All our useful surfing destination guides
🌍 Ideal destinations for surfing in October Where to surf in Senegal · Where to surf in Dakhla · Where to surf in Tenerife · 📅 Other periods to explore Where to surf in November · Where to surf in January · Where to surf in February 👉 For a complete view: Where to surf months per month · Top surfing destination 20265 BEST PLACES TO SURF IN DECEMBER
SENEGAL – AFRICAN SURF JUST A SHORT HOP FROM EUROPE
Senegal remains under the radar, but it’s a perfect destination in December. Around Dakar, accessible spots like Ngor Right (made famous by The Endless Summer) or Yoff deliver consistent, beginner-friendly waves. With air temps around 25–28°C and water at 24–25°C, there’s no need for a wetsuit. Add to that a warm local vibe, flavorful African food, and low costs — and you’ve got a surf trip that’s both exotic and affordable.- Temperature: 25-28°C air / 24-25°C water
- Waves: accessible straight, regular beach breaks
- Access: Direct flight to Dakar (5h from Paris)
- Budget: €400 – €650
- Atmosphere: Authentic & African
Explore surf camps in Dakar
DAKHLA, MOROCCO – SURF AND DESERT LAGOON
December is a magical time to surf in Dakhla. Between ocean and desert, this unique destination in southern Morocco offers both accessible waves on the Atlantic coast and a huge lagoon perfect for kitesurfing. Temperatures remain pleasant (22-24°C), but you’ll need a light wetsuit (3/2 mm) for the water. The atmosphere is relaxed: surf camps, bivouacs in the desert, dinners under the stars.
- Temperature: 22-24°C air / 19-20°C water
- Waves: Long straight waves, kite lagoon
- Access: Flight to Dakhla (via Casablanca)
- Budget: €450 – €700
- Atmosphere: Nature & desert
Read our complete surf guide to Dakhla.
FRENCH CARIBBEAN – GUADELOUPE & MARTINIQUE, TROPICAL CREOLE SURF
For an exotic surf trip without leaving France, head to the French Caribbean in December. In Guadeloupe, Plage du Helleux is perfect for beginners with soft, consistent waves.
In Martinique, Tartane welcomes intermediate and beginner surfers in a lush tropical setting.
Between sessions, enjoy the local rum, the hikes around the volcanoes and the beaches that are nothing short of paradise. Here, surfing is combined with a unique cultural immersion.
- Temp: 28–30°C air / 27–28°C water
- Waves: sandy beach breaks, tropical swells
- Access: Direct flight from Paris (8h)
- Budget: €600 – €900
- Atmosphere: Creole & tropical
Tenerife (Canaria) – surfing in the European sun
If you’d rather skip long flights, Tenerife is an excellent December choice.
Mild temperatures (22–24°C), accessible spots like Playa de las Américas, and warm European charm make it ideal for beginners and intermediates alike.
Water stays around 20–21°C, so bring a short wetsuit. Beyond surfing, the island’s volcano, landscapes, and Spanish atmosphere add to the appeal.
- Temperature: 22-24°C air / 20-21°C water
- Waves: accessible beach breaks, gentle reefs
- Access: Direct flight from France
- Budget: €400 – €650
- Atmosphere: European & sunny
All the info you need to plan your Tenerife surf trip.
Find the best surf camps in Tenerife > here
SALVADOR (BAHIA, BRAZIL) – TROPICAL SURF & FESTIVE ENERGY
For an end-of-year celebration like no other, head to Salvador de Bahia.
Beaches like Stella Maris or Flamengo offer fun, accessible waves for beginners and intermediates.
December is perfect: sunshine, warm water, and Brazil’s vibrant mix of music, dance, and friendliness. Add in local food and Bahia’s contagious energy — and your surf trip becomes a cultural adventure.
- Temperature: 30-32°C air / 28°C water
- Waves: regular, accessible beach breaks
- Access: Flight to Salvador (possible stopover)
- Budget: €700 – €1000
- Atmosphere: Festive & tropical
Why surf in December?
- Escape the cold of Europe and rediscover summer in the tropics.
- Guaranteed progress: many destinations offer accessible waves.
- Festive atmosphere: spending Christmas or New Year’s Eve in the sun is a unique experience.
- A wide range of options: from Africa to Brazil, via the West Indies and the Canaries.
Tips for your surf trip in December
- Anticipate your flights: December is a busy period (Christmas vacations).
- Take your budget into account: the West Indies and Brazil are more expensive, while Senegal and the Canaries are still affordable.
- Adapt your equipment: shorty or lycra in the tropics, 3/2 mm for the Canaries and Dakhla.
- Combines surfing and local culture: rum in Guadeloupe, music in Brazil, tajines in Dakhla.
- Consider taking out travel insurance to avoid any surprises.
December is not synonymous with dreariness, but with
So why not spend Christmas with your feet in the sand and a surfboard as your gift?
Grab your board, book your ticket, and get ready, the first waves of the new year are waiting! Planning a trip for another month? Check out our guides for where to surf in November, January, and February.
