Last updated on March 20th, 2024 at 11:34 am
If you are looking for a place to surf in September, you came to the right place. In this post, you will find our list of destinations offering excellent surf conditions in September.
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ToggleAbout Surfing in September
There is no shortage of surf destinations in the world, but not all of them work at the same time. 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 that, you can score spectacular waves.
September is the end of summer in the northern half of the globe. At this time of year, the south swell sends its last waves before the north swell kicks in, making September an excellent month for a surf adventure.
So, in detail, these are our top choices for a place to surf in September:
The 10 Best Places to Surf in September
1. The Maldive Islands:
With warm, crystal water and perfect waves, the Maldives are a top-rated destination for surfing in September. The peak swell season lasts from April to October, so during this time, you can expect epic waves daily.
When going on a surf trip to the Maldives, you can stay on a boat, in a resort, or on a local island, depending on your budget. Regardless of which way you choose, you can always take a boat ride to the different breaks in the area. The most famous surf spots are situated in the North Atoll, close to the Male International Airport. However, if you make an effort and go to the isolated South Atoll, you will score some unbelievably long barrels empty of surfers.
For details about surf camps in the Maldives, please click here.
2. Hossegor, France:
Hossegor is the surf capital of France. Actually, it became famous for its massive beach break and for hosting the annual Quiksilver Pro surf competition. The waves in Hossegor are fast and hollow. They break very close to shore with frightening power and beautiful shapes. To clarify, surfing in Hossegor is not a task for beginners. The break is aggressive and requires good surfing skills. If you have what it takes to deal with these kinds of waves, you will get some epic tube rides.
Even though the swell in Hossegor is consistent year-round, the fall is the most recommended time to go. The summer is too small, and the winter is too cold and harsh, but the fall is absolutely perfect. Therefore, Hossegor is a wonderful place to surf in September.
For details about surf camps in France, please click here.
3. Ericeira, Portugal:
In 2011, Ericeira was declared the first world surfing reserve in Europe. That should tell you something about the quality of the waves in this town. Ericeira is located on the West Coast of Portugal, only about 40 minutes from the International Airport of Lisbon. Due to its convenient location, it became a very popular surf destination for surfers from all over the world.
Along the beach strip that surrounds Ericeira, you will find about 10 different surf spots. From the massive barrels at Coxos to beginner-friendly waves at Ribeira Dilhas, any surfer can find his waves. The swells break with great consistency all year, but you will enjoy the best surf conditions between September and November.
For details about surf camps in Ericeira, please click here.
4. Indonesia:
Indonesia is definitely a surf paradise. This country in Southeast Asia offers the best conditions a surfer could wish for. Here, you can score long rides and epic barrels on a daily basis. Moreover, it also has a fascinating culture and beautiful nature, so it is perfect not just for surfing but also for traveling.
Indonesia’s most famous surf spots are found in Bali and the Mentawai Islands. However, you will also find incredible waves in Nias, West Timor, and pretty much everywhere you go along the coast. Right now, as you are reading this post, perfect barrels are breaking on empty beaches somewhere in Indonesia. No one knows about these waves, and no one rides them. So whether you go to the popular tourist areas or take the adventure to discover new empty waves, Indonesia is a place that will never let you down as a surfer.
For details about surf camps in Indonesia, please click here.
5. Tamarindo, Costa Rica:
Tamarindo is a crazy surf town in North Costa Rica. It is famous for its vibrant nightlife scene and fantastic waves. Most of the waves in Tamarindo Bay are beginner-friendly, making it a perfect place to take surf lessons or join a surf camp. However, if you are looking for more challenging breaks, you can head south to Playa Langosta or north to Playa Grande and Witch’s Rock.
For details about surf camps in Tamarindo, please click here.
6. El Salvador:
El Salvador is the land of right-hand point breaks. This small country offers various world-class surf spots that will blow your mind. For instance, in El Tunco and El Zonte, you will find long rides and a fun atmosphere, and Punta Mango produces some of the best barrels in Central America. Although September is the rainy season in El Salvador, it is also the big wave season, so you will score epic surf conditions in September.
For details about surf camps in El Salvador, please click here.
7. Peru:
Although it is not so popular among the world’s surf community, Peru is one of the best surf destinations you will ever surf. Besides the longest wave in the world, Chicama, there are plenty of other high-quality breaks. Lobitos, for instance, offer perfect waves, and there are beautiful waves also in Huanchaco, Pacasmayo, and more.
For details about surf camps in Peru, please click here.
8. Barra de la Cruz, Mexico:
This is a world-class surf spot situated in South Mexico, close to Puerto Escondido. It is a right-hand point break that produces unbelievable barrels. On a good day, you can stand on a wave for about 1 minute with multiple barreling sections. In 2006, this spot hosted the ASP World Tour and provided perfect surf conditions for the competition. Barra de la Cruz performs well during the summer months, so it is a prime location to surf in September.
For details about surf camps in Mexico, please click here.
9. East Sri Lanka:
Between May and October, the East side of Sri Lanka receives consistent swells from the Indian Ocean. All the spots in this area are right-hand point breaks, and you can get very long rides in a few of them. Arugam Bay is the best spot and the recommended place to stay. However, there are outstanding waves also in Pottovil, Elephant Rock, and Peanut Farm.
For details about surf camps in Arugam Bay, please click here.
10. Hawaii:
Hawaii, the mother of surfing, is the safest bet you can make when choosing a place for a surf trip. It doesn’t matter if you want to surf in September or any other month; Hawaii will never disappoint you. With
North swells in winter, and south swells in summer; some beaches along these islands are always there to pick it up.
For details about surf camps in Hawaii, please click here.
Conclusion- A Final Thought
In summary, September is a fantastic time to take a surf vacation. With consistent swells, many surf destinations are at their best 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 August and for October. 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 September. We wish you an unforgettable surf adventure!
Author
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Hi, my name is Matt. I am a surfer, a diver, a traveler, and a true ocean lover. After surfing in so many countries, I founded Reef Break to share my passion with other surfers and help them plan their surf trips better. If you have any questions or ideas to share, I would love to hear them, so please feel free to contact me at reefbreaksite@gmail.com.
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