Winter in Europe is often synonymous with short, cold, gray days. However, January is the perfect month for a surf trip and a return to the sun. Whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle waves or already comfortable on your board, some destinations offer the perfect conditions: pleasant climate, warm water, friendly atmosphere and affordable prices outside school vacations.
In this guide, discover 5 destinations where you can surf in January to learn, progress and enjoy an unforgettable trip.
All our useful surfing destination guides
🌍 Ideal destinations for surfing in JanuaryWhere to surf in Morocco · Where to surf in Taghazout · Where to surf in Sri Lanka · Where to surf in the Canary Islands · Where to surf in Costa Rica · Where to surf in Portugal · Where to surf in Bali
📅 Other periods to explore Where to surf in December · Where to go surfing in February ·
Where to go surfing in March
🏄 Select your destination based on your level.
Beginner level · Level intermediate
👉 For a complete overview: Where to surf month by month · Top surfing destination 2026
Why is January an excellent month for surfing?
Should you burn your carbon footprint to find perfect waves or stay close to home? That’s the million-pound question. In January, Europe is freezing, but the nearby Atlantic and the tropics offer two completely different experiences. Let’s take a look.
Budget and flight time: round one
When it comes to your wallet, there’s no contest. A return ticket to the Canary Islands or Morocco often costs around €150 to €200, whereas Sri Lanka will set you back €500 to €800. This is often what settles the debate once and for all.
Then there’s the fatigue of travelling. You can get there in less than four hours for southern Europe, perfect for a quick week away. For Asia, allow at least 13 hours with a stopover, which eats up two days of your holiday.
But beware, life on the ground changes the situation. In Sri Lanka, you eat royally for €2, which makes up for the flight.
Quality and reliability of waves for beginners
Morocco is a wave machine in winter. The Agadir region offers fallback spots like Banana Beach that work all the time. If you’re looking for options for surfing in winter when you’re a beginner, this is a safe bet. You won’t stay dry.
On the other hand, the tropics have a major advantage: temperature. Learning in water at 28°C without a wetsuit is just easier for your morale. The waves there are often softer, less punishing.
Honestly, both options are great for beginners and intermediate surfers. It all depends on whether you prefer the consistency of the Atlantic or the comfort of the tropics.
The verdict: the comparative table
To help you visualise, nothing better than a good old-fashioned chart. Here is the summary brutal of what you need to know.
| Criterion | Nearby Destinations (Morocco, Canary Islands) | Faraway Destinations (Sri Lanka, Costa Rica) |
|---|---|---|
| Flight time | < 4 hours | > 10 hours |
| Return flight budget | € (100-300€) | €€€ (700-1000€+) |
| Cost of living / week | €€ | € |
| Water temperature | 17–20°C (3/2 mm wetsuit) | 26-29°C (board shorts/swimwear) |
| Reliability of beginner waves | Very high | High |
| Ideal for… | Short trips (7–10 days) | Long trips (> 15 days) |
Atmosphere and culture: the human factor
Morocco or the Canary Islands offer a complete change of scenery within easy reach. You have that very social surf camp vibe in Taghazout, with a rich but accessible culture. You’ll quickly feel right at home, with mint tea to boot.
To go far away is to accept losing one’s bearings. In Asia, the cultural shock is total, from the spicy food to the local Zen mentality. It’s a shock that goes far beyond surfing.
In the end, ask yourself the question. Do you just want to ride the wave or live an adventure? a9> an adventure that blows your mind blown?
The 5 best surfing destinations in January
Taghazout, Morocco – winter in the sun, 3 hours from Paris
A small fishing village turned Morocco’s surfing capital, Taghazout is a sure bet for a surf trip in January. You’ll find long, mellow waves there — perfect for improving your skills without any pressure. The water is cool but manageable with a light wetsuit, and sunny days average around 20°C.
As well as surfing, Taghazout is a destination with a chill atmosphere, human-sized surf camps and Moroccan gastronomy (tajines, couscous, grilled fish). It’s also an accessible destination: short flights and very affordable prices.
- Temperature: 20-22°C / 17-19°C
- Waves: Long, straight, gentle and regular
- Access: Flight to Agadir + 45 min drive
- Budget: €400 – €600
- Atmosphere: Authentic & friendly
To go further: The best surfing spots in Morocco.
