October is a great month to go on a surf trip even if it is often considered as part of the “shoulder surfing season”. Nonetheless, during the month of October, surfers can still enjoy the end of the summers swells or catch some early ones in the northern hemisphere.
On the flip side, the month of October means the end of the high surfing season in most of the southern hemisphere where you can still catch some late swells.
Here are 10 of the best surfing destinations to go on a surf trip during the month of October.
To find which surfing destination is best for you, use our free WaveFinder search engine!
1. Philippines
Surfing Conditions for October in the Philippines:
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 5ft
Swell consistency: 90%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 29°C 84°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Read our complete surfing guide to Siargao Island, Philippines!
In October, the Philippines are coming out of their summer season flat spell and waves start rushing in once again. The island of Siargao becomes a pretty epic place for a surf trip being one of the surfing world’s best kept secret. While waves pick up in October, so do the winds which can make conditions a bit inconsistent, but on good days, there is some epic surf in the Philippines in October.
2. Spain
Surfing Conditions for October in Spain:
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 6 feet
Swell consistency: 75%
Water temperature: 20°C 68°F
Air temperature: 18°C 64°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Read our complete surfing guide to San Sebastian, Spain
In October, the surf in Spain is gaining some traction as the Atlantic turns back into life. Weather remains pleasant and waves are way more consistent than during the summer months. During the month of October, crowds are also much smaller in the water. It becomes a great time to try to surf Mundaka, one of the world’s longest waves.
3. Portugal
Surfing Conditions for October in Portugal:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 70%
Water temperature: 20°C 68°F
Air temperature: 21°C 70°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Read our complete surfing guide to Ericeira, Portugal
Portugal also benefits from the Atlantic Ocean’s awakening in October and some great surf can be found on the whole coast from Ericeira to Algarve. Just like in Spain, weather remains very enjoyable in Portugal for the whole month of October while offering very consistent surfing conditions!
Find a Surf Camp in Portugal, starting at US$152
4. Indonesia
Surfing Conditions for October in Indonesia:
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 6 feet
Swell consistency: 100%
Water temperature: 29°C 84°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded, depending on which island
October is towards the end of peak surfing season in Indonesia but there are still some incredible waves across every Indonesian Island. In October, crowds also tend to start fading which can lead to better sessions, especially on busier islands like Bali and Java.
Some quieter islands like Lombok, Sumba and Sumbawa can be a great option for a surf trip in Indonesia as they still have the same great waves without carrying the same crowds as Bali.
Read our surfing guide to Sumbawa, Indonesia
Book a surf camp in Indonesia, starts at $262
5. Peru
Surfing Conditions for October in Peru:
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 90%
Water temperature: 18°C 64°F
Air temperature: 18°C 64°F
Crowd: Reasonable
The month of October is a great time to visit Peru on a surf trip and enjoy the last bits of the winter season down there. With a bit of luck you might be able to enjoy Chicama, the longest wave in the world!
6. Sri Lanka
Surfing Conditions for October in Sri Lanka:
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 90%
Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Sri Lanka is a great surfing destination throughout the year, but the month of October is still right in the Indian Ocean swell window which provides great surf in the whole country. Arugam Bay, a small surf town on Sri Lanka’s east coast is also still pumping in October which would be a great time to go on a surf trip!
Read our complete surfing guide to Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
7. Canada
Surfing Conditions for October in Canada:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 6 feet
Swell consistency: 90%
Water temperature: 14°C 57°F
Air temperature: 15°C 59°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Whether you are on the west coast, near Tofino, or all the way east in Lawrencetown, October is one of the best time of the year to surf in Canada. Waves are picking up in size and consistency while weather is not too cold yet, making it a great setup to catch a few waves before winter hits!
8. France
Surfing Conditions for October in France:
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 5 feet
Swell consistency: 90%
Water temperature: 21°C 72°F
Air temperature: 18°C 65°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
The whole Atlantic coast of France is simply firing in October while Hossegor and Biarritz turn into some of the best beach breaks in the world. With swells picking up in consistency, it is one of the best time of the year to visit France on a surf trip!
9. Canary Islands
Surfing Conditions for October in the Canary Islands:
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 6 feet
Swell consistency: 70%
Water temperature: 23°C 73°F
Air temperature: 23°C 73°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
The Canary Islands are also entering their surfing season in October and waves are getting better on the Island’s north side. This volcanic archipelago is known as one of the best surfing destination in Europe for its surf consistency, versatile surfing opportunities and pleasant weather.
Read our surfing guide to the Canary Islands
10. Morocco
Surfing Conditions for October in Morocco:
Suitable skill level: Any
Average wave size: 6 feet
Swell consistency: 80%
Water temperature: 19°C 66°F
Air temperature: 23°C 73°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Last but not least, Morocco is an epic surfing destination in October, being strategically positioned by the Atlantic to benefit from the early winter swells. Morocco is known for its epic right-hand point breaks which can be found throughout the whole coastline.
Read our complete surfing guide to Taghazout, Morocco