Best Surfing Destinations in April (2026)

Hey surfers! Keen to line up a proper April mission and score waves that feel like a reward for making it through winter?

April is a fun month because it can feel like two seasons at once. Some places are still pumping with late winter energy, and others start sliding into cleaner spring and early summer patterns.

That means more choices, and often fewer crowds if you time it right.

Here are the five of the best surfing destinations to target this April.

Portugal (Peniche and Ericeira)

Portugal in April is a classic shoulder season win. You can still get solid Atlantic swell, but the vibe often feels calmer than mid winter.

Peniche is great when you want options close together, and Ericeira is perfect when you want quality waves and a proper surf town feel.

Pack a wetsuit, keep an eye on wind, and be ready to swap spots fast if conditions shift.

What are the best surf spots in Portugal?

This table is here to help you pick a zone for the day. Everything is approximate, so always check the conditions in real time and stay on the safe side.

Spot	Skill Level	Wave Size (meters)	Best Months
Supertubos (Peniche)	Advanced to Expert	1.0 to 3.5m	Sep to Apr
Baleal and Cantinho da Baia (Peniche)	Beginner to Intermediate	0.5 to 2.0m	Apr to Sep
Ribeira dIlhas (Ericeira)	Beginner to Advanced	0.8 to 3.0m	Sep to Apr
Foz do Lizandro (Ericeira)	Beginner to Intermediate	0.5 to 2.0m	Mar to Oct
Coxos (Ericeira)	Advanced to Expert	1.5 to 4.0m	Oct to Mar

Morocco (Taghazout and Imsouane)

Morocco in April can still deliver plenty of Atlantic surf, just with a softer edge than peak winter.

The water is cool, the points still work, and the days feel warmer and longer.

This is a great time to chase long right hand walls and mix surf with good food and easy travel days. When it looks big or tricky, dial it back and choose a more protected spot.

What are the best surf spots in Morocco?

This table is a quick planning guide, not a promise. The ranges are approximate, so always watch the ocean first and keep your session conservative.

Spot	Skill Level	Wave Size (meters)	Best Months
Anchor Point	Advanced to Expert	1.5 to 4.0m	Nov to Apr
Killer Point	Intermediate to Advanced	1.0 to 3.5m	Nov to Apr
Imsouane The Bay	Beginner to Intermediate	0.8 to 2.0m	Year round
Banana Beach	Beginner to Intermediate	0.5 to 2.0m	Year round
Boilers	Advanced	1.5 to 4.0m	Dec to Apr

Indonesia (Bali)

April in Bali is a smooth transition month.

Winds start lining up more often for the west coast, and the island begins sliding toward its most consistent window.

You can still find playful waves for progression, but the serious reefs can wake up fast when a solid swell hits.

If you are not one hundred percent sure, pick a mellower wave and enjoy the day.

What are the best surf spots in Bali?

This table is for choosing a vibe, from easy warm up sessions to serious reef waves. The info is approximate, so always take the safer option when the ocean looks intimidating.

Spot	Skill Level	Wave Size (meters)	Best Months
Kuta Beach	Beginner	0.5 to 1.5m	Year round
Canggu	Beginner to Intermediate	0.5 to 2.0m	Year round
Uluwatu	Advanced to Expert	1.5 to 4.0m	Apr to Oct
Impossibles	Intermediate to Advanced	1.0 to 3.0m	Apr to Oct
Padang Padang	Expert only	1.5 to 3.5m	May to Sep

Australia (Margaret River, Western Australia)

Margaret River in April is for surfers who like power, space, and raw coastline energy. The swells can be serious and the lineups can feel intense, but the quality is hard to beat when conditions behave.

You also have a lot of variety nearby, so you can hunt for something manageable if the main breaks look too heavy.

This is a destination where playing it safe is a smart move, not a boring one.

What are the best surf spots in Margaret River?

This table helps you match the break to your comfort level. It is approximate, so always check the ocean first and pick the option that keeps you in control.