Weligama, Sri Lanka – beginners’ bay
Weligama is paradise for learning to surf in Sri Lanka. Its large sheltered bay offers small, regular waves, perfect for practising your first take-offs without pressure. The water is warm all year round (27-29°C), and the backpacker atmosphere attracts travellers from all over the world.
In addition to surfing, you can enjoy Sri Lankan culture and spicy curries, and even combine your trip with a detour to tea plantations or Buddhist temples.
- Temperature: 28-30°C / 27-29°C
- Waves: Small, soft and regular
- Access: Flight to Colombo + 3-4h drive
- Budget: €300 – €500
- Atmosphere: Backpacker & zen
- Safety: Sandy bottom throughout, no rocks underfoot.
- Consistency: There are always waves, even small ones, for surfing.
- Schools: Dozens of schools and board rental companies right on the beach. : Des dizaines d’écoles et de loueurs de planches directement sur la plage.
- Progression: When you feel comfortable, the spots of reef for intermediate divers are just a short tuk-tuk ride away.
All you need to know about where to surf in Sri Lanka.
Life in Sri Lanka between two sessions
Life is sweet and inexpensive for travellers. Getting around by tuk-tuk is part of the everyday local experience.
The food is delicious and perfectly spiced. Rice and curry, kottu, fresh fruit… It’s a real treat. Plan on spending a very reasonable amount on food, and you’ll eat like a king for just a few euros.
People are incredibly welcoming everywhere. It’s a memorable destination, far beyond surfing.
Tamarindo, Costa Rica – pura vida in surf mode
A famous seaside resort on the Pacific coast, Tamarindo is an accessible and lively surfing destination. Its sandy beach offers easy waves, ideal for beginners and advanced surfers alike.
The big plus: the “pura vida” atmosphere, a mix of surfing, tropical nature and festive evenings. You’ll be able to do one session after another, then head off on excursions to nearby nature parks to see howler monkeys, turtles and crocodiles.
- Temperature: 30°C / 27°C
- Waves: Easy, sandy and regular
- Access: Flight to Liberia + 1h30 drive
- Budget: €600 – €900
- Atmosphere: Tropical & festive
Learn everything about surfing in Tamarindo in our dedicated guide.
Budget and logistics in Costa Rica
Let’s not kid ourselves: Costa Rica is expensive in Central America. Prepare a solid budget, as prices there often rival those of a trip to Europe or the United States.
Louer un 4×4 n’est pas un luxe, c’est souvent une nécessité absolue pour traquer les spots cachés au bout des pistes.
But surfing with howler monkeys in the background sound and toucans above the line-up, that is priceless.
Fuerteventura, Canaries – easy surfing in Europe
If you want sun in the middle of winter without leaving Europe, Fuerteventura is unbeatable. The island boasts a mild climate all year round and numerous spots suitable for beginners and advanced surfers alike. The waves are progressive and safe, perfect for learning.
With its white sandy beaches, volcanic landscapes and small Spanish villages, Fuerteventura easily combines surfing and a change of scenery, just a few hours’ flight from France.
- Temperature: 20-22°C / 18-20°C
- Waves: Progressive and secure
- Access: Direct flight from France
- Budget: €450 – €650
- Atmosphere: European & sunny
Typical conditions in January in the Canary Islands
Expect temperatures very similar to those in Morocco during this season. The thermometer shows 20°C in the air for an invigorating water temperature around 14°C. a14> water around 19°C.
A good 3/2mm wetsuit is absolutely essential here. The wind often plays the spoilsport, so it is a key factor. So, get up early to catch the best “glassy” conditions, when the water remains perfectly smooth.
The advantage of islands is their geographical flexibility: you can always find a a12> spot sheltered from the wind by simply changing coast.
Go further: check out our complete guide to surfing in Fuerteventura.
Canggu, Bali – surfing and bohemian lifestyle
Canggu is undoubtedly the trendiest spot for a surf trip in January. Its gentle beach breaks are perfect for beginner surfers, while the bohemian atmosphere attracts an international community of digital nomads, yogis and travelers.
Between sessions, you’ll enjoy trendy cafés, spectacular sunsets and Bali’s unique atmosphere. The cost of living remains affordable, making it a popular destination for a long stay.
- Temperature: 30°C / 28°C
- Waves: Soft, long and regular
- Access: Flight to Denpasar
- Budget: €350 – €600
- Atmosphere: Bohemian & international
Our complete guide to surfing in Bali is now online.
