March is a pivotal month for surfers. In Europe, winter is slowly coming to an end and some regions are beginning to offer milder conditions. But above all, it’s an opportunity to seek out the sun and accessible waves in other latitudes.
Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate, March is the perfect time to improve your skills: calmer spots than in high season, pleasant water and a surf camp atmosphere. Here are our 5 best surfing destinations in March, in Africa, America and Asia.
Surfing in March: the 5 best destinations
Dakhla, Morocco – surf and lagoon in the middle of the desert
Located in southern Morocco, between ocean and desert, Dakhla is a unique destination. In March, conditions are ideal for combining surfing and kiting. The Atlantic coast offers long straights accessible to beginners/intermediates, while the lagoon offers a flat stretch of water perfect for varying the pleasures.
The air oscillates between 21-23°C, the water around 19°C, and a 3/2 mm wetsuit is recommended. The atmosphere is rootsy and a change of scenery guaranteed: surf camps by the lagoon, convivial evenings and desert excursions.
- Atmosphere: Desert & authentic
- Temperature: 21-23°C air / 19°C water
- Waves: Long, accessible straights
- Access: Flight via Casablanca to Dakhla
- Budget: €450 – €700
Find out more with our guide to surfing in Morocco.
Senegal – West Africa, surfing style
In March, Senegal offers mild, steady conditions, perfect for learning to surf. Around Dakar, iconic spots such as Ngor Right (made famous by the film The Endless Summer) and Yoff beach offer accessible waves in water temperatures of 23-24°C.
The atmosphere is warm and African, with colorful markets, local gastronomy and friendly surf camps. It’s the perfect destination if you’re looking for a change of scenery and sunshine, just a 6-hour flight from Paris.
- Atmosphere: Authentic & African
- Temperature: 26-28°C air / 23-24°C water
- Waves: Regular straight, accessible beach breaks
- Access: Direct flight to Dakar
- Budget: €400 – €650
Learn all about surfing in Senegal in our guide.
El Tunco, El Salvador – cheap surf and Latin ambience
An up-and-coming, inexpensive and surf-friendly destination. This destination offers ideal conditions for beginners with its mild temperatures (32°C / 28°C) and progressive waves. There’s a good balance between nature, accessibility and a welcoming atmosphere, ideal for progressing at your own pace.
- Temperature: 32°C / 28°C
- Waves: Progressive
- Access: Flight to San Salvador + 1h drive
- Budget: €300 – €500
- Atmosphere: Latin & festive
Peru – South America and its infinite lefts
Peru is a mythical surfing destination, not least for its long lefts stretching for hundreds of meters. In March, conditions are perfect for intermediates who want to progress and work on their technique on long, steady waves.
The Chicama and Huanchaco spots are ideal for those who want a taste of the legend. South American ambience, delicious cuisine and a complete change of scenery guaranteed.
- Atmosphere: Cultural & mythical surfing
- Temperature: 28-30°C air / 23-24°C water
- Waves: Long, left-handed and regular
- Access: Flight to Lima then transfer
- Budget: €600 – €900
Siargao, Philippines – tropical surf and youth vibes
Known as the surfing capital of the Philippines, Siargao is a trendy destination. While Cloud 9 is reserved for experienced surfers, spots like Jacking Horse and Guiwan are perfect for beginners and intermediates.
In March, conditions are still good, with accessible swells and a festive atmosphere. Between coconut palms, turquoise lagoons and bohemian surf camps, Siargao combines surfing and tropical life.
- Temperature: 30°C / 29°C
- Waves: Beach break
- Access: Flight via Manila + domestic flight
- Budget: €500 – €700
- Atmosphere: Tropical & young
Comparison chart – Surfing destinations in March
| Destination | Air/water temperature | Type of waves | Budget | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dakhla (Morocco) | 21-23°C / 19°C | Long straight | 450 – 700 € | Desert & authentic |
| Senegal (Dakar) | 26-28°C / 23-24°C | Straight lines & beach breaks | 400 – 650 € | Authentic & African |
| El Tunco (Salvador) | 32°C / 28°C | Progressive regular | 300 – 500 € | Latin & festive |
| Peru (Chicama, Huanchaco) | 28-30°C / 23-24°C | Long left | 600 – 900 € | Cultural & mythical |
| Siargao (Philippines) | 30°C / 29°C | Accessible beach breaks | 500 – 700 € | Tropical & young |
Why go surfing in March?
- Mild weather: Southern Europe is becoming pleasant again, and the tropics are in full season.
- Accessible waves: ideal for learning and progressing.
- Less crowded: outside the school vacations, the surf spots and surf camps are quieter.
- Budget control: many affordable destinations (Morocco, El Salvador, Sri Lanka).
March is an ideal time to organize a surf trip and make progress. Whether you choose the African change of scenery of Dakhla or Senegal, the Latin energy of El Salvador and Peru, or the tropical vibe of the Philippines, you’ll find accessible waves, a pleasant climate and a unique atmosphere.
With these 5 destinations, March becomes the perfect month to get out of winter and launch your surfing year under the best auspices.
Perhaps your surf trip won’t take place at this time of year? Check out our monthly guides: where to surf in February, where to surf in April and where to surf in May.