Best Surfing Destinations in February (2026)

The best surfing destinations in February are Nicaragua's Pacific coast, Costa Rica, Sri Lanka's south coast, the Maldives and Indonesia's east coast breaks. February is the tail of the northern winter, so the tropics are at their most reliable. Nicaragua is the standout, with offshore winds nearly every morning and Popoyo working on any tide. In Indonesia, remember that February is wet season on Bali's west coast, so the east side around Nusa Dua and Keramas is where the clean waves are.

Hey surfers! Ready to chase some epic waves as February rolls in?

February sits right in the sweet spot where winter swells keep delivering consistent power while tropical destinations hit their prime season stride.

The Northern Hemisphere continues pumping out serious surf energy, and warm water zones across the Indian Ocean and Central America fire on all cylinders.

Whether you're hunting perfect barrels in boardshorts or testing yourself against cold water power, February offers incredible diversity.

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

• 1. Indonesia (Bali and Mentawai Islands)
• 2. Nicaragua (Pacific Coast)
• 3. Maldives (Male Atolls)
• 4. Costa Rica (Pacific Coast)
• 5. Sri Lanka (South Coast)
• 6. Key statistics: February surfing conditions
• 7. Summary
• 8. Frequently asked questions

Indonesia (Bali and Mentawai Islands)

Indonesia in February is still very much worth the flight, as long as you surf the right side of the island.

February falls in Bali's wet season, which means the prevailing winds blow from the west. That is offshore on the east coast, so Nusa Dua, Keramas and Sanur are the clean options, while the famous west coast reefs like Uluwatu and Padang Padang are usually onshore and messy until April.

Canggu and Kuta still work on smaller days and remain great for beginners year round, which is why Bali keeps drawing people in any month.

The Mentawai Islands are in their shoulder period in February. The main season runs March to October, so you can score, but consistency is lower than later in the year.

Water stays bath warm, the culture is welcoming, and the entire vibe reminds you why you fell in love with surfing in the first place.

What are the best surf spots in Indonesia?

This table gives you approximate ranges to help with planning. These are rough estimates, so always check current conditions and stay cautious when choosing your spot.

Spot	Skill Level	Wave Size (meters)	Best Months
Nusa Dua (Bali, east coast)	Intermediate to Advanced	1.0 to 3.0m	Nov to Mar
Keramas (Bali, east coast)	Intermediate to Advanced	1.0 to 3.0m	Nov to Mar
Canggu (Bali)	Beginner to Intermediate	0.5 to 2.0m	Year round
Kuta Beach (Bali)	Beginner	0.5 to 1.5m	Year round
Mentawai Islands	Advanced to Expert	1.5 to 5.0m	Mar to Oct

Nicaragua (Pacific Coast)

Nicaragua in February is when everything clicks into place beautifully. The offshore winds dominate, keeping conditions clean and glassy for extended sessions.

Popoyo leads the charge with its famous A frame that dishes out shreddable lefts and rights across a massive swell range, and the best part is it works on any tide.

The crowds stay lighter than Costa Rica next door, prices remain budget friendly, and the raw, unspoiled coastline gives the whole experience an adventurous edge.

You can score multiple sessions daily, refuel with fresh fish and cold beer, and still have energy left for sunset watching.

What are the best surf spots in Nicaragua?

Here's a practical starting point for the main zones. Remember these are approximate guidelines, so always watch the lineup before paddling out and choose the safer option.

Spot	Skill Level	Wave Size (meters)	Best Months
Popoyo	Intermediate to Expert	1.0 to 6.0m	Feb to May
Playa Colorado	Beginner to Intermediate	0.5 to 2.0m	Year round
Playa Maderas	Beginner to Advanced	0.8 to 3.0m	Nov to Apr
Playa Santana	Advanced	1.5 to 4.0m	Dec to Apr
Playa Remanso	Intermediate to Advanced	1.0 to 3.0m	Year round

Planning a wider trip? Read our guide to the best surfing destinations in Central America.

Maldives (Male Atolls)

The Maldives in February delivers postcard perfect surf paired with crystal clear water that makes you question if it's even real.

The swells arrive with reliable consistency, the winds cooperate beautifully, and the warm Indian Ocean feels like a heated pool.

Spots across the Male Atolls offer everything from mellow reef passes for intermediate surfers to serious, consequence heavy waves for experts only.

The boat trip option lets you chase the best conditions across multiple breaks, while land based stays give you consistent access to proven setups.

