Where to Surf in February
September 29, 2022
The go-to resource for planning your surf camps. Find all you need to know about the top destinations and take your surfing to new heights.
Discover Surf Camps now
It may still be cold in the Northern Hemisphere, but there are some places where the summer is never-ending.
February is the perfect time to go on a surf camp to score some waves and dip your toes in the sand on a far-away palm-fringed beach.
Thinking about an early-year surf trip? Here are the best surfing destinations in February:
Costa Rica
Anytime is a good time to surf in Costa Rica!
The waves are top-notch all year round on the North and Central Pacific coasts. During winter months, the water is warm and the weather is dry and pleasant. The surf is not as powerful as in summer (between June and September), which makes this time just perfect for beginners.
But, what are the best places to surf in Costa Rica in February? This is a great month to check out the surf on the North, Central, and South Pacific coasts, as well as the Caribbean coast.
When it comes to places to surf, Costa Rica offers countless possibilities. However, the northern Pacific Coast – the Guanacaste and Nicoya Peninsula regions – is more consistent and easier to get around. These are home to world-renowned beach towns like Tamarindo and Nosara, and surf beaches like Playa Grande, Playa Avellanas, and Santa Teresa.
On the Central Coast, Boca Barranca and Jaco are the main attractions among surfers. The surf breaks on the South Coast are more accessible during this time of year. The Caribbean Coast, famous for its powerful Salsa Brava and Cahuita reef breaks near Puerto Viejo, has a shorter surfing season, with the best waves rolling in between December and March.
Surfing conditions in Costa Rica in February:
From a touristic point of view, February is one of the most popular months to visit Costa Rica.
Although the water temperature reaches a minimum in February, it is still warm enough to surf in a swimsuit or rash vest – 25 to 29°C (77 to 84°F). The air temperature reaches highs around 30-35 °C (86-94 °F).
» For more on the surfing seasons, best waves, what to eat and how to budget your trip, read our complete guide to surfing in Costa Rica.
Top-rated beginner surf camp in Costa Rica:
- Availability: All year round
- Skill level: Beginners and intermediate surfers
- Price: From US$390
The camp is located in Tamarindo, one of the best places to learn to surf in Costa Rica. Beginners will find friendly waves right at their doorstep. Intermediate surfers will be taken to the world-class waves nearby, the likes of Avellanas, Langosta, Playa Grande, and Playa Negra. The package includes daily Costa Rican breakfast, one snorkeling trip, one yoga class, surfing photos, and free use of the surfing equipment outside the lessons.
Canary Islands, Spain
Thanks to their location, the Canary Islands offer epic conditions for all water sports throughout the year. Their high-quality surf breaks and year-round warm, sunny weather makes them a top choice among European surfers, and not only.
So, where should you surf in the Canary Islands in February? Well, wherever you please! The main surf season on all the islands is between September and April, with high-quality waves between November and February. The consistent swell and sunny, warm weather does attract some crowds, but there’s plenty of room for everyone.
Thanks to its year-round warm weather, Lanzarote is often referred to as ‘Europe’s Hawaii’ and is considered the best surfing destination in the Canary Islands. Caleta de Famara, on the north coast, is undoubtedly the best surf spot in Lanzarote and a great place to learn to surf. This six-kilometer (3.7-mile) long beach is the longest on the island, and there are several take-off points to choose from. There’s room for everyone, all levels. Famara is a surf magnet and it works with all tides.
You’ll find quality surf on each and every island in the archipelago. Fuerteventura and its Flag Beach, one of the best beginner surf spots on the island, Tenerife and its challenging Spanish Left and Billboards breaks, as well as many others, are all worth a visit.
Surfing conditions in the Canary Islands in February:
The water is slightly colder in February, when it reaches the annual minimum – 17 to 19°C (63 to 66°F). Therefore, you’ll need a 2/3mm or a 4/3mm neoprene wetsuit. Booties are recommended because most surf breaks have sharp reefs or rocks on the seabed.
» For more on the surfing seasons, best waves, and budgeting your trip, read our complete guide to surfing in the Canary Islands.
Top-rated budget surf camp in the Canary Islands:
6 Days Fun Surf Camp in Fuerteventura
- Availability: All year round
- Skill level: All levels
- Price: From € 240
This affordable surf camp in Fuerteventura offers premium, personalized surf lessons adapted for all skill levels.
During your stay, you’ll enjoy four days of personalized surf lessons, with maximum five people per instructor. Each lesson lasts up to four hours and includes warm-up on the beach, safety talk, tuition both on the beach and in the water. All the necessary surfing equipment is provided by the camp.
Southern Province, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, the island of serendipity (before Ceylon, Sri Lanka was called Serendib, a name of Arabic origins, which gave birth to the English word “serendipity’), is one of the best places on the planet to learn to surf and sharpen your wave riding skills.
Where to go surfing in Sri Lanka in February? The surf on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka comes to life between November and April. This is the dry season, with pleasant temperatures and almost zero rainfall. During this time of the year, the east coast is still affected by the northeast monsoon.
The south and southwest coasts are basking in sunshine and receive morning offshore winds, which produce clean waves. The southern tip of Sri Lanka is a swell magnet, and the surf spots here rarely go flat.
Surfing conditions in Sri Lanka in February:
February is peak season for surfing in southern Sri Lanka. But don’t fret. You can still find less crowded waves. Hikkaduwa, Weligama, and Unawatuna tend to attract bigger crowds, while Mirissa is usually less crowded.
With water temperatures hovering around 27-29°C and an average air temperature of 30°C, you can surf in Sri Lanka in boardshorts and a rash vest throughout the year. In February, the wave size starts to pick up, reaching shoulder to head-high, which makes this a good time for surfers of all levels to catch a wave.
» For more on the surfing seasons, the best destinations, the cuisine, and other useful travel tips, check out our guide to surfing in Sri Lanka.
Top-rated budget surf camp in Sri Lanka:
8 Days Full Lesson Surf Camp in Weligama
- Availability: All year round except June, July, and August
- Skill level: All levels
- Price: From US$450
The camp is located right near the beach in Weligama, one of the best beginner surf spots in Sri Lanka. There are also numerous surf spots for all levels within easy reach. During your stay, you’ll enjoy two surf lessons per day for six days, with personalized feedback and tips. There will be one instructor per three guests. The package includes daily breakfast and dinner, as well as surfboard rental.
*Prices are subject to change depending on the date of arrival.
Don’t worry if you’ve overspent during the holidays. You don’t have to dig deep in your pocket to go on a budget surf camp and ride the world’s best waves!