Last updated on March 11th, 2024 at 06:57 pm
If you are looking for a place to surf in March, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our list of surf destinations that offer the best surf conditions in March.
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About Surfing in March
There are many good surf destinations around the world, but as you know, not all of them work at the same time. Each one 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 if you are lucky (luck always plays a part), you will score spectacular waves.
March is the last month of winter on the northern side of the globe. Although it is still cold 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 March:
The 10 Best Places to Surf in March
1. Dominican Republic:
The surf season in the Caribbean lasts from November to April. Therefore, the Dominican Republic can be an excellent choice for a surf trip in March. The waves are consistent, the water is warm, and the lineups are not crowded. Moreover, the surf conditions in March are very convenient, not too big, but not small either. You might not get 15-foot barrels like in Hawaii or Fiji, but for most surfers, 3-6-foot waves are exactly what is needed to have fun.
Playa Encuentro is the best surf spot in the country, but it is definitely not the only one. Along the North Shore of the island, there is a great selection of breaks of all kinds and for all skill levels. The sun, the waves, and the Caribbean vibe make the Dominican Republic a fantastic destination to surf in March.
For details about surf camps in the Dominican Republic, please click here.
2. El Zonte, El Salvador:
El Salvador is famous for its spectacular right-hand point breaks, and El Zonte is no exception. It is actually one of the most consistent surf spots in the whole country. The waves in El Zonte break with beautiful shapes over a rocky bottom, and on a good day, you can also get some barrels. Even though El Zonte produces good waves 365 days a year, you will get the best surf conditions between March and May.
The town itself is one of the coolest places you can visit. It has a hippie style, and it is full of young backpackers and surfers from different countries. The vibe is always relaxed and welcoming.
The only downside of El Zonte is that it can’t hold a big swell. Actually, if the swell gets over 5 feet, the surf gets messy. However, a 5-minute away, there are other great spots that work well on big days.
For details about surf camps in El Salvador, please click here.
3. New Zealand:
When it comes to surfing, New Zealand was always in the shade of its neighbor, Australia. However, the waves here are just as perfect, and you won’t have to compete with so many surfers in the water. Sure, the water is freezing, and that’s a big downside, but if you go in March, you will enjoy excellent conditions and relatively warm temperatures.
Raglan and Shipwreck Bay are the most famous spots in New Zealand. However, along both the North and South Islands, there are countless good breaks, some of which are world-class. The North Island is warmer, but the South one is less crowded. Regardless of which one you choose, you will score epic surf.
For details about surf camps in New Zealand, please click here.
4. Dominical, Costa Rica:
Costa Rica is always a good place to surf, in March or any other month. It offers a huge variety of surf spots in any swell conditions. The little town of Dominical is located in the southern part of the coastline, exposed to any swell from the Pacific Ocean. This beach break is the most consistent one you can get, and you can probably count the flat days here on one hand.
The waves in Dominical are pretty powerful and sometimes hollow, so on big swells, they are suitable for advanced surfers. However, during the dry season, from November to April, they are normally around 3-4 feet, so beginners and intermediates can also surf them.
For details about surf camps in Costa Rica, please click here.
5. East Bali, Indonesia:
The Island of Bali is well-known for its perfect barrels breaking over shallow reefs. It is one of the best surf destinations in the world, and surfers come to enjoy it from every spot on the planet. While the official surf season in Bali lasts from May to October, the island’s East side performs better between November and April. Therefore, beaches like Keramas or Serangan are an excellent place to surf in March.
Due to the quality of the waves in Bali, it became one of the most crowded surf destinations in the world. Therefore, by going off-season, you will still get those perfect waves Indonesia has to offer and also avoid the big crowds.
For details about surf camps in Bali, please click here.
6. Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka:
Sri Lanka‘s West Coast is an excellent choice for a surf trip in March. Only a 3-hour drive from the International Airport of Colombo, Hikkaduwa offers a wonderful surf scene. The waves are consistent during the surf season, and it is suitable for all skill levels. The main reef of Hikkaduwa is where the advanced surfers want to be, but just a short walk from there, beginners can practice on a mellow beach break.
For details about surf camps in Hikkaduwa, please click here.
7. Gran Canaria, Canary Islands:
The Canary Islands are a huge attraction for surfers and travelers, mainly from Europe. With convenient weather year-round, it is the ideal destination to escape from winter. The swell season in the Canaries lasts between September and April, so it is a fantastic place to surf in March.
Gran Canaria is located in the middle of the Canary Archipelago. It is exposed to solid swells from the Atlantic Ocean and offers a wide variety of surf spots of all kinds. Although most waves break over a rocky bottom, there are several spots for beginners, too.
For details about surf camps in Gran Canaria, please click here.
8. Maui, Hawaii:
Maui’s North Shore is among the best places to surf in March. It hosts several world-class breaks like Jaws and Honolua Bay but also beginner-friendly beaches. Some of the biggest names in the world of surfing come from Maui, such as Walsh, Kai Lenny, and many others. Therefore, when surfing in Maui, you will likely share waves with outstanding surfers. Remember, this is Hawaii, the mother of surfing, and having fun in the water is all that matters.
For details about surf camps in Maui, please click here.
9. Cerritos, Mexico:
Situated in Baja, next to Cabo San Lucas, Cerritos is a really fun place to surf in March. The swell in Cerritos is consistent, and the waves are suitable for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. While the northern part of the beach offers a right-hand point break, the center of the beach is a typical beach break. Both spots are relatively mellow and break softly over a sandy bottom.
For details about surf camps in Mexico, please click here.
10. Imsouane, Morocco:
Although Morocco has many surf beaches, Imsouane is definitely a unique one. Situated at a perfect angle to receive the north swells, the waves in Imsouane are exceptionally long. In fact, you can get some of the longest right-hand rides in the world here. Breaking slowly over a sandy bottom, these waves are mellow and user-friendly.
For details about surf camps in Imsouane, please click here.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
In summary, there are plenty of fantastic places to surf in March. While some were mentioned in this article, there are many other ones to explore.
For more winter surf options, check out our top surf destinations for February and for April, 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 March. Have an awesome surf trip!
