Winter's coming… and it’s bringing swell and plenty of stoke with it. And if you're searching for the best places to surf in December, two names keep coming up.
Portugal and Morocco.
We run surf trips in both countries and we obviously adore both countries. So we're not crowning a winner.
What we’re doing is giving you honest advice on which one suits your skill level this winter.
Ready for a cool-season surf trip?
Two of the best places to surf in December (and January and February)
Want winter sun, warm-ish water and long righthand pointbreaks? Go to Morocco.
Want variety, a short flight, consistent waves and don't mind colder water? Go to Portugal.
Both deliver great waves. Portugal is probably slightly less crowded than Morocco, but that really depends on where you go.
Winter in Portugal: Raw, powerful and a little moody
The Portugal surf season never really stops, but the winter months are when the coast lights up. The North Atlantic sends swell after swell and Portugal cops the brunt of it.
That's the good news. It's also the catch.
- Water: Depends where you go, but it's around 14 to 16°C. A 4/3 wetsuit, plus booties and hood if you’re particularly susceptible to cold
- Weather: Mild by Euro standards, but expect rain, wind and the odd storm
- Waves: Beach breaks, reefs and some hectic slabs
- Crowds: Far fewer crowds than Euro summer. Ericeira and Peniche still fill up on weekends, but drive 20 minutes and it's a different story
- Beginners: Surfing in Portugal for beginners is easier in summer, but winter's doable. Most surf camps and retreats run their courses on sheltered beaches when the winter swells get big
For intermediate surfers and advanced surfers, it's a brilliant classroom for handling power. Costa da Caparica is a favorite of ours. Consistent breaks, uncrowded peaks and a short drive to Ericeira… one of Europe's most legendary surf towns with surf shops and board stores.
More surf spots in our central Portugal surf guide.
Winter in Morocco: Winter sun, points and desert vibes
The Morocco surf season peaks in winter. It essentially piggybacks off the continental Europe surf season. Clean lines from long-period swells combine with offshore winds and epic point setups to produce world-class righthanders.
- Water: High teens. A 3/2 does the job most days. Can be chilly for sunrise/sunset sessions
- Weather: Warm weather with sunny days in the low to mid 20s. Fresh evenings
- Waves: Righthand points like Anchor Point, Killer Point and Boilers… some of the most consistent breaks in winter. Plus mellow beach breaks around Tamraght
- Crowds: Look, it's prime time, which means the big-name points get packed
- Beginners: Great. Imsouane's Magic Bay is a forgiving right that can run for hundreds of meters
More in our expert breakdown of surfing Morocco.
Side by side
Which countries takes the cake?
- Warmth: Morocco. Easier to stay warm in and out of the water
- Wave variety: Portugal. Beach breaks, reefs, points and slabs
- Crowds: Portugal, especially midweek
- Travel: Portugal is a short hop. Morocco is a little further but feels a world away. It also depends where you’re flying from
- Beginner surfers: Portugal? Morocco? Depends on the expertise of your surf trip provider (and their ability to find waves suitable to your skill level)
So which one's for you?
Pick Portugal if...
- You want a greater variety of wave types
- You don’t mind cold-to-frigid water
- You'll trade sun for fewer crowds (and bifanas)
Pick Morocco if...
- You prefer warm weather and a thinner wetsuit
- You want to surf pointbreaks only
- You don’t mind hassling when the conditions are pumping
FAQ
Q. Where are the best places to surf in December?
For a short-haul surf trip from Europe, Morocco and Portugal are two of the most reliable. If you want to venture a bit further, Sri Lanka is an amazing beginner-friendly destination for the winter months.
Q. When's the best time to surf Portugal?
There's surf year-round. Summer suits beginners with smaller waves and warmer days. September to April brings the most consistent swells with the biggest in midwinter.
Q. When's the best time to surf in Morocco?
October to March. Summer is smaller and windier, so save it for learning, not scoring.
Q. Is Portugal too cold to surf in winter?
No. Cold enough to notice, not cold enough to stay home. A good 4/3 will have you sorted.
Q. Can beginners surf Morocco in winter?
You can surf anytime of the year as a beginner so long as you have a coach or instructor who only takes you to the spots suited to your skill level.
Final thoughts
There’s no wrong answer, really.
Portugal is quite possibly Europe’s most beloved winter surf destination. Morocco is a warmer, more faraway destination. Both are fun. Both will send you home a better surfer.
What really makes a winter surf trip is who's in the ocean with you. Most of our guests travel solo and leave with a crew. Pick the coast that fits your level and mood.
We'll handle the rest.
