In this article, I will share my top ten picks for the best places to surf in August, along with some tips on what to consider when planning your own surfing trip.
I’m always on the lookout for the best places to surf, and August is one of my favorite months for hitting the waves.
With the shoulder season of tourism in full swing, crowds are starting to thin out, and the weather is often just right for a great surfing experience.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes or an experienced surfer in search of your next big challenge, there will be something for you in this list of epic surfing destinations.
Also check out these California van rentals if you want to go on a surfing road trip this August.
10 Best places to surf in August
Now that we’ve discussed some of the key factors to consider when planning a surfing trip in August, it’s time to dive into our list of the top ten destinations for surfing in that month.
From warm tropical waters to heavy barrels and gentle swells, there is something for everyone on our list of the best places to surf in August.
1. Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Puerto Escondido is an iconic surfing town located on the Pacific coast of Mexico.
The town is known for its warm waters and heavy waves, which attract surfers from all over the world.
The beginner-friendly Carrizalillo beach is a great spot to learn to surf, with gentle swells and clear waters.
For advanced surfers, Zicatela is the place to be.
This legendary spot is known for its heavy barrels and intense waves, and is considered Mexico’s version of Pipeline.
Surfers who brave the waves at Zicatela often emerge with their boards in two pieces, and it’s not for the faint of heart.
Despite the challenges, Zicatela is a must-visit for any serious surfer, and Puerto Escondido is a great destination to surf in August.
2. San Clemente, United States
Located in southern California, San Clemente is a popular surf destination known for its warm waters and consistent swell.
The town offers a mix of beginner-friendly and advanced breaks, making it a great spot for surfers of all levels.
Some of the most popular breaks in San Clemente include T-Street, which is a beginner-friendly beach break with a mix of lefts and rights, and the Trestles, which is a famous surf spot known for its high-quality waves and competitive surfing competitions.
San Clemente is a great spot to surf year-round, with warm waters and a consistent swell that makes it an ideal destination for a surfing vacation in August.
3. El Sunzal, El Salvado
Located on the Pacific coast of El Salvador, El Sunzal is a small surf town known for its warm waters and consistent swell.
The town is located near the border with Guatemala, and is a popular destination for surfers from both countries.
The beach break at El Sunzal offers a mix of lefts and rights, making it a great spot for surfers of all levels to enjoy.
The warm waters and gentle swells make it a perfect destination for surfing in August, when the crowds are starting to thin out and the weather is just right for a great surfing experience.
4. Tahiti, French Polynesia
Tahiti is a tropical paradise located in the South Pacific, and is known for its warm waters, consistent swell, and perfect waves.
The island is home to a number of world-class breaks, including Teahupo’o, which is known for its heavy barrels and big waves.
Teahupo’o is considered one of the best and most challenging surf spots in the world, and attracts some of the top surfers from around the globe.
Aside from Teahupo’o, Tahiti offers a variety of other surf spots for surfers of all levels.
The island’s warm waters and consistent swell make it a great destination for surfing year-round, and its stunning natural beauty and rich culture make it a truly unique and unforgettable place to visit.
Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn to surf or an experienced surfer in search of your next big challenge, Tahiti is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the best of what the South Pacific has to offer.
5. Biarritz, France
Biarritz is a coastal town located on the Atlantic coast of France, and is known for its beautiful beaches and world-class surf.
The town is located in the Basque Country, and is known for its mix of beach and reef breaks that offer something for surfers of all levels.
In August, the town is known for its gentle swells and warm waters, making it a great spot for beginners to learn to surf.
The town is also known for its vibrant surf culture, with a number of surf schools, shops, and cafes catering to the needs of surfers.
Additionally, the town is a popular tourist destination, with a number of other attractions and activities to enjoy, such as hiking, fishing, and golf.
6. Peniche, Portugal
Located on the west coast of Portugal, Peniche is a small surf town that has become a popular destination for surfers from all over Europe.
The town is located on a narrow peninsula, with the Atlantic Ocean on one side and the Bay of Peniche on the other.
