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 December are the south coast of Sri Lanka, Morocco, the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii, the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and the east coast of Bali in Indonesia. December is the month to chase warm water and winter swell at the same time. Sri Lanka and Costa Rica are both in their dry season with offshore mornings, Morocco’s right hand points are properly on, Hawaii is at the peak of the North Pacific season, and Bali flips to its east coast so it still works even in the wet season.
This is not an exhaustive list and there are plenty of other good December options. These five were picked for reliable seasonal swell, enough nearby spots to adapt when the wind changes, and a spread of levels rather than expert only waves.
- 1. Sri Lanka (south coast)
- 2. Morocco (Taghazout and Imsouane)
- 3. Hawaii (Oahu, North Shore)
- 4. Costa Rica (Pacific coast)
- 5. Indonesia (Bali, east coast)
- 6. Key statistics: December surfing conditions
- 7. How to surf safely in December, by level
- 8. Surf spots in December: locals and the environment
- 9. Other December destinations worth considering
- 10. Frequently asked questions
Sri Lanka (south coast)
December is peak season on Sri Lanka’s south coast, and it is the easiest warm water surf trip on this list. Weligama, Midigama and Ahangama are all within a short tuk tuk ride of each other, the water sits close to 28 degrees, and there is a wave for every level within a few kilometres of coast. It tops this list because you can surf twice a day for two weeks without ever feeling out of your depth.
It is also the friendliest place in the world to go from your first wave to your first proper reef session. Full details in our guide to the best surf spots in Sri Lanka.
What are the best surf spots in southern Sri Lanka?
This table is for picking a spot that matches your confidence. It is approximate, and the reefs here are shallow at low tide, so checking the tide before you paddle out is worth the two minutes.
| Spot | Skill level | Wave size (metres) | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weligama Bay | Beginner | 0.5 to 1.5m | Nov to Apr |
| Midigama, Lazy Left | Beginner to intermediate | 0.5 to 1.8m | Nov to Apr |
| Coconut Point (Ahangama) | Intermediate | 0.8 to 2.0m | Nov to Apr |
| Midigama, Rams Right | Intermediate to advanced | 1.0 to 2.5m | Nov to Apr |
| Hikkaduwa (main reef) | Intermediate to advanced | 1.0 to 2.5m | Nov to Apr |
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Morocco (Taghazout and Imsouane)
December is prime time on the Moroccan points. The North Atlantic is firing, Anchor Point and Killer Point are in full season, and Boilers comes into range. It makes this list because it delivers genuinely world class right handers a three hour flight from most of Europe, with air temperatures that still feel like a holiday.
It is also the busiest month of the Moroccan season, so booking a camp or apartment early pays off. If the points are too big, Imsouane and Banana Beach take the same swell and turn it into something far more manageable. More across the continent in the best surfing destinations in Africa.
What are the best surf spots in Morocco?
This table helps you match a spot to your level and to the size of the day. It is approximate, so if the point looks fast and packed, dropping down to a friendlier wave usually means more waves and a better session.
| Spot | Skill level | Wave size (metres) | 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 |
| Boilers | Advanced | 1.5 to 4.0m | Dec 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 |
Hawaii (Oahu, North Shore)
December is the North Shore at full volume. The North Pacific storm track is at its most active, Pipeline and Sunset are doing exactly what they are famous for, and the whole seven mile stretch is buzzing. It makes this list because there is genuinely nowhere else like it, whether you are surfing it or watching from the sand with a plate lunch.
Be honest about your level here. December on the North Shore has real consequence and the crowds at the marquee spots are made up of professionals. Chun’s Reef and Haleiwa on smaller days are the sensible entry points, and the south shore of the island is the calm alternative when the north maxes out.
What are the best surf spots on Oahu’s North Shore?
