Last updated on March 17th, 2024 at 07:28 pm
If you are looking for a place to surf in July, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our list of destinations offering excellent surf conditions in July.
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About Surfing in July
There are so many surf destinations out there that it can be hard to choose where to go on a surf trip. However, not all of them work simultaneously. Each one has its own characteristics and surf season. Therefore, when planning your trip, it is crucial to know not only where to go but also when to go. If you succeed in doing that, you will score the waves you want.
July is summer’s peak in the northern half of the globe. At this time of year, the south swell sends consistent waves to various surf destinations, making July an excellent month for a surf trip.
So, in detail, these are our top choices for a place to surf in July:
The 10 Best Places to Surf in July
1. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka:
The East Coast of Sri Lanka receives consistent swells from the Indian Ocean every year between May and October. Therefore, the surf capital of this area, Arugam Bay, is a wonderful place to surf in July. The main point in town is a long right-hander breaking with perfect shape over a flat reef. It is, without a doubt, one of the best waves in Sri Lanka. Next to the main point, there is a soft beginner spot breaking over a sandy bottom. Moreover, within a few minute ride there are several right-hand point breaks.
Other than fantastic waves and warm water, Arugam Bay is also a fun place to stay. The prices are ridiculously low, the food is delicious, and you will meet surfers from all over the world, mostly from Australia, Japan, and Israel.
For details about surf camps in Arugam Bay, please click here.
2. The Maldive Islands:
The Maldives Islands offer the best surf experience possible. Here, you can find long waves and epic barrels breaking in perfect shape. During summertime, the swells are consistent, and there are hundreds of different surf spots to choose from. From the famous breaks at the North Atolls close to the Airport of Male to the empty and isolated breaks of the Southern Atoll, the waves are exactly what surfers always dream about.
There are 3 ways to stay in the Maldives on a surf trip. The first is on a boat, the second is on a surf resort, and the third is on a local Island. It is mainly a question of budget, but either way, you will probably have the time of your life.
For details about surf camps in the Maldives, please click here.
3. Puerto Escondido, Mexico:
The main break at Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido got its nickname “The Mexican Pipeline” for a good reason. It is the most powerful wave in Mexico and one of the most famous breaks in the whole world. Somehow, the shape of the bay and the sand create a bigger wave than anywhere else in the area. These waves break with a massive barrel over the shallow sand. On big days, if you stand on the beach, you can actually feel the sand shaking when a wave crashes.
Puerto Escondido is an incredible destination for surfing in July, but only advanced surfers can handle the waves at Zicatela. Beginners and intermediates, though, can surf in nearby La Punta.
For details about surf camps in Puerto Escondido, please click here.
4. Santa Catalina, Panama:
Santa Catalina is a well-known surf spot on the Pacific Coast of Panama. During summer, the waves here are big and consistent, making it an ideal place to surf in July. It is a typical reef break, where the waves break far from shore, and you can easily paddle out from the side.
It is not easy to get to Santa Catalina, as it is pretty far from the Airport and requires a long drive. However, once you arrive, you can enjoy a relaxed environment and epic surf conditions all day.
For details about surf camps in Santa Catalina, please click here.
5. Pavones, Costa Rica:
On the Pacific Coast, in the Southern part of Costa Rica, the little town of Pavones hosts the longest wave in the country. In fact, this wave is the second longest left in the world, after Chicama, Peru. A big summer south swell is required to bring this break to life. Therefore, July is a perfect month to score Pavones at its best, as this is the peak of the south swell’s season. When the conditions are right and everything connects, the rides in Pavones are so long that only your hurt legs will force you to get off your waves.
For details about surf camps in Costa Rica, please click here.
6. Lombok, Indonesia:
Indonesia is always a good bet when choosing a surf trip destination. The island of Lombok, next to Bali, is full of beautiful Bays and offers many beginner-friendly surf spots. In addition, it is home to the world-famous Desert Point, a world-class break crashing with massive power over a shallow reef. So, surfers of all skill levels can enjoy surfing in Lombok. Therefore, it is an excellent choice for a surf trip in July.
For details about surf camps in Lombok, please click here.
7. Cape Town, South Africa:
With consistent year-round swells and perfect waves, South Africa is an outstanding surf country. On the Southwest Coast, Cape Town is home to several world-class breaks. From beginner-friendly spots to massive barrels, the variety of breaks is phenomenal. July is the peak of the surf season in Cape Town, and the water is freezing. However, if you can handle the cold, you can catch some of the best waves of your life.
For details about surf camps in Cape Town, please click here.
8. Kauai, Hawaii:
Surfing in Hawaii, the land of surfing is always a good idea, and the island of Kauai is no exception. During summer, the south swells bring great waves to its South Shore. While beginners can practice in mellow breaks like Kalapaki Beach, advanced surfers can ride powerful waves at Kekaha Beach, Kiahuna, and Shipwreck.
For details about surf camps in Hawaii, please click here.
9. Playa Maderas, Nicaragua:
Every year, between May and October, offshore winds blow on the Nicaraguan Coastline and create perfect surf conditions. Situated near San Juan Del Sur, Playa Maderas beach break offers fantastic waves. Due to its popularity, it can get crowded, but still, it is definitely a place worth visiting.
For details about surf camps in Nicaragua, please click here.
10. The Gold Coast, Australia:
About a 1-hour drive from Brisbane, the Gold Coast hosts some of the best surf beaches in Australia. Along this beautiful beach strip, there are a few world-class surf spots, one after another. It starts with Snapper Rock, where a massive barrel breaks in front of a big rock. Then, it continues to Superbank, a man-made sandbar that creates one of the longest rides in the world and long barrels. After that, Kirra is an excellent point break, and finally, Burleigh Heads, Narrow Neck, and Duranbah are also world-class waves. For details about surf camps in Australia, please click here.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
To summarize, July is definitely an ideal month for a surf trip, and many surf destinations are at their best this time of year. While some were mentioned in this post, there are many more to explore.
Before you go, remember to check out our top surf destinations for June and for August, and finally, visit our Reef Break Homepage to find more surf destinations around the globe.
We hope you liked this guide to the best places to surf in July. Have a wonderful surf adventure!
