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 November are Morocco, the North Shore of Oahu in Hawaii, the south coast of Sri Lanka, Portugal and the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. November is the month the northern hemisphere season properly switches on. The North Atlantic starts firing storms at Morocco and Portugal, the North Pacific lights up Hawaii, and two tropical seasons flip at the same time: Sri Lanka’s south coast opens as the monsoon retreats, and Costa Rica’s dry season offshores begin. There is a lot of choice, in every water temperature.
This is not an exhaustive list and there are plenty of other good November 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. Morocco (Taghazout and Imsouane)
- 2. Hawaii (Oahu, North Shore)
- 3. Sri Lanka (south coast)
- 4. Portugal (Peniche, Ericeira and Nazaré)
- 5. Costa Rica (Pacific coast)
- 6. Key statistics: November surfing conditions
- 7. How to surf safely in November, by level
- 8. Surf spots in November: locals and the environment
- 9. Other November destinations worth considering
- 10. Frequently asked questions
Morocco (Taghazout and Imsouane)
November is when Morocco stops warming up and starts delivering. The North Atlantic gets active, the famous right hand points around Taghazout come alive, and the air is still warm enough that the whole trip feels easy. It tops this list because you get real quality without needing a big wave board or a long haul flight from Europe.
The other thing Morocco does well is flexibility. If Anchor Point is too big or too crowded, a 20 minute drive puts you at Banana Beach or Imsouane, where the same swell arrives as a long, mellow wall. For the wider region, see our guide to 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 |
| 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 |
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Hawaii (Oahu, North Shore)
November is when the North Shore becomes the centre of the surfing world. The North Pacific storm track is running, Sunset and Pipeline start doing what they are famous for, and the seven mile miracle fills up with the best surfers alive. It makes this list because nothing else feels quite like it, even if you are only there to watch from the sand.
Be honest about your level. November on the North Shore has genuine consequence, and the difference between a fun day and a serious one can be a single swell arriving overnight. Chun’s Reef and Haleiwa on small days are the sensible entry points.
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 it is smart to 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 |
Sri Lanka (south coast)
November flips Sri Lanka. The southwest monsoon fades, the east coast season around Arugam Bay closes, and the south and west coasts open for business from Weligama round to Hikkaduwa. It makes this list because it is one of the warmest, friendliest and cheapest places in the world to surf a lot in a single trip.
This is beginner and improver heaven. Weligama Bay is a sand bottom beach break with a gentle inside section, and there is a step up wave every few kilometres along the coast when you are ready. See our full 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 |
| Hikkaduwa (beach peaks) | Beginner to intermediate | 0.5 to 2.0m | Nov to Apr |
| Midigama, Lazy Left | Beginner to intermediate | 0.5 to 1.8m | Nov to Apr |
| Midigama, Rams Right | Intermediate to advanced | 1.0 to 2.5m | Nov to Apr |
| Coconut Point (Ahangama) | Intermediate | 0.8 to 2.0m | Nov to Apr |
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Portugal (Peniche, Ericeira and Nazaré)
November in Portugal is when the Atlantic really means it. Supertubos gets its sand back, Coxos comes into season, and Nazaré starts producing the swells the whole world watches. It makes this list because the coastline is so varied that even on a stormy week you can usually find a corner that works.
Water is around 16 to 18 degrees, so a 4/3 wetsuit is the right call. Peniche is the smart base: the peninsula sticks out far enough that there is nearly always a sheltered side. More in our guide to the best surfing destinations in Portugal.
What are the best surf spots in Portugal?
This table helps you choose a zone that matches your confidence and the day’s energy. It is approximate, and November days can jump in size, so watching a few sets is never wasted time.
| Spot | Skill level | Wave size (metres) | 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 Oct |
| Ribeira d’Ilhas (Ericeira) | Beginner to advanced | 0.8 to 3.0m | Sep to Apr |
| Coxos (Ericeira) | Advanced to expert | 1.5 to 4.0m | Oct to Mar |
| Nazaré, Praia do Norte | Expert only | 2.0 to 10.0m and beyond | Oct to Mar |
Costa Rica (Pacific coast)
November is the changeover month in Costa Rica, and that is exactly why it is good. The rains ease off, the dry season offshore winds start blowing, and the last of the southern hemisphere swell is still arriving. You get groomed waves, green landscapes and prices that have not hit peak season yet.
Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula are the classic bases. We have full guides to Tamarindo and Santa Teresa, plus 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 offshore mornings are usually the cleanest window 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 |
| Playa Negra | Advanced | 1.0 to 3.0m | Nov to Apr |
| Witch’s Rock (Roca Bruja) | Intermediate to advanced | 1.0 to 3.0m | Nov to Apr |
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Key statistics: November 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 18 to 21 | 1.0 to 3.5 | 3/2 | Long right hand points and easy travel |
| Hawaii (Oahu North Shore) | 25 to 27 | 1.5 to 5.0 | Boardshorts | Iconic waves for experienced surfers |
| Sri Lanka (south coast) | 27 to 29 | 0.5 to 2.0 | Boardshorts | Warm water progression and long trips |
| Portugal | 16 to 18 | 1.0 to 4.0 | 4/3 | Powerful Atlantic swell and variety |
| Costa Rica | 27 to 29 | 0.8 to 3.0 | Boardshorts | Offshore mornings and consistent beach breaks |
How to surf safely in November, by level
November is a powerful month in the northern hemisphere, and the size can change fast. 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, because the water is warm and the beach breaks are forgiving. In Europe and Morocco, favour the sheltered bays and be ready to swap a session for a lesson if the ocean looks heavy.
Intermediate surfers
If you are constantly late or getting caught inside, that is information, not failure. A different tide, a smaller peak or a mellower point often turns a stressful session into a productive one. Progress happens faster on waves you can catch again and again.
Advanced surfers
Watch a few sets before you paddle out, especially on the North Shore and at Coxos. Knowing where the channel is, how wide the sets swing and where the clean exit sits makes solid days feel far calmer. On the biggest days, surf with someone you trust and keep the plan simple.
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Surf spots in November: locals and the environment
November lineups are made up of people who are there for the waves, which usually means a calmer vibe than peak summer, but also higher expectations about how you behave in the water.
Respect the locals
Ease in on the shoulder before working towards the peak, watch how waves are shared, and give people space. On the North Shore in particular, sitting quietly and waiting your turn earns you far more waves than paddling deep ever will.
Respect the environment
Autumn storms push a lot of rubbish onto beaches, so packing out more than you brought in is an easy win. Keep wax bits and tape out of the sand, stick to the paths so dunes and cliff edges do not wear down, 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 November destinations worth considering
Here are a few more November worthy destinations. This table is for quick comparison and planning, and the stats are approximate.
| Other destination (November) | Water temp (°C) | Typical wave size (m) | Why it is a good November pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands | 21 to 23 | 0.8 to 3.5 | Winter Atlantic swell with the warmest water in Europe. |
| France (Hossegor area): see the best surfing destinations in France | 14 to 17 | 1.0 to 4.0 | Powerful autumn beach breaks with far fewer people. |
| Nicaragua: see the best surfing destinations in Central America | 27 to 29 | 0.8 to 3.0 | Offshore winds most of the day and warm water. |
| Philippines (Siargao): read about the best surf spots in Siargao | 27 to 29 | 1.0 to 3.0 | The tail end of the season with tropical reef waves. |
| Panama | 27 to 29 | 0.8 to 2.5 | Two coastlines, so there is usually swell somewhere. |
Summary
November gives you the widest choice of any month. Morocco is the value pick with long rights and warm air, Hawaii is the spectacle, Sri Lanka is the warm water progression trip, Portugal brings raw Atlantic power and variety, and Costa Rica hands you offshore mornings just as the rains stop. 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 October and the best surfing destinations in December.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to surf in November?
Morocco is the best all round choice in November, because the right hand points around Taghazout come into season while the air is still warm and flights from Europe are short and cheap. Hawaii has the highest quality waves for experienced surfers, Sri Lanka is the best warm water option for beginners, and Portugal offers the most variety.
Is November a good month to surf?
November is one of the best months of the year in the northern hemisphere. The North Atlantic and North Pacific storm seasons are both running, so Europe, Morocco and Hawaii all get consistent swell, while Sri Lanka’s south coast and Costa Rica’s dry season open at the same time.
Where can beginners surf in November?
Weligama in Sri Lanka is the standout beginner destination in November: warm water, a sandy bottom and a gentle inside section. Tamarindo and Playa Guiones in Costa Rica, Imsouane and Banana Beach in Morocco, and Chun’s Reef in Hawaii on a small day are all good options too.
What wetsuit do I need in November?
Portugal needs a 4/3 at around 16 to 18 degrees, and Morocco is comfortable in a 3/2 at 18 to 21 degrees. Sri Lanka, Costa Rica and Hawaii are all boardshorts water at 25 degrees or more, though a thin top helps with rash on longer sessions.
What should I pack for a November surf trip?
Match the wetsuit to the destination, bring a board that handles a range of conditions, a quick dry towel, reef booties for Sri Lanka 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!