This table shows the range, from softer options to serious water. It is approximate, and the North Shore has real power, so pick waves that feel comfortably within reach.
| Spot | Skill level | Wave size (metres) | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chun’s Reef | Beginner to intermediate | 0.5 to 2.0m | Oct to Mar |
| Haleiwa (smaller days) | Intermediate | 0.8 to 2.5m | Oct to Mar |
| Rocky Point | Intermediate to advanced | 1.0 to 3.0m | Oct to Mar |
| Sunset Beach | Advanced | 1.5 to 4.5m | Nov to Feb |
| Pipeline | Expert only | 1.5 to 5.0m | Nov to Feb |
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Costa Rica (Pacific coast)
December is the start of the dry season in Costa Rica, and the offshore winds are the whole point. Mornings are clean and groomed, north Pacific swell reaches the Guanacaste coast, and the weather is reliable enough that you can plan a two week trip without watching the forecast in a panic. It makes this list because it is the most dependable warm water surf holiday in the Americas.
Tamarindo, Nosara and Santa Teresa are the easy bases. We have full guides to Tamarindo, Santa Teresa and the wider best surf spots in Costa Rica.
What are the best surf spots in Costa Rica?
This table is for choosing a base and a wave that suits your level. It is approximate, and the offshore morning window is usually the cleanest part of the day.
| Spot | Skill level | Wave size (metres) | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tamarindo | Beginner to intermediate | 0.5 to 2.0m | Year round |
| Playa Guiones (Nosara) | Beginner to intermediate | 0.5 to 2.5m | Year round |
| Santa Teresa | Beginner to advanced | 0.8 to 3.0m | Year round |
| Witch’s Rock (Roca Bruja) | Intermediate to advanced | 1.0 to 3.0m | Nov to Apr |
| Playa Negra | Advanced | 1.0 to 3.0m | Nov to Apr |
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Indonesia (Bali, east coast)
December is Bali’s wet season, and the trick is simply to switch coasts. The westerly winds that blow out Uluwatu and the Bukit are offshore on the east coast, so Nusa Dua, Keramas, Sanur and Serangan come alive. It makes this list because you get warm water, cheap living and quality reef waves in a month when half the island thinks it is flat.
Expect afternoon rain and humidity rather than all day storms. Crowds are much lighter than the dry season too. For the wider region, see the best surfing destinations in Asia.
What are the best surf spots in Bali in December?
This table focuses on the east coast, which is where the wind works in December. It is approximate, and most of these are reef breaks, so booties and a tide check are worth it.
| Spot | Skill level | Wave size (metres) | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kuta Beach | Beginner | 0.5 to 1.5m | Year round |
| Sanur | Intermediate to advanced | 0.8 to 2.5m | Nov to Mar |
| Serangan | Beginner to intermediate | 0.5 to 2.0m | Nov to Mar |
| Nusa Dua | Intermediate to advanced | 1.0 to 3.0m | Nov to Mar |
| Keramas | Advanced | 1.0 to 3.0m | Nov to Mar |
Key statistics: December surfing conditions
This table is a quick comparison tool. The stats are approximate, and the goal is to choose a place where you can surf confidently most days rather than chase the biggest headline swell.
| Destination | Water temp (°C) | Typical wave size (m) | Wetsuit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sri Lanka (south coast) | 27 to 29 | 0.5 to 2.5 | Boardshorts | Warm water progression and long trips |
| Morocco | 17 to 20 | 1.0 to 4.0 | 3/2 | World class right hand points |
| Hawaii (Oahu North Shore) | 24 to 26 | 1.5 to 5.0 | Boardshorts | Peak season waves for experienced surfers |
| Costa Rica | 27 to 29 | 0.8 to 3.0 | Boardshorts | Offshore mornings and reliable weather |
| Indonesia (Bali east coast) | 28 to 29 | 0.5 to 3.0 | Boardshorts | Warm reef waves with light crowds |
How to surf safely in December, by level
December mixes the busiest surf destinations on earth with some of the heaviest waves of the year. The best sessions come from choosing waves that let you surf freely rather than just hang on.
Beginner surfers
Sri Lanka and Costa Rica are the two obvious picks if you are learning: warm water, sandy bottoms and plenty of surf schools. Weligama Bay and Playa Guiones are about as forgiving as December gets. Stay well away from the North Shore and the Moroccan points on a solid day.
Intermediate surfers
December rewards patience. If you are constantly late or getting caught inside, a different tide, a smaller peak or a mellower point often turns a stressful session into a productive one. Killer Point, Coconut Point and Santa Teresa are good step up waves that do not punish mistakes too hard.
