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Where Are The Best Warm Water Surf Destinations?
If you hate cold water, you have plenty of options.
There are warm water surf destinations where you can paddle out in boardshorts, a bikini or your favourite swimsuit and stay in the water for hours.
That changes the whole experience.
You’re not thinking about how cold you are. You are thinking about the next wave.
From the tropical beaches of Costa Rica and Sri Lanka to the surf towns of Indonesia, Mexico and El Salvador, warm-water surfing takes you to some seriously good places.
You can also find warmer surf closer to Europe. The Canary Islands are a great example if you want sunshine, good waves and easier access from Europe.
The tricky part is choosing where to go.
So I’ve narrowed it down.
Quick Guide To The Best Warm Water Surf Destinations
| Destination | Water Temperature | Beginner Rating | Wave Consistency | Best Months | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
26–29°C / 79–84°F |
4/5 |
5/5 |
Dec-Apr |
Tropical & adventurous |
|
|
26–29°C / 79–84°F |
5/5 |
4/5 |
Nov-Apr |
Relaxed & tropical |
|
|
26–29°C / 79–84°F |
4/5 |
5/5 |
Apr-Oct |
Busy & surf-focused |
|
|
22–27°C / 72–81°F |
4/5 |
4/5 |
Dec-May |
Adventurous & relaxed |
|
|
26–29°C / 79–84°F |
4/5 |
5/5 |
Mar-Oct |
Surf-focused & tropical |
|
|
25–30°C / 77–86°F |
4/5 |
4/5 |
Jun-Sep |
Apr-Oct |
Swipe to compare surf destinations →
Best times and water temperatures are approximate in the selected warm water surf destinations. Conditions can vary by coast, region, season and exact surf spot, particularly in larger destinations such as Sri Lanka and Mexico.
In This Guide
Warm Water Surf Destinations I Recommend
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the first places I think of for a warm-water surf trip.
The water is warm. The beaches are tropical. And there is plenty to do when you are not surfing.
You also get a good mix of surf towns. Some are busy and social. Others feel much quieter.
If you’re learning to surf, Tamarindo is one of my favourite places to start. The long sandy beach, surf schools and easy-going town make everything pretty straightforward.
Jaco is another option if you want something bigger and busier. There is a long beach break, plenty of accommodation and lots happening away from the surf.
Costa Rica works particularly well for a week or two. You can surf every day without making the entire trip about surfing.
If you’re deciding between the two, our Tamarindo Surf Guide and Jaco Surf Guide can help you compare them.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka feels different. The pace is slower. The beaches are tropical. And surfing is only part of the experience.
You can surf in the morning, grab a fresh lunch, head for a swim and watch the sunset later. The water stays warm too. No thick wetsuit. No freezing paddle out.
Weligama is one of my favourite places for beginners. The long sandy bay has plenty of surf schools and a big beginner scene.
Hiriketiya is smaller and more tucked away. It has a lovely mix of surfing, cafés, yoga and downtime.
Another big advantage is the changing surf seasons. Depending on when you travel, you can choose between different parts of the island. That makes Sri Lanka a really flexible warm-water surf destination.
Indonesia
Indonesia barely needs an introduction. Warm water. Tropical weather. Incredible surf.
But there’s a catch.
Not every wave is beginner-friendly. Some breaks are powerful and shallow. Others are much more forgiving. Choosing the right area matters.
Canggu is popular for a reason. There are surf schools, cafés, restaurants and plenty of other travellers. It can be busy, but that social atmosphere can make a first surf trip easier.
Seminyak is more holiday-focused. Think beaches, restaurants, nightlife and surfing all in one place.
If warm water and surf culture are your priorities, Indonesia is hard to beat.
Ecuador
Ecuador is one for the adventurous traveller.
It doesn’t get talked about as much as Bali, Costa Rica or Sri Lanka. That can be a good thing.
You can find warm water, surf towns and plenty of coastline to explore. Montanita is the livelier option, with a social atmosphere and plenty happening away from the beach. Salinas offers a more developed coastal setting with beaches, restaurants and plenty of places to stay.
You can also make the trip about more than surfing. Explore the coast. Try the food. See somewhere different.
El Salvador
El Salvador is becoming increasingly popular with surfers. And it’s easy to see why. Warm water. Tropical weather. Quality waves.
The coastline has a string of surf breaks, many with long, clean waves. El Tunco is one of the best-known surf towns, with a relaxed, social atmosphere and plenty of places to eat, stay and surf.
If surfing is the main reason you’re travelling, this is an appealing option. It’s less about ticking off tourist attractions.
Mexico
Mexico gives you variety. A lot of it. You can find long sandy beaches, rocky points, small surf towns and bigger holiday destinations.