Spot	Skill Level	Wave Size (meters)	Best Months
Main Break	Advanced to Expert	1.5 to 4.5m	Apr to Oct
The Box	Expert only	1.5 to 4.0m	May to Sep
Boodjidup	Intermediate to Advanced	1.0 to 3.5m	Apr to Oct
Redgate Beach	Intermediate	0.8 to 2.5m	Year round
Yallingup Lagoon	Beginner to Intermediate	0.5 to 2.0m	Nov to Apr

Costa Rica (Pacific Coast)

Costa Rica in April is still in dry season mode, which makes surf travel feel easy.

Warm water, sunny days, and lots of beach break options keep the whole trip flowing. It can also be a great month for progression because you can surf often without getting drained by cold.

Just remember that some spots can jump in size quickly, so choose waves that match your real level.

Sound good? Read our full article on the best surf spots in Costa Rica.

What are the best surf spots in Costa Rica?

This table is meant to help you shortlist zones, not lock you into a plan. Everything is approximate, so check the day, watch a few sets, and stay on the safe side.

Spot	Skill Level	Wave Size (meters)	Best Months
Tamarindo	Beginner to Intermediate	0.5 to 2.0m	Dec to Apr
Nosara Guiones	Beginner to Intermediate	0.8 to 2.5m	Nov to Apr
Santa Teresa	Intermediate to Advanced	1.0 to 3.0m	Dec to Apr
Playa Hermosa Jaco	Advanced to Expert	1.5 to 4.0m	Dec to Apr
Dominical	Intermediate to Advanced	1.0 to 3.5m	Mar to Oct

Key Statistics: April Surfing Conditions

This quick table is for comparing the vibe at a glance across all five destinations.

The numbers are approximate, and conditions can swing fast, so treat this as a starting point and stay conservative when you decide where to paddle out.

Destination	Water Temp (°C)	Typical Wave Size (m)	Best For
Portugal	14 to 17	0.8 to 3.0	Variety and quick spot switching
Morocco	16 to 19	0.8 to 3.0	Long points and relaxed rhythm
Indonesia	27 to 29	0.5 to 3.5	Warm water performance waves
Australia	20 to 23	1.0 to 4.0	Powerful surf and adventure feel
Costa Rica	26 to 29	0.5 to 3.0	Easy travel and lots of surf time

How to surf safely in April (by level)

Picking waves that match your real ability matters more than picking a famous name. April can look friendly one hour and get serious the next, especially in places exposed to open ocean swell.

Beginner surfers

Stay at mellow beaches and avoid shallow reefs until skills feel solid. Surf near lifeguards when possible and take a lesson early in the trip.

If the current looks confusing, ask someone who knows the spot.

Intermediate surfers

Keep the session doable, not dramatic. If paddling out feels like a battle or takeoffs feel sketchy, step down in size or switch to a safer break.

Give extra space in crowds and do not force waves when the lineup is hectic.

Advanced surfers

Do a full scan before paddling out, including currents, exit options, and where the impact zone really is.

Surf with a buddy on heavier days and agree on how to handle wipeouts and long holds. If locals say it is not the day, believe them and move.

Surf spots in April: locals and the environment

April is a great time to travel because many communities are not at peak crowd levels yet.

That is also the perfect time to surf with respect and leave places better than you found them!

Respect locals

Watch the lineup before paddling out and learn how the rotation works. Do not drop in, do not snake, and do not rush the inside just to grab scraps.

Keep it friendly in the water and be considerate on land with parking and beach access.

Respect the environment

Pack out everything, including wax bits and snack wrappers. Stick to paths so dunes and plants do not get trashed.

Skip rinsing soaps near drains and join a beach clean if you see one happening.

Summary

April is a killer month for surf trips because it gives you choice!

Portugal and Morocco offer spring energy with plenty of swell, Bali warms everything up with high quality reef waves, Margaret River brings power and adventure, and Costa Rica keeps things simple and fun with warm water consistency.

Choose the destination that fits your comfort zone, then choose the safest wave on the day.

The best session is the one you finish smiling, not the one you barely survive!