August is one of the most popular months of the year to go on a surf trip and finding the right surfing destination can be a bit overwhelming. Based on our WaveFinder search engine, here are the 10 destinations with the best surfing conditions ratings for the month of August.
To find the best surfing destination for YOU, try it out yourself!
Indonesia
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Indonesia
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 8 feet
Swell consistency: 100%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 29°C 84°F
Crowd: Heavy
In August, waves in Indonesia are still pumping every single day, no matter on which island you might be. Southwesterly swells are at their best and winds are optimal. At this time of the year, weather is also perfect as the dry season is well underway and you are almost certain to be able to surf from dusk to dawn, every day.
To find which Indonesian island suits you best, read our surfing guide to Bali, Lombok, Sumbawa and Mentawais.
Maldives
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Maldives
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 7 feet
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
The Maldives are amongst the most spectacular surfing destinations in the world and the month of August is a very good time to witness it. As the Indian Ocean pushes consistent swells towards the archipelago, many reef breaks light up and become world-class surf spots.
Read our complete surfing guide to the Maldives
Costa Rica
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Costa Rica
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 90%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 29°C 84°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
August is still peak surfing season in Costa Rica as the country receives amazing waves on a daily basis. At this time of the year, the best place to surf is the Pacific side of Costa Rica which offers way more consistent surfing conditions than the Caribbean side. August is also a great time to surf Pavones, the country’s longest wave…
Nicaragua
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Nicaragua
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 85%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 29°C 84°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Nicaragua is already known as one of the world’s most consistent surfing destinations due to its 320+ days of offshore winds. However, the month of August also happens to be during the peak swell season in Central America. Therefore, on a surf trip in Nicaragua during the month of August will most likely allow you to surf 5-star surf every single day…
Read our complete surfing guide to Popoyo and San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
Mexico
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Mexico
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
Air temperature: 27°C 80°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Mexico also benefits from the South Pacific’s activity during the month of August and some surf towns like Puerto Escondido and Sayulita truly become like paradise. Weather is also very enjoyable in Mexico at this time of the year, so leave your wet suits behind and enjoy some warm, epic waves!
Tahiti
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Tahiti
Suitable skill level: Advanced
Average wave size: 10 feet
Swell consistency: 100%
Water temperature: 23°C 73°F
Air temperature: 21°C 70°F
Crowd: Reasonable
In August, Tahiti receives incredibly consistent and sizable south swells that make every reef break on Tahiti’s south side light up and offer amazing waves. It is one of the best time of the year to see or surf Teahupo’o and it usually is when the World Surf League holds their event at this same spot.
At this time of the year, waves can often reach well over 10 feet in size and some reef breaks can be very shallow. Those conditions should be suitable for experienced surfers only.
Read our complete surfing guide to Tahiti, French Polynesia
South Africa
Surfing conditions for the month of August in South Africa
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 8 feet
Swell consistency: 100%
Water temperature: 16°C 61°F
Air temperature: 13°C 55°F
Crowd: Reasonable
August is right by the end of the South African winter season which still means the country receives its share of massive swells from storms passing by Antarctica. This allows surf spots on the whole coastline to set up perfectly offering decent waves in a fairly cold and hostile environment. However, the rewards is truly worth it…
Read our surfing guide to Muizenberg and Jeffrey’s Bay, South Africa
Australia
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Australia
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 3 to 10 feet
Swell consistency: 80%
Water temperature: Depends
Air temperature: Depends
Crowd: Fairly crowded
August means winter in Australia, which is when swells are as consistent as they will get throughout the year. Therefore, whether you are on the east coast, down in Victoria, or in Western Australia, it is time to score big. Winter obviously also means colder weather and water temperatures but it is sometimes the price to pay to have better, bigger waves and less surfers in the line-up.
Fiji
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Fiji
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 6 feet
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 26°C 79°F
Air temperature: 23°C 73°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Fiji has some of the world’s best reef breaks and the month of August is a very good time to see them at their best. Cloudbreak, one of those legendary waves is a long, fast and hollow reef break that should be on every surfer’s bucket list.
Read our complete surfing guide to Fiji
Peru
Surfing conditions for the month of August in Peru
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 6 feet
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 18°C 64°F
Air temperature: 17°C 63°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Home to the world’s longest wave, Peru is sometimes a forgotten surfing destination. However, the month of August is a great time to see Chicama’s real potential turn to life. In August the whole South Pacific is very active and many storms push great waves towards the South American west coast, including Peru.