During the month of March, many surfing destinations are coming to the end of their winter surfing season.
If you’re a keen surfer and are looking for the perfect surfing destination for March, then look no further.
In this article, I explore the 10 best places to surf in March, so next time you’re planning a trip away you have a better idea of where to go for the best waves!
Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Fuerteventura, Canary Islands
With mild weather all year round, Fuerteventura is home to some of the best waves out of all of the Canary Islands and is a great surfing destination in March. The majority of the best waves are found on the north track of the island.
For the more experienced surfer, The Bubble is a right-hand break that offers powerful barrels over a very sharp rock reef.
Alternatively, you can try Hierro, which is a left-hand break over deep water, making it safer than a few neighboring reef breaks and is one of the best waves on the island.
However, if you prefer a more relaxed surf, visit the north-east surf spot of Flag Beach. It’s a great place to learn to surf, as it can hold mellow waves through to stronger swells.
Overview
Skill level: Beginner – Intermediate.
Approximate water temperature: 18.4°C.
Equipment that you’ll need: Wetsuit.
2. Dakar, Senegal
Senegal has been a popular warm-weather holiday for years, and it gets its fair share of surf in March, too!
With consistent swells, a tropical climate, and a relaxed atmosphere, Dakar is the perfect surf destination. Whether you’re just starting to surf or are more experienced, Dakar serves up waves for all abilities.
On the northern side of Dakar, the beaches of Yoff and Virage are best for beginners. Additionally, at this time of year, N’gor Island is another popular surf spot in Dakar and is still producing big waves from the north swells!
Overview
Skill level: Beginner – Advanced.
Approximate water temperature: 20°C.
Equipment that you’ll need: Wetsuit.
3. Taghazout, Morocco
Taghazout is found in the south of Morroco. While the month of March tends to be quiet in terms of how many tourists visit, the surf is still thriving at this time of year.
There is a swell throughout the year making it possible to surf for beginner surfers all year round. Home to some of the best right-handed waves, Taghazout is ideal for beginner and advanced surfers alike.
Banana Beach provides those new to the sport with the perfect opportunity to learn and improve their surfing. To the north of Taghazout, you will find many surf spots such as Anchor Point and La Source which are great intermediate spots.
When the waves are too big, they’re also great locations to watch advanced surfers make the immense ride look effortless.
Overview
Skill level: Beginner – Advanced.
Approximate water temperature: 19°C.
Equipment that you’ll need: Wetsuit.
4. Lisbon, Portugal
Portugal is home to some of the biggest waves in the world, so it’s easy to see why Lisbon is such a popular surf destination for trips in March!
Carcavelos produces some of the most consistent waves throughout the year. One of the best things about Carcavelos is that it is suitable for all skill levels, as there are a lot of peaks.
Additionally, Bafureira is best at mid-tide, as it can produce both lefts and rights in the correct conditions.
The month with the coldest seawater temperature in Lisbon is March, with an average temperature of 15.1°C. Bearing this in mind, you’ll need to pack your wetsuit for this surfing destination!
Overview
Skill level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Approximate water temperature: 15.1°C.
Equipment that you’ll need: Wetsuit.
5. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Santa Teresa is a small beach village that draws in a lot of surfers every year. Bringing in the Pacific waters, waves in Santa Teresa can range from moderate to strong.
The surfing conditions in Santa Teresa are of high quality all year round.
Despite its small size, Santa Teresa has been hailed as a world-class surfing spot in Costa Rica – with white sandy beaches and swells that consistently impress surfers.
With an average water temperature of 29°C, you won’t need to worry about any other equipment than your board shorts or bathing suit for this surfing destination!
Overview
Skill level: Intermediate surfers.
Approximate water temperature: 29°C.
Equipment that you’ll need: Board shorts or a bathing suit.
