Last updated on March 10th, 2024 at 05:06 pm
If you are looking for a place to surf in February, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our list of surf destinations that offer perfect surf conditions in February.
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About Surfing in February
The world has many good surf destinations, but as you know, not all of them work at the same time. Each destination has its own characteristics and its own surf season. Therefore, when planning a surf trip, it is crucial to know not only where to go but also when to go. Choose wisely, and with some luck (luck always plays a part), you will score spectacular waves.
February is the winter’s peak on the northern side of the globe. Although it is icy in some countries, it offers excellent opportunities for a surf trip in others. So, in detail, these are our top choices for a place to surf in February:
The 10 Best Places to Surf in February
1. Playa Avellanas, Costa Rica:
This little town in North Costa Rica is one of the best surf spots in the country. With year-round swells, Avellanas offers five different breaks within walking distance of each other. The most famous one is called “Little Hawaii,” and it produces some massive right-hand barrels. The best part about Playa Avellanas is that each one of the breaks here performs well during different swell conditions. Therefore, whether it’s summer or winter, high or low tide, you will always score perfect waves in Avellanas.
As for the town itself, it is small and boring. You will not find any tourist scene here; there are just a few basic options for accommodations. However, with such amazing waves, who needs anything else?
For details about surf camps in Playa Avellanas, please click here.
2. Mirissa, Sri Lanka:
The West Coast of Sri Lanka is an excellent choice for a surf trip in February. During winter, the town of Mirissa, in the Southern part of the country, receives clean swells from the Indian Ocean. When the swell is big enough, there is a right-hand point break with incredible waves and a beautiful rainforest in the background. However, if the swell is small, you can take a short ride to the other spots just next to town. Madiha, for example, produces great waves even on the smallest days.
Mirissa is a great travel destination for non-surfers as well. Its beautiful beach, fancy restaurants, and great nightlife make it a super fun place to stay. Moreover, the prices in Sri Lanka are so low that you can live like a king with a backpacker budget.
For details about surf camps in Mirissa, please click here.
3. Tenerife, Canary Islands:
The Canary Islands are an incredible destination for surfing in February. This volcanic landscape receives powerful north swells during winter, and therefore, the waves are phenomenal. Tenerife is the biggest and most touristy of the Islands, and it offers a vibrant surf scene. Most of the waves on the Island break over a sharp reef and are suitable for advanced surfers. However, if you are a newbie, no worries; several beaches are beginner-friendly, with a soft break over a sandy bottom.
Besides surfing, Tenerife has everything a tourist would want. It has various hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops. Therefore, there is always something fun to do inside and outside the water.
For details about surf camps in Tenerife, please click here.
4. Taghazout, Morocco:
Morocco is situated on the West Coast of Africa. It is exposed to the north swells from the Atlantic Ocean and became famous among surfers as “the land of right-hand point breaks”. The town of Taghazout, close to the International Airport of Agadir, is the Moroccan surf capital. In the Taghazout area you will find several point breaks, all perfect, all beautiful, and all break to the right side. This is where you can ride long waves with barreling sections and with not many people in the lineup. Although the water is cold and requires a wetsuit, Morocco is one of the most amazing places to surf in February.
For details about surf camps in Taghazout, please click here.
5. Oahu, Hawaii:
The Island of Oahu is the birthplace of modern surfing. A lot has been said and written about this Hawaiian “surf Mecca”, as this is probably the best a surfer can get. The North Shore of Oahu comes to life every winter and produces epic barrels over the sharp reefs. Pipeline is the most famous surf spot on the Island, but there are many other great ones. Needless to say, Oahu’s North Shore during winter is suitable for advanced surfers only. Pro surfers hang out in the lineup, and not everyone can handle the competition and the power of the waves. However, like in all the Hawaiian Islands, there are also many beginner-friendly beaches.
For details about surf camps in Oahu, please click here.
6. Puerto Viejo and the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica:
Most of Costa Rica’s surf beaches are centered on the Pacific side of the country. However, every year, between December and March, the Caribbean Coast comes to life and offers spectacular surf conditions. When that happens, the town of Puerto Viejo comes to life and receives massive swells that attract surfers from all over the world. The main break, Salsa Brava, is very challenging and suitable for advanced surfers. However, you can find a softer break within a short distance from there.
For details about surf camps in Costa Rica, please click here.
7. Weligama, Sri Lanka:
Weligama is a small village in South Sri Lanka. It became famous for its beginner-friendly waves breaking softly over a sandy bottom. This wave pattern makes Weligama Bay an ideal place for beginners who want to learn surfing. Therefore, it is no wonder why some of the best surf camps in Sri Lanka are based in Weligama.
For details about surf camps in Weligama, please click here.
8. Sayulita, Mexico:
Sayulita is a magical surf town on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The north swells hitting Sayulita each winter break over a flat reef with high consistency and create beautiful waves. The break is pretty mellow, so surfers of all skill levels can enjoy surfing on this beach. Actually, Sayulita offers three surf spots: one to the left, one to the right, and a beach break ideal for beginners.
For details about surf camps in Sayulita, please click here.
9. New Zealand:
Surfwise, New Zealand was always under the shade of its big neighbor, Australia. However, the waves here are just as good, and you will not have to compete with so many people on the waves. Sure, the water is cold, and that’s a big downside, but if you surf in February, you will score epic conditions and relatively warm temperatures.
Shipwreck Bay and Raglan are the most famous surf spots in New Zealand. However, along both the North and the South Islands, there are many world-class breaks.
For details about surf camps in New Zealand, please click here.
10. Montanita, Ecuador:
Although Ecuador is not so famous as a surf destination, it is actually a great place to surf in February. The waves are consistent, the water is warm, and the lineups are not as crowded as in other locations.
Montanita, a beach party town, is Ecuador’s surf capital. It offers a beautiful right-hand point break and a beach break. The waves are long, well-shaped, and suitable for all skill levels. Therefore, if you are looking for a place to surf in February and combine it with some kicking nightlife, you will love Montanita.
For details about surf camps in Montanita, please click here.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
In summary, there are many good places to surf in February. While some were mentioned in this article, there are many other ones to explore.
For more winter surf, check out our top surf destinations for January and for March. Finally, don’t forget to visit our Reef Break Homepage to find more surf destinations around the world.
We hope you enjoyed reading this guide to the best places to surf in February. Have a great surf trip!
