December is the month where winter swells really start to settle in the northern hemisphere while sunshine and mellow waves arrive down south.
Whether you are looking for a high-level surfing destination or a balanced, beginner-friendly spot, there is certainly somewhere good for you to surf in December.
Here are some of the best countries to visit on a surf trip in December in order to catch the perfect wave.
Fore more ideas and to find the perfect surfing destination for you, try our WaveFinder search engine!
1. Oahu, Hawaii
Surfing conditions for December in Oahu, Hawaii:
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: From 2 to 20+ feet depending on which side of the island
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 25°C 77°F
Air temperature: 26°C 79°F
Crowd: Heavy
Winter in Hawaii brings those massive and consistent north swells which provide epic surfing conditions. In December, the World Surf League is presenting the Pipe Masters, the most prestigious surfing contest on the planet.
On the North Shore, waves are consistently big and powerful which will be great for advanced surfers or for fans to watch to pros. Meanwhile, on the south side, waves are gentle and soft, great for beginners getting into the sport.
Read our Surfing Guide to Oahu, Hawaii
2. Morocco
Surfing conditions for December in Morocco:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and Advanced
Average wave size: 4 to 8 feet
Swell consistency: 90%
Water temperature: 18°C 64°F
Air temperature: 17°C 63°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Read our Surfing Guide to Taghazout, Morroco
In December, Morocco is starting to get hit by consistent and decent size swells from the Atlantic. Most point breaks turn into wave machines and offer epic conditions for surfers with a good background of experience.
Morocco is known as the right-hand point break capital of the world with amazing spots like Imsouane and Anchor Point.
Find a surf camp in Morocco, starting at US$149
3. Southern California
Surfing conditions for December in Southern California:
Suitable skill level: intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 4 feet
Swell consistency: 60%
Water temperature: 16°C 61°F
Air temperature: 16°C 61°F
Crowd: Reasonable
With its impressive coastline and insane amount of surf spots, people usually see California as more of a summer destination. However, visiting southern California in winter is even more rewarding for surfing fanatics.
In winter, the North Pacific will push some good size swells pretty consistently, feeding the whole coast with good surfing conditions. There will also be less people in the water at this time of the year due to colder weather and bigger conditions.
Read our surfing guide to Southern California
4. South Sri Lanka
Surfing conditions for December in Sri Lanka:
Suitable skill level: beginner, intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 4ft
Swell consistency: 60%
Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
Air temperature: 27°C 81°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Read our surfing guide to South Sri Lanka
While Sri Lanka’s east coast, notably Arugam Bay, is going through some flat spells and severe onshore winds, the coutry’s south side is a very nice place to surf in December.
From Hikkaduwa to Mirissa, a high amount of surf spots are to be found, whether you are looking for beach or reef breaks. Typically, waves will not be too big at this time of the year, making it suitable for surfers of any skill levels.
The weather is also quite enjoyable in December in Sri Lanka as the country is coming into its dry season.
Find a surf camp in Sri Lanka, starting at US$175
5. Costa Rica
Surfing conditions for December in Costa Rica:
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 4ft
Swell consistency: 60%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 27°C 81°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Costa Rica is now very well established in the surfing world as one of the best places to go on a surf trip. With year round tropical weather and almost no flat days, Costa Rica is a very sure bet when it comes to planning a surfing getaway.
December is also a very convenient time to surf Costa Rica as waves are usually not very big, yet still pretty consistent which is perfect for beginners and learners.
Book a surf camp in Costa Rica, starting at US$371
6. Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
Surfing conditions for December in Micronesia:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 7ft
Swell consistency: 90%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Few people
December is when things start to heat up in Pohnpei with consistent swells hitting the island. With most breaks being outside reeds, it is recommended to have a certain level of experience to really enjoy the waves at this time of the year.
The quality of the different surf spots is world-class, with a certain wave called P-Pass, which is one of the planet’s best wave.
Read our surfing guide to Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia
7. Portugal
Surfing conditions for December in Portugal:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 8ft
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 15°C 59°F
Air temperature: 11°C 52°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
In December, Portugal’s surf is firing with the Atlantic Ocean sending multiple high-quality swells on the whole coastline. During this time of the year, it is advised for beginners to stay away from the exposed beaches and stick to sheltered surf spots such as Lagos and Faro.
Find a surf camp in Portugal, starting at US$159
8. Puerto Rico
Surfing conditions for December in Puerto Rico:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 6ft
Swell consistency: 70%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Read our complete surfing guide to Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico, in the heart of the Carribean Sea is a great place to go on a surf trip in December as the whole north side of the island is usually pumping all winter long. Weather is also perfect down in Puerto Rico in December with most of the hurricane season behind us and warm temperatures still present.
9. France
Surfing conditions for December in France:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 8ft
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 15°C 60°F
Air temperature: 11°C 50°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Just like Portugal, France is also getting its fair share of winter swells from the Atlantic during the month of December. With world-class surf towns like Biarritz and Hossegor, France should still be on top of everyone’s list when it comes to potential surfing destinations.
10. Philippines
Surfing conditions for December in the Philippines:
Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 6ft
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Few people
Read our complete surfing guide to Siargao Island, Philippines
Siargao Island, in the Philippines is an absolute tropical surfing paradise. In December, swells are at their best and surf spots like Cloud 9 and Rock Island show their true colors, being some of the world’s best waves. The Philippines is a great and cheap place to go on a surfing holiday!
Find a surf camp in Siargao Island, starting at US$958