Advanced surfers
Watch a few sets before paddling out, especially at Anchor Point, Keramas and anywhere on the North Shore. Knowing where the channel is, how wide the sets swing and where the clean exit sits makes solid days far calmer. On the biggest days, surf with someone you trust and keep the plan simple.
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Surf spots in December: locals and the environment
December is holiday season almost everywhere on this list, so lineups fill up fast. A bit of patience goes a long way.
Respect the locals
Ease in on the shoulder before working towards the peak, watch how waves are shared, and give people space. In Morocco and Hawaii especially, sitting quietly and waiting your turn earns you far more waves than paddling deep ever will.
Respect the environment
Peak season means more people and more pressure on small beaches and reef access paths. Pack out your trash, keep wax bits and tape out of the sand, stick to the paths, and join a beach clean if you see one running.
Your wash kit counts too. One solid bar means no plastic bottle to lose or leak, and if you are weighing up the options we broke it down in shampoo bar vs soap bar vs 3-in-1.
Other December destinations worth considering
Here are a few more December worthy destinations. This table is for quick comparison and planning, and the stats are approximate.
| Other destination (December) | Water temp (°C) | Typical wave size (m) | Why it is a good December pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands | 20 to 22 | 1.0 to 4.0 | Winter Atlantic swell with the warmest water in Europe. |
| Portugal: see the best surfing destinations in Portugal | 15 to 17 | 1.0 to 4.0 | Big Atlantic swell and empty lineups if you do not mind a 4/3. |
| Nicaragua: see the best surfing destinations in Central America | 27 to 29 | 0.8 to 2.5 | Dry season offshores blowing almost every day. |
| Maldives | 28 to 30 | 0.5 to 2.0 | Quiet season with mellow reef passes and clear water. See the best surf spots in the Maldives. |
| Australia (east coast) | 21 to 24 | 0.8 to 2.5 | Southern hemisphere summer with long days and warm water. |
Summary
December is a warm water month if you want it to be. Sri Lanka is the easiest and friendliest trip, Morocco delivers the best points of the year, Hawaii is the spectacle, Costa Rica gives you offshore mornings and reliable weather, and Bali still works if you know to head east. Pick the destination that fits your confidence, then pick the wave that feels like the smart call on the day.
Planning around the calendar? Have a look at the best surfing destinations in November and the best surfing destinations in January.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to surf in December?
Sri Lanka’s south coast is the best all round choice in December: peak season, 28 degree water, waves for every level and very low costs. Morocco has the highest quality waves that are still accessible from Europe, Hawaii is for experienced surfers only, and Costa Rica is the most reliable warm water holiday.
Can you surf in Bali in December?
Yes, but you need to switch coasts. December is the wet season, and the westerly winds that blow out Uluwatu and the Bukit are offshore on the east coast. Nusa Dua, Keramas, Sanur and Serangan all work well, and the crowds are far lighter than in the dry season.
Where can beginners surf in December?
Weligama Bay in Sri Lanka is the standout: warm water, a sandy bottom and a gentle inside section. Playa Guiones in Nosara and Tamarindo in Costa Rica, Imsouane and Banana Beach in Morocco, and Kuta Beach in Bali are all good beginner options in December too.
Do I need a wetsuit in December?
Only in Morocco, where a 3/2 covers the 17 to 20 degree water. Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Hawaii and Bali are all boardshorts water at 24 degrees or more, though a thin top helps with rash on longer sessions and reef booties are useful in Sri Lanka and Bali.
What should I pack for a December surf trip?
Boardshorts or a 3/2 depending on the destination, reef booties for Sri Lanka and Bali, a quick dry towel, plenty of sun protection and a solid wash bar instead of bottles. A 3-in-1 bar covers shampoo, body wash and face wash in one 80g piece and lasts 30 to 60 washes.
Can I take a soap bar in my hand luggage?
Yes. Solid soap and shampoo bars are not liquids, gels or aerosols, so they do not count towards the 100ml hand luggage allowance and do not need a clear plastic pouch. We go into more detail in our guide on taking soap on a plane.
Pack lighter for your next surf trip
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Alexandre
Founder @Rinsed™
Hey, I’m Alexandre! I started Rinsed™ for people like myself: sporty, hardworking and always on the go. Check out our bars!