Winter in Europe is often synonymous with dreariness, cold and thick wetsuits. The days are short, the sessions freezing, and many surfers end up putting their boards away until spring. Yet winter is one of the best seasons for surf trips: in the southern hemisphere and tropical zones, it’s peak wave season.
From North Africa to the Caribbean, Asia to Oceania, there’s no shortage of options for swapping your beanie for a boardshort. Here are our 5 must-see winter surf destinations, ideal for beginners and intermediates alike.
Surfing in Morocco – sun and change of scenery just 3 hours away by plane
“The cost of living will allow you to enjoy all the activities the country has to offer without breaking the bank.”
Just a 3-hour flight from Paris, Morocco is a sure bet for winter. Taghazout and Imsouane are the two flagship spots: accessible long straights, surf camp atmosphere and mild climate (20-25°C in the air, 17-19°C in the water).
It’s the perfect destination for making progress without breaking the bank. Between two sessions, mint tea, tagines and strolls through the medina will immerse you in a warm and authentic atmosphere.
- Temperature: 20-25°C air / 17-19°C water
- Waves: Long straight ones, perfect for progressing
- Access: Flight to Agadir or Marrakech
- Budget: €400 – €600
- Atmosphere: Authentic & friendly
Find out more: Complete guide to surfing in Morocco.
Surfing Lanzarote – the volcanic island of the Canaries
“Here surfing all year round and always good conditions somewhere!”
Just a 4-hour flight from France, Lanzarote combines a mild climate with a variety of surf spots. Famara beach, an immense bay surrounded by volcanic cliffs, is ideal for beginners and intermediates. Those who want to go further will also find reefs to improve their skills.
With 22-24°C in the air and 20°C in the water, you’ll be surfing in a light wetsuit. The atmosphere is wilder than Fuerteventura, with lunar landscapes and a leisurely pace of life.
- Temperature: 22-24°C air / 20°C water
- Waves: accessible beach breaks, reefs for intermediates
- Access: Direct flight from France
- Budget: €450 – €700
- Atmosphere: Natural & volcanic
Also discover: Surfing in Lanzarote.
Surfing in Sri Lanka – gentle waves and tropical ambience
“Here you can say that paradise on earth exists”.
In recent years, Sri Lanka has established itself as an essential surfing destination. In European winter, it’s the perfect season on the south coast.
Swimsuit surfing, 27-28°C water, low cost of living and an international backpacker atmosphere: it’s hard to find a better way to learn or improve without breaking the bank.
- Temperature: 28-30°C air / 27-28°C water
- Waves: Gentle, regular bays, perfect for beginners
- Access: Flight to Colombo
- Budget: €350 – €550
- Atmosphere: Tropical & friendly
Surfing in California – surf culture par excellence
“Come on and safari with me (…) at Huntington and Malibu” sang Beach Boy
As the cradle of modern surfing, California remains a mythical destination. In winter, the beach breaks of San Diego, the long waves of Malibu and the lively atmosphere of Huntington Beach are just as popular as ever.
The climate is mild (18-22°C), but the water remains cool (16-18°C) → full wetsuit mandatory. You’re in the heart of surf and skate culture, in a 100% Californian lifestyle.
- Atmosphere: Surf culture & lifestyle
- Temperature: 18-22°C air / 16-18°C water
- Waves: regular beach breaks, mythical long straights
- Access: Flight to Los Angeles or San Diego
- Budget: €900 – €1,200
Surfing in Australia – summer when Europe is shivering
“Its world-renowned waves, a true surfer’s paradise!”
When it’s winter in Europe, it’s summer in Australia. From the Gold Coast to Byron Bay on the east coast, to the beaches of Perth in the west, there are countless spots to suit all levels.
December to February is the best period: warm water (22-25°C), air at 28-32°C, and an incredible surfing lifestyle. Between sessions, you can enjoy endless beaches, tropical rainforests or the Australian bush.
- Atmosphere: Surf lifestyle & grandiose
- Temperature: 28-32°C air / 22-25°C water
- Waves: Various, all levels
- Access: Fly to Sydney, Brisbane or Perth
- Budget: €1,000 – €1,500
Comparison chart – Winter surfing destinations
| Destination | Air/water temperature | Waves | Budget | Atmosphere |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 20-25°C / 17-19°C | Long straights, beach breaks | 400 – 600 € | Authentic & friendly |
| Lanzarote | 22-24°C / 20°C | Beach breaks + reefs | 450 – 700 € | Nature & volcanic |
| Sri Lanka | 28-30°C / 27-28°C | Regular sweet berries | 350 – 550 € | Tropical & friendly |
| California | 18-22°C / 16-18°C | Beach breaks + mythical straights | 900 – 1200 € | Surf culture & lifestyle |
| Australia | 28-32°C / 22-25°C | Varied, all levels | 1000 – 1500 € | Lifestyle & grandiose surfing |
Why surf in winter?
- Escape the European cold: accessible or exotic sun destinations.
- Regular waves: winter is the peak surfing season in the southern hemisphere.
- Guaranteed progress: hot water, less combi = more energy for learning.
- Exotic atmosphere: surf camps, local culture, international encounters.
Tips for your winter surf trip
- Adapt your budget: Morocco and Sri Lanka = affordable options, California and Australia = more expensive surf trips.
- Get the right suit: shorty/suit in the tropics, 3/2 in the Canaries, full suit in California.
- Choose according to your level: protected bays (Sri Lanka, Morocco) if you’re just starting out, more substantial spots (Australia, California) if you want to progress.
- Combine surf + travel: Moroccan medinas, volcanic landscapes in the Canaries, Sri Lanka temples, Californian culture, Australian nature.
Winter is not a fatality for surfers: on the contrary, it’s the perfect time to travel and progress. From Morocco to Australia, via Lanzarote and Sri Lanka, you’re bound to find a destination that combines sunshine, accessible waves and a unique atmosphere.
So rather than shivering under your plaid, why not turn your winter into a memorable surf trip?