If you’re planning a surf trip for September, you’re in luck: September is one of the best months you can choose, mainly because it falls just outside of the tourist season for most places, meaning cheaper costs and less crowded beaches, and the weather is still pretty good, so your surfing opportunities definitely won’t be hindered.
1. Taghazout, Morocco
Renowned as not only one of the best places to surf in Morocco, but in the world, Taghazout is a coastal village which offers year-round sunshine and an array of point breaks, beach breaks and reef breaks which vary in terms of difficulty.
The best swell in Taghazout can be found in late September until the end of April, so if you’re visiting in fall, you’re in luck.
Experienced surfers should check out Anchor Point, Killer Point, and Boilers, which are all right-hand point breaks. For intermediate surfers, Hash Point, K11, and La Source break both left and right and are good choices.
Beginners should head for spots such as Banana Point, which is also a right-hand break.
Morocco is very affordable, and Taghazout has good public transport links to nearby Agadir. There’s also a whole host of surf schools to choose from, so it’s a great place to learn to surf.
2. Lagundri Bay, Indonesia
Lagundri Bay is a surf destination ideal for advanced surfers, though there are a couple of milder spots. Shaped like a horseshoe, Lagundri Bay, or Sorake Bay, is situated at the southern end of the island of Nias, off the coast of Sumatra in Indonesia.
This popular surf spot is famous for its breaks, particularly “Nias,” a barrelling right-hander which breaks over a reef along the western side of the bay. The spot is on a reef bottom, but it is pretty well-covered so the risk of injury and scrapes is low.
Further along the bay is a break called Indicators, which breaks dangerously onto dry reef and is only occasionally surfed by advanced surfers, there’s also Afulu, which, like Indicators, is best reserved for experienced surfers.
On the opposite side of the bay, you’ll find a left-hander called The Machine, but this requires very high tide and large swells in order to break. “Kiddies Corner” is the name of the inside section of the wave at a spot called “the Point”, and this offers smaller waves for beginners but is still a lot of fun.
3. The Maldives (North and South Male Atolls)
A collection of 26 atolls which are made up of over 1,000 coral islands, the Maldives is heaven on earth, with crystal clear turquoise water and white sandy beaches.
The North Male atolls offer protection from the area’s variable wind conditions and provide an even spread of left and right-handers. With breaks for advanced and intermediate surfers alike – such as Ninjas, Quarter, Lohis, and the ‘wave-machine’ of Pasta Point – the Northern Atolls offer something for everyone.
South Male is less established than its northern neighbor, so you’ll find fewer crowds here. Waves are consistent, but they’re also smaller than North Male, making it a good choice for novices.
4. San Juan El Sur, Nicaragua
If you’re a beginner, September is a great month to visit San Juan El Sur, as you’ll find smaller swells, plus the water is warm and there are fewer tourists around.
More advanced surfers will also enjoy surfing in Nicaragua during this period, as the best time to surf here is April through September.
Just bear in mind that the second half of September is the start of the rainy season in Nicaragua, and this influences the wind direction onshore. For this reason, it’s best to visit during the first half of the month.
A short drive away from San Juan El Sur is where you’ll find the best surf spots. Playa Hermosa is a large beach with ideal conditions for beginners, while Playa Maderas is one of the most popular spots which is great for intermediate surfers.
Here you’ll find a mix of both left and right beach break swells that are consistent and typically reach head height.
5. Teahupo’o, Tahiti
Home to the Billabong Pro Tahiti surf competition, Teahupoʻo is a village on the southwestern coast of the island of Tahiti, French Polynesia, in the southern Pacific Ocean.
Teahupo’o is known for its surf break and heavy, glassy waves offshore which regularly reach 2 to 3 m (6.6 to 9.8 ft), and sometimes up to 7 meters!
The hollow shape of Teahupoo’s wave can be life-threatening, so this is a spot best reserved for the most experienced surfers. You’ll find a more gentle swell in areas such as Papara, which is ideal for intermediate surfers.
6. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is unique in that it offers great surfing conditions in every direction, pretty much all year round, and the last of the winter swell hits Cape Town in September.
From point breaks to beach breaks and giant reef breaks, Cape Town offers spots for a variety of skill levels. Spots such as Muizenberg are ideal for beginners, but also get a bigger swell which makes them fun for experienced surfers too.
Experienced surfers should also check out Noordhoek, Kommetjie, and even Scarborough. The water is around 15 degrees in Cape Town in September, so be sure to pack a wetsuit, or rent one from the many surf schools and stores in the area.
7. Hossegor, France
Hossegor boasts consistent surf all year round, making it one of the best surf spots in the world. However, coupled with the quieter beaches, September is a great time to enjoy the waves and make the most of the empty car parks and quieter beaches.
That doesn’t mean there’s nothing happening, though. In September, Hossegor hosts the WSL Quik Pro France, so there’s a great vibe.
It’s around this point when the temperatures are starting to drop, however, though some people will still be in board shorts. After the smaller summer waves, the swell really starts to pick up and offers great rides for surfers with intermediate to advanced experience.
8. Chicama, North Peru
You might be surprised to find out that despite its arid land, Chicama is an area with water temperatures of just 16 degrees Celsius, so you’ll definitely want to pack a wetsuit. Chicama offers great consistency, and the waves are best in Fall, so September is a great time to hit the waves.
Chicama is said to have some of the longest waves in the world, though you’ll also find a gentle surf here that is accessible for surfers of all abilities. The main break is El Point, which is the spot most people head to.
9. Namotu Island, Fiji
An archipelago country consisting of approximately 300 islands and 540 islets, Fiji offers many amazing surfing opportunities.
One of the most popular surf spots is Namotu Island, and around September time is when the huge waves start to subside slightly, making it a great spot for beginners and experienced surfers alike.
With fewer people around yet a warm, tropical climate still, September is the perfect time to catch some Fijian waves and enjoy the local cultures.
10. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
If you’re looking for a surf city, look no further than Rio de Janeiro, which is a perfect location for easy access to all the best surf spots, plus a whole host of surf schools.
In September, the swell does create larger waves, which attracts more surfers, but there are plenty of spots to go around, with breaks for both novice surfers and more experienced surfers.
The top surf beaches in Rio include Ipanema, Forte De Copacabana, Joatinga, Tropical and Macumbo Curvo.
