Where to Surf in December: Best Warm Surf Destinations
TRAVELSURF
December is one of the most interesting months on the global surf calendar. It's peak winter in the Northern Hemisphere, which means big, powerful swells are lighting up the Pacific and Atlantic, while several warm-water destinations settle into their dry season. I've been lucky enough to surf in December over the past few years, and Bali has become something of a personal tradition. There's nothing quite like trading a cold December at home for warm water and an uncrowded lineup. Whether you're chasing serious size, mellow beginner-friendly waves, or just want to trade cold weather for a wetsuit-free session, here's where to surf in December.
Bali, Indonesia
December falls in Bali's wet season, which is technically the off-peak period compared to the more famous April-to-September dry season. That said, warm water, lower crowds, and cheaper accommodation make it an appealing time to visit, particularly for beginners and intermediates. Spots like Padang Padang, Green Bowl, Keramas, and Serangan tend to hold up well even with the seasonal shift, and the wetter weather rarely means constant rain — more a mix of sun and afternoon showers. This is the trip I keep coming back to every December, and if you want a deeper dive into planning one, check out my Indonesia surfing guide.
Where to stay:
Luxury: Swanata Uluwatu Bali Resort — clifftop villas above the Bukit Peninsula's surf breaks.
Mid-range: Grand Mercure Bali Seminyak — a well-located base with easy access to Canggu and Uluwatu's waves.
Budget: Koa D'Surfer Hotel, Canggu — a boutique budget stay near Canggu's beach breaks with a rooftop chill-out area.
Siargao, Philippines
Siargao is one of the Philippines' best-known surf destinations, famous for its tropical island setting and world-class waves. It’s also one of my favorite surf destinations, and December is a great time to visit, with consistent swells and warm water creating excellent conditions for surfing. Cloud 9 is the island's most famous break and is best suited to experienced surfers, while areas around General Luna offer more manageable waves for intermediate surfers. Beyond surfing, Siargao has a laid-back island atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and plenty of opportunities to explore between sessions.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced surfers
Where to stay:
Luxury: Nay Palad Hideaway, a secluded luxury resort for a special island escape.
Mid-range: Isla Cabana Resort, a beachfront resort close to General Luna and Cloud 9.
Budget: Hostel Bajala Siargao, a social and affordable option for surfers and younger travelers.
Southwest Coast, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka runs on two separate surf seasons depending on which coast you're on, and December favors the southwest. Towns like Hikkaduwa, Weligama, Mirissa, and Midigama get consistent offshore winds and dependable swell from November through April, with warm water and a well-established surf-camp scene that suits everyone from first-timers to more advanced riders. It's worth noting that this is the opposite season from Arugam Bay on the east coast, which peaks in the Northern Hemisphere summer instead.
Where to stay:
Luxury: Cape Weligama — a clifftop Relais & Châteaux resort with sweeping ocean views above Weligama Bay.
Mid-range: Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa — a large beachfront resort right on the bay's surf-friendly waters.
Budget: Lime and Co Hostel— a social hostel with easy access to Weligama and Mirissa's breaks.
Canary Islands, Spain
For Europeans looking for winter sun without a long-haul flight, the Canary Islands are hard to beat in December. The islands sit right in the middle of their surf season, with consistent northwest swells, air temperatures in the low-to-mid 20s°C, and water still warm enough to surf comfortably in a spring suit or light wetsuit. Fuerteventura's sandy-bottomed breaks and Lanzarote's beginner-friendly bays are ideal for newer surfers, while the north shores of the islands offer heavier reef breaks for those with more experience.
Where to stay:
Luxury: H10 Rubicón Horizons Collection — a polished beachfront resort on Lanzarote's south coast with easy access to nearby breaks.
Mid-range: Hotel Riu Oliva Beach Resort — a comfortable beachfront option on Fuerteventura's north coast, close to El Cotillo's surf.
Budget: Cotillo House — simple self-catering studios right on El Cotillo's sandy beach.
Taghazout, Morocco
Morocco's Atlantic coast hits its stride in winter, and Taghazout is the epicenter. Long, consistent right-hand point breaks like Anchor Point deliver reliably good waves, the climate stays mild and sunny, and the town has built an entire surf-camp culture around the season. The only downside is you need to wear a wetsuit as the water is cold in Morocco despite the warm weather. It's an easy, affordable trip from Europe and works well for intermediate surfers looking to log serious wave time, though beginners will find plenty of gentler beach breaks nearby too.
Where to stay:
Luxury: Paradis Plage Surf, Yoga & Spa Resort — a beachfront resort pairing surf lessons with spa and yoga programming.
Mid-range: Radisson Residences Taghazout Bay — modern apartment-style rooms a short drive from the main surf breaks.
Budget: Kekai Surf House — a laid-back surf hostel with private and dorm rooms right in the village.