Surfing in Bali during the rainy season: a good idea?
January is the famous “wet season”. The term scares off the average tourist, but don’t worry. In reality, it often rains in the form of short tropical showers, especially at the end of the day.
What 90% of surfers don’t know is that the winds shift. The east coast literally lights up, with spots like Nusa Dua and Sanur working very well thanks to the offshore wind.
Another advantage that is not insignificant: there are far fewer people in the water in the pool. The prices of accommodation also fall dramatically after the holidays.
Comparative table of surf destinations in January
| Destination | Air/water temperature | Type of waves | Budget | Atmosphere |
| Taghazout (Morocco) | 20-22°C / 17-19°C | Soft, long straight lines | 400 – 600 € | Authentic & chill |
| Weligama (Sri Lanka) | 28-30°C / 27-29°C | Small and regular | 300 – 500 € | Backpacker & zen |
| Tamarindo (Costa Rica) | 30°C / 27°C | Easy, sandy | 600 – 900 € | Tropical & comfort |
| Fuerteventura (Canaries) | 20-22°C / 18-20°C | Progressive and secure | 450 – 650 € | European & sunny |
| Canggu (Bali) | 30°C / 28°C | Soft and long | 350 – 600 € | Bohemian & trendy |
Why go surfing in January?
- Sunshine is guaranteed in most of our destinations, a real contrast to the European winter.
- Perfect conditions for progress: soft waves, warm water, numerous surf schools.
- Less crowded than in high season (except in certain ultra-tourist spots like Bali).
- More affordable prices outside school vacations.
Tips for a surf trip in January
- Choose your destination according to your level: calmer swells for beginners (Sri Lanka, Canaries) or more powerful swells for intermediates (Morocco, Costa Rica).
- Check the weather conditions and adapt your equipment (3/2 wetsuit for Morocco, shorty or lycra elsewhere).
- Anticipate long-haul flights: often cheaper in early January after the holidays.
- Don’t forget travel insurance with surf coverage, essential outside Europe.
Going surfing in January means turning winter into an opportunity: sun, accessible waves and unforgettable experiences. Whether you choose Morocco for its proximity, Sri Lanka for its Zen atmosphere or Bali for its unique lifestyle, each destination has its own assets.
So get your board ready, book your ticket and get out there: the first waves of the year are waiting for you! And if you’re planning your trip for a different time of year, check out our monthly guides: where to surf in December, where to surf in February and where to surf in March.
FAQ
You are spoilt for choice depending on the time you have available. For a short and affordable trip, Morocco (the Taghazout region) and the Canary Islands (Fuerteventura or Lanzarote) offer you a spring-like climate just a few hours’ flight away. If you have more time and a larger budget, Sri Lanka and Costa Rica are dream destinations a34> where you can surf in your swimsuit in the tropics.
If you are seeking convenience and comfort, Sri Lanka, and more particularly Weligama Bay, is without doubt the best option. It is the dry season, the water is 28°C and the waves are gentle and forgiving. It’s the perfect environment to learn without the stress of cold weather or big waves.
Absolutely, it’s even one of the best months of the year! In the Atlantic (Morocco, Canary Islands), the winter swells are powerful and regular, offering surfing every day. In tropical areas such as Costa Rica and Sri Lanka, January is the dry season with offshore winds (blowing from the land) that smooth the water for perfect surfing sessions.
To stay technically in Europe while enjoying the warmth, head to the Canary Islands. Fuerteventura and Lanzarote are nicknamed the Hawaii of the Atlantic. You will find an water temperature of 19-20°C and a temperature outside pleasant, which allows you to surf in a 3/2mm wetsuit without ever feeling cold. (be careful of the wind, however) – source: oupartir
It’s a big yes. January is at the heart of the Moroccan surfing season. The famous point breaks such as Anchor Point are working at full capacity for experienced surfers. For beginners, the surfing conditions are perfect surfers experienced. For the beginners and intermediate, the sheltered spots such as those in Imsouane or the beaches of Tamraght offer ideal conditions under the sun.
Surfing in France in winter is reserved for the bravest. The water often drops below 12°C and storms can make conditions very difficult. If you really want to get in the water, Brittany or the Landes offer opportunities, but you will need a very thick wetsuit (5/4mm), gloves and booties. For your enjoyment and progress, we strongly advise you to migrate south!
