Note to travelling surfers
- Ecosystem first. Be kind to the environment you’re visiting: don’t leave any trash behind.
- Be kind to locals. Every lineup has an order and it was earned over years. Wait your turn, and respect local etiquette.
- Fly less, stay longer. The flight is the biggest impact of any surf trip. Two weeks once beats one week twice!
The best surfing destinations in April are Portugal, Morocco, Bali, Margaret River in Western Australia, and Costa Rica. April is a genuine crossover month: Portugal and Morocco still get late Atlantic winter swell with warmer days and thinner crowds, Bali's west coast season opens as the winds turn offshore, Margaret River starts its powerful autumn run, and Costa Rica is in the last stretch of its dry season. It is the month with the widest spread of good options for European surfers.
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 five of the best surfing destinations to target this April.
- 1. Portugal (Peniche and Ericeira)
- 2. Morocco (Taghazout and Imsouane)
- 3. Indonesia (Bali)
- 4. Australia (Margaret River, Western Australia)
- 5. Costa Rica (Pacific Coast)
- 6. Key statistics: April surfing conditions
- 7. How to surf safely in April (by level)
- 8. Surf spots in April: locals and the environment
- 9. Summary
- 10. Frequently asked questions
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.
Planning a longer trip? Read our guide to the best surfing destinations in Portugal.
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 d'Ilhas (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 |
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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.
Want the wider picture? See our guide to the best surfing destinations in Asia.
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 |
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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.
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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!
Looking at other months? See March and May, or browse by region with our guides to Europe and Central America. Flying hand luggage only? Read can you take soap on a plane.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to surf in April?
For European surfers, Portugal and Morocco are the easiest wins: still plenty of Atlantic swell, warmer days and fewer crowds than winter. Bali is the pick if you want warm water, since April is when the west coast season opens. Margaret River suits experienced surfers wanting power.
Is April a good month to surf?
It is one of the most flexible months of the year. You get the tail of the northern winter and the start of several southern hemisphere seasons at once, which means more choice and thinner crowds than either peak period.
Is April a good time to surf in Bali?
Yes, it is the start of the good season. April is when the winds begin turning offshore on the west coast, so Uluwatu and Impossibles come alive. Padang Padang usually needs until May. Kuta and Canggu work all year for beginners.
Where can beginners surf in April?
Baleal in Peniche and Foz do Lizandro in Ericeira, Imsouane and Banana Beach in Morocco, Kuta and Canggu in Bali, Tamarindo and Nosara in Costa Rica, and Yallingup Lagoon near Margaret River. All sit around 0.5 to 2m.
Do you need a wetsuit to surf in April?
In Europe and Morocco, yes. Portugal runs 14 to 17C, so a 3/2mm at minimum. Morocco is 16 to 19C. Margaret River at 20 to 23C is spring suit weather. Bali and Costa Rica are both boardshorts water at 26 to 29C.
Is Portugal or Morocco better in April?
Morocco has warmer water, longer right hand points and better value. Portugal has more variety in a smaller area and easier flights from most of Europe. If you are learning or improving, Morocco's Imsouane and Banana Beach are gentler than most Portuguese beach breaks in April.
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Founder @Rinsed™
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