Autumn is undoubtedly the best season for surfing. In the Atlantic, the swells are getting stronger after the summer, but temperatures are still pleasant. Beaches empty out, prices drop, and in tropical areas, it’s the start or peak of the wave season.
Whether you’re a beginner or an intermediate, autumn is the perfect time to make progress. Here are our 5 must-see surf destinations between September and November, in Europe and the tropics.
Surfing in Portugal – Peniche & Ericeira in September
Portugal is at its best from September to November. Peniche offers an incredible variety of spots: Baleal Bay for beginners, Supertubos for the more experienced. In Ericeira, Foz do Lizandro and Ribeira d’Ilhas welcome all levels.
With mild temperatures (air 20-24°C, water 18-20°C), a 3/2 wetsuit is all you need. International surf camp atmosphere, affordable prices and quick accessibility from Lisbon → Portugal remains a safe bet for autumn.
- Temperature: 20-24°C air / 18-20°C water
- Waves: Various, all levels
- Access: Flight to Lisbon
- Budget: €400 – €650
- Atmosphere: International & surf camp
Surfing in Morocco – Taghazout & Imsouane in high season
From October onwards, Morocco enters the surfing season. Taghazout seduces with its long straights (Panorama, Anchor Point), whileImsouane offers the longest wave in the country, perfect for progress.
The climate is ideal: 24-28°C in the air, 20-22°C in the water. What’s more, the value for money is unbeatable, and surf camps offer complete packages that are affordable.
- Temperature: 24-28°C air / 20-22°C water
- Waves: Long, straight and regular
- Access: Flight to Agadir or Marrakech
- Budget: €400 – €600
- Atmosphere: Chill & surf camp
Find out more: our guide to surfing in Morocco.
Surfing in the Canaries – sun and waves guaranteed
Between September and November, the Canaries offer perfect conditions. In Fuerteventura, beach breaks are ideal for beginners. Lanzarote’s Famara beach is particularly popular with surf schools, with courses designed for beginners. In Tenerife, Playa de las Américas offers accessible waves for intermediates.
Summer climate guaranteed: air 23-27°C, water 21-23°C. The islands combine sunshine, volcanic landscapes and European ambience, with short direct flights from France.
- Temperature: 23-27°C air / 21-23°C water
- Waves: accessible beach breaks and reefs
- Access: Direct flight from France
- Budget: €450 – €700
- Atmosphere: Sunny & relaxed
Find out more: Our guide to surfing in Lanzarote and where to surf in Tenerife.
Surfing in Sri Lanka – early season on the south coast
In November, the season is back in full swing on Sri Lanka’s south coast. Weligama is a huge bay, perfect for learning. Hikkaduwa combines surfing, nightlife and festivities.
With water at 28°C and air at 30°C, no wetsuit is required. Life is cheap and the backpacker atmosphere attracts travelers from all over the world.
- Temperature: 28-30°C air / 27-28°C water
- Waves: Protected, regular bays
- Access: Flight to Colombo + 2-3h drive
- Budget: €350 – €550
- Atmosphere: Tropical & friendly
If you want to go surfing in Sri Lanka, here’s our guide.
Surfing in Nicaragua – gentler swells and a festive atmosphere
Autumn marks the return of calmer conditions in Central America. Around San Juan del Sur, sandy beaches such as Playa Hermosa and Playa Maderas offer perfect waves for beginners and intermediates.
Tropical atmosphere guaranteed: surfing, parties, wilderness, volcanoes. The water is warm (27°C), the air around 30°C, and the surf camps very active in November.
- Temperature: 28-30°C air / 27°C water
- Waves: regular, accessible beach breaks
- Access: Flight to Managua + 2-hour drive
- Budget: €500 – €750
- Atmosphere: Tropical & festive
Comparison chart – Autumn surfing destinations
| Destination | Air/water temperature | Type of waves | Budget | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 20-24°C / 18-20°C | Varied, all levels | 400 – 650 € | International & surf camp |
| Morocco | 24-28°C / 20-22°C | Long straight lines | 400 – 600 € | Chill & surf camp |
| Canary Islands | 23-27°C / 21-23°C | Beach breaks + reefs | 450 – 700 € | Sunny & relaxed |
| Sri Lanka | 28-30°C / 27-28°C | Protected, regular bays | 350 – 550 € | Tropical & friendly |
| Nicaragua | 28-30°C / 27°C | Regular beach breaks | 500 – 750 € | Tropical & festive |
Why surf in autumn?
- Solid but manageable swells: perfect for progress.
- Climate still mild in Europe, tropical elsewhere.
- Fewer people than in summer → more waves for you.
- Various options: Europe, Africa, Asia, Central America.
Tips for an autumn surf trip
- In Europe, a 3/2 mm suit is all you need; in the tropics → swimsuit surfing.
- Keep an eye on swell size: some destinations become more consistent in October/November.
- Go to surf camps to learn and meet new people.
- Combine surfing with discovery: Moroccan medinas, volcanic landscapes in the Canaries, Sri Lankan temples, volcanoes in Nicaragua.
Regular swells, pleasant climate, varied destinations and a friendly atmosphere, autumn is the perfect season for surfing. Whether you stay in Europe (Portugal, Canary Islands, Morocco) or go further afield (Sri Lanka, Nicaragua), it’s the perfect time to make progress and enjoy an unforgettable surf trip.