Either way, you're surfing in one of the planet's most stunning environments.

Want the full breakdown? Read our guide to the best surf spots in the Maldives.

What are the best surf spots in the Maldives?

This breakdown provides rough estimates to guide your planning. Conditions change daily, so check forecasts carefully and always prioritise safety over ambition.

Spot	Skill Level	Wave Size (meters)	Best Months
Chickens (Villingili)	Intermediate	0.8 to 2.5m	Mar to Oct
Cokes (Thulusdhoo)	Advanced	1.5 to 3.5m	Mar to Oct
Sultans (Male North)	Intermediate to Advanced	1.0 to 3.0m	Feb to Oct
Pasta Point	Expert only	2.0 to 5.0m	Mar to Oct
Jailbreaks (Himmafushi)	Advanced	1.5 to 4.0m	Mar to Oct

Costa Rica (Pacific Coast)

Costa Rica in February continues the dry season excellence that makes it a perennial favourite.

The swells maintain their consistency, offshore winds blow with predictable reliability, and the warm water means endless boardshort sessions without a single shiver.

Tamarindo and Nosara remain perfect for surfers building confidence and skills, while Santa Teresa and Playa Hermosa challenge advanced riders with fast, powerful peaks.

The pura vida lifestyle isn't just a slogan here, it's the actual daily rhythm, and that relaxed energy makes even challenging surf days feel manageable and fun.

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

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What are the best surf spots in Costa Rica?

Use this table as approximate guidance for trip planning. Always assess live conditions before entering the water and err on the side of caution with wave selection.

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
Witch's Rock	Advanced	1.5 to 4.0m	Dec to Apr

Sri Lanka (South Coast)

Sri Lanka in February hits the sweet spot where swell size picks up noticeably while conditions stay clean and manageable.

Weligama Bay continues serving fun, approachable waves perfect for progression, while nearby Midigama and Hikkaduwa offer reef setups that reward improving technique with longer, more satisfying rides.

The south coast culture blends laid back beach vibes with genuine warmth from locals who are stoked to share their breaks.

Water and air temperatures hover in the perfect zone where a rash vest is all you need, and the food scene delivers incredible flavour at prices that leave budget room for extra surf sessions.

Curious to learn more about surfing in this beautiful country? Read our guide on the best surf spots in Sri Lanka!

What are the best surf spots in Sri Lanka?

This table offers rough guidelines for the main zones. These are approximations to help with planning, so always check conditions and stay conservative with your choices.

Spot	Skill Level	Wave Size (meters)	Best Months
Weligama	Beginner to Intermediate	0.5 to 2.0m	Nov to Apr
Midigama	Intermediate	0.8 to 2.5m	Nov to Apr
Hikkaduwa	Intermediate to Advanced	1.0 to 3.0m	Nov to Apr
Hiriketiya Beach	Beginner to Intermediate	0.5 to 1.8m	Nov to Apr
Unawatuna	Intermediate	0.8 to 2.0m	Nov to Apr

Key statistics: February surfing conditions

Here's a quick reference table comparing the main factors across all five destinations.

These numbers are approximate and meant to help you choose the right location for your style and tolerance.

Water temperature and wave conditions can vary, so treat this as a starting guide only.

Destination	Water Temp (°C)	Typical Wave Size (m)	Best For
Indonesia	27 to 29	0.5 to 4.0	All levels, east coast in February
Nicaragua	26 to 28	1.0 to 6.0	Intermediate to advanced
Maldives	27 to 29	0.8 to 4.0	Intermediate to expert
Costa Rica	25 to 29	0.5 to 3.0	All levels, learners
Sri Lanka	27 to 29	0.5 to 2.5	Beginners to intermediates

Summary

February delivers world class surfing across tropical paradises and consistent wave zones.

Whether you choose the east coast breaks of Indonesia, the offshore perfection of Nicaragua, the crystal clear water of the Maldives, the reliable fun of Costa Rica, or the approachable progression waves of Sri Lanka, you'll find conditions that match your skill level and style.

Pick your destination based on the wave intensity you can handle confidently and the experience you're chasing. Then fine tune daily sessions using forecasts, local advice, and honest self assessment.

Check conditions carefully, respect the lineups and locals, and prioritise safety over ego every single time. February's waves are absolutely firing, so get out there and make it count!

Looking at other months? See January and March, or browse by region with our guides to Asia and Central America. Flying hand luggage only? Read can you take soap on a plane.

Frequently asked questions