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 September are Portugal, the Landes coast around Hossegor in France, the Basque Country in Spain, Taghazout and Imsouane in Morocco, and Oaxaca in Mexico. September is the sweet spot of the European year: the Atlantic starts producing again after the summer lull, the water is still warm from three months of sun, and the August crowds have gone home. Morocco eases into its season at the same time, and the Pacific is still pumping into southern Mexico.
This is not an exhaustive list and there are plenty of other good September options. These five made the cut because they offer a strong mix of reliability, variety, and a clear seasonal reason to show up right now.
- 1. Portugal (Peniche and Ericeira)
- 2. France (Hossegor and the Landes coast)
- 3. Spain (Basque Country)
- 4. Morocco (Taghazout and Imsouane)
- 5. Mexico (Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido area)
- 6. Key statistics: September surfing conditions
- 7. How to surf safely in September, by level
- 8. Surf spots in September: locals and the environment
- 9. Other September destinations worth considering
- 10. Frequently asked questions
Portugal (Peniche and Ericeira)
Portugal in September just makes sense. The water is still relatively warm from summer, the Atlantic starts waking back up, and you can bounce between plenty of breaks if the wind changes. It earns a spot here because it is so flexible: you can chase performance waves, find mellower options, and usually score something surfable even when conditions are moody.
Peniche is the trump card, because the peninsula sticks out far enough that there is nearly always a sheltered side. For the rest of the country, see our guide to the best surfing destinations in Portugal.
What are the best surf spots in Portugal?
This table is for picking a zone that matches your confidence level and the day’s energy. It is approximate, so it is always smart to watch a few sets and choose the safer option if it looks heavy.
| 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 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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France (Hossegor and the Landes coast)
September in Hossegor feels like the season flips back on. The summer softness fades, better swell lines start rolling in, and the beach breaks can go from fun peaks to proper, punchy barrels pretty quickly. It makes this list because the coastline is stacked with options, so you can surf a lot, drive a little, and usually find a bank that is working.
The Gouf de Capbreton, a deep underwater canyon just offshore, is what focuses swell onto these banks and gives Hossegor its reputation. Been considering France for a while? Read our guide on the best surfing destinations in France.
What are the best surf spots in the Hossegor area?
This table helps you choose a vibe, from easier peaks to more serious sandbar sessions. It is approximate, and Hossegor can ramp up fast, so staying on the safe side usually means more waves and less chaos.
| Spot | Skill level | Wave size (metres) | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| La Graviere | Advanced to expert | 1.0 to 4.0m | Sep to Nov |
| La Nord | Intermediate to advanced | 0.8 to 3.0m | Sep to Nov |
| Les Estagnots (Seignosse) | Intermediate to advanced | 0.8 to 3.5m | Sep to Nov |
| Capbreton (La Piste area) | Intermediate | 0.6 to 2.5m | Apr to Oct |
| Long beach peaks (general zone) | Beginner to intermediate | 0.5 to 2.0m | Jun to Sep |
Spain (Basque Country)
The Basque Country in September is a classic move if you want variety in a small area. You get beach breaks, reefs, and a few famous setups that can turn on when swell and sand line up. It is on this list because September often brings better consistency than mid summer, while the weather still feels friendly for travel and long days outside.
September is also when Mundaka comes back into range, and the food and city life in San Sebastian make the flat days easy. For the wider country, see the best surfing destinations in Spain.
What are the best surf spots in the Basque Country?
This table is a planning tool to help you choose a zone. It is approximate, and some of these waves are serious on the right swell, so it is worth easing in and building up session by session.
| Spot | Skill level | Wave size (metres) | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zarautz | Beginner to intermediate | 0.5 to 2.0m | Apr to Oct |
| Mundaka | Expert only | 1.5 to 4.0m | Sep to Mar |
| Sopelana | Beginner to advanced | 0.5 to 3.0m | Year round |
| La Zurriola (San Sebastian) | Beginner to advanced | 0.5 to 3.0m | Year round |
| Laga Beach | Intermediate to advanced | 1.0 to 3.0m | Oct to Apr |
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Morocco (Taghazout and Imsouane)
Morocco in September is a nice early start to the season. The water is still comfortable, the crowds feel lighter than mid winter, and you can start catching those longer right hand point vibes as the Atlantic gets more active. It makes this list because it is a great destination for easing into bigger surf, especially if you like having mellow and challenging options close together.
Be honest with yourself about timing though: the marquee points really switch on from November, so September is about warm water, empty lineups and a soft entry. For the full picture, see the best surfing destinations in Africa.
What are the best surf spots in Morocco?
This table helps you pick a break based on your level and what the day looks like. It is approximate, and Moroccan points can get powerful, so it is completely fine to stay conservative and surf longer.
| 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 |
Mexico (Oaxaca, Puerto Escondido area)
September in Oaxaca is warm, energetic and often powerful. The Pacific is still sending plenty of swell, and if you time it right you can score serious surf with that late summer feeling still in the air. It makes the list because it is a true surf trip zone: lots of breaks, lots of culture, and waves that can be unforgettable when you choose the right spot for your level.
Water sits close to 30 degrees, so this is the one destination on the list where you can leave the wetsuit at home entirely. It is also hurricane season in the eastern Pacific, which is exactly why the swell is so consistent, so keep an eye on the forecast.
What are the best surf spots in Mexico?
