The month of January is a popular time of the year to go on a surf trip with winter hitting strong in the northern hemisphere. Luckily, many surfing destinations are absolutely firing in January allowing surfers of all skill levels to find their happy place and catch some waves.
Here are 10 of the best places to surf in January…
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1. Hawaii
Surfing conditions for January in Hawaii:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 2ft to 20+ft (Depends on which side of the island)
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 25°C 77°F
Air temperature: 25°C 77°F
Crowd: Very crowded
Read our surfing guide to Maui, Hawaii
Winters in Hawaii are well known for providing massing waves on the islands north and west sides. The month of January is when such conditions peak in consistency which allows surfers to enjoy world-class surfing conditions on a daily basis. During this time of the year, beginners will also be able to find smaller waves on the south sides or every Hawaiian Island.
Book a surf camp in Hawaii, starting at US$1,300
2. Puerto Rico
Surfing conditions for January in Puerto Rico:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 6ft
Swell consistency: 80%
Water temperature: 26°C 79°F
Air temperature: 25°C 77°F
Crowd: Very crowded
In January, Puerto Rico benefits from many decent swells coming from the Atlantic Ocean traveling down to the Caribbean Sea. The town of Rincon, on Puerto Rico’s west coast is a great place to settle and catch some of those great winter waves.
3. Barbados
Surfing conditions for January in Barbados:
Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 4-7ft
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 26°C 79°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Barbados is another great option for a surf trip in January due to its amazing swell consistency at this time of the year. Also, being an island, you will always find a beach with offshore wind and optimal surfing conditions!
4. Canary Islands
Surfing conditions for January in Canary Islands:
Suitable skill level: beginner, intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: From 2 to 8 feet depending on which side of the island
Swell consistency: 85%
Water temperature: 19°C 66°F
Air temperature: 18°C 64°F
Crowd: Reasonable
The Canary Islands are an incredible playing field with various surf spots and many islands to chose from. The 4 major islands are Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura which all provide great surfing conditions during the month of January when the Atlantic turns into life.
Book a surf camp in Canary Islands, starting at US$306
5. Morocco
Surfing conditions for January in Morocco:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 8ft
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 16°C 61°F
Air temperature: 14°C 57°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Morocco is another country that benefits from the winter Atlantic swells during the month of January. With an impressive rugged coastline, Morocco is known as the right-hand point break paradise…Taghazout is a great place to settle and catch some amazing waves whether you are a beginner or advanced surfer.
Book a surf camp in Morocco, starting at US$293
6. Portugal
Surfing conditions for January in Portugal:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 10ft
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 15°C 59°F
Air temperature: 11°C 52°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Portugal is arguably the best surfing destination in Europe and during the month of January, this couldn’t be any more accurate. The whole Atlantic coastline is simply firing and many Portuguese beaches turn into world-class surf spots. Make sure to have a look at the 6 best surf towns in Portugal.
Book a surf camp in Portugal, starting at US$152
7. Costa Rica
Surfing conditions for January in Costa Rica:
Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 4ft
Swell consistency: 50%
Water temperature: 27°C 81°F
Air temperature: 27°C 81°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
Costa Rica is one of the world’s most consistent surfing destination with rippable waves all year round. Although January is usually the “low season” in Central America, there are still some great surf for beginners and longboarders which is perfect to learn…Head out to Nosara or Santa Teresa for a quiet retreat or go to Tamarindo and Jaco for more party and action.
Book a surf camp in Costa Rica, starting at US$371
8. France
Surfing conditions for January in France:
Suitable skill level: Intermediate and advanced
Average wave size: 8ft
Swell consistency: 85%
Water temperature: 13°C 55°F
Air temperature: 9°C 47°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Being right next to the Atlantic Ocean, France also greatly benefits from winter swells during the month of January. Towns like Biarritz and Hossegor have several world-class beach breaks that truly turn to life in January making it a prime surfing destination.
Find a surf camp in France, starts at $US476
9. Senegal
Surfing conditions for January in Senegal:
Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 5ft
Swell consistency: 95%
Water temperature: 21°C 70°F
Air temperature: 22°C 72°F
Crowd: Reasonable
Senegal is not typically on top of everyone’s list when it comes to surfing destinations. However, in January, it really becomes a great place to go on a surf trip. With some great swells pushing from the Atlantic, Dakar and N’Gor Island turn into life and offer great surf with only a fraction of the crowd you will find in Europe.
10. South Sri Lanka
Surfing conditions for January in South Sri Lanka:
Suitable skill level: All surfers
Average wave size: 3ft
Swell consistency: 50%
Water temperature: 28°C 82°F
Air temperature: 28°C 82°F
Crowd: Fairly crowded
January is not the typical swell season in the Indian Ocean. However, in South Sri Lanka, you will still find some good beginner-friendly conditions with favorable winds. Sri Lanka is a also a pure tropical paradise with lots to do on flat days!
Read our surfing guide to South Sri Lanka