Surfing in February might be the last thing on your mind where you live. Even though it’s towards the end of the winter period for some areas in the northern hemisphere, other areas of the globe are able to take full advantage of warmer weather.
This is of course also accompanied with the best surfing conditions!
So pack your bags, grab your surfboard, wax, and wetsuit, and get ready to ride the waves in a warmer climate!
Below are just a couple of the best places to surf in February around the globe. There should be something to suit everyone, regardless of your skill level.
1. Canary Islands, Spain
Best for: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
The Canary Islands are the ideal place to escape from the colder weather. These stunning islands located in the North Atlantic ocean usually get consistent northern swells, which makes them a great choice for surfers of all levels.
Surfers should bear in mind that the Canary Islands are usually exposed to some pretty solid winds.
But if you choose the equipment you bring with you on your surfing trip and your potential surfing spot wisely, you should be rewarded with some impressively powerful waves.
Beginner surfers should be able to find some decent waves on beaches like Las Americas. In fact, out of all the Canary Islands, Tenerife boasts quite a few impressive spots for surfing. You can also try La Izquierda or Billboards.
2. Barbados
Best for: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
February is the perfect time to go surfing in Barbados. This is because the surf is as consistent as it’s likely to be throughout the whole year.
That being said, Barbados doesn’t tend to suffer the ravages of winter weather.You’ll be greeted by beautiful sunshine, warm water, and the possibility of endless surfing time during your stay in Barbados.
Barbados is surrounded by a variety of great surfing spots. However, most of the swell tends to be on the south or east side of the island.
So more advanced surfers can try out famous surfing spots such as Soup Bowl. For beginners, we’d suggest taking a look at places like Freight Bay, which will give you the perfect place to get started.
3. Puerto Rico
Best for: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
Puerto Rico is starting to build a reputation for itself as one of the best places to come and surf in America. For a while it was overshadowed by the wonder of Hawaii, but Puerto Rico is quite rightly beginning to get the surfing attention it deserves.
The main surf town of Puerto Rico is located on the west coast of the island. This is surrounded by fantastic surfing spots for more experienced surfers.
More experienced surfers should visit Domes, María’s Tres Palmas, and Sandy Beach. For beginners, we’d suggest heading to Playa Aviones, which is closer to the capital city, San Juan. Aguada also has a few excellent surf spots for beginners which are mainly beach breaks.
4. Nicaragua
Best for: Beginner, intermediate
Nicaragua has more than 300 days of offshore winds each year, which makes it one of the most consistent surfing destinations around the globe.
However, it’s worth bearing in mind that the best waves tend not to be found in winter, so it’s not the ideal place for advanced surfers to visit in February.
It is, however, the perfect time for beginners and intermediate surfers to visit the island. Beginner and experienced surfers can enjoy 3 to 4 foot barrels without having to worry about getting thrown onto a sharp reef.
Popoyo is a great place to go surfing for a relaxed vibe. Or if you’re looking for a party town, then San Juan Del Sur is the place to be. Amarilla, Miramar, and Chinandega are also great places for beginners to surf.
For more experienced surfers, Maderas is the perfect surfing spot. The Boom is an equally suitable place to head if you’re on the more experienced side and want to refine your barrel riding technique.
5. Sumbawa, Indonesia
Best for: Intermediate, advanced
While the usual Indonesian season is from April to October, the winds are actually much lighter from November to March. A great thing about Sumbawa is that the swells are pretty consistent throughout the year, too.
This makes it the perfect place for your surfing holiday!
Sumbawa is more remote than other Indonesian islands such as Bali and Lombok. This means that you won’t have to share the surf with massive crowds.
Sumbawa is the perfect place for more experienced surfers to head, as the majority of the waves are powerful reef breaks. The east and west coast are the two main surfing areas in Sumbawa.
Lakey Peak on the east coast offers one of the best a-frames in the world.
6. Hawaii
Best for: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
Hawaii is one of the best surfing destinations to head to in February. This is because the waves stay consistent, and it’s got a great range of waves to suit surfers of every level. All in a warm and thoroughly enjoyable climate!
Experienced surfers should head to the north shore of the islands for some impressively powerful waves. Advanced surfers should head to either Oahu or Maui.
Beginners are better suited to the southern swells which are ideal for learning the sport. Kauai is the best island for beginners, however, there are also great surfing conditions to suit surfers of every level.
The Hawaii islands have something for everyone, regardless of your skill level.
7. Portugal
Best for: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
Portugal is one of the best places to head during the winter months for great surfing conditions. It is lucky to have sunshine throughout the whole year, and is blessed with an amazing coastline.
During the winter months, you’ll get consistent, big north westerly swells that create waves to suit all skill levels.
Beginners will find wonderfully sheltered beaches in Algarve. More advanced surfers can head to Ericeira or Peniche for more exposed surf spots.
You can also find some of the largest waves in Nazaré. The three most famous surfing spots around Portugal are the Lisbon coast, and of course Ericeira, and Peniche.
8. Bocas del Toro, Panama
Best for: Intermediate, advanced
This tropical archipelago is located off the Panamanian east coast. During the months at the start of the year, Bocas del Toro gets some of the largest, most consistent waves in Central America.
There are a few beach breaks, but the majority of waves tend to be hollow and will break over sharp reefs, so Bocas del Toro is better suited for more experienced surfers.
These islands are also packed full of plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy when you’re not surfing.
Great for helping you make the most of your holiday if you want to enjoy everything that Bocas del Toro has to offer!
9. Gold Coast, Australia
Best for: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
The Gold Coast is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Australia. This popular coastline has breaks to suit surfers of every level, so you can make the most of everything the Australian waters have to offer.
Some of the more popular destinations for experienced surfers are Superbank and Corona Open Gold Coast, both destinations being blessed with some of Australia’s most famous breaks.
Currumbin and Surfers Paradise are the best places for beginners, offering gentler waves so you can improve your skill level.
10. Florida, America
Best for: Beginner, intermediate, advanced
Florida might not be the first place you think of when it comes to surfing, but there are plenty of places to hit the waves for beginners and experienced surfers alike. There is an impressive range of surf spots for experienced surfers to take advantage of.
Advanced surfers should pay a visit to Northwest Florida, St Andrews State Park Jetty, and Panama City Beach and Pier are but a few of the places to catch some impressive, powerful waves.
There are plenty of places for beginners, too. Cocoa Beach is a great place to get started if you’re serious about surfing. There’s a great range of waves to help you build your confidence, and it’s a very friendly environment for beginners.
Some of the more advanced spots are likely to be flooded with more experienced surfers who have little patience for beginners. Daytona Beach is another great option for beginners who are getting to grips with surfing.
In summary
So there you have it! You now know the 10 best places to surf in February. So why not pay one of these gorgeous surfing spots a visit to take advantage of the very best waves they have to offer?
There’s plenty of range when it comes to skill level, so you shouldn’t be put off a certain destination just because you’re not sure where to head.
We’ve highlighted some of the great spots in each location to suit the majority of skill levels, so you’re sure to find something ideal for you.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the best waves that February has to offer around the world!