Oahu's North Shore, Hawaii
If you want to witness surfing at its most extreme, nowhere beats Oahu's North Shore in December. This is peak winter swell season, when storms in the North Pacific send powerful groundswells straight into legendary breaks like Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Waimea Bay. December is also when the sport's biggest events take over the coastline, including the Pipe Masters, drawing elite surfers and huge crowds of spectators. This is not beginner territory — waves regularly reach well over head height and conditions can be genuinely dangerous — but for experienced surfers or spectators who just want to watch the best in the world at work, it's unmatched.
Where to stay:
Luxury: Turtle Bay Resort — an oceanfront resort with direct beach access and the North Shore's most complete amenities.
Mid-range: Courtyard by Marriott Oahu North Shore — set around a lagoon-style pool, a comfortable and central base for exploring the coast.
Budget: Backpackers Vacation Inn & Plantation Village — dorm beds and simple private studios right near Sharks Cove and Pipeline.
Nicaragua and Costa Rica's Pacific Coast
Central America's Pacific side moves into its dry season around November, and December is one of the more reliable months to visit. In Nicaragua, spots like Playa Maderas, Playa Hermosa, and Playa Colorado offer warm water and consistent waves suited to a range of skill levels, while nearby Costa Rica's Pacific breaks follow a similar seasonal pattern. Both countries have leaned heavily into surf tourism, so camps, lessons, and board rentals are easy to find.
Where to stay:
Luxury: 99 Surf Lodge, Popoyo — a minimalist beachfront lodge right on one of Nicaragua's best-known surf beaches.
Mid-range: Buena Vista Surf Club, Playa Maderas — a laid-back property directly on Playa Maderas with a well-loved communal deck.
Budget: Magnific Rock Surf Resort & Yoga Retreat — a hostel-style stay near Popoyo geared toward budget-conscious surfers.
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Known as the "Mexican Pipeline," Puerto Escondido delivers some of the most powerful beach-break waves in the world, and winter is prime time. December brings consistent, often heavy swells to spots like Zicatela Beach, making it a serious destination for experienced surfers, while the nearby, gentler La Punta break offers a more approachable option for those still building confidence in bigger surf.
Where to stay:
Luxury: Casa Joseph Zicatela — an adults-only boutique hotel set directly on Zicatela Beach.
Mid-range: Hotel Santa Fe — a longstanding beachfront hotel between Zicatela and Marinero beaches with a hacienda feel.
Budget: Hotel Manava — a simple, well-located budget option near the main surf breaks.
Florianópolis, Brazil
Florianópolis is one of Brazil's best surf destinations, with a mix of powerful beach breaks, long sandy beaches, and more relaxed waves for different skill levels. December marks the start of summer, bringing warm water, plenty of surfable days, and a lively beach atmosphere. Beaches like Praia Mole, Joaquina, and Campeche are popular with surfers, while the island's variety of breaks makes it easy to find waves that suit your level.
Where to stay:
Luxury: Hotel Boutique Quinta das Videiras — a stylish boutique hotel in Lagoa da Conceição, ideal for combining surfing with a more upscale stay.
Mid-range: Pousada dos Golfinhos — a comfortable option close to Campeche Beach.
Budget: Hi Floripa Hostel Centro — a simple and affordable base for exploring the island and its beaches.
A Quick Guide by Experience Level
Beginners: Canary Islands, Bali, and the southwest coast of Sri Lanka offer the most forgiving conditions alongside established surf schools.
Intermediate surfers: Taghazout, Florianópolis, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica provide consistent, well-shaped waves without the extreme size found further north.
Advanced surfers: Oahu's North Shore and Puerto Escondido are December's heavyweight destinations, with serious size and power that demand real experience.
Where to Surf in December: FAQs
Where is the best place to surf in December? Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Morocco, the Canary Islands, and parts of Indonesia are popular choices, depending on your experience level and the type of waves you’re looking for.
Is December a good month for surfing? Absolutely. December marks the start of winter surf season in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing consistent swells to destinations such as Morocco and the Canary Islands, while tropical destinations offer warm-weather alternatives.
Where can beginners surf in December? Beginners have several good options, including Sri Lanka’s south coast, Morocco, the Canary Islands, and Bali. Look for destinations with softer beach breaks and surf schools rather than choosing a spot based only on its reputation for big waves.
Where can I surf in warm water in December? For warm-water surfing, consider Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, or Indonesia. These destinations let you combine surfing with tropical weather and a beach-focused holiday.
What country has the best waves to surf? Indonesia is one of the best countries in the world for surfing, offering incredible variety and waves throughout the year. With world-class breaks, different wave types, and surf spots spread across multiple islands, you can find great conditions in Indonesia in every season.
Final Thoughts
December proves that surf season doesn’t pause just because winter arrives. It simply moves. Northern Hemisphere storm systems bring powerful swells, while plenty of warm-water destinations offer great conditions for a winter surf escape.
I know the idea of planning a surf trip in December can be exciting, especially when you’re trying to figure out where to surf in December. With so many destinations to choose from, the key is finding the right spot for your experience level, preferred wave conditions, and the kind of trip you want.
I hope this guide helps you narrow down your options, find the perfect destination, and get excited about your next surf adventure. Wherever you end up, December can be a fantastic time to pack your board and chase some waves.
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