6. Byron Bay, Australia
During the month of March, the whole east coast of Australia, including the surf town of Byron Bay begins to get hit by cyclone swells. Bearing this in mind, waves become more consistent while the weather is still relatively hot and the water is warm.
Despite the fact that summer is ending, at this time, the water temperature is still at 23°C so you won’t need a wetsuit.
Additionally, the hoards of tourists have started to leave the area as the summer season draws to a close.
That being said, it is important to note that the biggest, and most intimidating hazard in the Byron Bay zone is both Great White and Tiger sharks.
Beach closures are not uncommon, and big cyclones can also create hazardous currents for swimmers and surfers, so be mindful of when and where you’re paddling out.
Overview
Skill level: Beginner – Advanced.
Approximate water temperature: 23°C.
Equipment that you’ll need: Board shorts or a bathing suit.
7. Cabarete, Domnician Republic
In March, the waves in Cabarete, Dominican Republic, are worth a notable mention.
With frequent storms passing by in the north Atlantic, this tropical surfing destination receives its share of great waves. Cabarete is the surf spot capital and is centrally located for easy access to all of the local surf spots.
While Encuentro is a perfect beach for surfers of all levels, Playa Encuentro, which is the main surf spot of the North coast is only a 5-minute drive west of Cabarete and is great for beginners and advanced surfers alike.
Overview
Skill level: Beginner – Advanced.
Approximate water temperature: 28°C.
Equipment that you’ll need: Board shorts or a bathing suit.
8. Big Island, Hawaii
During the month of March, Hawaii still receives its fair share of northerly swells, coming from the north Pacific storms that pass above the Hawaiian Islands.
Most surfing off the Big Island is for the experienced surfers only, due to rocks, coral reef, and rip currents at many of the reliable breaks.
Many surf spots near Kona in March are still producing surfing conditions that are comparable to what you’d experience on Oahu and Maui, but with only a fraction of the number of tourists crowding the beaches.
As the water temperature is still 25°C, you won’t need a wetsuit to surf in Hawaii at this time of year.
That being said, you might want to pack a pair of wetsuit booties to ensure that you don’t scratch your feet on the coral reefs and rocks.
Overview
Skill level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Approximate water temperature: 25°C.
Equipment that you’ll need: Board shorts or a bathing suit and booties.
9. Ericeira, Portugal
Portugal is renowned for being one of the best surfing destinations in Europe.
In March, Ericeira is still getting fully hit by those winter swells and waves, offering surfers of all skill levels options to surf!
Foz do Lizandro is great for beginner surfers as it’s got a variety of peaks and breaks over a sand bottom.
On the other hand, Ribeira D’Ilhas dishes out long right-hand point break walls for advanced surfers that not only offer up barrels but also big shoulders to practice your turns.
That being said, as the water temperature is only 15°C at this time of year, surfing in March isn’t for the faint of heart.
Make sure you pack your wetsuit and booties to ensure that your surf sessions aren’t cut short by the cold temperatures!
Overview
Skill level: Intermediate – Advanced.
Approximate water temperature: 15°C.
Equipment that you’ll need: Wetsuit and booties.
10. Ayampe, Ecuador
Ayampe is an Ecuadorian coastal town that is renowned for its surfable waves all year round, making it the perfect destination to visit in March!
In March, the weather and surfing conditions are perfect and crowds are usually not that big of an issue. Beginners and advanced surfers can both enjoy the beautiful surf at this time of the year.
Ayampe is a beach break with at least 3 different peaks to surf. The great thing about Ayampe is that it has waves that are suitable for every level of surfer.
That being said, there are 3 other beach breaks to surf that are within 30 minutes north or south of Ayampe.
Due to the fact the water temperature is still 24°C, you won’t need to pack a wetsuit for this destination. Just make sure that you’re staying hydrated and reapplying sunscreen!
Overview
Skill level: Beginner – Advanced.
Approximate water temperature: 24°C.
Equipment that you’ll need: Board shorts or a bathing suit.
