Last updated on March 9th, 2024 at 06:00 pm
If you are looking for a place to surf in January, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our list of surf destinations that offer perfect surf conditions in January.
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About Surfing in January
The world is abundant with so many great surf destinations, but as you know, not all of them perform equally at the same time. Each spot has its own characteristics and its own surf season. Therefore, when planning your surf trip, it is crucial to know not only where to go but also when to go. Choose right, and with some luck (yes, luck is also part of it), you will score the best waves possible.
January is the peak of the winter on the northern side of the globe. Although it is freezing in some countries, it offers spectacular opportunities for a surf trip in others. So, in detail, these are our top choices for a place to surf in January:
The 10 Best Places to Surf in January
1. Santa Teresa, Costa Rica:
When it comes to surfing, Costa Rica offers everything a surfer could wish for. The warm water, variety of surf spots, and year-round consistency make this country a perfect place for a surf trip in January and every other month.
On the country’s Pacific Coast, you will find the town of Santa Teresa, a true surfing diamond. Along its long beach strip, there are mostly beach breaks and accessional reef breaks. The waves in front of Santa Teresa are powerful and hollow, but if you go south on the beach, you will find some softer breaks for beginners and intermediates. There are no flat days in Santa Teresa; this beach is the most consistent one you can get. Therefore, it is a pretty safe bet for a surf trip.
Santa Teresa offers a great atmosphere outside the water as well. It has many options for accommodations and a crazy nightlife scene, which is a great attraction for young surfers and travelers.
For details about surf camps in Santa Teresa, please click here.
2. Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka:
The West Coast of Sri Lanka is an excellent choice for a surf trip in January. Only a 3-hour drive from the airport, the town of Hikkaduwa offers incredible surf. The waves are incredibly consistent during the surf season, and it is suitable for all skill levels. The main reef is where the advanced surfers want to be, but just a short walk from there, the newbies can practice on the soft beach break.
Hikkaduwa is perfect for low-budget travel. You can find great hotels right on the beach for ridiculous prices and a big selection of shops on the main street. Moreover, you will find delicious seafood restaurants and beach parties that last all night long.
For details about surf camps in Hikkaduwa, please click here.
3. Sayulita, Mexico:
The little town of Sayulita is a wonderful winter surf spot on the Pacific Coast of Mexico. The north swells that hit Sayulita during this time of year break over a flat reef with great consistency and beautiful shape. The waves are soft and mellow, so you will not find any punchy barrels or broken boards. Actually, Sayulita offers three different breaks: one to the left, one to the right, and a beach break for beginners.
Outside of the water, Sayulita has its magic as well. Although it is considered a surf town, it is also a great attraction for artists and “hippie” travelers. Therefore, if you like to meet new people, Sayulita is definitely a place you will love. As for places to stay, there are many options, from luxury hotels to backpacker camps.
For details about surf camps in Sayulita, please click here.
4. Bocas Del Toro, Panama:
Panama, the most southern country in Central America, offers incredible surf year-round. While the Pacific Coast works best during summer, the Caribbean produces the best waves during winter. Therefore, Bocas Del Toro, on the Caribbean side, is a perfect place to surf in January. The variety of surf spots in Bocas Del Toro is amazing. You can find beach breaks, points, and reefs, all within a short boat ride from each other. Some breaks are beginner-friendly, but some are fast and hollow, so any surfer can find his waves.
Besides surfing, Bocas Del Toro also offers a great nightlife scene. There are many restaurants, bars, and a good party almost every night of the week. Moreover, surf shops are also available, and boards to rent as well.
For details about surf camps in Bocas Del Toro, please click here.
5. Montanita, Ecuador:
Sure, Ecuador is not the first destination that comes to mind when planning a surf trip. However, it tends to surprise every surfer who comes here for the first time. The waves in Ecuador are consistent, the water is warm, and it is not as crowded as in other places.
Montanita, the ultimate party town, is definitely the surf capital of Ecuador. It offers an epic 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 January and enjoy some good nightlife, you will definitely enjoy Montanita.
For details about surf camps in Montanita, please click here.
6. Rincon, Puerto Rico:
Rincon, on Puerto Rico‘s Northwest Coast, is an ideal destination for surfing in January. Like all Caribbean-facing coastlines, Rincon is exposed to massive swells from the Atlantic Ocean every winter and offers fantastic waves daily. With warm water, consistent waves, and a wide variety of breaks, Rincon is one of the most popular surf destinations, especially among Americans. Although the beaches are extremely crowded, there are many breaks to choose from, and any surfer can find his waves.
For details about surf camps in the Caribbean, please click here.
7. Lanzarote, Canary Islands:
Lanzarote, the most eastern island in the Canaries of Spain, is world-famous for its challenging and scary waves. Between October and March, the island’s north shore receives consistent North Atlantic swells and offers fantastic 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 massive waves can get incredible barrels.
For details about surf camps in Lanzarote, please click here.
8. Avellanas, Costa Rica:
Playa Avellanas, on the Northwest Coast of Costa Rica, is one of the country’s best surf beaches. With year-round swells, it has five different breaks within walking distance of each other. The most famous one is “Little Hawaii,” a world-class break with massive right-hand barrels. Whether it’s summer or winter, high or low tide, there are always epic waves in Avellanas.
For details about surf camps in Avellanas, please click here.
9. Mirissa, Sri Lanka:
Mirissa is another excellent choice for a surf trip in January. During this month, it receives clean swells from the Indian Ocean. When the swell is big enough, the right-hand point break works like magic. However, if the swell is small, it doesn’t work, and you can take a short ride to the other spots just next to town, such as Madiha, Weligama, and Midigama.
For details about surf camps in Mirissa, please click here.
10. Playa Encuentro, Dominican Republic:
The surf season in the Caribbean starts in November and lasts until April. Therefore, the Dominican Republic can be an excellent choice for a surf trip in January. The waves are consistent, the water is warm, and the beaches are not too crowded.
Playa Encuentro is the best surf beach in the country, but there are also other good spots. Along the island’s North Shore, there is a wide selection of breaks suitable for all skill levels.
For details about surf camps in the Dominican Republic, please click here.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To sum up, there are many good places to surf in January. Some of them were mentioned here, but obviously, there are many other great ones. You are also welcome to check our top surf destinations for December and for February, and finally, 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 January. Have a great surf trip!