This unique geography gives Peniche a mix of beach and reef breaks, with a variety of waves to suit surfers of all levels.
One of the main attractions of Peniche is its consistent swell, which makes it a great spot to surf year-round.
The town is also known for its warm waters, with temperatures ranging from the mid-60s to the low 70s in August.
This makes it a comfortable place to surf, even in a short wetsuit.
In addition to its great waves and warm waters, Peniche has a vibrant surf culture and a thriving local community.
The town has a number of surf schools and shops, as well as restaurants and bars where you can relax and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
There are also a number of other attractions in the area, including the beautiful beaches of the Berlengas Islands and the historic Fort of Peniche.
All in all, Peniche is a great destination for a surfing trip in August.
7. Durban, South Africa
Durban is located on the east coast of South Africa and is known for its warm waters and consistent swell, making it a great spot to surf in August.
The town has a mix of beach and reef breaks, offering something for surfers of all levels.
The warm waters make it comfortable to surf without a wetsuit, and the consistent swell means that there are always good waves to be found.
Durban is also a great destination for surfers who want to explore the local culture and scenery, with plenty of activities and attractions to enjoy outside of the water.
8. Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka
Located on the east coast of Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay is a small surf town with some of the best waves in the Indian Ocean.
The town is known for its warm waters and consistent swell, and is a great spot for surfers of all levels.
Arugam Bay has a mix of beach and point breaks, with both left and right-hand waves.
The town is also known for its laid-back atmosphere and affordable accommodation, making it a popular destination for surfers on a budget.
In addition to the great surf, Arugam Bay is also a great spot for other activities such as fishing, boating, and wildlife watching.
The nearby Yala National Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and birds.
9. Canggu, Bali in August
Canggu is a small town located on the south coast of Bali, Indonesia.
It is a popular destination for surfers from all over the world, thanks to its warm waters, consistent swell, and mix of beach and reef breaks.
The town is located near some of the island’s best surf spots, including Batu Bolong, Echo Beach, and Pererenan, which offer a range of waves for surfers of all levels.
In August, the water temperature in Canggu is usually around 28-30 degrees Celsius (82-86 degrees Fahrenheit), making it a great spot for surfing in a shorty wetsuit or even a rash vest.
The town also offers a range of other activities and attractions, such as yoga, cafes, and shopping, making it a great destination for a surfing vacation in August.
10. Shikoku, Japan
Located on the island of Shikoku, Japan, this surf town is known for its heavy rivermouth breaks and big waves.
The town is not always consistent, but when the swell is up, it offers some of the best surfing in the world.
The right-hand rivermouth breaks at Shikoku are known for their heavy barrels and steep drops, and are only rideable by experienced surfers.
The town is also known for its beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes, making it a great destination for a surfing vacation in August.
Despite its inconsistency, Shikoku is worth a visit for experienced surfers looking for a challenge in the warm waters of Japan.
Tips for planning a surf trip in August
Once you’ve chosen a destination from our list of the best places to surf in August, it’s time to start planning your trip.
In this section, we will provide some tips on how to plan a successful surfing trip in August.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced surfer, these tips will help you plan a trip that is safe, fun, and memorable.
- Decide on a destination based on your level of experience and the type of waves you want to surf. Beginners may want to choose a destination with gentle swells and warm waters, while experienced surfers may want to look for heavy barrels and steep drops. Check out these underrated surf destinations around the world.
- Consider the weather and water temperature when choosing your gear and clothing. A wetsuit and wax that are suitable for warm waters may not be suitable for cold waters, so make sure to choose the right gear for your destination.
- Plan your trip in advance to ensure that you have enough time to enjoy the waves and explore the local area. Consider the convenience of the destination and the cost of the trip when deciding on the duration of your stay.
- Have a back-up plan in case the swell is not consistent or the waves are not rideable. Some destinations are known for their inconsistency, so it’s a good idea to have a plan B in case your main destination is not working out.
- Enjoy the trip and make the most of your time at the destination. A trip to one of the best surfing destinations in August can be a great way to enjoy the waves and the local culture.
