trip for a different period? Check out our monthly guides: where to surf in July, where to surf in September and where to surf in October.