July is the month of vacations, sunshine and long days at the beach. For surfers, it’s also a pivotal period: in Europe, the swells soften, making the spots accessible to beginners and pleasant for intermediates. Further afield, mythical destinations such as California and Hawaii reveal their most welcoming faces.
Whether you’re looking for a surf camp atmosphere in Europe, an exotic trip to Africa or total immersion in American surf culture, here are five destinations where summer rhymes with memorable sessions.
Surfing in July: the 5 best destinations
Biarritz (France) – surfing capital of Europe
It’s impossible to talk about surfing in summer without mentioning Biarritz. The birthplace of European surfing, Biarritz is alive with waves and lively terraces. In July, the Grande Plage and Côte des Basques are transformed into playgrounds for beginners and intermediate surfers.
With 25°C outside and 20°C in the water, a shorty is all you need. Between sessions, you can enjoy the urban atmosphere: cafés, restaurants, local markets and late-night parties. It’s the perfect mix of surf culture and Basque art de vivre. For beginner surfers, the Jo Moraiz surf school can help you catch your first waves.
- Atmosphere: Surf chic & friendly
- Temperature: 25°C air / 20°C water
- Waves: Summer beach breaks
- Access: Train or flight to Biarritz
- Budget: €500 – €800
Discover our guide to surfing in Biarritz.
Lanzarote (Canaries) – sunshine and accessible waves
In the middle of the Atlantic, Lanzarote retains its assets all year round. In summer, the swells subside, making the large
Temperatures flirt with 28°C in the air, 22°C in the water. You can surf in shorty or swimsuit, before exploring the island’s lunar landscapes and small white villages.
- Atmosphere: International & exotic
- Temperature: 28°C air / 22°C water
- Waves: Gentle and regular
- Access: Direct flight from France
- Budget: €450 – €700
Discover our guide on where to surf in Lanzarote.
Senegal (Ngor / Yoff) – authentic Africa
Just 5 hours from Paris, you’ll find a whole new world. On the Cape Verde peninsula near Dakar, the spots at Ngor and Yoff roll out long, accessible waves, perfect for getting your first real taste of surfing.
The air rises above 30°C, while the water stays warm at around 27°C. You surf in your bathing suit, greeted by smiling locals, and share meals in family-run surf camps. It’s simple, authentic and warm.
- Atmosphere: Authentic & friendly
- Temperature: 30°C air / 27°C water
- Waves: Long and accessible
- Access: Direct flight Paris → Dakar
- Budget: €400 – €650
All you need to know about surfing in Senegal.
San Diego (California) – the sunny coastline
California is the postcard of surfing. In San Diego, each beach has its own style: La Jolla Shores for beginners, Pacific Beach for a party atmosphere, or Oceanside for longer sessions.
In July, the sun is everywhere: 27°C in the air, 21°C in the water. You can surf in shorts, enjoy Californian tacos between sessions and immerse yourself in a 100% surfing atmosphere.
- Temperature: 27°C air / 21°C water
- Waves: Summer beach breaks
- Access: Flight to Los Angeles or San Diego
- Budget: €900 – €1,300
- Atmosphere: Californian surf culture
Oahu (Hawaii) – Accessible Waikiki
Winter is monster season in Hawaii. But in summer, everything changes: in Waikiki, the waves are small, gentle and regular. It’s the perfect spot to learn, in a setting that saw the birth of modern surfing.
You’ll be surfing in a swimsuit in water at 27°C, with 30°C outside. After your session, you’ll stroll among palm trees, ukuleles and the sunset over Diamond Head. Legendary yet accessible.
- Temperature: 30°C air / 27°C water
- Waves: Small and regular
- Access: Flight via Los Angeles or San Francisco
- Budget: €1,200 – €1,600
- Atmosphere: Legendary & tropical
Comparison chart – Where to surf in July
| Destination | Air/water temperature | Type of waves | Budget | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Biarritz | 25°C / 20°C | Summer beach breaks | 500 – 800 € | Chic & friendly surfing |
| Lanzarote | 28°C / 22°C | Soft and regular | 450 – 700 € | International & exotic |
| Senegal | 30°C / 27°C | Long and accessible | 400 – 650 € | Authentic & friendly |
| San Diego | 27°C / 21°C | Summer beach breaks | 900 – 1300 € | Californian surf culture |
| Oahu (Hawaii) | 30°C / 27°C | Small, regular waves | 1200 – 1600 € | Legendary & tropical |
Why surf in July?
- In Europe, the surf camp atmosphere is at its best.
- The waves are smaller and gentler: ideal for learning.
- Water becomes pleasant almost everywhere.
- It’s also a good time to discover mythical spots like Waikiki or the Californian coast in accessible conditions.
- You combine surfing with summer: parties, travel and cultural discoveries.
Practical tips for surfing in July
- In Europe: a shorty or 2/2 mm is all you need. In the tropics, surf in a swimsuit.
- Book early: July = high season, especially at European surf camps.
- For starters: Waikiki, Seignosse or Famara on Lanzarote.
- To progress: San Diego, Senegal or Lombok.
- Alternate sessions and discoveries: tapas, tacos, African music or ukuleles.
July is the perfect month for a sunny, friendly surf trip. Whether you’re staying in Europe with Seignosse and Lanzarote, discovering theauthenticity of Senegal, or immersing yourself in Californian and Hawaiian surf culture, you’ll find suitable waves and a unique atmosphere.
Perhaps you’re planning your trip for a different period? Check out our monthly guides: where to surf in June, where to surf in August and where to surf in September.