Puerto Escondido is a popular choice for surfers who want plenty happening, while Punta Mita offers a more relaxed coastal setting. For something quieter, Troncones is worth considering.
Water temperatures vary depending on where you go, but many of the country’s main surf regions offer warm-water conditions.
Then there’s the food. Tacos after a morning surf? Hard to beat.
Mexico works particularly well if you want to build a longer trip around surfing and explore more than one destination. Just make sure you choose the right coast and region for the month you are travelling.
When Should You Go?
Warm water doesn’t mean the same thing everywhere. The best warm water surf destination changes throughout the year. So I’d choose your travel dates first, then look at the destinations that fit.
December to February
This is prime escape-the-winter territory. Costa Rica, Mexico, El Salvador, Sri Lanka and Indonesia are all worth considering.
For the most tropical feel, I’d look at Costa Rica, Sri Lanka or Indonesia.
March to May
You still have plenty of warm-water choices. Costa Rica, Mexico, El Salvador, Ecuador and Indonesia are good options.
This can also be a nice time to find a balance between warm water, good surf and fewer crowds.
June to August
Look at Sri Lanka and Indonesia for properly tropical water. Ecuador and Mexico are also worth considering.
September to November
Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Mexico and Ecuador remain strong options. Costa Rica also becomes a strong contender as you move towards December.
If your dates are flexible, this is a good time to compare destinations rather than simply following the crowds.
Warm Water Surf Camps
A surf camp can make things easier. You have somewhere to stay. Lessons are organised. And there are other surfers around.
That last part can make a big difference if you’re travelling solo.
If you’re heading to Costa Rica, I’ve put together a guide to 7 Best Costa Rica Surf Camps For Beginners, which is a good place to start if you want lessons and accommodation organised in one booking.
Sri Lanka is another great option, especially if you’re looking for something affordable. I’ve also put together a guide to Affordable Surf Camps In Sri Lanka.
And if Indonesia is on your list, check out my guide to the Best Surf Camps In Indonesia to compare your options.
If you want surfing to be a bigger part of the trip, a surf camp is definitely worth considering.
Which Warm Water Surf Destination Is Right For You?
Want the warmest water?
Costa Rica, Sri Lanka or Indonesia
Want a tropical surf trip?
Costa Rica
Want Europe?
Portugal
Want a surf-focused trip?
Indonesia
Want a relaxed escape?
Sri Lanka
Want something adventurous?
Ecuador
Want consistent waves?
El Salvador
Want great food & variety?
Mexico
There’s no single best warm-water surf destination. It depends on what you want from the trip.
If you want a tropical adventure, Costa Rica is a great place to start. For an easygoing surf holiday, Sri Lanka is hard to beat. If you want plenty of surf and a strong surf culture, Indonesia is an obvious choice.
Mexico and Ecuador are great when you want more variety, while El Salvador is worth considering if quality waves are high on your list.
Pick the destination that suits your style, check the best season for your trip and go from there.
The warm water is just the beginning.
Ready To Plan Your Warm Water Surf Destination Trip?
There’s nothing quite like surfing in warm water. No thick wetsuit. No freezing hands. Just warm ocean, sunshine and plenty of time in the water.
Whether you want a tropical escape in Costa Rica, relaxed surf days in Sri Lanka, consistent waves in Indonesia or an adventure through Mexico and Ecuador, there is a destination to suit your style.
Take your time choosing. Think about the waves, weather, budget and time of year. You should also consider how easy it is to get around without a car.
Then make the trip your own.
Surf all morning. Explore in the afternoon. Eat well. Meet other surfers. Take a day off when you need it.
The perfect warm-water surf trip doesn’t need to be complicated. Find the right destination, book your trip and go.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can you surf without a wetsuit?
Costa Rica, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, El Salvador and many parts of Mexico offer genuinely warm water where a wetsuit is usually unnecessary. Water temperatures vary by destination and season, so check your exact travel dates.
What is the warmest place to surf?
Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and El Salvador are among the warmest options on this list, with water temperatures often around 26–29°C.
Where is the best warm-water surf destination for beginners?
I’d look closely at Weligama, Tamarindo and beginner-friendly areas of Indonesia. The best choice depends on your experience, travel dates and the specific surf break.
Can you surf warm water all year?
Yes. You just need to choose the destination carefully. Warm-water surf conditions change throughout the year, particularly in places such as Sri Lanka and Mexico.
Is Costa Rica good for a surf trip?
Absolutely. Costa Rica is one of my favourite choices for a warm-water surf trip. You get tropical beaches, good surf, plenty of surf schools and lots to do away from the water.