This table is for trip planning and choosing a wave that matches your comfort level. It is approximate, and Puerto can jump up quickly, so there is no shame in choosing the smaller, friendlier option and having a cleaner session.
| Spot | Skill level | Wave size (metres) | Best months |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zicatela (Puerto Escondido) | Expert only | 2.0 to 6.0m | May to Oct |
| La Punta (Puerto Escondido) | Intermediate to advanced | 0.8 to 3.0m | Year round |
| Carrizalillo | Beginner to intermediate | 0.5 to 2.0m | Year round |
| Barra de la Cruz | Advanced | 1.5 to 4.0m | Mar to Oct |
| Smaller bays and beach breaks (area) | Beginner to intermediate | 0.5 to 1.8m | Nov to Apr |
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Key statistics: September surfing conditions
This table is a quick comparison tool. The stats are approximate, and the best move is always to surf what looks manageable on the day, not what looks impressive on paper.
| Destination | Water temp (°C) | Typical wave size (m) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portugal | 17 to 20 | 0.8 to 3.0 | Variety and easy spot switching |
| France (Hossegor) | 19 to 22 | 0.8 to 3.5 | Punchy beach breaks and sandbar hunting |
| Spain (Basque Country) | 18 to 21 | 0.8 to 3.0 | Mix of reefs and beach breaks |
| Morocco | 19 to 22 | 0.8 to 2.5 | Long rights and relaxed travel flow |
| Mexico (Oaxaca) | 28 to 30 | 1.0 to 4.0 | Warm water power and points |
How to surf safely in September, by level
September is fun because conditions improve, but that also means waves can get more serious without much warning. The best sessions usually come from surfing within your comfort zone so you are actually free to enjoy it.
Beginner surfers
September is a great time to stick to forgiving beach breaks and mellow peaks, especially when swell starts picking up again. If the ocean looks busy or heavy, taking a lesson or shifting to a smaller corner of the beach can keep things fun and relaxed.
Intermediate surfers
If you feel like you are always paddling against the ocean instead of surfing it, that is a sign to downshift. A slightly smaller wave, a better tide, or a less intense peak often turns a stressful session into a really productive one.
Advanced surfers
A few minutes of watching sets makes everything smoother, especially at fast beach breaks and shallow reefs. It helps to know where the channel is, where the sets swing, and what the exit looks like before you paddle into a serious rhythm.
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Surf spots in September: locals and the environment
September is often a vibe shift month. The crowds ease up, the waves improve, and lineups feel more relaxed if everyone stays chill and shares the ocean well.
Respect the locals
Start with a quick look from the beach before paddling straight into the main pack. If you match the lineup rhythm, give people space and keep things friendly, the whole session tends to feel lighter and smoother.
Respect the environment
The easy stuff matters: packing out your trash, keeping wax bits and tape with you, and sticking to the paths so dunes and cliff edges do not get worn down. Your wash kit counts too, and if you are weighing up the options we broke it down in shampoo bar vs soap bar vs 3-in-1.
Other September destinations worth considering
Here are a few more September worthy destinations. This table is for quick comparison and planning, the stats are approximate, so it is worth checking local forecasts before you commit.
| Other destination (September) | Water temp (°C) | Typical wave size (m) | Why it is a good September pick |
|---|---|---|---|
| California (Southern) | 18 to 21 | 0.5 to 2.5 | Fun mix of late summer swell and easy travel logistics. |
| Hawaii (Oahu, south shore) | 26 to 28 | 0.8 to 2.5 | South swells can still show, and the water stays warm. |
| Canary Islands | 22 to 25 | 0.8 to 3.0 | Great weather, lots of breaks, and a steady surf scene. |
| Nicaragua: see the best surfing destinations in Central America | 27 to 29 | 0.8 to 3.5 | Warm water, lots of beach breaks, and fewer crowds than peak months. |
| Japan (Chiba area) | 24 to 27 | 0.8 to 3.0 | Typhoon season can bring quality swells when the winds line up. |
Summary
September has loads of options, and this list is a starting point rather than the entire map. Portugal brings flexibility and variety, Hossegor turns the beach break dial back up, the Basque Country mixes culture with quality surf, Morocco starts warming into its season, and Oaxaca keeps things powerful in warm water. Choose the destination that fits your comfort level, then choose the wave that feels like the smart call when you are standing on the sand.
Planning around the calendar? Have a look at the best surfing destinations in August and the best surfing destinations in October.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to surf in September?
Portugal is the strongest all round pick in September because the Atlantic wakes up while the water is still warm from summer and the crowds have gone home. France and the Basque Country are right behind it, Morocco is the warm water easy option, and Oaxaca in Mexico is the choice if you want real power and boardshorts.
Is September a good month to surf in Europe?
September is arguably the best month of the year to surf in Europe. Autumn swell starts arriving, water temperatures are at their annual peak of roughly 18 to 22 degrees, the August holiday crowds have left, and accommodation prices drop. You can often surf in a shorty or even boardshorts.
Do I need a wetsuit in September?
In Europe, a 3/2 wetsuit or a shorty is usually enough, since the water sits between 17 and 22 degrees after the summer. In Oaxaca the water is close to 30 degrees, so boardshorts are all you need. Morocco is comfortable in a shorty or a thin 3/2.
Where can beginners surf in September?
Baleal near Peniche, Foz do Lizandro in Ericeira, Zarautz in the Basque Country, Imsouane in Morocco and Carrizalillo in Oaxaca all work well for beginners in September. Stay away from Supertubos, La Graviere, Mundaka and Zicatela until you have plenty of experience.
What should I pack for a September surf trip?
A 3/2 wetsuit for Europe or boardshorts for Mexico, one board that works in a range of conditions, a quick dry towel and a solid wash bar rather than bottles. A 3-in-1 bar replaces shampoo, body wash and face wash, weighs 80g and lasts 30 to 60 washes, which matters when you are moving between spots.
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
Shampoo, body and face wash in one 80g bar. No bottles to leak through your boardbag, no liquid limits at the airport, and 30 to 60 washes per bar.
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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!