Last updated on March 23rd, 2024 at 07:29 pm
If you are looking for a place to surf in December, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our list of destinations offering perfect surf conditions in December.
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About Surfing in December
Although plenty of surf destinations are out there, not all of them work simultaneously. Each one has its own characteristics and unique surf season. Therefore, when planning a surf vacation, it is vital to know not only where to go but also when to go. If you succeed in that, you can score epic waves and have the time of your life.
December marks the beginning of winter in the northern half of the globe. As the north swells become stronger and more consistent, some surf locations come to life and offer amazing waves.
So, in detail, these are our top recommendations for a place to surf in December:
The 8 Best Places to Surf in December
1. Rincon, Puerto Rico:
On the Northwest Coast of Puerto Rico, Rincon is a perfect destination to surf in December. Just like all the Caribbean-facing coastlines, Rincon receives powerful swells from the Atlantic Ocean during wintertime and produces great waves on a daily basis. With its warm water, consistent waves, and a wide variety of surf spots, Rincon is one of the most popular surf destinations among Americans during this time of the year. Although the lineups are extremely crowded, there are many breaks to choose from, and any surfer can find his waves regardless of his skill level.
Besides surfing, Rincon also offers many restaurants, shops, bars, and spectacular nightlife.
For details about surf camps in the Caribbean, please click here.
2. Lanzarote, The Canary Islands:
Lanzarote is the most eastern one of the Canary Islands. It got its reputation as a highly challenging surf destination and earned its nickname “The European Hawaii“. Between October and March, the island of Lanzarote is exposed to consistent North Atlantic swells and offers excellent surf conditions. The waves are powerful, hollow, and break over sharp reefs. Therefore, it is not the place for beginners. However, advanced surfers who can deal with a steep drop and fast waves can get the best tube rides of their lives.
Unlike the other Canary Islands, such as Tenerife and Gran Canaria, Lanzarote is much less touristy. That doesn’t mean you will be alone in the water, but it will not be as bad. Just remember to show respect to the locals, and you’ll be fine.
For details about surf camps in Lanzarote, please click here.
3. Puerto Viejo, Costa Rica:
Most of Costa Rica‘s surf scene is centered on the Pacific Coast. However, every year, between December and March, the Caribbean Coast lights up and offers epic 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 aggressive and suitable for advanced surfers. However, you can find a mellower break within a short distance from there.
Puerto Viejo is a typical Caribbean town. Reggae music is played here all day, and you can find a good party every night.
For details about surf camps in Costa Rica, please click here.
4. South West Sri Lanka:
The surf season in West Sri Lanka lasts from November to April, so it’s a wonderful place to surf in December. If you come here on a surf trip, you will enjoy warm water, consistent waves, and extremely low prices. In general, the waves are “user-friendly” and suitable for all skill levels.
Only three hours from the International Airport of Colombo, the town of Hikkaduwa offers a world-class reef break and a soft beach break next to it. Further south, Mirissa has an amazingly long right-hand point break. The Sri Lankan coastline is rich with so many good surf spots that it is impossible to write about them all, but you get the idea. Moreover, this country has beautiful nature and fascinating culture, and it is definitely one of the most incredible destinations to visit.
For details about surf camps in Sri Lanka, please click here.
5. Morocco:
Morocco is “the land of right-hand point breaks”. This is where the powerful swells of the Atlantic Ocean meet the dry desert and provide a spectacular winter surf experience. Although the whole Moroccan Coastline receives great waves, most of the surf scene is centered in Taghazout. This area offers several high-quality breaks, one next to another. It is a surf paradise for natural footers and a great opportunity for goofy footers to improve their backside skills. Regardless of which one is you, any surfer must visit Morocco at least once in his lifetime.
For details about surf camps in Morocco, please click here.
6. Pascuales, Mexico:
Situated in the state of Colima in mainland Mexico, Pascuales offers a river mouth break with enormous barrels all year long, but mostly in winter. In fact, this is one of the most powerful surf spots in the country, so it is recommended only for advanced surfers. Due to its frightening power, not all surfboards survive this wave, so bring an extra one just in case.
For details about surf camps in Mexico, please click here.
7. Playa Bluff, Bocas Del Toro:
Playa Bluff is one of the most famous surf spots in Panama. It offers a heavy beach break suitable for advanced surfers only. The waves here break with a massive barrel over the shallow sand very close to shore. If you are sharp enough to make the steep drop, you will enjoy a big tube ride. However, watch your board, as they often break here.
For details about surf camps in Bocas Del Toro, please click here.
8. Mancora, Peru:
Mancora is a holiday beach town in North Peru. Due to its location, the weather is sunny, and the water is the warmest in the country. The main surf spot in Mancora is a mellow left-hand point break. The waves are soft and suit all skill levels, including beginners. A bit south on the beach, there is another good break, Punta Ballenas. Unlike the main break, this one is fast and hollow, so it is recommended only for experienced surfers.
For details about surf camps in Peru, please click here.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
In summary, December is a great time to go on a surf vacation, as many surf destinations provide epic surf conditions during this time of year. While some are mentioned in this article, there are many more to explore.
Before you go, remember to check out our top surf destinations for November and for January. Finally, visit our Reef Break Homepage to find more surf destinations around the globe.
We hope you liked this guide to the best surfing places in December. We wish you a fun and safe surf trip!
