For surfers, fall is the best time to catch some waves. The mornings are cool and refreshing, the winds are perfect for surfing, and the water is a bit cooler, making great waves. On top of that, with fewer tourists around you'll have more space to enjoy the ocean.
If you're considering a surf trip this fall, we have some great ideas for you. We've compiled a list of the best surf places that you should check out this fall 2024.
Northern Spain
Looking for epic waves and warm weather? Northern Spain in the fall is the perfect destination. You'll find lots of waves, including some of the best in the world at Mundaka Beach. The weather is still warm, so you can enjoy your surfing even more.
Even though Spain's beaches are busy with tourists, you can often have the waves to yourself early in the week. There are fewer people around on weekdays. Besides Mundaka, other great beaches to surf in Northern Spain include Playa de los Caballos, Isla de Santa Marina, Menakoz, Bakio, Roca Puta, and Playa de la Zurriola.
California
California is a surfer's dream in the fall! The weather is still warm but the water is a bit cooler. You'll find perfect morning waves and calm evenings, with swells rolling in from all directions.
This is the time to catch the waves you missed in the summer. With school back in session and summer crowds gone, you'll have more room to ride. The waves are still breaking nicely, and the beach breaks and point breaks are in great shape.
Some of the best spots in California to surf this fall include Leo Carrillo, Malibu, Zuma Beach, and Topanga. These beaches offer amazing waves all season long, without the usual summer crowds. In fact, many surfers think fall is the best time to surf in California!
Baja California
It's a part of Mexico, just south of California. Baja California is a popular tourist destination, especially in the summer, but it gets less crowded in the fall. That's a great time to visit because the weather is nice, the winds are good for surfing, and there are waves from both the south and the north.
Some of the best places to surf in Baja California include Baja Malibu, San Miguel, and Isla Natividad.
Portugal
Portugal has something for every surfer, but during the winter, more experienced surfers head to Coxos, a world-class wave about 50 km north of Lisbon. Coxos is a powerful right-hand wave that can be very challenging, so it's important to respect the locals and watch before paddling out.
Peniche is another great surf spot in Portugal. The waves are a bit mellower than in Ericeira, but you'll find great reef breaks, beach breaks, and point breaks. Peniche also has some awesome coffee shops and cool places to stay.
If you're looking for something more adventurous, check out the Azores Islands. These islands are located about 972 miles west of Lisbon and offer stunning scenery and uncrowded waves.
Canada
You might not think of Canada as a surfing destination, but there are some great places to catch waves. Most surfers in Canada head to lakes and rivers, but there are also good spots along the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Some popular surfing spots in Canada include Toronto, Lawrencetown Beach, Ingonish Beach, Kincardine, and Lake Superior. In the fall, Nootka Island is a great place to surf, but it's not for beginners because the waves are really big.
Scotland
The best time to surf in Scotland is during September, October, and November. The water is warmer then, and the weather is more pleasant. When the winds are calm, you'll find consistent waves.
If you're thinking about surfing in Scotland, check out these beaches: Europie, Sandwood Bay, Torrisdale, Melvich, Sandside Bay, Brims Ness, Pease Bay, Thurso East, and Gills Bay.
Southwest France
Southwest France is a great place to surf in the fall, especially in September.
September is a great time because fewer people are around and the weather patterns create consistent swells along the coast.
The waves here are amazing. From powerful beach breaks to rock shelf peaks and perfect river mouths, there's something for every surfer.
And if you need a break from the surf, Southwest France offers a lot to see and do. Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery, explore charming towns, and indulge in delicious local food and wine.
Philippines
The Philippines is known for its beautiful islands, and Siargao is a real gem for surfers. This island has something for everyone, but it's most famous for Cloud 9, a wild and powerful wave.
Cloud 9 is a real challenge, but if you're up for it, the best time to visit is from July to December, with the biggest and best waves happening from September to November. If you want to try Cloud 9 or its neighbor, Tuason's Point, be ready for some serious barrels!
But don't worry if you're not a pro. Siargao has lots of other surf breaks to choose from along its 27 km coastline, so you can find waves that are perfect for your skill level.
Sri Lanka
The waves on the west and south coasts are super fun, and mellow but consistent, especially between Hikkaduwa and Hiriketiya. So they're good for all levels of surfers.
Kabalana and Hikkaduwa are two of the best spots, with some of the biggest waves you'll find along the Galle/Matara Road.
Sri Lanka has waves all year round, with two main surf seasons: November to April on the southwest coast and May to September in Arugam Bay. It can get pretty crowded these days, but there's a secret, If you visit in November, you can find some great, uncrowded waves in the south. It's the favorite time of year for most surfers! The season is changing, the winds are shifting, and the crowds haven't arrived yet.
Morocco
Our guide wouldn't be complete without mentioning Morocco, a country known for its incredible waves. The Taghazout area is a popular spot for surfers from all over Europe who love warm water, the Moroccan hospitality culture, and great waves.
Morocco has something for every surfer, from the challenging waves of Anchor Point to the more mellow waves of Devil's Rock and La Source. You can find plenty of places to stay around Agadir and Taghazout, including surf camps, apartments, or even your own private villa.