Americas Nayarit, Mexico
Sayulita
Colourful streets. Friendly waves.
BEST WAVES THIS MONTH
Where to surf in April.
April is one of the year's best compromises. Indonesia's dry season is starting, Central America gets regular south swell, and Portugal has warmer days with plenty of swell left. Surfers with flexible dates often find the best value here.
57 of our 108 destinations list April in their suggested season; 35 of those usually have water at 25°C or warmer.
BEGINNER
Refine this list ↗Learning in April.
Size ranges a learner can use, and a season that suits it.
Americas 
Asia Sri Lanka
Arugam Bay
East-coast points. Slow days.
Asia Sri Lanka
Hiriketiya
A horseshoe bay in the palms.
| Place | Offshore swell | Water | Wetsuit | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sayulita | 1.0 m · 14 s · W | 25°C | Boardshorts | 10 km/h N |
| Arugam Bay | 1.1 m · 10 s · S | 30°C | Boardshorts | 15 km/h E |
| Hiriketiya | 1.2 m · 11 s · S | 30°C | Boardshorts | 14 km/h W |
| Montañita | 1.2 m · 14 s · SW | 26°C | Boardshorts | 10 km/h S |
| El Tunco | 1.2 m · 14 s · S | 30°C | Boardshorts | 6 km/h N |
| Weligama | 0.9 m · 13 s · S | 30°C | Boardshorts | 7 km/h W |
INTERMEDIATE
Refine this list ↗Progressing in April.
More days with real size, without constantly being over your head.
Asia Indonesia
Batu Karas
Java's friendly right, with a village behind it.
Asia Bali, Indonesia
Canggu
Rice fields, cafés and a wave for everyone.
Americas Piura, Peru
Lobitos
Desert lefts and oil-town charm.
| Place | Offshore swell | Water | Wetsuit | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Batu Karas | 1.7 m · 14 s · S | 29°C | Boardshorts | 15 km/h E |
| Canggu | 1.7 m · 14 s · S | 30°C | Boardshorts | 15 km/h E |
| Lobitos | 1.6 m · 14 s · SW | 21°C | 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 14 km/h SE |
| Huanchaco | 1.6 m · 13 s · S | 20°C | 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 13 km/h S |
| Tahiti | 1.8 m · 13 s · S | 29°C | Boardshorts | 15 km/h E |
| Dakar | 1.6 m · 12 s · NW | 19°C | 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 26 km/h N |
ADVANCED
Refine this list ↗Charging in April.
The most days with size and long-period swell.
Africa South Africa
Jeffreys Bay
One of the world's great right-hand points.
Oceania Western Australia
Margaret River
Raw Indian Ocean power and world-class wine.
Oceania French Polynesia
Tahiti
Heavy reef passes and black-sand beaches.
| Place | Offshore swell | Water | Wetsuit | Wind |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeffreys Bay | 2.6 m · 12 s · SW | 19°C | 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 16 km/h E |
| Margaret River | 2.8 m · 13 s · SW | 22°C | Rash vest or 1 mm top | 27 km/h SE |
| Tahiti | 1.8 m · 13 s · S | 29°C | Boardshorts | 15 km/h E |
| Uluwatu | 1.7 m · 14 s · S | 30°C | Boardshorts | 15 km/h E |
| Canggu | 1.7 m · 14 s · S | 30°C | Boardshorts | 15 km/h E |
| Raglan | 1.9 m · 13 s · SW | 19°C | 2 mm shorty or spring suit | 18 km/h SW |
Rankings combine ERA5 open-ocean data (2015–2024) with our suggested seasons. They describe typical months, not this year's surf, and sheltered spots can be much smaller than the figures here. How this works.